Page 44 of Forbidden Billionaires: Vol. 1
"It seemed like a good place for a first date."
So you bought it?"What exactly did you do in New York?"
"I was a professor."
"For how long?"
He lowered his eyebrows slightly as he looked at me. "Less than a year."
"And before that?"
"I owned a startup. Would you mind if I ask you a question?"
The mystery of who Professor Hunter was had barely started to unfold and he wanted to talk about me? I wasn't the one that was interesting. "What did you want to know?"
"Everything."
The way he said it made me blush. He had already seen me naked. He had already had me in the most intimate way. "There really isn't that much to know," I said.
"I don't believe that's true. You enjoy challenging me and aren't afraid to speak your mind. I find you unbelievably refreshing."
I took another sip of wine. I felt so nervous under his gaze.
"So why is it that you don't feel like you're interesting?" he asked.
I gulped and looked up at him. It was because of Austin and all the times that he made me feel insignificant. "Honestly, you're the first person that's ever made me feel like I'm the only girl in the room. I'm not used to feeling like I matter."
Jerrod came in to take our order. I looked back down at the menu. I scanned the menu for something that wouldn't get stuck in my teeth. Professor Hunter reached his hand out and grabbed mine again.
"Penny, I've heard that the crab cakes are wonderful here."
I smiled, relieved that I didn't have to choose. "That sounds perfect."
Professor Hunter ordered for us. When Jerrod left the room, Professor Hunter put his elbows on the table and leaned in slightly. "When we're together, I can assure you that I don't see anyone else in the room. You always have my undivided attention."
"That must make grading other student's speeches quite difficult."
Professor Hunter laughed. "It does."
His words should have comforted me, but all I seemed to be able to focus on was when he had said "when we're together." I was reminded of the woman from his office. I wasn't necessarily the only person he was dating. If we even were dating.
Professor Hunter reached in his pocket, pulled out a penny, and slid it across the table. "A penny for your thoughts?"
I smiled up at him. This was why we were here. To talk about what we wanted. "The last guy that I dated didn't believe in labels. So really, I'm just wondering, where it is that we are? I mean, I'm not trying to pressure you. It's only because I'm curious. I just want to know where you stand on things."
Professor Hunter started laughing. He was laughingatme. I could feel my face turning scarlet.
"Where I stand on things? Penny, I don't relish the idea of sharing you, if that is what you're referring to."
"I don't relish the idea of sharing you, either, Professor Hunter."
The expression on his face grew serious. "What do you mean?" he asked slowly.
"I know that you have a girlfriend. That woman from your office. You were going on a date. It was obvious."
He sighed and smiled at me. Did he look relieved?
"That wasn't a date," he said.
