Chapter 73
**Tom**
I cracked open an eye, squinting at the soft morning light filtering through the curtains. The digital clock on my nightstand blinked an ungodly 6:00 AM. Ugh. Too early for a Saturday.
But then I felt the warmth of Sara's body next to mine, and suddenly, being awake didn't seem so bad. We were both still naked from last night's... activities.
I rolled over, carefully sliding an arm around Sara's waist and pulling her closer. She mumbled something unintelligible and snuggled back against me.
"Mmm... five more minutes," she murmured.
"Take all the time you need, sleeping beauty."
Sara's response was a gentle snore. Real attractive, Parker.
I propped myself up on one elbow, taking in the sight of her. Her hair was tangled, spread across my pillow like spilled ink. There was a smudge of mascara under one eye and a small trail of drool at the corner of her mouth.
And yet, somehow, she was still the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen.
Christ, when did I turn into such a sap?
I flopped back onto my pillow, staring at the ceiling. This whole situation was absurd. Here I was, a respected professor (well, mostly respected), cuddling naked with one of my students. If anyone found out, I'd be fired faster than you could say "ethical violation."
But as I gazed at Sara's peaceful face, I couldn't care.
I pulled her closer to the curve of my body. Her skin was soft and warm, and every inch of her seemed to fit perfectly against me. I smiled as she mumbled something in her sleep, her breath tickling my chest.
My mind drifted back to last night. The way Sara's lips had felt against mine, her taste, and the heat of her body pressed against me were like something out of a fever dream I never wanted to wake up from.
The memories stirred something deep within me. I felt the familiar tightening below my waist, my cock beginning to harden against Sara's thigh. Great, just what I needed—morning wood with an audience.
I kissed her shoulder softly, trying to savor the moment. Her skin was warm. She stirred slightly, a sleepy smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.
"Mmm, morning," she murmured without opening her eyes.
"Morning," I whispered back.
I couldn't help myself. I kissed her again, this time on the neck, trailing my lips to her ear. Her breath hitched, and I felt her body respond, pressing back against me.
"Tom," she sighed, her voice thick with sleep.
"Yes, baby?" I nibbled on her earlobe, enjoying the way her breath quickened.
She turned in my arms, her eyes finally fluttering open. They were still heavy with sleep, but there was a spark of something else there, too. Desire, maybe? I liked to think so.
Sara reached up, her fingers tangling in my hair as she pulled me down for a kiss. It was slow, languid, the kind of kiss that made me want to stay in bed all day.
But then she pulled back, breaking the kiss with a little laugh. "It's too early for this."
"Says who?"
"Says my bladder," she said, pushing against my chest as she wriggled out of my grasp.
I rolled onto my back as she scampered off to the bathroom.
I closed my eyes, trying to will myself back to sleep. But every time I started to drift off, memories of last night would creep back in. The way Sara had moaned my name, the way her nails had dug into my back, the way she'd looked at me like I was the only person in the world.
Yeah, sleep wasn't happening.
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. Maybe a cold shower would help. Or at least give me something to do other than think about how badly I wanted Sara again.
I heard the toilet flush and the sink run. Moments later, Sara padded back into the room, her nude body glistening in the soft light. She climbed back into bed, her breasts pressing against my chest as she snuggled up against me. I could feel the warmth of her skin, the softness of her curves, and the tantalizing scent of her hair.
My heart raced as she looked up at me with those sultry eyes. I wanted nothing more than to pull her close and lose myself in our shared passion the night before.
"What's that look for?" I asked, running my fingers through her hair.
"Oh, just thinking about how lucky I am to have a personal heater in bed."
"Is that all I am to you? A glorified space heater?"
She laughed. "Well, you have other... uses."
"Oh, do I now?" I raised an eyebrow, enjoying the game we were playing.
Sara's hand slid down my chest, her fingers tracing a path lower and lower. "Mm-hmm," she murmured huskily. "Like keeping me warm in other ways."
Her hand moved lower, and I felt my breath catch. Damn it, Sara knew exactly what she was doing. I grabbed her wrist, stopping her just before she reached her target.
"And what if I have a different use in mind?" I teased.
She bit her lip. "Oh? Do tell."
"Well," I said, pulling her on top of me, "I was thinking you could be my alarm clock. You know, a wake-up call with benefits."
"I'm not sure that's in the alarm clock job description."
"Good thing I'm not a stickler for rules," I murmured, leaning up to kiss her.
Sara's lips met mine eagerly, her hands sliding up my chest and around my neck. I rolled us over, pinning her beneath me. Her laughter turned into a moan as I kissed her neck, nipping at the sensitive skin.
"Tom," she gasped, her fingers digging into my shoulders.
"Yes, baby?" I whispered against her skin.
"Shut up and kiss me."
I obliged, capturing her lips in a deep, hungry kiss. Our bodies pressed together, the heat between us growing with every touch. Her hands roamed over my back, pulling me closer, urging me on.