Page 14 of Filthy Professor

“That’s great to hear. Do you think you’ll go back to teaching in the fall, even after this adventure?”

“Yes. Adventures are nice, but they don’t pay the bills. I plan to keep teaching, but I’m also eager to take other opportunities. I’m now in a position to do so, and I’m going to do all the things I love.”

The way he said “do” and “love” sent more heat pooling between my legs. Did the man know what his voice could do?

“That sounds great . . .” I cleared my throat. “Like it’ll be a great balance for you.”

“That’s my hope,” he said. “So, is there anything else you need for your article?”

My mind went blank as soon as he asked. Blinking quickly, I looked over my notes. “How did you get started, anyway?” I asked the question almost as much for my article as I did to satisfy my own curiosity, wanting to unravel the layers of this man while I had the perfect forum to do so.

He hummed, and my breath shuddered. He really needed to stop doing that. “Early civilizations always fascinated me. How could you not be intrigued and somewhat creeped out by mummies? They are different, and the grand scale that they were given for a send-off into the afterlife is fascinating. I soaked up all I could and then did whatever it took to secure a spot to go to Egypt that first time. I worked my ass off to get on that dig, and the fact that I was so young but so qualified is what gained the attention and the spot.”

I grinned, his passion for all of it coming through in his voice. “You must be so excited to go back.”

“Oh, Kat. I’ve been dreaming of this for years. If I could have, I’d have returned long before now, but as I mentioned, my ex didn’t understand how much I need this as part of my life.”

“More than her,” I let slip out. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean—”

“It’s okay. It’s like what you said about people keeping you from the things you love. Archaeology is a huge part of who I am. Although I’ve been teaching it, it’s nowhere near the same as that thrill of discovering something new—something old, really—that people today have never seen before.”

A lump formed in my throat just listening to his passion for the field we both loved. “I was fascinated by mummies too. They started it all for me also. I couldn’t get enough information about the whole area.”

“Have you ever been to Egypt?”

“Never. It’s on my bucket list though. I’d love to go.”

He cleared his throat. “While I may not be able to offer that at the moment, I do have something that relates to your other passion.”

I hummed. “And what might that be?”

“Well, it occurred to me that I’d like to take you on a proper date. Not that my apartment wasn’t amazing, nor would I turn down a repeat, but there’s this Elvis impersonator coming to Milwaukee this weekend who is supposed to be quite good, and I would love to take you.”

My mouth dropped open, knowing exactly who he was talking about. “You’re taking me to see Ashton Olsson? Shit, Emma is going to be so jealous.”

“Your sister?”

“Yeah!” I laughed, impressed that he went to the trouble and was offering to come up here for a date. “So . . . it wasn’t just a one-night—or afternoon, as the case might be—stand?”

“Not for me, Kat. Is that all you want it to be?”

I took a shuddering breath, the moment of truth staring me in the face as I hesitated. I wanted more, but was he really prepared to give that to me? His divorce was pretty fresh, after all. But he was making an effort, and Emma would be jealous, but she’d never forgive me if I passed on giving Harrison a chance. “No, Harrison, I don’t. I want to see where this goes.”

“Good. Me too. How about we grab dinner before the show on Saturday?”

“Sounds great.” I grinned, unable to help myself. When was the last time I’d been on an actual date? Too fucking long.

“Great. So, what did you tell your sister about me?”

I laughed. “What makes you think I told her about you at all?”

“Ouch, you wound me.”

I tsked, then said, “Okay, I did.”

“So? Was it how charismatic and handsome I am, or the fact that I gave you multiple orgasms?”

Chapter 10

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