Page 4 of Tempting Teacher

We visited my cousin’s family a total of four times in my twenty-three years. My parents were quite satisfied with the quaint lifestyle they led in the country and had no desire to leave it. I, on the other hand, was thrilled to be out of college and on my way to grad school, allowing me to finally have some freedom. I was spending the summer in the Hamptons with my cousin before starting school in the fall.

I finish lacing up the gold gladiator sandals, and then add gold hoops and a long matching chain. I check my reflection and agree the small touches change the mood of the outfit. I twirl in a circle, flashing a bright smile at my cousin. “Thank you! That definitely did the trick.”

“Anytime.” She grabs my hand and pulls me toward the hallway. “Now let’s get down to the party!”

An hour later we’re sitting at a table not far from the bar, sipping our third glass of champagne. My cousin’s best friend, Allison, and another friend I just met tonight, Lily, are sitting with us. My cousin is busy pointing out who all the guests at the party are to me since I’m a complete fish out of water.

“Oh! There are the Sapphires; Drew and his wife Hannah.” She discreetly points to a gorgeous couple speaking to my Aunt Sophia, Serena’s mother, on the upper deck. “They own Sapphire Resorts. I think they might be richer than us.” She giggles, then continues. “Mom and Hannah are friends, so if you ever need a place to stay that isn’t my parents’, they can hook us up with some killer rooms at one of their hotels.”

“Sweet.” I take a drink, admiring the couple.

“Too bad Drew’s brother isn’t here.” She bumps her shoulder to mine while fanning her face dramatically. “Want to talk about tall, dark and oh so fuckable? He has tattoo’s that will make your panties fall off.”

“Benjamin?” Allison’s brow arches, a mischevious smile lighting up her face in wonder.

“Yep, that’s the one.” Serena confirms.

“How come he wasn’t invited?” I ask, my attention still on the Sapphires.

“He got married not that long ago.” She snorts. “Some lucky bitch snagged him up, so I never see him out and about anymore.” She smirks. “It’s too bad cause I heard he was quite the player before he met her. Would have liked to have given that one a whirl.”

“Down girl.” I laugh, but stop abruptly when my eyes land on what may be the sexiest man I’ve ever seen appear on the large deck. “Speaking of hot, who the hell is that?”

“Who?” She follows the direction of my gaze. “Oh, him. Yum. He’s definitely one fine specimen. Only one problem.”

“Someone that good looking can not possibly have a relevant problem.” Lily chides, puckering her lips as she openly assesses him up and down.

I twist to face Serena. “What? Is he gay?”

“Maybe.” She shrugs, draining her glass as she stares at him. “My mom hired him in attempt to make my dad jealous.”

“What the hell does that mean?” My nose scrunches as I try to put one and one together.

“Mother Dearest is pretty sure that Daddy Dearest is having an affair with Natasha.” She signals the bartender to bring us another round, but keeps talking. “See that red head that Mr. Sexy has his arm around?”

I nod, secretly wishing it was my back his hand was on.

“That is dad’s secretary.”

“Uncle Nick is sleeping with his secretary?” My eyes widen as my hand moves to cover my mouth, now hanging open in a very unladylike way.

“It wouldn’t be the first time.” One side of her mouth curving down. “Daddy seems to have a bit of a wandering eye.”

“I’m sorry, Serena.” I grab her fingers in mine to squeeze gently.

She sighs, looking back up at the stunning couple. “It is the first time I’ve actually see mother do something to try to fight back. Hiring someone that hot to keep Natasha away from daddy is pretty ballsy.”

“So, wait?” I wave my hands in the air. “What do you mean, she hired him? Is he like, a gigolo?”

She snorts. “You’re so damn cute with your country lingo.” She takes a long swig of the newly delivered champagne. “More like a prostitute I think.”

“He’s an escort.” Allison states confidently. Three pairs of eyes swing in her direction as she continues. “It’s true. He works for Temptations. It’s a service in the city.”

“So, he’s going to have sex with her?” I practically shout in shock.

“Shhh, everyone will hear you.” Allison giggles, the champagne clearly affecting her. “I mean, who knows, but I sure wouldn’t kick that fine ass out of bed.”

“But, what about your mom and dad, aren’t you worried about them?” I tear my gaze away from the gorgeous gigolo, or whatever he is, to look at Serena.

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