Page 7 of Perfect Professor

“I appreciate your discretion in this matter.” The tension in his expression eased, and he graced her with a small, approving smile. “Now, if we’ve settled that, right now I cannot change your partner for the project, but the next one, you will be paired with someone else. Don’t think I haven’t noticed how uncomfortable he makes you.”

Adrianna nodded, the knot in her stomach unraveling. Her partner truly didn’t understand that she would never be with a man so much younger than her, but he wouldn’t give up. This project only gave him more time to harass her.

Just get through this project and then sit as far away from him as you can for the rest of the semester, she thought.

5

Adrianna licked her chocolate ice cream cone, the sweet decadence melting on her tongue.

Beside her, Tiffany crunched into her waffle cone. “So? How was it?”

Adrianna glanced at her best friend, warmth flooding her cheeks. She couldn’t stop replaying every moment in her mind, the feel of Mickey’s hands on her body, his lips claiming hers with a hunger that matched her own.

“It was...” She shook her head, at a loss for words. “He was incredible.”

“Yeah?” Tiffany nudged her with her elbow, her eyes dancing with curiosity. “Come on, give me more details than that.”

Adrianna’s lips curved into a smile she couldn’t contain. “He made me feel...desired. Wanted. Like I was the only thing in the world that mattered.” She sighed, remembering the intensity in Mickey’s gaze as he’d gazed down at her, his body moving within hers. “I’ve never felt pleasure like that before.”

She licked her lips, desire stirring low in her belly at the memory. Mickey had awakened something primal in her, a craving she feared could never be satisfied. Not without him.

Tiffany whistled under her breath. “Wow. He really did a number on you, didn’t he?”

Adrianna nodded, staring off into the distance. “I can’t stop thinking about him,” she confessed. About the taste of his kiss, his ragged breathing in her ear. The way he’d held her close after, as if he couldn’t bear to let her go.

“Be careful, Adrianna.” Tiffany’s voice was gentle with concern. “He’s still our professor.”

Adrianna waved a hand, pushing that inconvenient truth away. “It’s just a little fun. No one has to know.”

But even as she said the words, she feared it was already too late. Her heart had tumbled irrevocably into Mickey’s hands, and there might be no getting it back.

Tiffany studied her, brows drawn together. “Are you sure this is what you want? Just a casual fling?”

Adrianna shifted, discomfort pricking at her. The idea of Mickey with other women made her stomach churn. But she couldn’t very well ask him for forever after one night together. “I don’t know,” she said honestly. “I just know I can’t stop thinking about being with him again.”

“Be careful you don’t get hurt.” Tiffany’s gaze was knowing. “Or that you don’t hurt him. Men fall too, you know.”

Adrianna blinked, the thought never having occurred to her. Mickey hadn’t seemed the type to fall easily. But then, she hadn’t expected the tenderness he’d shown her, either.

Still, she shook her head. “Mickey isn’t interested in commitment. He just wants to have a good time.” Like she did. At least that’s what she kept telling herself.

“If you say so.” Tiffany didn’t sound convinced. “Just remember that this could get messy if you’re not on the same page about what you both want.”

“You worry too much,” Adrianna said, hoping to reassure her friend. And herself. She finished her ice cream, licking the last melted drops from the cone, the sweetness dull on her tongue.

Because she did not know what Mickey wanted. But she feared her own desires were far more complicated than a simple fling. And where that might lead her, she couldn’t say. All she knew was that she wanted to be in his arms again.

No matter the cost.

Adrianna shifted on the park bench, a restless energy flowing through her. She glanced at her watch, wondering if it was too soon to text Mickey. To suggest they meet again. Her body heated at the thought, anticipation and nerves tangling within her.

“You’re not listening to a word I’m saying, are you?” Tiffany’s wry tone cut through her preoccupation.

Adrianna blinked, focusing on her friend. “Sorry. I guess I got distracted.”

“No kidding.” Tiffany studied her, eyes narrowing. “You’ve got it bad, don’t you?”

“What? No, it’s just...” Adrianna trailed off, knowing any denial would be useless. Tiffany knew her too well.

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