Chapter 79
**Sara**
I stepped into my apartment, exhausted from the weekend with my parents. Don't get me wrong, I love them, but sometimes, their constant questions about my future plans make me want to crawl under a rock. I tossed my bag on the floor and flopped onto the couch, sinking into its soft cushions.
My phone buzzed. A message from Tom. My heart did a little flip.
Tom: Where are you?
He missed me? I quickly typed back.
Me: Just got home. Parents were extra nosy this time.
My phone buzzed again. Tom's reply made my heart sink.
Tom: Can't meet today. Dinner at the parents' place.
I bit my lip, disappointment washing over me; so much for my plans for a cozy evening with him. I typed back, trying to sound casual.
Me: Have a nice dinner! Try not to choke on the family drama.
I tossed my phone aside and headed to the kitchen. Might as well drown my sorrows in ice cream. As I dug into a pint of rocky road, my phone pinged again.
Tom: Let's meet after dinner. If I survive, that is.
He wanted to see me, even after a family ordeal. My heart did a little dance.
Me: Sure, I'll be here. Bring a bulletproof vest, just in case.
I set my phone down, grinning like an idiot. The evening wasn't a total loss after all. I glanced at the clock. A few hours to kill before Tom might show up. What to do, what to do...
My eyes landed on the laundry pile I'd ignored for days.
I figured I might as well be productive while I waited for Tom. I grabbed the overflowing basket and lugged it into the laundry room, nearly tripping over a stray sock.
I was elbow-deep in a tangle of jeans and t-shirts when the doorbell rang. My heart leaped into my throat. Tom? Already? I glanced at my reflection in the washing machine's door – hair a mess, wearing ratty sweatpants and an old college tee. Sexy.
"Coming!" I called out, trying to smooth down my hair as I rushed to the door. My mind raced. What if it was Matt? My ex habitually showed up unannounced, usually when I looked my worst. I took a deep breath and swung the door open.
"Surprise!" Jessica's cheerful voice greeted me.
I blinked, equally relieved and confused. "Jess? What are you doing here?"
She breezed past me, a whirlwind of energy and perfume. "Can't a girl drop by to see her friend? Plus, I brought snacks!" She waved a bag of cookies in front of my face.
"Well, I guess I can't turn down cookies," I said, closing the door behind her. "Make yourself at home. I'll put on some tea."
As I filled the kettle, Jessica plopped onto my couch, kicking off her shoes. "So, how was the parental inquisition?" she asked, tearing open the cookie bag.
"Oh, you know, the usual. 'When are you getting a real job?' 'Have you met any nice boys?' 'Why don't you wear more makeup?'" I rolled my eyes, setting out mugs. "I swear, if I didn't love them, I'd go insane."
Jessica snorted. "At least they care. My parents' idea of bonding is asking me to fix their Wi-Fi."
The kettle whistled, and I poured the hot water over the tea bags. A thought struck me as I carried the mugs to the living room. "Hey, Jess," I said, settling onto the couch beside her. "Remember when you told me Professor Tom left the university?"
She froze mid-bite, cookie crumbs falling onto her lap. "Uh, yeah. What about it?"
"Well, funny story. Turns out he didn't leave at all. In fact, he's very much still around." I took a sip of my tea, watching her squirm. "So, care to explain why you lied?"
Jessica's face turned a shade of red that would make a tomato jealous. She gulped down her tea, probably burning her tongue in the process. "Okay, okay," she sputtered. "I may have... exaggerated the situation a bit."
"A bit?" I raised an eyebrow. "Try a lot. Spill it, Jess."
She sighed dramatically. "Fine. I might have said that to... you know... have a little fun with you."
"Fun? You call giving me a minor heart attack fun?"
Jessica's eyes widened. "Whoa, hold up. Heart attack? Over a professor? Sara Parker, you naughty girl!" She leaned in and whispered conspiratorially. "Spill the tea. What's going on between you and the sexy Professor Tom?"
"Nothing," I muttered, suddenly very interested in my mug of tea.
"Oh please," Jessica scoffed. "Your face is redder than my ass after a good spanking. Come on, I thought it was just a one-night stand. Are you two hooking up on the regular now?"
"Jesus, Jess! It's not like that. We're just... professor and student. That's all."
Jessica's eyes narrowed, clearly not buying my bullshit. "Uh-huh."
I desperately wanted to change the subject. "What about you and Brad? Anything going on there?"
"Brad? Please. It's just sex, nothing more. But holy shit, the sex is fan-fucking-tastic." Her eyes gleamed mischievously. "We've been at it like rabbits lately. My poor neighbors probably think I'm being murdered with all the screaming."
"Jess!"
"What? Don't act all innocent with me, missy. Speaking of which, How's the professor in the sack? Does he grade on a curve, if you know what I mean?"
"Oh my god, Jess!" I buried my face in my hands, mortified.
"Come on, spill! Does he make you call him 'Professor' while he's balls deep? Ooh, or does he punish you for being a naughty student?" She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.
"You're terrible, you know that?"
"Damn straight. Now dish, girl! Does he have a ruler fetish? Maybe a thing for plaid skirts?"
"Jess, I swear to God-"
"Fine, fine. But at least tell me if he's packing. I always had a feeling he was hiding a monster in those slacks."
I grabbed a pillow and smacked her with it.
Jessica cackled, dodging my attack. "Oh, come on, I bet he's got you screaming louder than a banshee. Does he eat pussy like a champ? I always pegged him for an oral expert."
"Jess!" I laughed so hard I could barely breathe. "You kiss your mother with that mouth?"
"Nah, but I kiss plenty of other things," she said with a wink. "Seriously though, Sara. I don't buy this 'just professor and student' crap for a second. Do you have feelings for him?"
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
