by Claire Adams
“Are you going to choose an outfit or is it going to hop out and grab you?” Kelly joked.
“I am just looking for something to hang out in. I am meeting a new friend today. He’s nine-years-old, so I am looking for something casual, fun, and mature.”
“That is a tough one. I am confused by the age of your new friend. Are you interviewing for a nanny gig?”
“As with most things in my life, it’s complicated,” I said to Kelly.
“I’ve said it before, Jenna. I’m here if you need me. You have a good head on your shoulders and if there are choices to make, I’m sure you will make the right one. A pair of jeans and a sweater will make you look like you just walked out of The Gap. It’s always a safe look.”
“Thanks, Kel.”
I pulled on some size four petite jeans and a marled blue sweater. I looked boring, neat, and unintimidating—just what I was looking for.
I drove directly to Ryder’s house. I skipped stopping at my mother’s because I didn’t know what to expect and I didn’t have the energy to fill her in. What Ryder and I had was precious and I wanted to keep it private as long as possible. I was taking a big step in my relationship with Ryder, and I didn’t want my mom to fluster me.
As I pulled up to Ryder’s house, I spotted my mother sitting on the porch swing. She was with Claude Simmons. Good for her.
I quickly got out of my car and knocked on his door.
****
“Hey sexy.” His voice sent chills down my spine.
Ryder scooped me up and tossed me on the couch. He slipped his hands under my blue sweater and began to fondle my breasts.
“I missed you. And you skipped class yesterday. Naughty girl—you deserve a spanking,” he whispered and then kissed my lips.
“Ryder, stop.” I jumped off the couch and straightened my sweater and adjusted my bra. “Where is Sammy? Is he in the next room? Kids hear everything. Are you crazy?”
“Calm down, Jenna. Sally is running late. I thought we could sneak in a little something before he arrives.”
“Sex before your son gets here…Under this roof?”
“Yes. How do you think people have more than one child? I think you should know that your parent’s actually had sex.” Ryder laughed and I joined him.
“Sorry. I will take a rain check on that spanking. I am just in the virginal Jenna mode. I am kid ready. I will not cuss and I am not showing any cleavage.”
“Nice try at the virginal thing, but I know better.” Ryder winked.
“Shut up.”
The doorbell rang.
“They’re here. Ready?” he asked.
“Do I have a choice?”
“No.” Ryder kissed my cheek before throwing open the door.
Sam jumped into his father’s arms. I was stunned for a second, and maybe the slightest bit jealous. Ryder and Sam looked alike and it was obvious how much they loved each other. Sally stood behind her son. I had seen her from a distance, but she was prettier up-close.
“Ryder? Are you going to introduce us to your lady friend?” Sally stood silent next to Sam.
Before Ryder could get to it, I introduced myself. “Hi, I’m Jenna Walsh. I met Ryder through golf. He is teaching me the basics of the game.” I shook Sally’s hand.
“I had heard Ryder was going to pick up some students from the high school. I’m glad he finally got around to it. He is very good. He taught me everything I know about golf, although tennis is still my game.” Sally smiled.
“Jenna is not a high school student. She is a freshman at South Carolina,” Ryder added.
“Oh, right. Are you teaching freshman human sexuality this year?”
“You know I am, Sally. What time will you be by to pick up Sam?” Ryder asked.
“I will be here by 4 PM. It will give you time to hit the driving range together. That is why you are here Jenna. Correct?”
“Uh—yes,” I muttered.
Ryder closed the door and Sally took off.
“Sorry,” Ryder whispered.
It couldn’t have been more awkward. Ryder followed Sammy into the kitchen.
“What’s to eat, Dad?” Sammy had Ryder’s green eyes and they shared many of the same mannerisms.
“I have been so busy, Sam. Your visit today is a surprise so I didn’t have the time to stock up on your favorites,” Ryder said.
A surprise? Not really.
I felt like I was drowning and out of place. I should have known better and allowed Ryder and Sam time alone. My parents never divorced, but I knew the situation was uncomfortable for Sam.
“Why don’t we grab some take-out and watch a movie. The two of you will have to excuse me for a bit while I finish some work. It will give you some time to discuss what we will eat.”
I shot Ryder a look of panic. He was being a jackass for leaving Sam and me alone. Ryder walked out of the kitchen and I was alone with a kid whose father just had his hands on my tits.
“My mom calls my dad the absent minded professor because he forgets things a lot. What do you feel like eating?” Sam asked.
“There is a new vegan restaurant down the street. They have a kids menu,” I said with no enthusiasm whatsoever.
“Vegan?”
“Yeah, like no meat or dairy.” His face took on a look of horror. “Well, I thought that since both of your parent’s are athletic. No Vegan huh?”
“Jenna. If you’re trying to impress me, vegan stuff is not the way to do it,” Sam said.
“Well, Sam, if I were trying to impress you, what should I suggest?”
“I like ice cream—a lot.”
“Me too! I know your father has some of that. I wonder if he has any frosting?” I said.
“You mean the Betty Crocker stuff? It’s the only kind my dad uses. I sometimes eat it with a spoon. Ever mix it into the ice cream?” Sam asked.
“No, but I’m gonna find out. I think we will get along just fine, Sam.”
Ryder joined us in front of the television. Sam and I were sitting with our feet up devouring pints of ice cream topped with frosting.
“What are you pigs watching?” Ryder smiled. I passed a very important test.
“We’re watching Sharknado 2,” Sam said.
I turned around, shrugged my shoulders and smiled.
****
We were lounging on the couch when Sally returned. The afternoon flew by. It was nearly impossible for Ryder and me to keep our hands off each other, but we managed. Sam shook my hand goodbye, which melted into a hug.
“Thanks, Ryder. I hope I did not intrude on your lesson time. Thank you, Jenna, for being so patient. I know your time is valuable also with school,” Sally said.
“Okay then, Sally. I will plan on seeing you next weekend,” Ryder said.
“I will bring Sam over after 5 PM as long as it doesn’t mess with your schedule.”
“I don’t think Jenna and I have anything planned. We will be here.”
I couldn’t believe Ryder just let the cat out of the bag with his ex-wife. I was speechless.
“I see. I will be going. Nice to meet you, Jenna.”
Ryder looked to me for some sort of reaction after he closed the door.
“I couldn’t help it. She was being a bitch by talking down to you. You may not have picked up on it, but I know her tactics well. All that I really care about is you and Sammy. He liked you a lot. Like father like son.”
“I can’t be mad at you but I hope she doesn’t run her mouth,” I said and punched Ryder in the arm.
“Ouch—hey I owe you a spanking. Get over here naughty girl.”
Ryder chased me throughout his house. He caught up to me in his bedroom where he threw me down on his bed. He kissed me.
“You smell like ice cream,” Ryder said as he smothered me with kisses. “Conservative Jenna is cute and all, but let’s see what you have beneath these jeans. Oh, look here. No panties.”
“I have to do laundry. I’m all out.”
“
I like it this way. Why cover up such a beautiful pussy. May I?” Ryder asked as he stroked me.
“You don’t have to ask permission, Ryder.”
It was Saturday night and I had nowhere to be. It was a fun night, as it usually was when we were alone. We had sex, rested, and played some more. Ryder had a drawer filled with oils, lotions, and emollients. We tried them all and I made a mental note of a few I could tell Eric, my bathroom buddy, about. The next morning, we slept in late and I finally presented Ryder with breakfast in bed. He was serious about the no jammies rule. My jeans and sweater sat in a crumpled ball in the corner of the room. I confidently marched around in the nude until it was time to leave.
I knew I had a nice figure, but, as any woman, I would make small enhancements. I was no Kim Kardashian. In Ryder’s presence, I felt perfect and proud of my body.
“Next week, like every time I am without you, will be tough. Are you planning to come to class?”
“I will be there. You don’t think anyone in class knows about our relationship do you?”
“I don’t think so. We will just continue to be careful, which is getting harder each time I see you.”
“Call me.”
“I will. Drive safe, my love.”
I walked to my car. It was nearly impossible to walk away from Ryder when all I wanted was to run into his arms. I got in my car and drove back to campus. As I drove, the only thing on my mind was his final words: my love.
I relived my time with Ryder. I didn’t play any music because my mood needed no enhancement.
Chapter Ten
I rushed to class after a quick shower. There was no Eric and Diane, which was a shame, because I had to tell him about the products I discovered. I pulled on some workout clothes so I could hit the gym later in the day. The transition from being Ryder’s lover to being Professor Curran’s student would be difficult. Since we had sex and cleared up the honesty issues, things had become more serious. Someone finding out about us seemed so much more risky. Our hearts were on the line, along with Ryder’s job and my education. The stakes were high and getting higher.
Before leaving my room, I had a conversation with Kelly.
“Hey, Kel. Good morning and goodbye. We are rarely here at the same time.”
“I know. You seem to be gone every weekend,” Kelly said.
“Yeah. I have been moving at a frenetic pace.”
“You must have been working-out a lot. You are walking as if you may have overdone it a bit. It looks like you have taken up horseback riding.”
“Horseback riding? Sounds fun but I have not been riding a horse.”
I was still feeling the effects of my time with Ryder. Riding his muscular body took its toll, but it was worth having a hitch in my giddy up. I noticed something different in the air. There was something missing, and it was Kelly’s breath. There was no offensive odor emanating from her mouth. Shit, the girl didn’t even have morning breath. I was pleasantly surprised.
“We should plan on dinner some night this week. We can take a run and go somewhere in town if you are up for it. I have a lot to tell you about,” Kelly said.
“Don’t tell me you are dropping out. Is Kansas calling you home? Am I a horrible roommate?” I said.
“No. Nothing like that at all. I am loving this place. I have been keeping myself occupied and I need some helpful hints.”
“Sounds intriguing. What’s up?”
“I don’t want to make you late. It is a long story and it can wait until we have more time.” Kelly threw her pillow over her head.
“Okay, I’m going to hold you to our get together later in the week. I am going to meet Max before class and I will have to tolerate his obnoxious behavior once again.”
“Later, Jenna. Tell Max I said hello.”
I bounced out of Leach Hall. For the first time in a long time, I felt carefree. Ryder and I were on an even keel. I was feeling invincible.
****
“Where were you Saturday night? You weren’t in your room?” Max was waiting for me before class as always.
“I was busy and I’m exhausted and I’m not in the mood for you.”
“Did lover boy make you clean his balls?” Max laughed at his own joke.
“Jokes don’t get much older than that,” I said.
“Sensitive this morning, aren’t we?”
“Grab our seats behind your gal pal, Valerie. I’m going to grab a drink of water.”
I looked out the window near the water cooler. I knew Ryder parked his car out back. I intended to give him a quick hello before class. I didn’t see his vehicle so I joined Max. I would have sent him a good morning text, but I couldn’t locate my phone. I assumed it fell out of my pocket at Ryder’s house over the weekend. It was likely filled with messages from him. I hoped he didn’t think I was ignoring him.
“Did you get hydrated? I am sure Ryder has been tough on you with the all of the golf stuff. It is more strenuous exercise than many think,” Max said. He looked at his phone. “Class is beginning late this morning. What did you do to the professor? He must be worn out from his weekend activities. You would know.”
“Shut up, Max. Did you notice the new do on our friend Rozi? I miss the messy ponytail.”
Corn-rows had replaced her ponytail. The girl was channeling her inner Bo Derek. The only problem was that there was no nearby beach. And it was autumn.
“Maybe a bird got caught in the thing and flew away with it.”
The room grew quiet as the dean and another man walked into the room.
“What the fuck is going on, Max? Why is the Dean here and who the hell is the guy with him? I don’t see Ryder anywhere.”
I thought that perhaps Ryder was ill. I got nervous because I had just seen him and he appeared well. We didn’t discuss chemo or cancer at all. There was so much happening with Sammy and Sally that I almost forgot about his illness. What if he had a relapse? I wished that I had my phone to call him. I hated that I relied on technology so much. It would have come in handy at that moment.
“For those of you who do not know me. I am Dean Meadows. I am also known as The Mean Dean.” The others laughed. “I assure you, I come in peace. Professor Ryder Curran is on leave. I will not get in to the reasons for his departure. I am here to introduce you to the man who is going to be teaching human sexuality for the remainder of the semester. Please meet Professor Allen Flynn.”
The rest of the semester?
The Dean walked off and Professor Flynn picked up where Ryder had left off. I didn’t listen to a word he was saying and neither did the rest of the class. Professor Flynn was tall, slender, and bald. He didn’t look like a human sexuality professor.
“Oh, shit. I was afraid something like this would happen.” Max squeezed my hand.
The chatter started immediately and I could feel all eyes upon me. I suffered through the lecture, not knowing if Ryder was alive or dead.
“I am sorry to have met you this way but I hope to make this a seamless transition. Please take a copy of the revised syllabus. I am not Ryder Curran but I am sure I can competently fill his shoes.” He was clearly trying to make the best of his sudden start.
“He may be able to fill Ryder’s shoes but I bet he can’t fill you up the same,” Max said with a laugh in his voice. I wanted to throttle him.
“Max. One more word and I will knee you in the crotch, and you know I will.”
I gathered my things and rushed out the door, hoping to find Dean Meadows before he left. I ran into the hallway.
“Dean Meadows, may I have a word with you,” I called out.
He looked at me though he was expecting me.
“Come over here, Ms. Walsh. I thought I would see you soon. Follow me please.”
I followed him into a vacant classroom.
“Jenna.” His voice echoed.
“Yes.” I swallowed hard.
“You were seen kissing Professor Ryder Curran while playing Putt-Putt on Thursday evening—”<
br />
Those were the only words my brain could process before it shut down.
Follow the passionate story of Jenna and Ryder in The Neighbor—Book 4 on November 12th
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Once complete The Neighbor series will consist of 4 books in total.
The Neighbor - Release schedule:
Book 1: October 8th
Book 2: October 22nd
Book 3: November 5th
Book 4: November 19th
This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places and incidents are products of the writer's imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2014 Claire Adams