Hot For Teacher(99)

His shirt isn’t tight, but it’s fitted enough to see the definition of muscle and the strong lines of his body. I want to run my nails down his naked back whilst screaming his name. I inwardly cringe at my thoughts.

Could I sound any more high school?

For the first time I notice that he’s sitting at the bar and talking to a petite blonde with massive fake tits. Makeup is plastered all over her face, and her dress barely covers—well, anything. In fact, less would be on display if she were wearing nothing.

Fucking awesome.

He’s smiling and engaging with her. Maybe she’s his type. How the fuck am I supposed to compete with Barbie here? I can feel the jealousy rise up in me and I need to get a lid on it. I have no right to be jealous. I have no claim on this guy, and all they’re doing is talking.

Besides, Barbie is probably more his age than I am.

Eli turns his head and notices me standing there staring at him. I groan, feeling like an idiot. Way to start the date, Jill. I just want to turn around and leave, and I almost do, considering he has no idea what I look like, apart from a vague description.

But the next thing I know, he’s right in front of me. My knees go weak as I get a whiff of his aftershave. Up close he’s even hotter. I have visions of him taking me right here on the floor, with Barbie watching.

Focus, Jill!

“Jill?” he asks with a hopeful look on his face. At least I hope it’s hopeful. Maybe he’s hoping I’m not me. Part of me wants to laugh and say ‘what? No!’ but I’ve come this far. Besides, I know I’d never hear the end of it from Alice if I did that.

“The one and only,” I say and hold my hand out for him to shake.

He bypasses the hand and pulls me in for a hug. I get lost in his strong spicy scent and the feel of his broad shoulders enveloping me. Strong…sexy…God, those lips…I want…I flush.

“Thanks for rescuing me from Legally Blonde over there. You have no idea how many times I’ve tried to escape the conversation. You’re much more my kind of girl.” He steps back, his gaze running over my body. “You’re stunning,” he murmurs.

I blush and look anywhere except at Eli. I make the mistake of looking at the bar, where Barbie is giving me the stink eye. The sides his of mouth turn up into a sexy grin and I’m sure I see steam coming out of her ears.

Just at that right moment, the waiter comes over and escorts us to our table.

Thank fucking god.

The first thing I notice is how much easier it is to talk through a computer screen than in person, but it’s not long before we both relax and the conversation lightens up.

We talk mainly about his move to Denver as I try to avoid any conversation about my work—or my web of lies, I should say.

“You said you moved around a lot growing up?” he asks, lifting his wine to his lips. Thank god I said I was twenty and not twenty-one. It would be just my luck that the waiter would ask for my ID.

I nod and take a sip of my water. “We rarely stayed in the one place long enough to get used to it.”

“Must have been hard, especially as an only child,” he comments.

“It was, but it was my life. You get used to it after a while. The hardest thing was not being able to form friendships. It can be lonely.”

“So you must love being settled then. Why Denver?” he asks.

I shrug. “Why not?” It was the only response I had.

I had no idea where I’d go from here—as in after this year. The thought of not having to pack up my life was scarier than moving, because that’s what I was used to. Letting people in is something I’ve never established the skills to do.

Will I stay in Denver? Apply for colleges elsewhere? I have no idea. I guess I’ll wait to see which colleges Alice gets into.

“Jill?”

I blush, realizing he’s caught me daydreaming. He probably thinks I was thinking about him.

“I asked what you feel like for dessert.” He laughs as my blush gives me away. “Trust me, I’d love that, but I’m not sure the staff here would agree. How about we share a chocolate mousse instead?” he suggests, his dark eyes sparkling.

As the night wears on, I become much more comfortable in his presence.

It’s like we’ve known each other forever. I could really see myself falling for this guy. He’s smart, kind, and he’s gorgeous to look at too, which always helps. I bite my mouth and stare at his soft, kissable lips. I can’t help but wonder . . . will he kiss me goodnight?

Checking my watch, I realize it’s close to 11:00 p.m. We are the only ones left in the restaurant.

“I guess I should probably get going. Work and all tomorrow.” I cover my mouth as I yawn. I didn’t realize how tired I was—and I should be, given the lack of sleep I’ve been getting.