Chapter 76
**Sara**
I woke up to the smell of coffee and bacon wafting through Tom's apartment. My stomach growled, reminding me I hadn't eaten since before the party last night. I stretched, feeling deliciously sore in all the right places, and padded to the kitchen.
Tom stood at the stove, his back to me, wearing nothing but boxers. I took a moment to appreciate the view before announcing my presence.
"Morning, professor," I said, voice husky from sleep.
Tom turned around, a broad smile spreading across his face as his eyes traveled down my bare body. He set down the spatula and crossed the kitchen in a few long strides. His arms wrapped around me, pulling me into a tight hug. His lips found mine, and we shared a slow, lazy kiss that made my toes curl.
"Morning, trouble," he murmured against my lips. "Sleep well?"
I nodded, my fingers tracing the lines of his muscles. "Better than I have in weeks."
His hands roamed down my back, sending shivers through me. "You know," he said, voice low, "you look incredibly sexy naked. But if you want, you can wear one of my T-shirts."
I laughed. "Is that your way of saying I should cover up?"
"Not at all. Just giving you options."
I bit my lip, considering. "Well, if it's all the same to you, I think I'll stay like this for now."
"Fine by me," he said, grinning. "But just so you know, it's going to be very hard to concentrate on breakfast with you standing there like that."
I leaned in, brushing my lips against his ear. "Maybe that's the point."
He chuckled, giving my ass a playful squeeze before reluctantly stepping back. "Alright, temptress. Let me finish making breakfast before we both starve."
I watched him as he returned to the stove, his muscles flexing with every movement. The smell of bacon and coffee grew stronger, making my mouth water. I grabbed a mug and poured some coffee, savoring the rich, dark flavor.
"So," I said, taking a sip, "what's on the menu today, chef?"
"Nothing fancy," he replied, flipping the bacon with practiced ease. "Just bacon, eggs, and toast. Hope that's alright."
"It's perfect," I said, feeling my stomach growl again. "I'm starving."
Tom plated the food, and we settled at his dining table. The bacon was crispy, just as I liked it, and the eggs were perfectly runny. I dug in with gusto, barely pausing to breathe between bites.
"Slow down there, tiger," Tom chuckled. "I promise the food's not going anywhere."
I looked up, a piece of bacon dangling from my lips. "Sorry," I mumbled, heat rising to my cheeks. "It's just so good."
He reached across the table, his thumb brushing the corner of my mouth. "You had a little..." He trailed off, his eyes darkening as he brought his thumb to his own lips, sucking off the grease.
I swallowed hard, suddenly very aware of my nakedness. "You're playing dirty, Professor."
"Always," he winked. "So, I was thinking... how about we go out for a movie today?"
"Ooh, that sounds fun. What did you have in mind?"
"Well, there's that new sci-fi flick everyone's been raving about. Or, if you prefer, there's a rom-com playing at the indie theater downtown."
"Hmm," I pretended to consider, tapping my chin. "Tough choice. Will there be hand-holding involved either way?"
"I think that can be arranged."
As I reached for another piece of bacon, a thought struck me. "Oh shit," I groaned.
"What's wrong?" Tom asked, looking worried.
I sighed, dropping the bacon back onto my plate. "I just remembered I promised to visit my parents this weekend. They're expecting me."
Tom's face fell, but he quickly hid it with a smile. "Hey, no worries. Family is important. We can plan something for another time."
"Are you sure?" I asked, guilty. "I mean, I could always call and cancel-"
He shook his head firmly. "Absolutely not. Go see your folks. I'm not going anywhere."
I smiled. "You're pretty great, you know that?"
"I've been told," he said with a wink. "Now, finish your breakfast. Can't have you showing up at your parents' place on an empty stomach."
I laughed and picked up my fork again. "Yes, sir."
We finished breakfast, trading flirty glances and playful banter. As much as I wanted to stay wrapped up in this bubble with Tom, reality crept in. I had to get home, pack, and head to my parents' place.
Tom insisted on driving me back to my apartment. I couldn't resist glancing at him as we drove through the quiet Saturday morning streets. His strong jaw, the way his t-shirt hugged his chest, those capable hands on the steering wheel... My mind wandered to all the delicious things those hands had done to me last night.
All too soon, we pulled up outside my apartment building. Tom put the car in park but didn't turn off the engine, and an awkward silence fell between us.
"So..." he started, drumming his fingers on the steering wheel.
"So," I echoed, suddenly feeling shy.
"Will you meet me again, or do I need to consider this a second one-night stand?"
I blinked, processing his words. Then, without thinking, I smacked him on the arm.
"Ow!" he yelped, more surprised than hurt. "What was that for?"
"For being an idiot," I said, rolling my eyes. "Of course, I want to see you again. Did last night feel like a one-night stand to you?"
He rubbed his arm, grinning sheepishly. "No, it definitely didn't. I just... I wasn't sure if you'd want to risk it. You know, with me being your professor and all."
I leaned in close, my lips brushing against his ear. "Trust me, Professor. The risk makes it even hotter."
Tom's breath hitched. "How hot are we talking here, Miss Parker?"
"Scorching. Melt-your-face-off hot. The kind of heat that makes you forget your own name."
"Care to elaborate on that, Sara?"
"Oh, I could tell you all about it. But I think it'd be much more fun to show you. When we're alone. And significantly less clothed," I teased, then glanced at my watch. "Shit, I really need to get going. I've got to pack and hit the road if I want to make it to my parents' place before lunch."
Tom nodded, but I could see the disappointment in his eyes. "Right, of course. Don't let me keep you."
I reached for the door handle but paused. What the hell, I thought. I turned back to Tom, grabbed his face in my hands, and kissed him hard. He responded immediately, one hand tangling in my hair as he deepened the kiss.
When we finally broke apart, both breathless, Tom rested his forehead against mine. "If you keep kissing me like that, I'm not going to be able to let you leave."
I grinned, pecking him on the nose. "Consider it motivation for our next meeting."
"Speaking of," he said, "when can I see you again?"
I pretended to think about it for a moment. "How does Sunday evening sound? I should be back in town by then."
Tom's face lit up. "Sunday evening sounds perfect. I'll cook dinner."
"Ooh, dinner, too? You sure know how to treat a girl, Professor."
"Only the best for my favorite student."
"Careful there. People might start to think you're playing favorites."
"Can't imagine why."
I laughed and finally opened the car door. "I'll see you Sunday, Tom. Try not to miss me too much."
"No promises," he called as I climbed out of the car.
I blew him a kiss and watched as he drove away, already counting down the hours until Sunday evening. Who knew a family visit could feel so long?