Sweet Chemistry

by September Roberts

  “French toast and eggs it is.” She ignored the rest of his comment and got to work in his kitchen. While she cooked, James made coffee.

  “Coffee?” James offered her a mug.

  “I’ll have a little. Too much and I’ll be wired for the rest of the day.” Kate took the cup out of his hands. “Thank you for inviting me to stay over. I’m sorry I wasn’t here when you woke up.”

  James came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. “I’m sorry I panicked.”

  Kate rested her head against his chest and smiled. “Will you set the table? Breakfast is almost ready.”

  He stroked her neck before pulling away.

  James closed his eyes while he ate, moaning with each bite. “You’ve ruined me.”

  Kate laughed. “I’m glad you like it.”

  “It’s amazing. Is there more?” He looked into the kitchen at the empty pan.

  “There’s more French toast in the microwave. We ate all the eggs, although I can make more easily enough.”

  James shook his head as he got up to get more French toast. “This is plenty. You need to teach me how to make this.”

  Kate grinned. “Gladly.”

  James stretched out on his bed after breakfast and groaned. “I ate too much.” He patted his belly. “I’m sleepy again.”

  “Five pieces of French toast will do that to you.”

  “Come here.” He opened his arms and Kate crawled into them, snuggling against his body.

  She propped herself up on her elbow. “If you’re tired, you should sleep.” Maybe this was her cue to leave.

  “What are you going to do?”

  “Make cookies for study group.”

  “Here?” His eyebrows lifted.

  Kate shrugged. “I need to go shopping. I don’t have any pumpkin.” She took a deep breath. “Do you want me to make them here?”

  James nodded. “I’d like that.”

  “Okay then. I’ll go shopping while you rest, and then I’ll bake.” She kissed him before heading to the bathroom to brush her teeth.

  “Take my keys so you can let yourself in.” James closed his eyes and wiggled his body into his bed.

  “See you soon.”

  James was in the same position when Kate returned.

  She moved as quietly as possible, unloading the groceries on the counter. She jumped when she heard James’ voice behind her.

  “What’s that?”

  Kate was clutching her chest. “I thought you were sleeping. I hope I didn’t wake you.” She tilted her face up to kiss him. “That is a Cinderella pumpkin. You know, since it looks like something a fairy godmother would turn into a coach? It’s my favorite variety for making cookies and pies.” She thumped it with her fingers. “I hope it’s ripe.” She turned the oven on.

  “How are you going to make cookies out of that?” James tilted his head as he looked at the squash.

  “First, I roast it, then I scoop it, then I blend it, and then I combine it with flour, spices and other stuff and voilà, cookies!”

  James frowned. “I didn’t mean to pick something that was going to be so much work.”

  “I need to roast a pumpkin for Thanksgiving pies anyway, so this will be perfect. Don’t worry about it. Now, I need to break this open.” She picked up the pumpkin and opened the front door. She lifted it over her head and threw it on the cement. It bounced toward the railing. James jumped.

  “The trick is to hit it until it just barely cracks open. Don’t look at me like that. Do you have a kitchen saw?” Her eyebrows rose. “Didn’t think so. Now stand back so I don’t hit your feet.” She heaved the pumpkin onto the cement, and this time the flesh split open. “Perfect. Now I wash and roast.”

  An hour later, Kate sat at the table and scooped the cooked pumpkin into a bowl.

  “This seems like a lot of work.”

  “It’s worth it. Believe me. Plus, there’s enough here for several pies, lots of cookies and pancakes too. I’ll freeze it. Do you mind if I store it here? The fridge and freezer in my dorm is kind of tiny.” It was the one thing Kate hated about living in the dorm, since it limited her ability to cook and bake in bulk. Soon enough, she would have a walk-in freezer.

  “I’ll have to rearrange the ice cream and vodka, but I’m sure it’ll fit.”

  Kate stifled a laugh. He definitely lived like a bachelor. “I like cooking here. Don’t get me wrong, the dorm kitchen is nice, and it’s got four ovens, but there’s nothing like having your own space, you know? Plus there aren’t random students popping in to ‘help’ taste everything.”

  “Listen, since you’re making the pies for Thanksgiving, you’re welcome to make them here.”

  “I was planning on doing that the Wednesday before. I’m sure you’ll be busy.”

  James shrugged. “I may, but that doesn’t matter. I’ve got a spare key. You can just let yourself in.”

  Kate stared at him with her mouth hanging open. “Okay.” She was beginning to understand how he felt about her.

  James looked away and stuffed his hands in his pocket. “So does this mean I can’t taste the cookies?”

  Kate tried to figure out what he was talking about and then laughed. “You’re not some random student. Eat as many cookies as you want. I made them for you. In fact, the first batch should be done right now.” Seconds later, the timer beeped.

  “They’re hot,” she warned as James hovered over the cookie sheet.

  James broke one open and licked a string of melted chocolate that dripped on his hand. He blew on the pieces for a second and then shoved it in his mouth. “Damn that’s good. When you open your hypothetical bakery, you need to make these.”

  She swallowed the lump in her throat, still unable to tell him her news. “Yeah, okay. Anything else you think should be on the menu?” she asked as if she were playing along.

  “Lemon bars.”

  “Obviously.”

  “Oh, and ginger snaps, and apple pie, and that blueberry cake, and pumpkin pie, and I could go on for hours.”

  Kate laughed. “Want another one?”

  James nodded and put one in his mouth whole. “Ow,” he mumbled. “Those are still hot.”

  Kate fixed lunch before James filled up on cookies, and as they were cleaning up the kitchen, she split the remaining cookies into two containers. “One for study group. One for you.” She pushed one of the containers into his hands.

  “Do you have to go?”

  “I don’t think it would go unnoticed if we showed up together to study group.” Kate rolled her eyes. “Angelica would definitely notice.”

  “Thanks for staying, and thanks for the cookies.” He put the cookies down and dug in the drawer next to the stove. “Here, take this for Wednesday.” He handed her a key.

  Kate smiled as she took it. Warmth spread through her body. She added it to her key ring. “Thank you. I’ll get it back to you.”

  He was staring at the floor again. “No rush. Do you want to shower before you leave?”

  Kate nodded. “I’d love to. Would you care to join me?”

  “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

  They embraced under the warm water, and the only thing that pulled them out of the shower was the knowledge that they needed to leave for study group.

  Kate kissed him one more time before she left. “See you soon.” She hated to leave. Sure she was going to see him in less than an hour, but it wasn’t the same as the moments they shared alone, and it might be days before she got to be with him like this again.

  She picked Tim up on the way to Angelica’s house. James must’ve gotten there early and had time alone with Angelica, since she was holding his arm when they arrived.

  “Dr. Baker? Can I ask you a question about lecture yesterday?” Tim pulled his notebook out of his backpack.

  James gave him a grateful smile, pulled his arm out of Angelica’s grasp, and sat next to him.

  Once study group officially started, Kate leaned towa
rd Tim and whispered, “Did you really not understand what he said about protein extraction techniques?”

  Tim shook his head and smiled. “It looked like Dr. Baker needed help. So I helped him.” He elbowed her. “And you.”

  Kate looked away. If Tim knew, who else did?

  In the car, she asked him what she had been thinking about the past two hours. “Is it obvious?”

  “Only for me because I know how you met. Although, I have a sneaking suspicion that Angelica knows something is going on too, because she’s turned up the charm.” He tossed imaginary hair over his shoulders. “Oh Dr. B, you’re so funny.” He giggled while covering his mouth, and then gagged.

  Kate laughed at his impression.

  “How often are you seeing each other?”

  Kate stared at the road. “Depends on our schedules. You can’t say anything, Timmy.”

  “As if I would.” Tim folded his arms over his chest.

  “Sorry, I don’t mean to imply anything, but I have to be careful.”

  “Have you had sex in Hatch Hall?”

  Kate scoffed. “No. But I did kiss him in his office once.”

  Tim mimed jerking him off and Kate slapped his hand. “Stop it Timmy.”

  “What? I totally would. He’s so hot, with that sexy, manscaped beard. Are you sure he’s not gay?”

  Kate grinned. “I’m sure. How’s Mark?”

  “Don’t change the subject. That may work with Meg, but it doesn’t with me.”

  “Hey, do you want to see the property?”

  Tim sat up straight in his seat. “Now that is tempting. Are we close?”

  “I’ve been headed that direction for a few minutes now. Should be another minute or so. I’m surprised you didn’t notice.”

  “I was too busy trying to get you to spill details about Dr. Hottie.” Tim elbowed her.

  “No more talking. We’re here.” Kate got out and tugged Tim over to one of the paper-covered windows. “I wish you could see it. It’s going to be so perfect.”

  As they were talking about the font for the sign, a stout muscular man came up next to them. “Can I help you?” His words were clipped and even, just like his gray hair.

  Kate smiled. “Um, I was just showing my friend the restaurant.”

  “I’d show it to you, but it’s under contract.”

  “Under contract?” Kate’s mouth went dry and her heart began to pound. Her dream was trying to slip through her fingers.

  “Yeah, my realtor is drawing up a contract to get a bakery in here.”

  Kate sighed as she got a firm hold on her dream again. “Are you Mr. Crane?”

  The man nodded slowly and narrowed his eyes. “And you are?”

  “Kate Rhodes, the girl who’s going to open a bakery here.” Kate held her hand out and smiled as he shook it.

  “Philip Crane. Pleasure to meet you. I guess I can show you inside, if you and your friend are interested.”

  Kate looked at Tim, who was nodding. “Sorry, where are my manners? Mr. Crane, this is Tim.”

  The two men shook hands.

  “Please call me Philip.” He pulled his keys out of his pocket and let them into the building. “If you’ll excuse me, I was just coming down to check a water leak next door.”

  Kate gasped. “At Brandie’s place?”

  Philip nodded.

  Kate shook her head. “Water leaks and books are not a good mix.”

  “I’ve been told, which is why I’m here on a Saturday. It shouldn’t take me more than a few minutes. I’ll be back to check on you.”

  “Philip?” Kate called as he turned away. “Before you go, can you unlock the apartment too?”

  He gave her a smile and unlocked the door leading upstairs.

  “Thank you, we won’t stay long.” Kate pulled Tim in behind her.

  Tim gave his stamp of approval and made Kate promise she would take him shopping to pick out plates and flatware. Mr. Crane came back and sat at the bar next to them.

  “Philip, how long do you think it’ll be? I’ve never done this before, and I don’t know how long it takes to get a contract drawn up and signed.” Kate was fidgeting with the zipper on her hoodie.

  “The holidays are going to push things back a little, but I bet you’ll hear something the week after.” Philip touched her shoulder gently. “Don’t worry. Golden Realty does a good job. Liz represents several of my properties, and she always takes care of everything.”

  Kate’s shoulders relaxed. “Thanks Philip. I really appreciate everything. It was really great to meet you.”

  Philip shook her hand, and then Tim’s, thanking them both before he drove away.

  “I don’t know how you can concentrate on school with everything else going on right now,” Tim said.

  “I’m balancing it all so far. I can’t do anything with my bakery yet, so the distraction is welcome.”

  Tim laughed. “No one else I know considers their final semester of college a distraction.”

  Chapter 18

  Even though James had set aside Sunday morning and afternoon to write the biochemistry exam, he still couldn’t get it finished by the time he should’ve been leaving for Jeff and Heather’s for dinner.

  James dialed his brother. “Sorry, but I have to bail on you again. I thought I’d be done by now.”

  “No big. See you Thursday. I’m looking forward to meeting Kate.”

  “Thanks Jeff. See you then.”

  The words on his laptop screen blurred as Kate popped into his head for the hundredth time that day.

  His heart raced. They were in a relationship; one that made him so happy he questioned whether he deserved it. Why, out of everyone, had Kate picked him?

  The night she stayed over changed something between them. For the first time in years, he was content, but he couldn’t ignore the guilt that was always present with her. She was his student and he shouldn’t be in a relationship with her, but shouldn’t didn’t stop him from wanting her. It also didn’t stop him from being happy.

  The weekend would be their first opportunity to act like a real couple. Santa Barbara was brimming with activities, and yet, he didn’t know her well enough to know what she would want to do. He didn’t know what she liked to eat, or what she did with her spare time. He was determined to change that.

  James shook his head. Biochemistry. It was time to work. He had four whole days to play. He only had to work a little longer.

  Carrie didn’t seem to mind being under a time constraint to make copies of the biochemistry exam for him Monday morning. She already had his intro chemistry exam copied and ready to go, since he had left it with her last week, and by the time he got back from class, he handed her the complete multiple choice forms and picked up the exams for his small class. “I’ll put these through the Scantron reader today, and I’ll have Kate sort them tomorrow if you can have the other part graded by then.”

  James nodded. “I’ll get them done today. Thank you Carrie.” Every exam had gotten easier and easier.

  His biochemistry class faced him with a mixture of confidence and nerves. “You have one hour. When you’re done, please pick up your lab notebooks.”

  Kate was focused on the test in front of her, looking up occasionally to meet his gaze. It was going to take every ounce of self-control to stop looking at her. The intro exams were the perfect distraction. Work now. Play later.

  He made a sizable dent in the pile during the exam, and by the time Michael started to clean up that night, he was all but done.

  James stayed until he had a tidy stack of graded exams. Grading the biochemistry ones would have to wait until tomorrow. The cool night air cleared his head as he rode home. He stopped outside of the dorms. Kate’s light was off. He sighed and finished the trip to his apartment.

  The first thing he noticed when he opened his apartment was the smell of something delicious, and then he saw his table was set and there was a note between a fork and knife.

  Dinner is in
the fridge. XOXO Kate

  He scanned the apartment to see if she was still there, but she wasn’t. When he opened the fridge, he found a covered plate with a note stuck to it.

  I made you spaghetti. The other container is for tomorrow night. XOXO

  James stood in front of the fridge for a few seconds staring at the plate of food. His throat tightened. “Why are you so good to me?” he whispered to her note.

  * * * *

  James took his time getting to work Tuesday morning. It was going to be another long day. By the time he got in, Carrie was already buried in a pile of papers.

  “Did you get those exams graded?”

  He nodded. “They’re in my office.”

  As soon as he started talking, Kate popped her head out of the back room. She grinned at him and then disappeared before Carrie could see her.

  Carrie leaned back in her chair. “Kate? Will you help Dr. Baker collate his intro exams when you’re done alphabetizing them?”

  “I’m almost done,” Kate called out. “I’ll be down in a second.”

  “Thank you,” James replied.

  Carrie smiled.

  James was in the middle of changing out of his riding shirt when someone knocked on his door. He slipped a clean shirt over his head and opened it to Kate’s beaming face.

  “Here are your exams, Dr. Baker.” Kate pushed into his office while he closed the door quietly behind her.

  “Thank you for dinner last night,” he whispered just before he kissed her. Her body relaxed and her mouth opened to him.

  “I don’t want you to get the wrong idea or anything. I’m not trying to sway you while you’re grading my exam, or make you biased in some way, I just thought you might be hungry after such a long day.” Kate was still holding the stack of sorted Scantrons in her hands.

  James laughed. “That ship sailed a long time ago. I mean the bias and being swayed.” Kate frowned and James quickly explained. “I’m not saying you don’t deserve the grade you’re getting, because you absolutely do, I’m just saying there’s not a lot you could do to sway me further. And by the way, it was delicious.”

  Kate smiled. “I’m glad.” She cleared her throat. “Okay. I’m here to work. Put me to work.”