Page 34 of Detention with Daddies

Soft kisses drop across the back of my shoulders, in my hair.

His big hands soothe me in sweeping strokes. Small hushing whispers in my ear. I get one moregood girlout of him before he pulls away.

MATTEO

Standing behind Olivia in line for lunch, I watch her hesitate as she takes her tray and looks around the cafeteria. Her usual lunch buddy, Nick Salazar, isn’t in today, so I pay for my own lunch and touch her elbow.

She jumps and turns toward me, a smile blooming on her face.

“Why don’t you come and eat in my office with me?” Not that I don’t assume she’s made other friends, but still, I feel compelled to offer.

The sparkle in her eye gives me a renewed pang of attraction. I’m playing a dangerous game, but I can’t seem to help myself.

“Sure.” Intrigue or interest keeps the small smile on her face, and heat blooms in my chest.

I nod toward the exit and enjoy how she takes the lead. We don’t talk on the way up, and I like the way we don’t need to fill up the space with nonsense. The problem is how hard it is to keep my gaze off her shapely ass. How her long, red hair sways around her waist. How she peeks over her shoulder to peer back at me only once before we make it to the elevator.

Once I have her seated across from me at my desk, I ask her the easiest question to get her talking—something I actually find that I like. “How is your project going?”

Another full smile that threatens the barriers I keep in place while at work. “Good. My group just did a new round of labs that I need to run today. I don’t expect big changes, but I have noticed some psychological changes in the group after our first week. Plus, I just really enjoy getting to know my group better.”

Pink paints her cheeks at the admission, but it doesn’t dim her passion at all.

“It’s good to care about them. It means you’ll work harder for them.”

“But?”

“Don’t work harder than they do. They have to put in the work too. You can’t do it all for them.”

Olivia laughs, good-natured and sweet. “I know, but thank you.”

“You enjoy training them?”

“I do. It’s what I tried to do before I started my graduate degree.” She opens her container to a grilled caprese sandwich, sliced grilled steak, and a small fresh fruit salad. It’s an excellent pairing and looks much more appetizing than the burrito bowl I grabbed.

Not that the center offers poor quality food.

“Why did you simply try? You don’t seem like the type to takenofor an answer.”

“Mmm. I’m not, but there isn’t much you can do when everyone tells you no.”

Hence, her degree path. I’m glad we’ve been able to offer her the chance to throw it back in their faces. Maybe not the most professional response, but I hate the bias inherent in the fitness industry.

“Did you know that I teach Pedagogy of Physical Activity?” The admission has her gaze locking on mine and amusement lining her mouth.

“Really? I didn’t know you taught.”

“One class every other semester.” My shoulder lifts in a half shrug. “It’s the only one I take on because I enjoy it so much.”

“What’s your favorite lesson?” Her genuine curiosity warms me inside. No one’s ever asked me before.

Will she think I’m indulging her? “It’s actually the section on inclusive pedagogy.”

Her eyes narrow, but it’s more playful than suspicious. “Seriously?”

I nod. “Seriously, Olivia. I’ve seen the gap in education for a long time, and the few patients I get to work with are not athletes. They’re normal people who have mobility issues.”

The slow grin bunching her apple cheeks fills me with something I didn’t know I’d been missing.

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