Page 31 of Tempting Teacher

We wrench apart from one another, both of us panting, both of us looking wide-eyed towards the entryway.

I whip my head back to Xander. “Who in the hell is that?”

He never once mentioned he might be seeing anyone. Especially someone who would have a key to his apartment.

“My mother.” He deadpans, a scowl appearing before he storms off in her direction.

Chapter Sixteen

~Xander~

“Mother.” I stride over to greet her, brushing a quick kiss against her cheek. “What are you doing here?”

“Well, hello to you too.” She chuffs, clearly annoyed with my reception.

“Sorry.” I offer. “It’s been a night.”

“I tried calling and texting before coming over.” She shrugs off the light jacket she’s wearing and hands it to me. “But when you didn’t show at the restaurant, your father and I got worried.”

“Shit.” I close my eyes, slapping my forehead. “I totally forgot we were having dinner tonight.” I hang her jacket on a hook across from the door. “I’m so sorry. A friend needed my help and I got completely distracted.” I glance behind her. “Where’s dad?”

“He took a car back to our apartment.” She walks toward the main living space, her brow arching when she notices Summer sitting on the couch. She twists her head my way. “Your friend?”

“She was mugged earlier.” I explain.

“What?” Her pace quickens as she makes her way over to Summer. “You poor dear. Are you okay?”

Summer’s eyes widen at my mother’s approach, her focus bouncing back and forth between us. “Um, yes?”

“You aren’t.” My mother declares, raising her fingers to brush against Summer’s cheek. “Does it hurt?”

“I’m okay.” Summer reassures her. “Xander is taking good care of me.”

“Did he tell you to call him that?” She scrunches her nose in deference. “I prefer Alexander.”

“Oh.” Summer glances at me, confusion written on her face.

I interrupt, trying to end the misery my mother’s putting her through. “Mother, this is Summer Knight.” He motions to me, and then to her. “Summer, meet my mother, Cordelia Walker.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Walker.” Summer offers her a tentative smile.

“Please, call me Delia. Mrs. Walker is so formal.” She gives Summer’s shoulder a soft pat. “So, how do you two know each other?” She glances back and forth at us.

Before Summer can reply, I respond. “She’s actually the Ward’s niece. I met her in the Hamptons at one of their soirees.”

“Sophia and Nick?” She hums her surprise, a smile appearing as her eyes light up. “Wait, are you Susanna’s daughter?”

“You know my mom?” Summer’s head tilts to the side.

“I’m a little older than her, but we were in the same sorority at Brown.” She explains. “I haven’t seen her in years. I think Sophia told me your parents were hiding out in the country somewhere?”

“In Vermont, yes.” Summer nods, one side of her mouth kicking up. “They like to stay under the radar.”

She turns to Xander, crossing her arms, a smug expression on her face. “Well, you two would certainly make a good match. We could be energy and communication magnates.”

“Mother!” I admonish. “We’re just friends.” I can’t help but notice Summer’s brows squish together at my mother’s comment.

“Uh-huh.” She murmurs, her eyes darting back and forth between Summer and I, a gleam I’ve witnessed one too many times before sparking to life.

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