Page 19 of Filthy Professor

The corners of her mouth lifted. “Writers do write about all sorts of things they may not love. I worked hard for this, and that’s why I won’t give it up, even if my ex is my editor.”

The idea of them working so closely gnawed at me. “Isn’t there anyone else you could write for?” Even as the words left my mouth, I knew I Dig It! was the best out there in the field of archaeology reporting.

Her eyes locked on mine. “I really don’t see him often, Harrison. I work from home. All communication is digital. You don’t need to worry.”

I blew out a breath. I couldn’t ask her to leave what she loved. That would be the same thing Sue had done to me . . . asked me to give up something I loved because she was worried what it would do to us. Unfortunately, as good as her intentions to keep us together may have been, they were the exact thing that pulled us apart. “Okay, but if he steps even one toe out of line—”

Kat grinned. “Okay, Professor. You’ll expel him. I get it.”

“You deserve to be happy, Kat. He doesn’t get to ruin your dream job.”

She shook her head. “He isn’t. He should know better.” Frowning, Kat took a sip of her drink. “Although . . .”

“What is it?”

“Never mind. Let’s eat and get over to Elvis.”

Once dinner was over, we made our way over to the theater. As I opened the door for her, the smile that lit her face let me know I’d made the right decision in bringing her here. I’m almost in love. The only question that remains is, am I ready?

Chapter 15

Kat

Seeing Ashton Olsson’s name up in lights alongside his picture was surreal. I couldn’t believe I was here. This was the best first date I could have ever imagined. Harrison had certainly read me well.

The grin on my face stayed there the entire evening as Ashton ran through the King’s songs. Harrison and I bopped along until “Love Me Tender” filled the room. He pulled me into his arms, and we swayed. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath, the scent of cedarwood and mint filling my senses. In this moment, dancing to Elvis, I knew one thing—this man was mine. He was meant for me, and I would never let him go.

Burying my face into his chest, I knew it was all worth it. Sure, sleeping with my interview subject wasn’t ideal, but he was no ordinary subject.

Harrison brought his finger under my chin, tilting my face up so I could gaze into those hazel eyes of his. His hand trembled, but he leaned down, brushing his lips against mine softly and tenderly. It was gentle and sweet, and I responded in kind, pouring a bunch of emotion into the kiss. While most of our exchanges had been amazing, this one said so much more, and it was clear I was falling for this man.

When Harrison pulled back, his eyes searched mine. “Kat, I . . .”

My breath caught in my throat as I wondered where he was going with this conversation. It was obviously way too soon for declarations of love, but the way he looked at me with glassy eyes made me entertain those kinds of notions. “Yes?”

“This has been one of the best nights of my life. I don’t ever want to go back.”

I swallowed the lump in my throat. “But your students . . .”

“The final is next week, and then I’ll be free until my trip in a few weeks.”

“Sounds like we could spend a lot of time together before then.” I grinned, running my hands up his muscular arms.

We quieted as the song wrapped up, continuing to sway as Ashton called out, “Thank you, thank you very much! Now, let’s end the evening with something upbeat, shall we?” He nodded to the band behind him as the beginning notes of “Bossa Nova Baby” began.

I laughed and swayed my hips faster as I turned toward the stage, Harrison’s arm still on my hips. He moved with me, although not as smoothly as he had while slow dancing. I smirked as I turned back to him, pulling him along with me. Placing my hands on his hips, I encouraged them to rotate. Leaning toward him, I said, “So you know how to use your pelvis in the bedroom, but not in public?”

“That part is only for you.” Harrison grabbed my hips and pulled me against his body to feel his semi-erect cock. “If I keep dancing like this, we may have a problem.”

I leaned up toward his ear and whispered, “I want to grind my ass against you,” the words for him only.

At the mention of my ass, Harrison’s hands dropped to it, giving it a light squeeze. “You really shouldn’t say things like that in public.”

I raised an eyebrow. “All these promises of punishment, Professor, but I’ve yet to see them eventuate.”

He chuckled. “It is getting unbelievable. I’ll have to remedy that.”

We barely made it inside the door to my apartment before Harrison pushed me up against it. My breath hitched. It was fucking hot how he leaned toward me, boxing me in against the door with his arms.