“Please. I need you.”
“I need you too.” Kate licked him one more time before she straddled him. She gripped his cock again and positioned the slippery head at her opening. Her body shivered in anticipation.
James pulled her into a kiss as he pushed into her. She was reveling in the sensation of him inside her when he grabbed her hips and lifted her body. He spiraled back into her, dragging a moan out of her mouth. He brushed her nipples with his wiry beard, making them hard instantly, and then his mouth was on them, drawing on her sensitive flesh.
Every time his lips rolled against her nipples, something tugged deep inside her body. Each lick and thrust brought her closer to release until finally she was keening and thrashing against him. She collapsed on top of him, breathing heavily.
“I love that sound.” His words kissed her earlobe and sent a shiver down her spine. He started thrusting into her again, setting her nerves on fire all over again.
“I’m gonna come again.” Her words came out between gasps.
On the verge of release, Kate’s moan turned into a scream as his hand dipped between their bodies and rubbed her clit as his cock swelled inside her. His grunt of pleasure echoed in her mouth as she kissed him.
“That was amazing.”
James kissed her again. “Mm.”
Her stomach growled. “Do we have more turkey?”
He laughed. “I think there’s a little left.”
“How about I make us lunch?” She attempted to move, only to find her legs were not cooperating. “I’ll get on that just as soon as my legs work again.”
“No rush.” He nuzzled the base of her neck, making her wish they never had to leave.
* * * *
They spent Sunday morning on the beach walking hand in hand. “I’m going to miss this.”
“Me too.” Kate squeezed his hand. “What time do we need to leave?”
“Check out is noon, but we don’t have to leave Santa Barbara until you’re ready.”
“I don’t want to go back. If we go back, I can’t do this.” She grabbed both of his hands and kissed him. She pulled away from him slowly. His eyes were still closed and his lips were pulled into a smile. His blissful face melted her heart. It was at that moment she knew she was falling in love with him. Her breath caught in her throat.
“Are you okay?” His forehead was creased with worry.
“What? Why?” Had she said something out loud?
“You’re not breathing. What just happened?”
She looked down at their fingers, which were still intertwined. She loved him. She loved everything about him. Fear stopped her from shouting it from the rooftops. Falling in love was not part of her plans. Their relationship was based on having fun and lots of sex. It was not supposed to be anywhere near love. She pushed her feelings down to the pit of her stomach and swallowed hard. With a shrug, she said, “I don’t know, just anxious about the rest of the semester I guess.”
The wind whipped her hair across her face, sending a shiver down her spine. James caressed her cheek. “I’m sure you’ll be fine. You’re brilliant.” He wrapped his arm around her, pulled her snug against his side, and started walking again. “Just be grateful you don’t have to spend the next two weeks writing exams and going over a research thesis.”
Kate shook her head. “I don’t know how you do it. All that grading! Ugh.”
“I knew the job was dangerous when I took it.” James laughed.
After they checked out, they spent the rest of the afternoon on the beach. Every moment was filled with their hands interlocked. They finally left when the sun went down, bringing with it a chilly November evening.
The ocean passed in a blur of black and gray out her window as they drove home. “Do you want me to drop you off at your dorm?”
“No, I’ll walk from your apartment.” Saying goodbye was going to be difficult enough, but having to do it without one last hug would probably kill her. Everything had been so easy in Santa Barbara, but now they were back to the real world, a world where they had to keep their relationship a secret for the next three weeks.
All she had to do was wait. Her heart skipped a beat. Everything was going to be all right.
“Thank you for this weekend. It was really lovely.” Kate kissed him as he leaned in the doorway of his apartment. He invited her in, but she knew it would be too tempting to stay, so she declined. He had work to do.
“Thank you for going with me, and for having dinner with my family. I’m glad you had a good time. I did too.” He pulled her into a tight embrace.
“See you tomorrow.”
Out of breath from the walk across the street, Kate collapsed onto her bed. She dumped the contents of her backpack onto the bed next to her and sorted through the clothes until she found her phone. It chimed as it came to life. There were two messages.
“Hi Kate, it’s me,” Meg’s voice sang. “Just wanted to wish you a happy Thanksgiving and let you know Emily says you’re a poopy pants for not coming this year. Really what it comes down to is we miss your pie, aaaaand you’re smiling face. Hope you’re having fun. Call me when you get home. Bye.”
Kate laughed and moved on to the next message.
“Kate, it’s Liz from Golden Realty. I’m sure you’re traveling for the holiday, but I wanted to let you know I have your contract in my office. Give me a call as soon as you can and we’ll set up a time when you can come and look it over.”
The message went on for another minute giving her detailed directions to the office. She took a deep breath and dialed.
“Liz? I just got your message. Sorry to call you so late on a Sunday.”
“No worries. I’ve been waiting to hear back from you. Did you have a good weekend?”
“Yes, I did. Thanks for asking. So the contract is ready?”
Liz laughed. “You bet. I have it at the office. When can you come sign it?”
“Tomorrow, after I get out of class.” The words couldn’t get out of her mouth fast enough. “I should be able to be there by two o’clock. Will that work for you?”
“I’ll be in the office until five, so that’ll be perfect. You’ll need to bring your deposit.”
“Got it. I’ll see you tomorrow.” She flew down the stairs and leaned on Meg’s door and knocked frantically.
“I’m coming!” Meg pulled open the door and smiled. “Kate! Quick come in and tell me all about your weekend.”
Kate shook her head and took a deep breath. “No. First I’m going to tell you about tomorrow. I just talked to Liz. She’s got my contract all drawn up. I’m going to sign tomorrow!”
Meg hugged her and they both squealed. “Awesome news.” She exhaled. “Now tell me about your weekend.”
As she recounted the events of the last four days she didn’t share everything. Meg heard about the beach, wine tasting, and bike riding, but Kate couldn’t bring herself to share the biggest event of all. She was in love with James. But until it was mutual, that news would be tucked safely away in Kate’s heart.
Monday morning couldn’t come fast enough, and as she went from class to class, Kate’s excitement grew. She was finally going to tell James about her bakery. Once she had the keys in her hands, nothing could stop her from sharing her news with him.
Time seemed to slow down the closer it got to two o’clock, probably because Kate was watching the second hand move during biochemistry. The second James was done lecturing, Kate flashed him a smile and bolted for the door.
* * * *
“Kate, come on back.” Liz shook her hand and then led her back to her office. In the center of her glossy desk was a tidy pile of papers. “Those are for you.”
They stood side by side and went through the contract together. Liz explained every step and when they were done, they traded a check for the keys.
“Do I need to wait until the first?” Kate held her breath.
“Mr. Crane told me you could have it a few days early so you can move in n
ow.”
Kate hugged and thanked her before returning to her car.
Her cheeks ached from smiling as she dialed James. It went straight to voicemail, so she hung up. She didn’t want to share her news in a message. She wanted to surprise him, and she wouldn’t have to wait much longer to see him in person. He would be home by six o’clock. Just in time for dinner.
A plan formed in her head, and she got moving so everything would work out. By the time she gathered supplies from her dorm and went shopping, it was four o’clock. Her hands shook as she put the key in the lock. The latch clicked and then Kate was standing inside her new bakery.
She worked for nearly two hours, and when she left everything was in place. The table was set and dinner was in the warming oven.
On her way to James’ apartment, he sent her a text.
“We need to talk.”
“I’m on my way :)” She texted back.
She took the stairs two at a time. James was waiting for her. All the joy inside her died the second she saw his face.
Chapter 22
Sleep did not come easy Sunday night. James’ bed was cold and his body ached for Kate. She insisted she shouldn’t stay the night, saying he needed to focus on work. He didn’t know how he was supposed to work when all he wanted was to be with her. It wasn’t going to be easy.
Like all the other spring graduates, she was still a student for five more months. That’s how long it was going to be before they could be together in public. Time hung over his head like a gray cloud. After spending every waking moment with Kate over the long weekend, waiting until May to be with her like that again suddenly seemed impossible. At least they would have winter break together. Maybe they could go away again.
The brisk ride into work didn’t do much to wake him the next morning. The grogginess that comes from a terrible night of sleep lingered no matter how many cups of coffee he drank. Maybe if he saw her before class, he would feel better.
James carried his biochemistry notes with him and made his way to the chemistry majors’ room, where the tables were filled with students and books. He had only walked by the room before, and as he stood in the doorway hoping to see Kate, someone waved, inviting him in.
“Dr. B. Over here.”
James peered around the piles of books and found the source of the voice. It was Angelica.
“I’ve never seen you in here before.” She smiled at him and patted the chair next to her. “You looking for someone?”
With his notes tucked under his arm, he leaned on the back of the chair and nodded to the other students who were sharing her table. James shook his head. “No, just waiting for the copier and thought I’d have a look around.”
“I’m glad you did.” She wound her hair around her finger. “Can I ask you a question about my exam?” She reached inside her backpack before he could answer. “I missed five points on this formula, and I was wondering if I could make it up. Somehow.” She put her hand on top of his.
“I don’t offer extra credit, sorry Angelica.” He was in the process of pulling his hand away when someone touched his shoulder.
“James, may I have a word?” Lloyd’s stare was cold and his lips were set in a firm line.
James held up his notes. “I’m on my way to biochemistry. Can it wait?”
Lloyd narrowed his eyes. “I suppose. I’ll expect you after class.”
James swallowed hard. His boss still had a way of making him shake in his boots. After Lloyd left, Angelica followed James to the classroom, chatting the whole way about her Thanksgiving break.
As the students filtered in, he smiled at Kate. She gave him a casual wave before talking to Tim. They spoke in hurried and hushed voices and Tim hugged her before James began lecturing. Kate barely took any notes and when he dismissed them, she ran out of the room without a backward glance.
The unpleasant task of going to see Lloyd loomed over his head as he made his way to the main office. He couldn’t put it off much longer, since he was anxious to know why Lloyd was so obviously upset.
Lloyd’s office was open, and he was sitting behind his desk. When James stepped inside, Lloyd looked up. “Please close the door.”
With a hesitant step, James closed the door and sat in the chair opposite him. Lloyd got up and sat on the edge of the desk in front of James, towering over him. He was holding a binder in his hands.
“Do you know what this is?”
James shrugged. “A binder?”
“It is the university’s Faculty Handbook. I believe you have a copy.”
“Yes I got one during my orientation.”
Lloyd flipped through the pages, stopping on a page marked with a yellow sticky note. “Are you familiar with article APM zero one five?” Lloyd’s words fell on James, pushing him back in his chair.
“Can’t say I am.”
Whatever Lloyd was talking about, he was dead serious. “Let me educate you. Zero one five is part of the Faculty Code of Conduct. I am especially interested in sharing Part Two: Professional Responsibilities, Ethical Principles and Unacceptable Faculty Conduct.”
Fuck. Suddenly, James understood with perfect clarity what this meeting was about. Lloyd knew about Kate, and now he was going to lose his job. All the air left James’ lungs.
As if on cue, his phone vibrated in his pocket. It was Kate.
“I’m glad I have your attention.” Lloyd took a deep breath and positioned his reading glasses on the end of his nose. “And I quote…”
James listened to Lloyd drone on and on about the pedagogical relationship between faculty and students, and how important it is to keep the students safe from inappropriate relationships. Of course he had read the handbook before, but the words had never made him nauseous. Until now.
Lloyd took another deep breath and went on. “I think number six on the Types of Unacceptable Conduct list is the most pertinent to your situation…” The words spilled out of his mouth, one after another, forcing James deeper into his seat.
There it was: romantic or sexual relationships. He was finished. Doomed. James gripped the arms of the chair and jumped when Lloyd slapped the binder shut. Lloyd was staring at him, obviously waiting for him to do or say something. He needed to buy time and find out exactly what Lloyd knew. Even though he wanted to run like hell, he straightened his back and attempted to keep his voice as even as possible. “What are you trying to say, Lloyd?” His fingertips turned white as he held onto the chair.
“I thought it was pretty clear. I’m accusing you of having an affair with one of your students.”
Blood pounded in his ears, deafening him. “Based on what evidence?” James’ voice wavered.
“Don’t treat me like a fool!” Lloyd pounded the heel of his hand on his desk. “I see the way she looks at you and touches you. I know all about the study groups.” His face scrunched up in disdain.
James frowned. He and Kate had been so careful. “What are you talking about?”
“Angelica!” Each syllable of her name was accompanied by Lloyd’s fist hitting his desk.
The breath he had been holding left his lungs. “I can assure you I have only had completely professional conduct with Angelica. If you are implying she fosters feelings toward me, I cannot stress enough I have no interest in her and have no intention of reciprocating them, nor have I in the past.”
Lloyd narrowed his eyes. “You expect me to believe nothing is going on between you?”
James held his hands up. “Honestly.”
Lloyd started pacing next to his desk. “Believe me, I see the attraction. You’re young, successful, and handsome. But I swear, if you’re lying to me…” He spun to face James again. “I will report you to the Faculty Senate for disciplinary actions so fast it’ll make your head spin.”
“Lloyd. Nothing is going on between Angelica and I.”
“Then why were you so nervous? You turned as pale as a ghost when I read from the manual.”
“Anyone would be nervous si
tting across from you while you read out of the Faculty Handbook.” James swallowed hard.
“Consider this a warning. If I find any reason to believe you’re breaking the rules of conduct, you can say goodbye to your position here. I’ll be watching you.”
James nodded. His heart jumped with every word and panic settled in deep inside him. He walked back to his office in a daze. His hands were shaking and he couldn’t catch his breath.
Everything Lloyd said was true, except the name of the girl, and it was only a matter of time before he found out the truth. Something had to be done.
James was nauseous by the time he finally rode home. If he avoided Kate for the next five months he could save them both the pain headed their way. Perhaps she would be too busy with her life to notice. He dismissed that idea and faced reality. She deserved honesty. They needed to talk.
He could hear her running up the steps as he stood in the open door.
“What’s wrong?” Kate tried to touch his face but he pulled away.
“Lloyd knows. He knows something is going on, he just had the wrong person.”
Kate frowned. “Wait. What? Wrong person?”
James sighed. His shoulders fell forward as he leaned against the doorjamb. “This afternoon, after biochemistry, he demanded a meeting. He read me the goddamn Faculty Manual section on unacceptable conduct and sexual relationships with students. He knows!”
“Oh James. I’m so sorry. Did you get fired?”
“No, because he thought I was having an affair with Angelica, so I could deny it up and down.”
“Angelica’s not quiet about her crush on you.” Kate wrapped her fingers through his and gave him a hopeful smile. “Then everything is okay. We’re safe. We only have a few more weeks.”
James tugged out of her grasp. The hurt on her face sliced through his heart. “It’s only a matter of time. If not now, it’ll be next semester. I’ll lose my job. Everything. No one will hire me after he’s through with me.”
Kate blinked and stared at him with eerily calm eyes. “So this is the part where you tell me we’re through.” She nodded. “I understand. I was stupid to think I could have this.”
Sweet Chemistry Page 19