Jessica glanced around and scrunched her nose. “Where do you sleep?”
“For now, the couch.”
“Oh.”
Jessica grabbed Becca’s hand and tugged her closer until their lips touched. Becca leaned into the kiss, delighted that she felt free to do so. It was only their fourth date in the last few weeks, but they seemed to get along well enough. Jessica moved her hands to Becca’s hips and guided her backward until she found the couch against the backs of her knees. With one sharp shove, Jessica pushed her down onto it. Becca bounced slightly, and when she looked up, she saw the desire in Jessica’s eyes.
She hadn’t intended on sleeping with her any time soon, but it was clear Jessica had other thoughts. Jessica straddled her, cupping her cheeks to kiss her again. Their few make-out sessions, starting with the one on their first date on the trunk of her car, had gone well enough, but something was missing, something not quite aligning.
Pressing her hands to Jessica’s sides, Becca moved her fingers until she could pull up Jessica’s shirt and feel her hot skin underneath. With her mouth occupied, she trailed her hands up until she cupped Jessica’s breasts and squeezed. Jessica moaned, and Becca did it again, hoping it was a good moan and not fake.
Jessica kissed her way down Becca’s neck, and Becca took the opportunity to drag Jessica’s shirt off and over her head. She marveled at the red and black lacy bra she wore underneath. Jessica had planned this. Slightly put off, Becca ignored it. She had to get over Kimberly and move on. This could only bring her one step closer to that.
Fingering the delicate fabric, Becca pulled it away from Jessica’s body, unhooking the catch and dropping it to the floor. She skimmed her thumbs across Jessica’s nipples then gripped her, pulling them together so they could kiss again. Kissing was good. Kissing distracted her from the fact that she wasn’t sure this was what she wanted to be doing, but she wasn’t going to stop either way.
When Jessica pulled away to breathe and smile, Becca took her chance and shifted so Jessica was flat on her back and she had the upper hand. Becca pushed Jessica’s maxi skirt up to her waist, pulled down her underwear and didn’t tease. She went straight for what she knew Jessica wanted.
With her mouth, she brought Jessica up, using her fingers to take her over the edge. She inched away, but Jessica gripped her hair hard and tugged her down. “Do it again,” she demanded.
Becca once more brought her to orgasm, Jessica’s legs shaking as she held them tightly with her hands against her chest. This time, Becca moved away before Jessica could pull her down again. Jessica walked backward on her elbows until she could sit up and lean against the armrest on the couch. She grinned wickedly in Becca’s direction, her golden locks falling around her breasts.
“Are you wet for me?”
The pit in Becca’s stomach hardened. She nodded, though she wasn’t sure it was true. The stark contrast from the way Kimberly talked to her while they had sex and the way Jessica did could not have been more prevalent. If Jessica hadn’t been in charge, they most likely never would have gotten this far, because Becca didn’t know if she wanted it.
Jessica shoved her hand between Becca’s legs and rubbed hard, almost uncomfortably. Becca listed forward and widened her stance so Jessica would have better access. Without thinking, she undid the button and zipper on her jeans and shoved them open and down her hips enough that Jessica could wiggle her hand in.
Doing just that, Jessica plunged two fingers in, forcing a guttural gasp from Becca’s lips. Jessica put one foot on the floor, giving her more stability and force to push as she thrust her fingers in and out. Becca gripped the top of the couch, leaning forward with each jerk of Jessica’s wrist. Jessica used her free hand to shove Becca’s shirt up and over her breasts, pulling down the cups of her bra.
The next time Becca jerked forward, Jessica took one of Becca’s nipples into her mouth and sucked hard, letting it pop as she moved back. Becca groaned, begging her body to start feeling pleasure faster, to end this quicker. Becca rocked her hips, trying to offer a better rhythm for Jessica to use, but she must not have noticed because she continued in her own pace.
Eventually, Becca leaned down next to Jessica’s ear and harshly said, “You have to rub it.”
Jessica let out a squeak then a growl. “I love it when you talk dirty.”
Shivering, Becca focused on her body, closing her eyes and listening to the sensations flowing through her nerves and over her skin. This was far more like a one-night stand than anything she and Kimberly had done. It felt raw and selfish. Neither of them cared if the other got off, just themselves.
Grunting, Becca drew in short breaths as her orgasm built, finally. She willed herself over the burst of pleasure, begging her body to answer her call for it. As soon as her muscles clenched, Jessica ripped her hand from Becca’s pants and left her clenching at nothing. Slowing her breathing, Becca finally opened her eyes as she steadied herself and saw Jessica happily licking her fingers one at a time, like she thought it was sexy.
Biting back the curse under her breath, Becca sat on her butt on the opposite side of the couch and released a long sigh. She brushed her hand over her hair and massaged the back of her neck lightly. Jessica was already redressing. Becca was lucky she’d hardly been undressed at all. She rolled her eyes, fixed her bra and tugged down her shirt before standing to button up her pants.
It was awkward as she turned to look at Jessica, wondering if they were just going to shake hands, say ‘thank you for the time’ and go their separate ways. Instead, Jessica tugged Becca down onto the couch and leaned her back against Becca’s front like they were long-time lovers.
“Let’s watch something,” Jessica said.
Not quite sure what had happened, Becca picked up the television remote and turned it on, cringing when it popped up to the food station she and Drew routinely watched, and lo and behold, none other than Chef Kim Burns was on, judging some sort of competition.
“Oh, I love her. Let’s watch this.”
Becca rolled her eyes, thankful Jessica couldn’t see her, and left the station on, staring at her old boss and ex-lover for the next three hours until Jessica finally admitted exhaustion and left with one soft sweet peck to Becca’s lips. As soon as Jessica had left, Becca changed the channel and went to take a shower.
Chapter Seventeen
When Becca’s first day of school finally arrived, her stomach was a bundle of nerves. She had gotten to her classroom insanely early that morning, making sure everything was in perfect order before the kids arrived. She’d gone on a walk through the campus, circling each of the buildings that housed four classrooms total as she tried to calm herself.
Miss Knorr laughed when she walked onto campus and grabbed Becca by the arm. “I was this nervous my first day, too.”
“Student teaching or as a full-time teacher?”
Grinning, Miss Knorr answered, “Both. Honestly, being fully in charge might have been worse.”
“Great,” Becca muttered. “Just what I have to look forward to next year.”
“That confident I’m going to pass you?” she teased.
Becca shrugged and grinned. “If I fail, I just wasted ten years of my life getting to this point.”
“You’ll do great.” Miss Knorr pressed a hand to Becca’s forearm and gave a gentle squeeze. “First day jitters are completely normal for everyone, teachers included.”
“I know. I guess I didn’t expect it to be this bad, seeing as I’m not the student anymore.”
Grinning, Miss Knorr shook her head, her dark afro moving slightly but popping back into place immediately. “I wish it worked that way too, but it doesn’t.”
Becca shrugged. “I told you I used to nanny, right?” At Miss Knorr’s nod, Becca continued, “Well, one of the kids I used to nanny is in the class. He’s really smart, but it’s going to be so weird to hear him call me ‘Miss Kline’. Won’t seem right for a while.”
“You’ll get used t
o it, and he’ll probably go right back to calling you Becca as soon as you’re not his teacher anymore.”
“You’re probably right.”
“I know I’m right. Come on. Let’s get to the classroom and get everything set to go for this morning.”
“Right.”
Becca followed Miss Knorr to the room and propped the door open, allowing the cool breeze to flow into it. Their classroom was toward the front of the campus, where the younger kids’ classes were. The older kids were farther away from the administration building. Their classroom was shaded by large trees, covering the sidewalks that led to the retaining wall out of the back door, which was rather secluded for a school.
Becca had only gone out there a handful of times, but Miss Knorr had shared that they would often put crafts out there to dry faster in good weather. They left that door closed the rest of the time to discourage children from heading in that direction, especially—according to Miss Knorr—for the first month or so of school when they were all getting used to the rules.
Becca busied herself making sure all the kids’ nametags were at the tables and the chairs were pushed in properly. Miss Knorr gave her a few more pitying stares before she looked up brightly as the first student showed up. She came around her desk to greet the student and parent. Becca stayed quietly in the back corner, not quite sure what she was supposed to do.
When Miss Knorr introduced her, she balked. Her mouth dried and all she could do was nod her head and wave at the tiny little girl who stood close to her dad. She heard her name again and had to refocus her attention. “Miss Kline will help you find your cubby and your seat, okay?”
“Okay,” the girl squeaked.
Becca walked over and bent down low so she was eye to eye with the blonde-haired, blue-eyed girl. “What’s your name?”
“Victoria Sampson,” she said triumphantly.
“Well, Victoria, I’m Miss Kline. It’s so good to meet you and have you here today.” Becca stood up. “Let’s find your cubby for your lunch box and backpack then find your seat. I think there might be some crayons and paper there, so you can color until the rest of the class gets here.”
“Oh, good!” Victoria answered. She dutifully followed Becca until they’d found her things.
Becca stood up from the table after making sure Victoria was settled and turned back to the door to see what she could do next. Immediately, she froze. There was Kimberly, as beautiful as ever. Her hair was down around her shoulders. She’d obviously had gotten it cut recently. Her eyes were bright as she exchanged words with Miss Knorr.
Her heart was in her throat. Becca swallowed hard, trying to make herself move, make herself breathe. Eventually she drew air into her lungs and lowered her gaze, realizing suddenly that it was a mistake. Becca’s gaze caught the shiny necklace that rested between Kimberly’s breasts and the dark, sweater-y fabric of her shirt. Lowering her gaze farther, Becca followed the curve of her hips down to her toes.
When she looked back up, Kimberly’s hazel eyes were staring straight back at her with her lips slightly ajar. Becca swallowed hard and stayed rooted on her spot. She didn’t break their eye contact until Michael saw her and ran straight for her, giving her the world’s biggest hug.
She wrapped her arms around him and clung on tightly, closing her eyes and breathing in his clean scent. Oh, how she’d missed him. Her heart broke as she continued to hold on to him, knowing this would likely be one of the last times she was allowed to. Eventually, she pulled back and held him by his shoulders to put some distance between them.
With a huge smile on her face, Becca looked him over again, making a big show of it. “I think you’ve grown a whole foot since I’ve seen you last, kiddo!”
“Don’t be silly, Becca.”
Turning her head to the side, Becca tsked him. “I’m one of your teachers now, Michael, so you’ll need to call me ‘Miss Kline’ while we’re in this room, okay?”
“Okay, Miss Kline.” He tried out her name, sliding the vowel of her last name out as long as he dared before grinning. “Mama’s here. You should go see her.” He grinned then leaned in close to Becca again. “I think she missed you a lot, too.”
“Aww, kiddo, that’s so sweet. Why don’t you go find your cubby and your desk, okay?”
“Okay.” Michael waltzed off in the opposite direction.
More students and parents filed in then out, but Kimberly stayed in the room, staring straight at Becca. It wasn’t until Miss Knorr got her attention and asked if she had any other questions that Kimberly jerked out of whatever trance she was in. Becca stayed with the children, preferring to avoid Kimberly at all costs.
Her voice was clear when she spoke, the brusque, raspy sound sending shivers up Becca’s spine. “Could I have a word with Becca for a minute?”
Miss Knorr looked back at Becca for confirmation before nodding. “She’s all yours.”
“Outside?”
“Your choice.”
Kimberly curled a finger at Becca, and Becca walked in her direction, not quite sure if she was in control of her own faculties or if Kimberly was pulling the strings like she was a marionette. When she reached Kimberly, they left the classroom and turned the corner to the back of the building between the class and the retaining wall.
With both hands on her hips and her chin jutted forward in anger, Kimberly grimaced. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“You knew I was looking for a student teaching position.”
“Yes, but here?” Kimberly drew in a deep breath. “Why didn’t you tell me? Don’t you think I deserved to know?”
Becca shook her head. “No. You’re not a part of my life anymore.”
“Clearly, I am.” Kimberly rolled her eyes and turned as if she were leaving, but she stopped short and moved back toward Becca. “You can’t tell me you didn’t want to see my reaction, didn’t want to see the shock on my face when I dropped him off today.”
“I didn’t know they would put me in his classroom. I have no control over that.”
“You could have chosen another school.”
“There was no other option.” Becca kept her face stone cold. Her heart and stomach told a different story, but she didn’t want to let Kimberly in on how truly hurt she felt. She didn’t want this space between them.
“Bullshit.”
“Language. This is an elementary school, and there are students all around us.” Becca’s lips thinned as she raised her chin.
Kimberly drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. Then she licked her lips and looked Becca up and down twice. “I’m glad Michael will have a familiar face around here. He’s been very nervous about school starting, especially with all the sudden changes he had recently.”
“It’s not like you didn’t keep the instability around before me,” Becca shot back. “I was the only one willing to put up with you long enough to give him some semblance of normalcy.”
Kimberly’s mouth opened, but then she shut it. She clenched her jaw and closed her eyes, rubbing them before she stepped away from Becca. “I should let you get back.”
“You should,” Becca answered. “I have a job to do, and I won’t have you impeding on my work any longer.”
As Becca went to step past and go to the classroom, Kimberly grabbed her hand and laced their fingers. She brushed her thumb over the top of Becca’s hand until Becca turned to look down at Kimberly. “What happened?”
“Now is not the time to talk about this.”
“I know, but…I want to know what happened. You just left.”
“You were my boss.”
“I know.” Tears brimmed in Kimberly’s eyes. “I know, and I crossed way too many boundaries to even be worthy of that title, but I never got the sense from you that you didn’t want it to happen.”
“I did,” Becca confessed. “I did want it. But if you’ll excuse me, I have students to teach, including your son.”
Without another word, Becca broke the connection of their
hands and went into the classroom, leaving Kimberly to fend for herself. She didn’t look back, no matter how much she wanted to, and when she got inside, she dared herself not to look out of the window and see if Kimberly was still standing there, watching and waiting.
Miss Knorr clapped her hands together to get the kids’ attention. She started with one clap, then said, “If you can hear me, clap once.”
Only one or two students listened. She then clapped twice, saying, “If you can hear me, clap twice.”
She went all the way up until five before she had every students’ attention. When they were all looking at her, she smiled. “I’m Miss Knorr, and I’m going to be your teacher for the year. It’s so good to meet all of you. We’re going to play some games later to get to know one another better, but for right now, I want to introduce you to Miss Kline. Miss Kline is a student too, just like you, and she’s learning how to be a teacher, just like me. So, she’s going to be with us for a few months to learn. Isn’t that awesome?”
The kids responded with excitement, and Becca waved nervously at them. She smiled then waited for Miss Knorr to continue her lesson for the day, which was really mostly an introduction of rules and names. She’d mentioned it would be that for the better part of two weeks while they all adjusted to everything in the classroom.
When Becca gave in and looked up, Kimberly was gone.
Kimberly watched and listened through the window as the teacher made her introductions. She could barely see Becca standing in the corner of the classroom, her beige slacks clinging to her slight hips and her button-up shirt not hiding what she knew was underneath.
Her heart had done a full stop when she’d looked up and seen Becca standing there, staring straight at her. She’d felt betrayed once again, as Becca had clearly had all the control and all the knowledge of what was happening, and she had been left completely in the dark. She’d wanted to take Michael and run but knew that as soon as he’d seen her, the game was over.
Love Burns Page 19