Page 19 of Teacher's Pet

“Yes, of course.” His tone shifted instantly, all business again, his attention gone from me. “I’m on my way. Bye, darling.”

Darling?

I snorted before I could stop myself. His eyes caught mine for a second. “Okay. Bye.”

He looked up and gave an apologetic smile. “I love chatting with you, Ryan. I hope you come to enjoy my class, but office hours are over.”

“Let me guess—your wife, huh?”

“Yeah. But it’s also eleven p.m.” He chuckled, then tilted his head. “Would you like a ride again?”

“Oh, no, it’s okay. It’s only a couple of minutes’ walk… I doubt anyone would try to attack me around this time. Besides, I have pepper spray.”

I patted my pocket, knowing damn well I didn’t have pepper spray. “Well… I forgot it, but I should be okay.” I smiled.

Come on. Offer again.

He didn’t.

We rode the elevator down, and I was still reeling from him not asking me a second time. Dammit. I should have said yes the first time.

The elevator doors closed, and I put on a small show, pretending to be nervous.

“Are you okay?” he asked, cautiously.

“No, yeah, I just hate the dark. It’s dark in here, right?”

He studied me for a beat.

“Let me at least walk you back to your dorms. It’s clear—”

“Okay. Yeah. Is that okay?” I bit my lip.

He nodded.

I felt a small thrill but kept my expression guarded, hiding behind that fragile, fearful look.

“I just have bad memories of walking alone. I just—”

“Hey, it’s okay. I wouldn’t let my student leave if they felt unsafe, alright?”

I nodded again.

Student.

For now.

Part of me buzzed with satisfaction; the longer he stayed with me, the less time he’d have with his wife tonight. The other part simmered with indignation.

Getting him to walk me home had been laughably easy, and if he were my husband, I’d be furious.

That sat like a stone in my stomach. It made me sick.

Was he a cheater?

He seemed too good for that…but a little part of me wanted him to be. Because I wanted to be the reason. The exception. The mistake he couldn’t take back.

Chapter 4