Page 8 of Irresistible Professor

“So, Bonnie, what do you enjoy when you’re not studying?” I asked, leaning forward slightly. “What do you see yourself doing in the future?”

Her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as she spoke. “I’m really passionate about my MBA studies. I want to make a difference in the business world, maybe even start my own company someday. Being an entrepreneur would give me the flexibility to raise a family and still have a career.”

I listened intently, captivated by her ambition and drive. There was a fire in her eyes, a determination that was impossible to ignore.

“That’s fantastic,” I said, impressed by her vision. “What kind of business would you like to start?”

“I’m not entirely sure yet,” she admitted. “But I want it to be something meaningful, something that makes a positive impact. I’m also interested in traveling the world and experiencing different places and cultures. I’ve hardly ever left Illinois, except for a couple of vacations to the Keys with my parents and younger brother when we were kids.”

The sincerity in her voice resonated with me. “I can relate to that,” I said, nodding. “I’ve always wanted to travel more as well. I’m afraid to admit I’ve been so focused on my career that I haven’t had the chance to see much of the world.”

Bonnie’s smile widened, her eyes meeting mine with a warmth that made my chest tighten. “Where would you go if you could travel anywhere?”

“Somewhere warm,” I replied without hesitation. “I’ve never been fond of the cold. Maybe somewhere like Greece or the coast of Spain. I’d love to live in a place someday where I can garden all year round, grow my own vegetables and herbs.”

“You garden?” she asked, surprised.

“Not as much as I’d like to,” I admitted. “But it’s something I want to pursue when I have more time. There’s something therapeutic about working with your hands, nurturing life from the soil.”

“I can see that,” Bonnie said thoughtfully. “It’s like creating something beautiful from the ground up, much like building a business.”

Her words struck a chord with me, and I realized how much we had in common. We both craved a life that was rich with experiences, a life where we could forge our own paths and create something meaningful.

As the evening wore on, I felt a growing sense of connection with Bonnie. It was more than just a professional relationship; it was a meeting of minds, a shared understanding that transcended words. I was drawn to her in a way I hadn’t expected, captivated by her intellect, her passion, and her unassuming charm. What was most impressive was the fact that she didn’t appear to have a clue how amazing she was. She was completely open and without artifice. I’d never met anyone like that before and being around her felt like more than just a breath of fresh air, but instead one that invigorated and renewed the soul.

But beneath the surface, there was an electric tension that simmered between us, an unspoken attraction that instead of dissipating was only continuing to grow despite my best efforts to ignore it. I couldn’t pretend that it didn’t both excite and unnerve me at the same time, and even though I knew I was treading dangerous waters, I couldn’t seem to help myself.

After dinner, the dessert was served: a decadent chocolate fondant with a raspberry coulis, paired with heart-shaped cookies as a nod to Valentine’s Day. The rich sweetness was the perfect end to a satisfying meal, and the room buzzed with contentment as the music shifted to a more upbeat tune.

The band began to play a lively big band number, the sound of horns and saxophones filling the air with an infectious rhythm. People started moving to the dance floor, caught up in the energy of the music.

Shall we?” I asked Bonnie, offering her my hand with a playful grin. Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she took it, allowing me to lead her to the dance floor.

The upbeat tempo set the perfect stage for a whirlwind of motion. We laughed and twirled around the room, the joy of the moment sweeping us away. I spun Bonnie under my arm, her dress flaring out as she moved with surprising grace. I felt more alive than I had in years.

As the song transitioned to a slower melody, couples around us drew closer, and I hesitated for a moment, unsure if I should continue. Bonnie met my gaze, her expression unreadable but open, and I found myself stepping closer, wrapping an arm around her waist as she rested her hand on my shoulder. We began to sway gently to the music and the world around us faded into the background. The soft notes of the ballad enveloped us, creating a bubble where only the two of us existed. Her body was warm against mine, her head resting just beneath my chin, and for a brief moment, everything felt perfect.

But as the song came to an end, reality crept back in, and I pulled away, the awareness of where we stood rushing back with startling clarity. There was an awkward pause between us, a charged silence filled with words left unspoken.

I cleared my throat uncomfortably.

“I hope I didn’t overstep,” I said softly, my voice tinged with regret as I searched her gorgeous brown eyes for any sign of discomfort.

Bonnie shook her head, a small, reassuring smile playing on her lips. “Not at all. That was...nice. Thank you, Ford.”

The moment lingered, a fragile balance tinged with longing as I inhaled and offered her my arm, escorting her to the valet service at the hotel’s entrance—our evening over.

The sliding glass doors opened, and we stepped out together onto the sidewalk, the crisp winter air biting at our skin.

“Will you get home okay?” I asked, concern lacing my words. The city lights glowed softly in the distance, casting long shadows on the snow-draped streets.

She nodded, wrapping her coat tighter around herself. “I’ll be fine. Thank you for a wonderful evening, Ford. It was nice to have a break from everything.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed it,” I replied, meaning every word. “I’ll see you at the office next week.”

The valet attendant drove up in her vehicle, a compact white SUV, and she handed him her ticket gratefully. With a final wave, she slipped into the car, the door closing with a gentle thud. I waved back and watched her pull away from the curb and merge with into the stream of traffic.

I made my way to my own car in the parking lot, my mind a whirlwind of emotions as I drove home. I couldn’t shake the feeling of Bonnie’s warmth, the memory of her laughter, and feel of her soft body against my hardened exterior. I could still smell her scent—something flowery like vanilla and rose petals. The evening had been unforgettable, but it had also stirred something within me, a desire that I couldn’t easily dismiss. I knew the boundaries that existed between us, the responsibilities that weighed heavily on my shoulders. Yet, despite my better judgment, I couldn’t help but feel drawn to Bonnie. The more I got to know her, the more captivated I became by her spirit and her dreams.

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