Beautiful Burn(4)

I broke out in a loud laugh. Her eyes caught mine before she joined me. “Why are you with him then?”

She shrugged as her giggle quieted. “He’s fun.”

“Sometimes fun is a good thing,” I flirted.

“Fun can be a very good thing,” her voice dropping as her eyes sparkled with mischief. Sitting across from me now, she seemed much more grown up than when I'd taught her before. My eyes drifted up from her shoes, the snug, washed denim clinging to her legs, the dip of her waist, and the swell of her breasts beneath the fitted tank and red plaid shirt she wore untucked and open.

I chastised myself for looking and averted my eyes. I couldn’t deny that she was attractive, always had been. I also couldn’t deny that we’d always had some sort of pull to each other. Never had it crossed into inappropriate territory, but somehow Auburn and I, her teacher and nearly ten years her senior, had a friendship, chemistry, an undefinable pull to each other. An easy banter existed between us, one that I’d had with different people before, but never with a student.

I swallowed and opted to redirect the conversation. I suppose I considered Auburn a friend on some level, but hearing about her current romantic relationships was not something I was interested in. “So what are your plans for the summer?”

“Nothing much. I usually spend the summer near campus, but my grandma had a stroke, so I'm home spending the summer with her. I'm helping her with cleaning and cooking, taking her to therapy.” Her face softened as she spoke of someone that was obviously very important to her. “I tried to get Callie to come home with me, but she wouldn't hear of it.” I vaguely recalled her shorter, mouthier best friend. “She's got a job and a boyfriend.” Auburn waved a hand dismissively. She was always so animated -- I'd forgotten that about her.

“No traveling? The beach?”

“The beach probably, but traveling? No. Michigan is the asshole of the Midwest -- you have to drive around a massive body of water to get anywhere worth going.” She commented, flippant.

“Why would you want to drive around it? We’re lucky to live on the Great Lakes. So much to do with all that fresh water. Fishing, snowboarding, kayaking…have you kayaked the shore? It’s an experience.”

“Mr. West, didn’t know you were so active. A real go-getter.” Her eyes came alive when she laughed.

I chuckled and replied. “I spent a lot of my time wanting to get out, but at some point it dawned that we live in one of the best places on earth. I want to explore everything there is to offer in my own backyard before escaping it.”

“Kayaking?” Her thumb caressed the rough denim on her thigh subconsciously as she watched me.

“It’s pretty awesome. I’ve kayaked the shoreline of Lake Michigan in different spots, but my bucket list is the Pictured Rocks on Lake Superior. Weaving in and out of natural archways, waterfalls, and caves surrounded by mineral-stained sandstone cliffs…” I finished languidly.

“Sounds beautiful.”

“It is. I’m sorry to cut this short, but I've got an appointment at eleven. Maybe we can continue this tomorrow?”

“I'll be here with bells on.” She stood with a wink and a smile.

“I want to know how your project goes though.” I stood and reached out to touch her elbow but then thought better of it. “Email me, or we can talk after class?”

She nodded and walked ahead of me to the door. My fingers itched to dust along the curve of her back to guide her. I clenched my fists at my sides and shook the inappropriate thoughts from my head. It was important for a teacher to stay calm, cool-headed, and make the right decision, always. If I wanted to continue to guide Auburn with her writing, I’d need to keep these sudden impulses to touch her in check.

Auburn paused, swiping her tongue across her lips as she considered something. “Hey, Mr. West?”

“Yeah, Auburn?” I shoved my hands in my pockets, registering indecision in her eyes and something else, something...promising.

“Maybe you could take me kayaking sometime.” My fists clenched in my pockets, my surprised mouth hung open, unable to form a word. Her dark chestnut eyes dropped to my lips and lingered there before meeting my eyes again. “I’d want to be with someone experienced the first time.” A mischievous glint flashed in her eyes.

With those words, every ounce of restraint I’d convinced myself I needed flew head-first out a high-rise window. I cleared my throat. “Sure...” I opened the door, desperate for space so my brain could return to its normal functions. Auburn smiled at me softly as she brushed past, her long hair floating down the hallway behind her as I watched, rooted and riveted with an equally anxious and excited feeling rolling in my stomach. Having Auburn in my life this summer may prove to be the happy distraction I so desperately needed.