Page 15 of Tempting Teacher

“A place called RH Rooftop.” If I thought being in the elevator with her was difficult, this was torture. I clear my throat. “Have you been before?”

She shakes her head. “I really haven’t been anywhere in the city yet. A few places out at the Hamptons.”

“You’ll like it.” Without thought, I take her hand and slide it between mine, resting it on my thigh. Her eyes follow the movements, but she doesn’t say a thing. “It’s a beautiful night to eat outside under the stars.”

One side of her mouth tilts down. “Why are you being so nice? You’re never nice.”

A small chuff of laughter bubbles up. “It’s a date.”

“I thought it was a lesson.” She counters, angling her head.

“Touché.” I chuckle again.

“Is this how things work when you’re escorting? If the price is right, you paint on a smile, splash on some amazing smelling cologne, dress nicely and behave?”

“Someone’s a little angry this evening?” I purse my lips, one brow arching high.

“You said five lessons.” She shifts, facing me. “You combine two lessons into one, and then say I don’t need the fifth, so now we’re down to three. Three lessons for ten thousand dollars. I’m just not sure that’s fair. And I’m thinking that I should get a little more for my money.”

Her knee is bouncing up and down in time to the short breaths leaving her. I lift one of my hands off hers and place it over her bare leg, applying light pressure to stop her nervous movement. She glances at my hand before snapping her eyes to mine.

“You don’t think you’re getting your money’s worth?” I lean closer, lowering my voice as I drag my hand up between her legs, stopping when I reach the hem of her dress. “Do you want me to touch you right now? You’re probably already wet. I bet I could make you come in less than a minute.”

Her eyes dart to the front of the car toward the driver, then back to me.

“You think he hasn’t seen or heard worse in the back of this car?” I continue to taunt her.

“I’d rather you take me home and make love to me.” She whispers back, my cock jerking against my zipper at her suggestion.

“It’s called fucking, Summer.” I sit back, sliding my hand off her leg. “And that wasn’t part of the deal.”

“Neither was three lessons. It was five.” She crosses her arms over her chest. “That would be two thousand a lesson. So, I figure I have a four-thousand-dollar credit right now.” She tilts closer, hissing the next words. “I would think that would cover fucking me.”

“You don’t want me.” My jaw tightening as I clench my fingers into a tight ball. “Wait for someone that is special to you. Someone that will make you the center of his universe and treat you like the princess you deserve to be treated. You shouldn’t have to pay anyone to have sex with you. You’re better than a one-night stand and that’s all I can be to you.”

“You don’t know anything about what I want.” She murmurs under her breath, turning to look out the window.

“I would like for us to have a nice time tonight, even without the fucking.” I place a finger under her chin to turn her face to mine. “If you think you can stop pouting long enough.”

“I’m not pouting.” Her plump bottom lip jutting out. Unable to help myself, I tilt forward, swipe my tongue over the tender flesh and kiss her. Her breath is warm and tastes like apples. I don’t linger, just giving her enough to hopefully stop her overthinking us sleeping together.

I pull back, one corner of my mouth crooking up at how her eyes are still closed. “Open your eyes, Summer.” I skim my fingers down her cheek, her lids blinking open. “We’re here.”

Less than ten minutes later we’re seated in a beautiful corner booth, small lush trees on either side of us, a shimmering crystal chandelier centered above our round table. “This is so pretty.”

“I knew you would like it.” I smile across the table. “It’s simple elegance at its best. Very much like you.”

Her cheeks blush as she looks down at the menu. “What do you recommend?”

“The salmon is really good, or if you’re a steak person, the rib eye is amazing.”

“Let’s get each of those and we can share?” She suggests, biting her lip, looking across at me.

“That’s a great idea.” I slide the menu from her fingers. “Trust me with the wine?”

She nods, her lips curving into a smile. “I think it’s safe to say I trust you, considering what I’ve let you do to me.”

Before I can respond, our server appears. I order a bottle of Silver Oak Cabernet, Gem lettuce salads to start, and the salmon and steak, medium, in case she doesn’t like it too rare. Once he’s gone, I direct my attention back to her. “So, you’re going to Columbia?”

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