Page 25 of Releasing Reenie

Maureen

I wanted to check on Trent. I also didn’t. Worrying my lip, I watched my classroom fill with students. Maybe I could excuse myself and walk past his classroom, check that he was there. I looked down at my laptop. Could I email him? Was that weird?

What happened between us was… visceral, hot, tempting, and wrong. Wrong was what I needed to focus on though. My reaction to him hadn’t been a complete surprise. I’d had feelings for him before, but this was the first time I couldn’t control them. And the first time since he’d told me he was a Dom that I’d?—

I cut the thought off, shaking my head. I’d run when he told me, so this was new territory.

Why did he have to show up here? A small voice in my head suggested fate and I snorted, then covered it with a cough when a few students looked my way.

Jesus, get it together. I’ll send him a quick text, make sure he’s good and deal with the rest of my thoughts later, afterseveral more cups of coffee and maybe a nip of something stronger.

Plan in place, I typed a quick message. And then Mira walked in and I forgot about my personal drama. She looked tired and… dull. It was the only way I could describe her. Normally a vibrant girl, full of interest and curiosity, she looked downright pale and gaunt. Worry made my stomach sink like a boulder.

While the rest of the students settled in, I rose and walked to her desk. My classroom could accommodate forty-five, but all the seats were never filled. She sat alone on the aisle closest to the outside wall, her bookbag on the desk beside her, effectively blocking anyone from sitting next to her. This was also unusual. She was a popular girl, often sitting in a small group with three other girls and one guy.

“Mira?” I spoke gently but she still looked startled when I did. “May I see you after class?”

She nodded woodenly but fear flickered across her gaunt features. “Uh, Professor Stahlbaum, did I miss an assignment?”

I wanted to reach out, touch her arm, reassure her but I didn’t. “No, Mira, no need to worry. I’d just like to talk. Make sure things are going well with your new schedule.”

“Oh.” She smiled. “Everything is good. No need to take up your time with me.”

I firmed my expression, my brow arching in warning. “I’d like to see you after class.” I left no room for refusal.

Back at my desk, I noticed Trent had replied to my text. My stomach dipped.

Worried about me? I’m fine, Reenie. Up for another run tonight? Maybe one that doesn’t involve a swim? The orgasm is optional.

I shivered, then realized my class was waiting on me.

After class, I spoke with Mira. Our conversation left me unsettled to say the least, her confession hitting a little too close to home. I needed to talk to Trent, so I shot him a text as I headed back to my apartment to change.

Maureen:Yes, to the run. Talked to Mira. Tell you everything later. Bench at six o’clock.

Trent:Is that a no to the orgasm? Winky face.

I licked my lips, staring at his reply. On one hand, the Mira business was sad, but on the other, I needed this. The fun, flirty banter with a sexy man. One who wasn’t being pushy about his Dominant status like he had been three years ago.

Maureen:Are you going to throw yourself in the lake to make me feel sorry for you again? Clearly that was your plan all along yesterday.

I chewed my lip, my reply more thrilling than I expected.

Trent:If I have to (Devil emoji.) Leave the panties at home.

Maureen:LOL. Yes, sir.

I swallowed hard with that one. Flirting with him was fun, and didn’t really feel like being controlled, not in a bad way anyway. It was playful, sexy, and natural.

Back at home, I threw on my most flattering sports bra and yoga pants and filled my water bottles.

How had I been in the community this long and never noticed that it wasn’t always so… serious?

Then again, maybe this wasn’t what Trent was offering. Maybe this was just a way to lower my guard.

Just before I left the apartment, I ran back to my room and grabbed a loose-fitting tank top. Throwing it on, I walked out to meet Trent.

He was waiting at the bench.

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