I think she might be jealous of the girls who keep staring at me and speaking to me. Is it my fault women like me?
Dr. Griffin begins her lecture by explaining to us the rules of the class and giving us a preview of the topics we'll learn about. She relaxes the longer she talks and even makes a few jokes. Though Felicity is sitting right next to me, we don't speak once her mother starts the lecture. I take notes on my computer, and Felicity keeps glancing at what I've typed, then nodding as if she approves. I'm not sure the approval of a freshman means much, but I decide it's her way of being friendly when we can't speak to each other.
Siobhan is a wonderful teacher. I've never enjoyed learning as much as I do today, listening to her explain about numbers in a way that makes math sound exciting.
When the hour is up, students file out of the classroom.
Felicity waits until everyone else has left, then she stands and smiles at me. "Maybe we'll hang out again sometime. I mean, you could start dating my mom and then—"
"I'd better stick with being a student only. Wouldn't want to violate the ethics code."
She snorts and waves a hand to dismiss my statement. "You're way too old to worry about that. The ethics code is for, like, pervy profs who try to mack on undergrads."
I have no idea what she just said.
"Felicity," Siobhan says sharply. "Leave Mr. Hunter alone."
"Sure thing, Mom." Felicity heads for the door but pauses on the threshold to throw her mother a sassy glance. "I like him. Better snap him up before somebody else does."
Felicity leaves before her mother can respond.
I get up, stretch, and amble over to my teacher. "Alone at last. If you want to snap me up, I'm game."
"Do you ever stop flirting?"
"Yes. When I'm asleep."
"I see." She collects her papers and stuffs them into an attaché case. "Are you going to wear a suit every day? Students don't dress that way."
"But I'm not a normal student." I lean my hip against the corner of the desk. "You've already kissed me once. Doesn't that break your precious ethics code? Might as well keep violating it in every way imaginable."
"I could get fired for sleeping with a student."
"Did I mention sex?" I tip my head to the side, studying her. "Maybe you're the one who can't stop making passes atme. Not that I mind. I love it when a woman wants to seduce me."
"I am not seducing you."
Since her cheeks have turned slightly pink, I think she might be lying.
"What do you call that kiss?" I ask. "Felt like you wanted to undress me right there in your office."
"Anything I might have been thinking about at the time is none of your business."
"Have it your way." I retrieve my computer bag, and as I pass by her desk again, I say, "If you change your mind, just ring me. I'm always available for you."
"But I'm always unavailable for you."
"I love a challenge." I lay a hand on the desk, slanting in. "By the way, I enjoyed your class. You're the best teacher I've ever seen."
Her eyes widen, but she doesn't speak or move.
I walk toward the door.
She races after me, her heels ticking on the floor, and seizes my arm to stop me.
"Did you want to say something else?" I ask, turning toward her.
"No. I, um…" She glances around like she's making sure no one else can hear our conversation. "I shouldn't have kissed you, but I don't regret it."