Page 30 of Tenure

“Yes.”

“More than one?”

My mouth twitches. “Sometimes.”

She pulls her hand out of mine and places it on her thigh, staring me down.

“How many?”

I sigh. “I don’t know, Kiernan. I’m not bringing home a new woman every night if that’s what you’re asking.”

“How many students are you sleeping with?”

I take my eyes off the road and turn to face her, looking her right in the eye. “One.”

“Have you ever slept with a student before?”

“No.”

“I don’t believe you,” she scoffs.

I shrug, annoyed. “Believe me or don’t believe me. I’ve never fucked a student.”

She narrows her eyes. “I find it hard to believe nobody has tried.”

“Just because they try doesn’t mean it works.”

“What’s so special about me, then?”

I take my eyes off the road again and stare her down. “Everything.”

24

Kiernan

He idles at the curb a little way away from my house.

I feel weird. Shifty. I want to touch him, but I don’t. I want to kiss him, but I don’t. Instead I just sit there, staring at my hands, wishing I didn’t have to leave.

“Look at me,” he says softly.

I raise my eyes and stare up at him. His expression is soft as he unbuckles his seatbelt and leans across the console, pressing his lips gently to mine. I sigh, and he inhales, his tongue slipping into my mouth, his fingers drifting back to my throat.

He seems to catch himself and pulls away, breathless. Then he nods at the door.

“Go.”

I unbuckle my belt and get out, hesitating for a moment before I reach for the hem of his hoodie to pull it off. He shakes his head.

“Keep it. I’ll call you tomorrow. Nowgo.”

I smirk. “Yes,daddy.”And then I slam the door shut behind me.

I flop onto my bed and stare at the ceiling, thighs aching from climbing the stairs, and clap my hands over my mouth to keep from squealing with nerves, excitement,delight . . .My phone vibrates and I pick it up, frowning at the unknown number.

You’re lucky I like hearing you say that or you’d be due for a spanking

I grin and text him back.