Page 15 of Broken Valentine

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The next two hours drag as I go over the homework material from this weekend. Taylor doesn't look at me the entire time and it makes things easier. His eyes are either on the slides, his book, or the notebook he's writing in.

Today he’s wearing a closed jacket over his clothes and I can't help but wonder what's hiding underneath it. The purple beanie from the night of our first hook up hides most of his blond curls and only a few strands stick out from the sides.

Everyone rushes for their bookbags after I finish the last slide and assign their homework. Taylor remains in his seat, still shoving everything in his bag.

I clear my throat and he stands, swinging his bag over his shoulder. His smile is big and radiant, lighting up his face. “Looks like it's just you and me again, Professor.”

I turn off the computer and clear the desk. “It appears that way.”

“Want to get some hot chocolate with me before your next class? I don't know about you, but I could use a bit of a pick me up.”

I glance at the clock and then back at him, struggling to find the right words when he's staring at me with those big blue eyes convincing me to give him anything he wants. They’re nearly as dangerous as that irresistible smile of his. “Not sure if that's such a good idea.”

Walking closer to me, Taylor laughs, shaking his head. It's hard to turn away from the way his blond hair falls into his face when he pulls off his hat.

“Oh, come on Professor. I'm sure getting hot chocolate together isn't against the rules.” He sweeps his hair behind his ear, glancing around him, pretending to zip his lips together. “I promise I won't tell anyone if you don't.” He leans in close enough for me to smell his strawberry lip gloss. His hand is warm as it lands on my shoulder the way a friend’s would, only it doesn’t feel the same.

He's right, getting hot chocolate together is perfectly harmless, but the way my body reacts to his light fingers sliding down my arm is anything but. I know I should say no. Instead, the words that slip from my mouth are, “Fine, one hot, sugary drink won't hurt.”

He lifts a brow, removing his hand from my shoulder, making me miss his touch. “One? I was thinking more like two, but hey if you want to share, I won't argue. Although, it may be hard to scoop up the marshmallows with my tongue when your mouth is in the way.” He wets his pink-tinted lips and his eyes become lustful.

The things this man does to me. The way he takes hold of me with his gaze and the movement of his body has me craving things I shouldn't want in my classroom has me questioning my sanity. Everything I did with Rhys was fully planned out. Things with Taylor are different and usually against my better judgment. He leads me to the unexpected and I'm ready to join him there—even if it sends me down the wrong path. “Well, which is it, Professor? Where did you even go just now? Wondering what chocolate would taste like with a little Taylor mixed in?”

I laugh, shaking my head, and I point to the hallway outside of the classroom. “Let’s just go before I change my mind.”

We exit the building and walk across the parking lot, looking both ways while we quickly cross the street to get to the food truck parked there. It's a bit warmer out than earlier, and Taylor pulls off his coat, draping it over his arm. It’s still too cold out to be wearing what he has on, but it doesn't seem to faze him. He’s walking ahead of me with a pep in his step, wearing a light blue long-sleeved crop top with a shiny rainbow in front and his skintight white jeans. His pale skin appears soft and delicate surrounded by the gentle tones of his clothing.

I can't stop staring at the few visible freckles on his lower back and the perfect slope of his waistline that compliments the curve of his hips. I'm so enamored with the flawless vision before me that I almost trip over my own feet.

Taylor quickly turns around, when my shoes scrape loudly against the floor as I catch myself from falling. “Woah, careful there, old man. You should have brought your glasses with you.”

I clear my throat, inching away from him so I can breathe easier. I can't think straight with any part of Taylor touching me. He makes it difficult enough as it is by being in my vicinity. “I told you, I only need those for reading.”

“Looks like you may need them for walking too.” He steps in front of me, resting his hands on the window of the truck, sticking his ass out. His face tilts back a little as he looks at the hot chocolate flavors listed on the board behind the server. He orders a drink called Strawberry and Cream, asking for extra marshmallows. I order the Mint Dream and the smell is intoxicating when the cup is placed in my hand. We carry our drinks over to a nearby picnic table that was clearing of people.

“Look at that, perfect timing. A table just for us,” Taylor announces, strutting toward it.

I glance around me before placing myself in the seat across from Taylor. He scoops up a few marshmallows with his tongue before taking a small sip of his drink with a satisfied smile. “That's the best thing I've ever drunk. I'm sure there are things out there though that are just as creamy.”

I spit my drink out and he tilts his head back laughing. I shake my head, wiping my mouth with a napkin. “Don't even say it.”

He grins, swiping another marshmallow from his cup. “I wonder if you're a spitter when it comes to other things.” His ankle rubs against mine under the table.

Giving him a stern look, I shake my finger. “Behave yourself, we’re in public.”

He glances around before leaning over the table. “You're right, and we should change that soon.”

14

Taylor

I wagglemy brows for effect and it only makes Jamie shake his head more in disapproval. I grab my hot chocolate and finish off the rest of it before tossing the cup in the trash, nearly missing. “Come with me, I want to show you something.”

Jamie glances at his watch and back at me with a look of hesitance. “I don't know, I gotta be back to the classroom in forty minutes.”

“Don't worry, I won't let you be late. I promise.”

He furrows his brows together and releases a long sigh. “Where are we going exactly?”