The Good Student

by Espino, Stacey

  Kaya was twenty-six, but unfortunately looked a lot younger than her age. What was he thinking? Was he actually considering pursuing a relationship with one of his students? He never expected to find a companion after his divorce, especially at his age, and basically wrote off his love life. Hayden poured his heart into his work and students because it was all he had left. The lonely nights in his condo watching movies or marking assignments were far from fulfilling. He craved to bond with a female for more than sex. A life partner was something he dreamed of, but it continued to elude him.

  The new girl brought out all his raw feelings and needs to the surface. She reminded him that he was a man, not just some degree stuffed in a suit. He wanted to fuck her. It had been so long. He also wanted to connect with her; to pull her into his solitary world. There was more to her than this innocent seduction. He bet his last dollar she played a role far beyond her understanding. But he knew the game well.

  Hayden wanted her to submit to him. To allow him to show her an erotic mix of pleasure and pain that she had to idea existed.

  Chapter Five

  “So, how’s Project Taylor coming along?” asked Cynthia.

  “Just fine. You wouldn’t happen to know how old he is, would you?”

  “Sixty?”

  Kaya pushed her friend off the sidewalk. “You’re so dumb! Not even close.”

  “I’m just bugging you. I’ll try and find out. Whatever he is, he’s too old for you.”

  “Age is just a number,” said Kaya.

  “You think that now. Wait another ten years when you’re still hot, but Taylor’s in diapers.”

  “Cynthia!”

  “Sorry. I couldn’t resist.”

  They entered the coffee shop, the small bells clinked against the glass door as they entered. Their usual little table by the window was vacant.

  After settling in their seats for just a few minutes, Mike and his friend bound through the doors bringing a rush of cool air into the shop.

  “Kaya!” Mike pulled up a chair, scraping the metal legs across the tiles. “Fancy meeting you here.” He was the kind of guy you had to laugh at even when they were annoying.

  “We come here everyday, Mike. Like you don’t know,” said Cynthia, shaking her head.

  “Hi, Mike,” said Kaya.

  “Have you had your meeting with Taylor yet?”

  “No. You?”

  He grumbled and slouched in the chair. “He’s a hard ass. He expects us to have that assignment done by the end of this week.”

  “Kaya’s already finished,” offered Cynthia.

  “Wow. Maybe you could give me some private tutoring.” His smile was devilish. The guy tried so hard. He would be fun in the sack, but that was not what she needed in her life right now. Younger men were a bad idea all around.

  Every time she looked at Mike she envisioned Mr. Taylor reprimanding him. There was no way she could choose Mike over him after that. She wanted the real deal. The man, not the boy.

  “You should talk with Mr. Taylor. I’m sure he’d spend time with you after class.”

  “That’s not what I had in mind,” he said. “I’m trying to ask you out, but I’m failing epically.”

  Kaya turned to Cynthia with pleading eyes. “Mike. Kaya just transferred. She has a lot on her mind, and I know for a fact that she’s sworn off dating. For now anyway.” Cynthia saves the day. Her friend may ride her hard about her choices, but she was still her best friend and knew her better than anybody.

  “That’s cool. Good things come to those who wait.” Mike brushed his mop of hair back and studied Kaya. “I can wait.”

  Kaya and Cynthia decided to order two smoothies to go, pineapple and blueberry. She savored the sweet, tropical flavors as they walked back to the university. Leaving seemed preferable to the awkwardness between her and Mike at the coffee shop.

  “What is with him?” asked Kaya.

  “You’re obsessed with Mr. Taylor. He’s obsessed with you. The dysfunctional circle of life.”

  “Let’s walk by his office. Maybe I’ll be able to see him.”

  “You’re nuts. And you’re on your own," said Cynthia.

  “Fine.”

  When they reached the campus grounds they split up. Kaya hoped to casually bump into Mr. Taylor. Her need to see him again gave her the necessary drive.

  Once in the hallway, Samantha stopped Kaya in a rush.

  “Hey. I missed philosophy. Anything I should know?” she cradled a stack of books in her arms.

  “Actually, we just had a study period. Mr. Taylor’s interviewing groups of students for—"

  Someone purposely bumped Kaya in the shoulder making her stumble back slightly. She whirled around to find Mr. Taylor walking away from her backwards. “Don’t forget group day tomorrow.” His smiled beamed. Kaya couldn’t move or speak. The man mesmerized her. He also confused her to no end. Was the bump a silly teacher act or the move of a man interested in a woman? Was he flirting or just being fun? She wanted to scream for answers.

  “Look I’ve gotta go. You didn’t miss anything. I’ll see you in class tomorrow,” Kaya said as quickly as possible. She followed after Mr. Taylor down the hallway which bustled with students. His blond head bobbed up and down through the crowd, and she pushed her way through the bodies colliding with her, determined not to lose him.

  At the end of the hallway, where few students remained, she stopped, having lost track of him. Shit.

  “Are you following me, Miss. Waters?”

  Kaya spun to her left. Mr. Taylor stood in front of a closed office door, watching her. Just setting her eyes on him made her pussy moisten. What was it about him? Was it his looks, his body, his intelligence, or his position? Maybe all of the above.

  For a moment she was at a loss for words. “Sorry, sir. I just wanted to ask you a couple questions.” Then she added, “About the assignment.”

  “That’s no problem. Come on into my office.” He turned and opened the lock behind him. Kaya followed him in. The door shut on its own accord with a distinct click reminding her they were now completely alone and in the privacy of his office. This was exactly what she'd hoped for, but it also brought out the fear of the unknown. Kaya was usually a wall flower, not schooled on seduction.

  She scanned the windowless room. The décor was a mix of browns and tans, comforting. Books upon books lined ceiling-high bookshelves. He even had his own small kitchenette which wasn’t kept nearly as neat and tidy as his personal appearance. Art decorated the walls. Some with an African flare, others from South America. She recognized the styles, and wondered if he travelled to some of the countries she had frequented during her life on the road. At least the man had substance, unlike Eric or any of the other twenty-somethings available en mass.

  “Nice,” she said spinning around to take everything in.

  “This is my little hideaway between classes.” He hit the button on his answering machine and then sat at his desk. He leafed through papers while listening to his messages, all work related, and motioned Kaya to sit on the sofa behind her.

  She watched him fiddle with paper and files. He paid no attention to her. Just another bothersome student vying for his personal time. His trademark T-shirt hugged his shoulders and chest, outlining firm muscle. He took care of his body and her pussy clenched as she pictured him pulling off his shirt and charging her. The leather under her was cool and supple. It made her think of all the dirty things they could do on it. She wouldn’t refuse him if he made a move.

  A minute later, he shifted to face her. “So… Miss. Waters. What can I help you with?”

  Her mind drew a blank. She had no reason to be in his office. With her assignment easily finished the first day, she didn’t need any help. Her heart began to beat wildly. Her nerves spiked.

  “Kaya?” He rose from his wooden chair and slowly walked around the desk. She followed his every move, every step. Everything lured her in—the way his dress pants hung off his narrow hips, the sound
of her name on his lips, and the dominant vibe he exuded. He sat on the sofa. Not right beside her, but at the opposite end. It felt like an ocean remained between them. Forget accidentally touching him, he was out of reach entirely. He lounged back into a comfortable recline and studied her reflectively. Hayden moved and spoke with such confidence, something she hadn't achieved yet.

  “Do you live with your parents?” he asked.

  “No. They’re in Ethiopia on missionary work. They won’t be back.”

  “So you’re on your own here?”

  She nodded and swallowed the lump in her throat. “I’m not a little girl,” she whispered, maintaining eye contact. Okay. She’d done it. Crossed the line of no return. Mr. Taylor would have to see that comment for what it was, her pathetic attempt at erotic seduction.

  “How was it living within all those different cultures growing up?”

  Nothing?

  “Um. It was…lonely. I think my parents were so busy trying to be everything for everyone that they forgot they had a child. We did settle here when I went to high school. Once I turned an adult, I decided their lifestyle wasn’t the one I wanted for myself.”

  “What’s your plan, Miss. Waters?”

  She scoffed. “I’m not too sure of that. Guess I want roots more than anything. It’s no fun moving from one place to another and starting over from scratch. I don’t want that kind of life. As for education, I’ve always liked working with kids. Once I finish up my bachelor’s degree, I hope to go to teacher’s college.”

  “We have something in common then. You sound like you have a good head on your shoulders.”

  “I’m not like most of your students.”

  She wet her lips. She could barely breathe. The intimacy in the room felt strong and thick, for her anyway. Kaya monitored the rise and fall of his chest and the firm softness of his lips. His blue eyes were bright and inviting, displaying depth of character.

  “What’s that mean?” she nodded to the symbol on his shirt. Some type of design with roman numerals she couldn’t place. When he looked down at himself, she shuffled over until their thighs collided. Kaya reached out and touched the symbol over his chest in innocent observation. Inside, she thought she’d die if he didn’t reciprocate her gentle advance. Just touching him lightly through the cotton material made her lower stomach churn with a burning need.

  “My graduating class in college. Long time ago.” His hand rested on top of hers, and she looked up into his eyes. So close. “Kaya…” He strained to speak, but stopped.

  “Hayden.”

  He smiled at that. “My parent’s hated me.”

  “I think it’s cute,” she said, leaning closer to him. “How old are you?”

  “Forty-two.”

  Her expression didn’t change. She did think he looked a lot younger, but it didn’t matter to her. She wanted him regardless of his age.

  “You’re so young for a university professor.”

  “You call that young? You’re young, Kaya. Twenty-six and just starting your life.”

  She shook her head. “It’s never too late to start over.” They locked eyes, both scarcely breathing. He looked spectacular up close—masculine with mature lines weathering his face.

  “Kaya. Don't.”

  His hand still rested on hers and her palm continued to test the firm pecs. He felt so fucking good. She leaned more weight against him, not willing to turn back now.

  ****

  Kaya’s intentions became clearer than a summer’s day when she moved closer to him on the sofa. As soon as her body pressed against him, his blood fired hot and his cock stiffened in his slacks. He wanted Kaya like he never wanted another woman in his life. Holding onto his control against the onslaught of sweet advances proved too difficult. His lust lulled him into a state where it was just the two of them and the world went away. She smelled of strawberry shampoo, so sweet.

  His brain kept fighting with his desire. She was his student. They were in his office. He didn’t want to be “that guy”, the pervert teacher that took advantage of his students. Because he had never looked at his female students with lust and prided himself on his professionalism. This girl changed all the rules. She was older and more mature than the rest and gorgeous as sin. He wanted her…all of her…for keeps. Why couldn’t he have met her at the gym, at the park, anywhere but here?

  “You don’t want this, Kaya,” he murmured. Her soft, pink lips were only inches from his.

  “Yes, I do.”

  She continued to press into him, making a retreat impossible. Fuck it. He leaned in and brushed his lips against hers. She closed her eyes, and made a delicate mewling sound. The feminine cry travelled through his senses, making his urge to touch her, taste her, almost unbearable. She'd awoken the beast, his dormant sexuality stretching and awakening after a long hibernation.

  Her hand slid away from under his and travelled down his stomach as they exchanged soft, light kisses. The room was so quiet. He could hear their lips parting as they tasted, explored. Hayden forgot what it felt like to really kiss a woman. When she reached his lap in search of his cock, his brain jolted back to life and he leapt up to his feet.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “We can’t do this, Kaya. It’s not right. Please understand my position.” He tried to catch his breath, unsuccessfully. It sounded like he'd just finished a marathon.

  Hayden paced the room, running both hands through his cropped hair. He’d gone and done it. He started something intimate with a student and there was no going back. If news got loose, he’d be fired on the spot. A thousand thoughts whirled in his head, his heart beating like a jack rabbit.

  “Don’t you like me?” she asked tentatively.

  Kaya. He couldn’t push her away, not when she looked so fucking adorable. “Yes, that's the problem.”

  Chapter Six

  Inwardly, Kaya smiled. No matter how much he refused her now, she knew she had him. He kissed her with passion, not pity. Anything he said now was said out of fear because of their student-teacher relationship. She wouldn’t allow him to deny her, not when she was so close to unraveling his boundary line.

  His breath had smelled like the chocolate mints he always carried. His lips were both firm and soft. She'd lost herself completely when they kissed—sweet, gentle, hungry. There was a soul-deep connection between them. Time seemed to stand still as they gently explored each other.

  Even under her brief evaluation, she knew his cock would be impressive. She had to hold back her laughter when he leapt away from her touch. The guy’s dick was rock hard, but he still fought for control. She enjoyed the challenge, now that she knew he reciprocated her desire. He was a man after all.

  “I better go to my next class,” she said. She stood and adjusted her sweater. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” Kaya looked at the crotch of his pants and back up to his face and smiled before disappearing out the door.

  ****

  Kaya was called in for the last round of interviews the next day. She half expected Mr. Taylor wouldn’t call her at all after what happened between them. Would he act like nothing happened? Take extra care to ignore her? She hadn’t seen him all class. He continually sent in students to call the next five to his office, never appearing himself.

  Finally her name was called, along with four others, including Mike. She wondered if Hayden planned it that way. Mike was more than obvious with his crush on Kaya. He had to be sent back to his seat on numerous occasions by Mr. Taylor.

  Once their group reached the office, Kaya felt ready to burst with anticipation. Mike held the door open and they all entered, one by one. Mr. Taylor sat at this desk, leaning back in the leather chair, tapping a pencil against his lips. She tried to make eye contact but he wouldn't look in her direction.

  Four of them huddled together on the sofa, and a boy named Than sat in the chair facing the desk. Mr. Taylor proceeded to repeat some rehearsed speech about the assignment, lacking his usual silly mannerisms that the stud
ents respected. She knew why he was distracted, and it all revolved around her. Even with the others in the room, she could feel the sexual tension between them. He looked amazing in his red shirt which highlighted his dirty-blond hair. His silver watch fit loosely on his wrist as he played with the pencil, as if it held some great interest. She eyed the muscles twitching in his forearms and the heavy set to his eyes as he concentrated on nothing. Kaya knew better.

  “Is it okay if Kaya tutors me on the assignment? I’m helpless,” said Mike. She awaited Mr. Taylor’s response even more eagerly than Mike.

  “That sounds like a smart move. Students should stick together and help each other.”

  “I’m really busy with school and work. I wouldn't be much help. I’m sorry, Mike. Maybe someone else?” She scowled at Mr. Taylor, but he only briefly glanced at her.

  “Kaya. Always playing hard to get,” muttered Mike. He checked his own watch and rose as the period ended. She wanted to tell him to move on and leave her the hell alone. He was becoming a road block to her pursuit of Mr. Taylor.

  As everyone left the room, Kaya brought up the rear. She didn’t even turn back, but slammed the door shut when the last student left and locked the door from the inside.

  She took exaggerated breaths to keep up with her rising heartbeat. When she turned, she kept her back pressed to the door. Mr. Taylor didn’t budge or speak. He just sat there at his desk staring at her. She remembered their kiss and so did her body, still coiled tight.