Chapter 145

**Sara**

As we stepped into Tom's apartment, I felt excitement and nervousness. The familiar scent of his cologne lingered in the air, bringing back memories of our last encounter here.
"Make yourself at home," Tom said, tossing his keys onto the counter. "Want something to drink?"
I smirked. "Trying to get me drunk?"
He laughed, heading to the kitchen. "Just being a good host. But if you're offering to take advantage of me, who am I to refuse?"
I followed him, admiring how his back muscles moved under his shirt.
"I'll take whatever you've got," I grinned, leaning against the counter as I watched him grab two beers from the fridge.
He popped the caps off and handed one to me with a wink. "Careful, it's strong."
I took a long pull, relishing the crisp, cool taste on my parched throat. "Mm, delicious. Though I think I prefer your kiss for quenching thirst."
Tom's eyes darkened at my words. He set his beer down on the counter with a soft clink. "Is that so?" he murmured, closing the distance between us.
My heart raced as he cupped my face in his hands. His thumbs traced gentle circles on my cheeks, sending shivers down my spine. I barely had time to settle my bottle before his lips claimed mine.
The kiss started slow, almost tentative. But it quickly deepened, becoming more urgent, more demanding. I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him closer. His tongue swept into my mouth, tasting beer, salt, and something uniquely Tom.
I let out a soft moan as his hands slid down my sides, coming to rest on my hips. He pulled me flush against him, and I could feel every hard plane of his body pressed against mine.
We broke apart, both breathing heavily. Tom rested his forehead against mine. "Better than beer?"
"Hmm," I pretended to consider. "I might need another taste to be sure."
"Always happy to oblige."
This time, when our lips met, there was no hesitation. It was all heat and passion. My fingers tangled in his hair as his hands roamed my body, leaving fire trails in their wake.
I gasped as Tom lifted me onto the counter, stepping between my legs. His lips left mine to trail hot kisses down my neck. I tilted my head back, giving him better access.
"God, Sara," he groaned against my skin. "You drive me crazy."
I tugged his hair, pulling him back up for another searing kiss. My legs wrapped around his waist, pulling him impossibly closer. I could feel his arousal pressing against me, and it sent a jolt of desire straight to my core.
As Tom's hand slid under my shirt, skimming along my ribcage, a sudden thought hit me. I pulled back slightly, trying to catch my breath.
"Tom," I panted. "Wait."
He immediately stilled, concern filling his eyes. "Everything okay?"
I nodded. "Yeah, it's just... I'm all sandy and gross from the beach. I was thinking maybe I should... take a bath?"
To my relief, Tom's face broke into a grin. "Trying to get naked already?"
I swatted his arm, laughing. "Shut up. I just don't want to get sand in your sheets."
"How considerate of you," he teased, kissing my nose quickly. "Sure, go ahead."
I hopped off the counter, trying to ignore how my body protested at losing contact. "Thanks. I'll be quick."
As I turned to head towards the bathroom, Tom caught my wrist. "Hey, wait a second."
I looked back at him, eyebrow raised. "What?"
He smirked. "You're not the only one covered in sand, you know. I think I need a bath, too."
"Do you want to conserve water by sharing?"
"Well, I am an environmentally conscious citizen," he said, pulling me back against him. "It's our duty to save the planet, one shared bath at a time."
I laughed, pushing him away playfully. "Nice try, but I think I can manage on my own."
Tom pouted. "But who's going to wash my back?"
"I'm sure you'll figure it out, big boy," I teased, turning towards the bathroom again.
"Come on, Sara," he whined, following me. "Don't you want to see if I look as good wet as I do dry?"
I paused at the bathroom door, considering. The image of Tom, water droplets sliding down his toned chest, was tempting. But I also knew if we got into the shower together, we wouldn't be doing much actual bathing.
"I don't know," I said, biting my lip. "It seems like a slippery situation."
Tom waggled his eyebrows. "That's kind of the point."
I looked into his eyes, seeing a mixture of desire and playfulness. My resolve was crumbling fast.
"Fine," I sighed dramatically. "But only because I care about the environment so much."
"Yes! I knew you couldn't resist my charms."
"Don't push it," I warned, but I was smiling as I said it.
Tom grinned. "Wouldn't dream of it."
As Tom waggled his eyebrows with that infuriatingly charming grin, I could not resist. A bubbly mix of excitement and trepidation wrapped around my insides as I followed him into the bathroom.
It was spacious, with one of those luxurious showers that seemed more like a room than a bathroom fixture. Tom flicked on the water, and a cascade of steamy warmth filled the space. The mirror fogged over, little droplets racing each other to the edge.
We glanced at each other with matching smirks. There was no need for further words; our playful banter had communicated plenty.
I peeled off my shirt, tossed it aside, and wriggled out my jeans. They hit the floor in a denim heap, and I moved on to my bra. The cool air brushed my bare skin, igniting goosebumps, while Tom's eyes lingered appreciatively.
And then, the panties were Damp from the earlier heat rising between us; they slid down my legs and joined the pile. I stood there, utterly exposed, feeling a wicked thrill as Tom's gaze roamed over my body.
"You know, I once read water conservation starts with ditching clothes as quickly as possible," I teased, gesturing at his fully dressed state.
"Always so practical," he chuckled, though he wasted no time. His shirt, jeans, and everything else joined mine on the floor, revealing what captivated me from our first encounter.
The Professor's Temptation
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