Page 9 of Avoiding Temptation
“Did you need help with the assignment, Mr. Kingsman?”
“Um...no, I think I’ve got it covered.” His feet hit the floor and he stands, taking all the air in the room with him as he stalks towards me.
My heart continues to race and my palms start to sweat as he approaches the other side of the desk.
“I was more wondering what I could do for you.”
“How’s that?” I squeak. Wishing the ground would swallow me up for showing my vulnerability, I reach for my pencil case, ready to stuff it inside my bag, but he stops me. His large, calloused hand lands on mine, and I’m forced to freeze as sparks shoot up my arm. I glance at the door, knowing that Eddie will most probably barge through at any moment to check up on me.
“I’m not totally sure. I was hoping you could help me out with that.”
When I turn back to him, he’s staring at me with narrowed eyes as if he’s trying to work me out. My lips part to respond, but he beats me to it.
“What I do know is that what you need isn’t Mr. Boring, and it also isn’t this poncy fucking twinset.” He reaches out and pops open the top button of my cardigan like a freaking magic trick. “I also know that you’re looking for something, and I’m pretty sure I can help you find it.”
“I uh…” I’ve no idea what to say to any of that other than to be freaked out by how spot-on his assumptions are.
“You don’t need to tell me that I’m right. I already have my answer.” His smug smirk pisses me off, but it’s nowhere near enough for me to make him leave. “So, are you in?”
“In with what exactly?” My eyes find the door again as I try to pull my hand from under his, not wanting to get caught in this position, but he squeezes harder to stop me.
“Giving me a chance to find whatever it is you’re looking for.”
“I’ve no idea what—” The door opens. My eyes fly up and my heart pounds against my ribs as Joe rips his hand from mine and steps back.
“You all done for the—Mr. Kingsman, in trouble again?” Eddie looks between the two of us, his eyes calculating.
“Not this time. Just had a couple of important questions for Miss Smith before I left to make a start on my assignment in the coffee shop down the street.” He turns back to me and winks.
It’s probably the most unsubtle invitation I’ve ever heard. I expect Eddie to say something but, to my surprise, he side-steps Joe’s random statement. “You ready?”
I hesitate for a second, giving Joe a chance to return to his seat and pick up his bag, but he’s not yet out of the room when I say, “Actually, I’ll find my own way home tonight. I’ve got a few errands to run. I wouldn’t want to hold you up.”
“Oh, okay. If you’re sure.”
I barely hear the words, because I’m too focused on the wide, triumphant smile Joe graces me with before he walks out of my classroom.
What the hell are you doing, Quinn?
I tell myself that I’m just going to get a coffee for the journey home. I want to see if he’s really there and what else he has to say. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t interested in hearing it.
I feel him watching me the second I step inside the coffee shop, but I come up empty when I quickly scan the tables as I walk towards the counter.
“Cappuccino, one sugar, chocolate sprinkles,” is whispered in my ear, sending goosebumps racing across my skin.
Turning, I find him right behind me with two mugs in hand.
“How’d you know?”
“Good guess.”
I follow him to a table in a dark corner at the back of the shop, my entire body shaking with nervous energy, and sit with my hands wrapped around the mug so he doesn’t see them trembling.
“So tell me, Miss Smith. What is it you’re looking for?”
“I don’t—’
“Don’t lie to me. I can see it in your eyes every time you look at me. Tell me what you need. I’m sure I can deliver everything you desire.”
