So far, she doesn’t seem too picky, but since I’m unsure, I make a couple of basic omelets with cheese and ham.
About a half hour later, Nova makes her way downstairs, her hair pulled up halfway while the rest of the curls flow wildly to her shoulders. She’s wearing a pair of blue jeans and a peach-colored sweater with boots to match. Sugarfoot follows her down, sniffing at her ankles.
“Morning,” I greet with a smile.
“Good morning.” She sniffs the air. “Is that coffee I smell?”
“Yep. How do you take it?”
“However you’ll give it to me,” she flirts, coming up and planting a kiss on my lips.
“Don’t tempt me,” I growl, drawing her in for another kiss and gently clamping her bottom lip between my teeth.
She giggles and heads for the coffee pot, pouring the dark liquid into the empty mug nearby. “Milk? Creamer?” she asks.
“Both are in the fridge. I made you an omelet. Wasn’t sure what you liked, so it’s pretty simple.”
She spins around with the hazelnut creamer in her hand. “Finally cashing in on that raincheck for breakfast. It’s only been a couple months.”
“Hey, you chose to leave early that night.”
“You didn’t want me to spend the night then,” she says with a laugh, dumping spoonfuls of sugar into the cup.
“Not at first,” I admit. “Right before you were about to leave, I suddenly wanted you to stay.”
She spins around, leaning against the counter. “Really?”
I nod. “If you had stayed, I may have found out you were a student, then I wouldn’t have been so surprised on Monday.”
She barks out a laugh. “Yeah, but then I wouldn’t have been able to see your shocked face.”
“I thought I was gonna pass out.”
Nova shakes her head, a wide smile plastered to her face. “And now, here we are.”
I take the omelet out of the microwave and place it on the island. “Here we are.”
She sits on the stool and devours the food before polishing off her coffee. “I usually only have time for a banana in the morning. You’re going to spoil me here.”
“I’m okay with that.”
Her cheeks redden as she tries to hide a smile. She glances at the clock that reads five to seven. “Ugh. So early,” she groans. “How long does it take to get to the college from here?”
“Fifteen minutes maybe. Oh, and my brother dropped off his car last night. I got the keys from the mailbox this morning.”
“Oh, great. Thank you. Or thank him for me. I appreciate it.”
Nova rinses off her dishes and puts them in the dishwasher like she’s done it hundreds of times. Her being her feels so comfortable and so right. I can’t imagine her leaving, but I know she has to go back home eventually.
She rushes back upstairs to grab her things for school, then stops in front of me at the door. “Better get to work, Professor.”
I smack her ass and squeeze, pulling her into me. “Better get to class, Miss Rivera.”
“Oh, I am. I have to get there early to finish some calculus work. My teacher is such a dick,” she jokes, rolling her eyes.
I arch a brow. “Oh yeah?”
She nods, biting her lip to hide a smile. “Mhm. The biggest dick,” she says slowly, her hand groping me through my pants.
“You keep that up and you’re gonna make us both late.”
She removes her hand and gives me an innocent, doe-eyed expression. “Tonight?”
“You can plan on it.”
40
I’m amazed at how easily Elijah and I slip into a routine. You’d think we’d been living together for years.
In class, we play our roles of student and teacher. Okay, maybe there’s a few stolen glances and grins. Perhaps he’s thrown me a wink when the class couldn’t see. I may have softly stroked his hand with my fingers when I handed in my work. But other than that, everything’s been running like normal.
Sometimes I see him at the library when I’m working, but at the end of the day, we both end up in his house making dinner together. Well, okay, he’s been trying to teach me to cook dinner. I’m mostly a spectator. Regardless, it’s been fun.
Thursday, we kept it simple with steaks and baked potatoes. Friday, we made chicken cordon bleu. His was perfect, mine was not, but they both tasted good, so that’s all that matters. And Saturday I made him order food from a place he’s never eaten before. I thought it would be hard, considering he’s lived in this small town his whole life, but there’s a local place that popped up a couple years ago that he never tried. It was an Indian restaurant, and we got their combination dinner for two, which came with a variety of foods we’d never had before.
Our times spent in the kitchen are some of the best times we have. I make him laugh a lot, and hearing him laugh always puts a smile on my face. I’ve turned up my music while we cook, and I’ve tried getting him to dance with me. He’s pretty steadfast on not dancing, but he lets me dance all over him. I’ll take what I can get.
We work in tandem, both with cooking and cleaning up. Once we’re done with dinner, we move into his den where he does his work and I do mine.
I’ve brought over one of my favorite books and told him to read it, just to get him reading something besides the newspaper. He protested, saying he wouldn’t be into a sci-fi dystopian novel, but I’m nothing if not persistent. I started reading it aloud in bed, and sure enough, he became interested. He’s already halfway in.
We always have an amazing time in bed, and sometimes in the shower, and once in the den after we completed our work. But once our day is over, we end up tangled in each other under the covers. I either sleep with my head on his chest and one leg draped over his, or with my back to him, pushing my ass into his crotch.
Wrapped in his arms, I feel safe and secure. His compliments make me feel like the most beautiful person he’s ever laid eyes on. I’ve never been too insecure, but we all have something we don’t like about ourselves. I hate the stretchmarks I have on my ass and thighs, but he kisses and caresses them like he’s worshiping them. I have a few scars on my legs that I’m always conscious of. He still rubs his hands over them without giving them a second thought.
With him, I feel like I’m perfect. He’s the most amazing man I’ve ever known. I didn’t know men like him could exist outside of romance movies. But here he is. A brilliant mind wrapped in a god-like body. He’s confident, not cocky. He’s gorgeous, yet humble. He’s honest without being rude. He puts me on a pedestal without knocking himself down in the process.
And now, as we lie in bed on Sunday morning, knowing I’ll be going home tonight, the energy has shifted.
“You could stay for dinner, you know,” he says, holding me from behind.
“Do your brothers know about me? Us?”
I feel him nod. “They do.”
“What about their girlfriends?”
He’s quiet for a minute. “I don’t think so.”
“It’s okay,” I tell him, turning around to face him. “I’ll have to go home eventually, and there’s been no sign of Mario. Maybe he changed his mind.”
Elijah’s brows furrow. “You can always come back whenever you feel like it.”
I smile and give him a kiss. “I know. I’m gonna miss you, too.”
“I suppose moving in together right now wouldn’t be the best idea.”
I step back and stare at him. “Not right now? But…”
He cracks a grin. “What? You think you staying here for a handful of days wouldn’t spark thoughts of living together?”
“Well, I may have thought about it once or twice, but I didn’t think you did.”
“I love having you here. You’ve brought an energy to the house that I can’t imagine leaving. I love that it isn’t quiet here anymore.”
“Are you calling me loud?” I ask, feigning insult.
He pinches my ass while giving me a smirk. “You’re full of life, a
nd you’ve gotten me to step out of my comfort zone with food, music, and reading material. You’ve breathed life into me, Nova. Of course I’d want to keep you around.”
His words inject me with such an intense sensation. I feel treasured and appreciated. I feel wanted and needed. I feel loved.
“Elijah,” I whisper.
Our eyes connect, and questions, thoughts, desires, and then reality pass between us.
“I know,” he says softly. “I know this is new. I know we face challenges. And I know we still have a long time to wait before things could ever be normal.”
“Would you wait?” I ask. “Until I’m done with school?”
“There’s no amount of time I wouldn’t wait.”
“I can’t imagine not being with you. This has to work.”
“Let’s just take it one day at a time,” he says, rubbing his hand down my back. “Who’s to say you’ll still be willing to put up with me in two weeks’ time.”
I swat at his chest even though I know he’s joking. We laugh and move on, not dwelling on all the ways this may not work. We only think about how we feel in this moment, and we hope for the best.
“Let me make sure you have something to think about when you go home,” he says, crawling over top of me, then lowering himself down my body until he’s hidden under the sheets.
“Oh,” I gasp. “Oh, yes.”
41
After Nova leaves, the house immediately feels different. I miss her presence and the sound of her laugh. I miss watching her dance her way through the kitchen, playing with Sugarfoot, and making fun of me for not watching certain TV shows.
I miss the way she makes me feel. I know people say I’m stiff or wound too tight. I get that I’m known as the responsible one, and that it’s mainly because I never let loose and have a good time without overthinking.
But with Nova, I don’t feel like any of those things. Responsibility went out the window when I decided to sleep with my student and invite her to stay at my house. I’ve never felt more laid back than when we’re lounging on the couch watching a movie and throwing popcorn into each other’s mouths. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this way, and now I don’t want that feeling to go away.
So, even though I know she can’t move in with me, I still want her around as much as possible.
Sunday dinner comes and goes. Once everyone is gone and I’ve cleaned the kitchen and taken a shower, I climb into bed with my phone in hand.
Before I can send her a text, one comes through.
Nova: My bed sucks. I miss yours.
I laugh, then send a reply.
Me: You just miss my bed?
Nova: Nah. I miss your kitchen, too. And Sugarfoot.
Me: Very funny.
Nova: Aww. Just kidding. Of course I miss you.
Me: I miss you, too.
Nova: See you tomorrow. Sweet dreams. <3
Me: Good night, Nova.
* * *
Monday after school, I’m in my office since it’s my designated office hours where students can come talk to me regarding any issues they’re having with the work, questions about assignments, or concerns about their grade.
The door is open as I work on grading tests, and after a few students have come and gone, I spot Lorraine walking by my door. She backtracks when she sees me, lingering in the doorway.
“Hey, Elijah,” she greets, this time without the flirty tone.
“Hi. Still working, huh?”
“It never ends.”
I chuckle. “No, it doesn’t. And midterms will be coming up soon.”
“Don’t remind me,” she says, rolling her eyes. “All right, well, I better get going. Talk to you later.”
“Bye, Lorraine.”
It isn’t but a few minutes later when Nova knocks lightly on the door. “Hey. I saw Professor Drakulich leaving. She wasn’t trying to get in your pants, was she?”
I laugh. “No. I’m actually surprised at how normal and quick the conversation was.”
She grins. “Good. So, it’s office hours, and I need my professor’s help.” She chews on her lip like she’s nervous. “Is it weird?”
I shake my head as I chuckle. “No, come in. What’s up?”
Nova sits opposite me and removes her binder from her bag. “You passed this out today. I know it’s not due until the end of the week, but I’m working my ass off trying to stay ahead of all these assignments I have.” She looks up at me. “Why do professors give us so much work?”
“Hey, I give out the perfect amount. I try to get a lot done in class, so don’t lump me in with these other professors you have,” I say, making a face.
She laughs. “Whatever. Help me.”
I take a few minutes to explain what needs to be done on the handout I passed out today. I give her no less or no more information than the other students, making sure I’m strictly professional.
“Oh okay, I think I’m understanding a little better, but I wanted to be sure.”
“You’ll be fine,” I tell her.
“I hope so. I’m taking so many classes. Ugh. I just want to be done.” She looks at me through long, dark lashes, a mischievous grin on her face. “For more reasons than one.”
“Well, I look forward to the day you’re done, too, but don’t kill yourself over it.”
She stands up and gathers her things. “Yes, sir.”
“All right, cut it out.”
“What? I’m just being respectful of my…”
“If you say elders, I swear…”
“I wasn’t!” She laughs. “I was gonna say my teachers.”
“Ha ha. Don’t be cute.”
She smiles and bats her eyelashes at me. “But I am.”
“You’re much more than that,” I say, looking her up and down. “But you need to get out of here before I shut and lock that door and bend you over my desk.”
Her lips part and excitement flickers in her eyes. “Don’t threaten me with a good time, Professor.”
“Don’t think I wouldn’t do it, but my office hours are still going,” I say, standing up and rounding the desk.
“Another time then,” she whispers huskily.
“Mm. Another time.”
I walk her to the door and she peeks out into the hall to see if anyone’s about to walk by. Apparently realizing we’re in the clear, she steps inside and plants a quick kiss on my lips.
“Bye.”
42
When the weekend finally arrives, I breathe a sigh of relief. Not because I’m free of homework, because that never stops, but because I’ll have more time with Elijah. During the week, we barely see each other. We’re in class together, but that hardly counts. We sometimes get a few stolen moments when I’m working in the library and he stops in. The study cubes have become our meet-up place. Hardly anyone shows up in that corner of the library, and we get a few minutes together.
After work, I tend to grab a quick bite to eat from whatever’s still open, much to the chagrin of my sister who would prefer I don’t eat out all the time, then I go home, do homework, shower, and climb into bed. We spend at least an hour on the phone as the night winds down, and continue getting to know each other. The only thing we haven’t touched on is the death of our parents, and I think that’s because neither one of us wants to bring it up.
Every night I go to sleep with a smile on my face, and every morning I look forward to class because I’ll get to see him.
Ayanna’s dropped by a couple times during the week, once with Lorenzo. There hasn’t been any sign of Mario, so I’m breathing a little easier. My sister hasn’t received any more notes, so that’s good too.
At lunch on Wednesday, Lorenzo asked if I had any plans this weekend, so I figured it was time to let him know I didn’t want to ruin our friendship. I told him I was sort of talking to someone, and was grateful that he didn’t question who it was. He took it pretty good, and our friendship isn’t different in any way, but it’s not like he’s lack
ing any female attention. They’re all over him all the time, so I’m sure he’ll be fine.
Elijah and I already made plans to be together at his house tonight and tomorrow. So, I pack up a bag and grab my phone to order a Lyft to take me over.
Thanksgiving break is the week after next, and while that would be the perfect time to get a few extra days together, my sister is traveling up here for Thanksgiving. I still haven’t told her about me and Elijah. I know she’ll lecture me about it, and I don’t need to hear what I already know. I don’t think she’d try to get Elijah in trouble with the school, but I don’t think she’ll understand either. I’m just going to give it some more time.
When the Lyft drops me off, I jog up to the front door, and it swings open before I can even knock.
I rush in, drop my bag, and hop into Elijah’s arms. He laughs, kicks the door closed, and takes me upstairs.
“It’s been too long since I’ve been inside you.”
I plant a trail of kisses along the side of his neck. “I agree.”
Once in his room, he drops me on the bed, and both of us quickly strip ourselves of clothes, desperate for each other.
He sheathes himself with a condom, licks his fingers and places them on my pussy, only to find that it wasn’t necessary. I’m already wet for him.
Elijah slips inside of me with one hard thrust and we both exclaim. Hard and fast, desperate and needy. He fucks me like it’s the only thing that’s been on his mind for the past week.
He flips us over, bringing me on top, and I begin moving my hips back and forth, creating friction on my clit as his cock reaches new depths in this position.
I lean forward, bringing my breasts to his face as I continue to grind myself on him. He sucks my nipple into his mouth, squeezing the other one as I move faster and faster.
“Oh, God, yes,” I breathe.
Elijah grabs ahold of my hips, squeezing the soft flesh in his hands before lowering them down to my thighs and finally on my ass.
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