Professor Cline: Redeemed (Professor #2)

by J. M. La Rocca

  I looked at him curiously. “Okay?”

  He paused for a moment then cleared his throat.

  “Would you like to come to dinner with me Saturday night?”

  I fumbled for words as I realized what he’d asked me. Was he asking because he’d honestly wanted me to come as a date, or was it his way of getting his parents off his back? Either way, it didn’t matter. I was with Mason, but I knew of someone who might want to go.

  “I’m sorry, Brian. I have to work this weekend, but I do know someone who might be interested. I promise you she’s pretty, single, no gapped front teeth, and she definitely doesn’t snort.” I laughed as the image of Victoria snorting flashed through my mind.

  The door to the classroom opened and I was distracted from what I was saying by an older man walking into the room. He placed his briefcase on Mason’s desk then grabbed a marker and wrote ‘Professor Scherf’ on the board.

  I turned to Brian who was looking at me with a confused expression.

  “Good morning, class. Today, I’ll be stepping in for Professor Cline, who is out for personal reasons. If you have any concerns that you need addressed right away, please see me after class and we will get them taken care of.”

  He pulled open a folder on the desk and began to write something down.

  “Well, I guess today will be interesting,” Brian stated as he opened his notepad.

  Disappointment flowed through me as I watched the sub shuffle papers on Mason’s desk. I’d woken up that morning anticipating being able to see him, but it apparently wasn’t going to happen.

  My mind wandered as I thought of the many reasons why he’d miss his classes. He wasn’t the kind of man to do so for no good reason. Maybe he was sick.

  I glanced over at Brian who was lost in this computer, obviously forgetting about the conversation we were just having. I leaned down to grab my phone out of my purse, pulled up his number and quickly sent a text.

  Me: You’re not in class today. I hope everything is okay. If you’re sick, let me know if there is anything I can do.

  I placed my phone on my desk just as the sub started to speak, but nothing he was saying was registering in my brain. My concentration was on my phone as I waited for a reply.

  A reply I never received.

  The class dragged on, and what started as a happy day turned into a crappy one that couldn’t end fast enough.

  It wasn’t only about not being able to see Mason, but the damn sub handed out sheets of paper that we had thirty minutes to review before we had to stand up and give an oral argument.

  My mind wasn’t into it, and the day turned into a complete fail. I’d berated myself when I’d walked out of the classroom for letting something so stupid get my mind off what was most important to me. I promised myself I wouldn’t let it happen again.

  ~*~

  “What’s up with you?” Victoria asked as I sat down on her old floral couch with a glass of wine.

  “Nothing,” I said, taking a sip of my wine then staring at the contents.

  I was lying, and I knew she knew it. Mason hadn’t arrived to his Wednesday class, either, and he never replied to any of my texts or calls. As much as I told myself not to read into it, I couldn’t help it.

  Why have a damn cell phone if you’re never going to use it?

  “You’re full of shit, Em.”

  “Hello, I’m here!” Becky yelled from across the apartment. “Sorry I’m late. I almost missed the damn train, too.” She laughed as she made her way into the room, eyes pinned on me. “Oh, damn, you already broke out the wine. I better get some,” she stated as she dashed to the kitchen.

  “Where’d you just come from? You aren’t dressed like you just got off work,” Victoria asked Becky as she came back into the room, wine in hand.

  “I told you I had my V appointment today,” she stated, pointing between her legs.

  “Oh, yeah.” Victoria laughed.

  “I just took the rest of the day off, so I was already at home.”

  “And you were running late?” I added with a smile.

  Becky shrugged. “I took a nap. So, what’s been going on?”

  “I was just asking Em what was up her butt.”

  I raised a brow at Victoria. “And I was just telling Victoria that nothing is up my butt.”

  I hate when they did this. Victoria was the most perceptive of the three of us, and she didn’t stop until she got what she wanted.

  “You keep staring off in space. Something is up. Is it Mason? Did something happen?”

  “Oh, man,” Becky added. “You might as well just give her something. You know she won’t quit until she gets it out of you.

  “Why do we get like this?” I asked.

  “Get like what?” Victoria questioned with a raised brow.

  “When a guy doesn’t call, we start getting all these scenarios in our mind as to why they aren’t responding.”

  “Did you get that way about Tim?” Victoria asked, going for the jugular. Ouch.

  I thought about that for a minute and realized I didn’t. I never worried. Maybe that was the problem.

  “You like this guy, Em, so of course you’re going to be down about not hearing from him. Did you not see him in school?”

  I hadn’t told either of them that he had been out since Monday.

  I shook my head. “He hasn’t been in school this week. I’ve tried to call and text him, but he’s not responding.

  “Maybe he’s sick or something,” Becky added.

  “That’s what I was thinking.” I took a healthy sip of wine and stared into it. “I really like him. Like, really like him, and it’s messing with my head. Ever since the first day of class, he’s always on my mind.”

  “It’s good to be consumed, Em, but remember that you have a future you’re going to school for. Don’t let yourself lose sight of that. You’ll hate yourself in the end if you let that happen.”

  I loved that she was so protective and nurturing, but she wasn’t telling me anything I hadn’t already chastised myself about.

  “I know. That’s why I’m trying not to let it get to me.”

  “Just go see him,” Becky blurted after taking a sip from her wine. “You know where he lives.” She shrugged as Victoria and I looked at her like she was crazy. “You could make him a ‘get well’ basket and bring it to him. I mean, at least then if something was fishy, you’d find out right away and you’d just look like you were being a concerned and loving girlfriend.”

  I wouldn’t deny that the idea of going to his house hadn’t crossed my mind. It would be a sweet gesture, especially since he could really be sick and not well enough to use his phone.

  Just the thought had me furrowing my brow in sympathy. Nothing was worse than being sick with no one there to take care of you.

  “That’s actually not a bad idea,” I confessed.

  “You can’t be serious,” Victoria chimed in.

  “What? You think it’s a bad idea?” Becky asked. “I think it’s the best idea I’ve come up with lately,” she stated with a laugh.

  “No, I’m just surprised she thinks it’s a good idea,” she said, looking toward me.

  I shrugged with a small smile as I thought about knocking on his door. It made me nervous. It would be a bold move since I wasn’t the type of person to show up to a guy’s house uninvited.

  “You don’t think I’m just losing my mind with lust for the man and I’m overanalyzing it all?” I asked, scrunching up my nose.

  Victoria shrugged. “So what if you are? If you think he’s as in to you as you are with him, then don’t worry about it. Guy’s love to be babied.”

  “You’re right,” I agreed. “I’m going to do it. I mean, it’s a nice gesture, right? He said he wanted to try things out. This is me trying and being sweet.”

  “Exactly.” Becky smiled.

  “Okay, so, since that’s been hashed out, what are we doing this weekend? All this guy drama has really gotten me in t
he mood for some man love. It’s been way too long,” Becky stated, and we all laughed.

  “I can’t do this weekend. I’m working at the club.”

  “And I have a date,” blurted Victoria.

  “What?” Becky yelled in surprise. “When did that happen?”

  “I set her up,” I told Becky with a smile.

  Brian and I never finished the conversation we’d had on Monday, so Wednesday I’d suggested Victoria as a possible date for him since I wouldn’t be available. I showed him a picture of her I had on my phone and I could tell he was holding back a smile of approval. Then I took a picture of him and sent it to Victoria, telling her what was going on and to see if she’d be interested. She agreed in a matter of minutes, and that was that.

  “She set me up with her study partner, Brian. It’s been a while since I’ve been out on a date, and he’s actually really hot. So, I’m excited,” Victoria stated with a giggle.

  I smiled at them as they started talking about what Victoria was going to wear on her date. I wanted to join in, but the only thing that kept running through my mind was seeing Mason. I’d made up my mind to go, but the whole idea made me nervous. It was just a friendly gesture. I just needed to figure out when I was going to do it.

  The sooner, the better.

  Twenty-six

  Mason

  The week dragged on, and Luke was there for most of it. Every day, he'd come over to check on my wound and every day, he'd stay and hang out with me. I think he felt obligated even though I told him numerous times I didn't need a babysitter. It aggravated me, but I appreciated it at the same time. The week had been hard. I was plagued by memories of Sophia and all the evil things I'd done in my past. I couldn't let them go. I tried to bury them and think of other things, but they always seemed to find their way to the forefront of my mind.

  When Luke was over, I acted as normal as possible, but I knew he could sense that I wasn't all there. He could tell I was off in my own little world, but he kept it to himself, which I was thankful for. I knew he was waiting for me to make the decision to call someone, but I was waiting.

  On Wednesday, I received a phone call from Victor telling me he was going to have someone look in on all the finances at Slone & Cline, and he would let me know if they came up with any discrepancies. I was glad he'd called me to let me know, even though Donicko had already told me as much. Part of me wanted to tell Victor to watch what he discussed in his own office due to the bugs I was told were planted, but I left it alone. Hopefully, Donicko would be put away soon enough, and no one would have to worry about it.

  After taking a brief shower, I headed down the stairs, hobbling as I went, and made my way to the kitchen. My staff was back, so my fridge was again stored with ready-made foods, a luxury I'd missed while Lexi was away. I grabbed a container of chicken salad and a bottle of water and slowly walked to a bar stool at the island.

  I took a few bites and thought about my classes. I'd missed a whole week, something I'd never done before. The substitute was good, but nowhere near as good as me. I knew that was one of the reasons Emma had texted me on Monday. I'd wanted to reply to her, but I didn't know what to say. All the beautiful things that had happened Friday night were washed away by the darkness of my past. It was a hole I didn't know how to dig myself out of. Every time she'd call or text, it was like a reminder of why she shouldn't be with me. I was no good for her, no matter how much I wanted her. Once my plan was set into motion, she wouldn't want anything to do with me, anyway. It was better I ended things before I let it get too far.

  Leaning forward, I reached across the island, grabbed my cell and pulled up the last text she'd sent me the day before.

  Emma: Mason, please respond to me.

  I'd wanted to, but I didn't know what to say. I had so many other things occupying my mind.

  I set my phone down and continued to eat. After a few minutes, I heard the front door open and footsteps heading my way.

  "How's it going?" Luke asked as he stepped into the kitchen.

  I placed my fork down and pushed the container away.

  "You know, you should just move in. It'd save you on gas."

  "Aww, Mase." He smiled. "Are you grouchy today?"

  "Don't patronize me."

  "I'm not." He chuckled. "Just pointing out the facts."

  I turned on the bar stool and slowly stood up. "You know, I can take care of the bandage on my own. You don't need to keep coming over to check on it."

  He shrugged. "Yeah, I know that, but no matter what you say, I'm still going to keep checking on you."

  I sighed and let it go. There was nothing more I could say. He was still waiting for me to make a move to get help.

  "Drop your pants," he ordered as he came to stand next to me.

  I did as he asked and pulled my sweats down. The stitches weren't the best, but they looked to be doing their job. I stood and waited as he leaned down to look over them.

  "They look good."

  "I know. I could have just told you that. Unless you wanted to see me with my pants down." I smirked as I pulled my sweats back up.

  Luke scoffed. "Don't be a dick."

  I laughed and was about to ask him if he wanted something to eat when the doorbell rang.

  I turned my head in the direction of the door then looked at Luke.

  "You expecting anyone?"

  I shook my head, not knowing who it could possibly be. It wouldn't be Rachel. I'd received a voicemail from John the other day letting me know she had moved out and the wedding was off.

  "You want me to see who it is?"

  "Yeah, if you don't mind."

  Luke walked off, and I stayed in my seat and waited. After a few moments, I heard muffled talking. I could tell it was a feminine voice, and I hoped like hell it wasn't Rachel. I knew if it were, I'd lose my shit. That was the last thing I needed.

  I grabbed my water bottle and took a drink just as Luke walked back into the kitchen with a smile.

  I raised a brow at his expression.

  “Someone by the name of Emma is here to see you.”

  I furrowed my brow in confusion then stood up to walk to the door. Emma’s here. Now. Of all the people who could’ve showed up at my door, I wouldn’t have thought it’d be her.

  “You know,” Luke started as he followed me down the hall. “You’re lucky she didn’t see me first. You should have seen the look she gave me when I opened the door.”

  I approached the door and stopped to turn to Luke. “I think it’s time you left now,” I told him with a smile as I reached for the knob and opened it.

  He laughed and placed a hand on my shoulder. “I’ll call you tomorrow, okay?” he asked, switching back to concerned mode.

  I nodded and watched as he walked out the door before my eyes finally drifted to Emma’s. Just seeing her standing there made everything I knew I had to do that much harder.

  I smiled and moved aside so she could walk through.

  “I really hope you don’t mind that I stopped by. I hadn’t heard from you in a couple of days and figured you might be sick, so I brought you a ‘get well’ basket,” she rambled as she lifted the basket to show me.

  I smiled at her gesture and guided her into the sitting room to the right.

  “I appreciate the thought,” I told her as I took the basket from her and placed it on the table, then walked slowly toward the couch and sat down. She followed close behind and sat next to me.

  I gazed at her and we sat there, not saying a word. She was so fucking beautiful and all I wanted to do was dominate that mouth of hers, but I knew I couldn’t do it. I needed to end things and get it over with, no matter how much I didn’t want to.

  Everything changed for me that night at Donicko’s. If the plan I have in play ends up working, I don’t want Emma anywhere near me. Although, I was sure once she knew the truth, she’d leave on her own.

  My eyes drifted from hers down to the lip she was nibbling on, and I had to look away.<
br />
  “Are you sick?” she asked suddenly.

  “No,” I answered honestly.

  She furrowed her brow for a brief moment then asked another question.

  “Is everything okay?” She sounded concerned.

  I sighed and leaned forward, trying not to tighten the muscle on my thigh and pull the stitches.

  “No,” I answered again.

  I didn’t know what else to say. The mask I’d worn was gone. The guilt and lies felt like they were burned into my flesh, on display for everyone to see. I hadn’t been okay in a very long time, and it would be another very long time before I was okay again.

  “Can I be honest with you for a minute?”

  I turned to look at her again to see her expression had changed.

  “I’ve told you, Emma. I always want you to be honest with me.”

  She nodded and looked down at her lap, a trait that reminded me so much of Sophia.

  “I’m getting a vibe like you don’t want me here.”

  I lifted my hands and rubbed at my eyes, biding my time. I didn’t know what to say. I did want her there, but then again, she needed to be as far away from me as possible. My mind was such a jumbled mess that I was giving myself a headache.

  Sitting back, I reached a hand out, wrapped it around her neck and pulled her closer to me. She looked surprised at first, but she didn’t pull away. I watched her looking at me, and I could see what she was feeling. All of it. She was unsure of my feelings, but lustful enough not to care.

  Bringing her closer, I closed my eyes as our foreheads touched.

  “I do want you here, Emma. I just have so much going on right now.”

  She pulled back slightly and adjusted herself on the couch so she was sitting closer to me. Then she lifted a hand and rested it on my cheek.

  “I told you I didn’t want this. I told you I needed to focus on school. You’re the one who said you wanted to do this. I’m here. You changed my mind. I never experienced what I did last Friday with anyone but you. I don’t want to lose that. That’s a ‘once in a lifetime’ feeling. If you can’t succumb to it, then you need to tell me, Mason. Please, don’t string me along. I wouldn’t be able to handle it.”