Page 44 of The Professor
I know I’m right, especially when he glowers at me, quickly removing his hand from my knee. I’ve hit a nerve. As his student it’s crossing a line, but as the girl he’s fucked over and over I think I have every right to.
“That, my naive student, is the way I choose to live my life. Don’t sit there and analyze me. You are far from being the psychologist you want to be, understood?” He says seething.
Asshole. I know I’m right and he’s trying to use the fact he’s older and wiser to deflect the situation. He doesn’t know me well at all.
“I may be a naive student, but I know I’m right. If you don’t want to talk about it, that’s fine I get that, but don’t make it like I’m some dumb fuck who just throws out guesses,” I say, glaring at him.
“I never said you were a dumb fuck, but I won’t be analyzed by my student,” he replies, crossing his arms over his solid chest.
“I’m not analyzing you, Drake. I was agreeing with you about not letting fear stop you. Everyone is scared of something. Just because you’re older doesn’t mean shit. You have fears and those fears reside deep inside, keeping you from getting close to anyone. I don’t know why you have them and I’m not asking you to tell me. But I won’t allow you to make me out to be some dumb kid,” I say, probably a bit too loudly.
He’s pissed. I’m sure it’s a mixture of me not backing down and that I hit the fucking nail on the head. He’s staring out onto the ranch, completely avoiding eye contact. His breathing has increased and I can see his temple flexing, probably from clenching his teeth. I continue to watch him as he seems to be completely lost in thought.
A slight nod of his head, he darts his eyes to me quickly before looking back out at the ranch. “You’re right. Leave it alone now, please,” he says defeated.
Feeling like a bitch, I stand up and squat in front of him, resting my hands on his hard thighs.
“Drake,” I gently say, trying to get him to look at me. He eventually slides his dark eyes to mine and I lean forward and press a soft kiss to his lips. “I’m not going to push you, but I’m here if you ever want to talk.”
His eyes soften and he lifts me into his lap. Wrapping his arms around me, he holds me tightly against him, his face buried in my neck. This is the most vulnerable he’s ever been with me and I’ll admit, I like it. Maybe he needs me for something more than just fucking.
Chapter 20
Drake
Wakingup for class this morning sucks. I hardly slept and now I need to go spend the day with a bunch of kids, some who are just wasting my fucking time. Filling my travel mug with coffee, I rest it next to my briefcase. I button my gray shirt before I knot my purple and white tie. After clasping my cufflinks, I quickly put my watch on.
“Let’s get this shit over with,” I mumble, as I grab my jacket and briefcase.
Rushing to the door, I almost leave without my coffee. Shaking my head in annoyance, I get it and head out the door. The drive to the university seems to take extra long this morning and I just know it’s going to be a bad day.
I park in my spot and slide into my jacket once I’m out of my truck. Gathering everything, I make my way to my classroom, determined to have as little interaction with everyone as possible. Just as I’m unlocking my door, Professor Erickson, the head of my department calls my name. Fucking Christ.
“I’d like to have a lunch meeting with you today in my office, after your class ending at noon,” he says.
It’s not a question of whether I can make it, it’s more of a demand I be there. Exactly what I need today.
“You got it,” I say, void of any emotion.
“Wonderful. I’ll order food.”
He leaves and I go into my classroom. Dropping everything on my desk, I punch the wall behind me. Fuck. Just what I need today.
My door opens as my knuckles throb with pain.
“Professor Grayson?”
Turning around I see Aubrey. Nerves twist in my gut as I shove my hand in my pocket.
“What’s wrong?” I ask, looking her up and down.
“Nothing is wrong. I wanted to talk to you if I could, about Emma,” she says, with a small smirk.
Fucking Emma. She told her about us. After everything we talked about she went and opened her mouth anyway. This is probably what my fucking meeting is about too.
“What’s up?” I ask, a bit annoyed.
“I’m definitely crossing a line here, I know that, but I also know that Emma really admires you.”
