Page 22 of Teacher's Pet

“Okay, you're right, but you’ll try to come earlier, right?I miss you.”

“Of course, I’ll do my best.”

She smiles, catching my lips between hers.

“Thank you.”

***

Class was over, but I saw Ryan waiting for me. He gave me a bright smile and stayed behind, watching the last of the students trickle out.

As soon as the room emptied, I made it obvious I was leaving, shutting off my monitor, packing my bag, slinging it over my shoulder.

Ryan stayed leaning against the wall. I didn’t miss the way Landon, one of my more popular students, winked at him on his way out.

I clenched my jaw as Ryan approached. It was 9:02. I could definitely make it home early if I could just—

“Hi, Professor,” he greeted, sliding onto my desk and swinging his legs, blocking the way.

I kept my expression measured, leaning a hand on the desk beside him. “I can’t stay today, Ryan.”

He didn’t acknowledge it.

“Did you like the keychain I made you?”

I hesitated. My mouth felt dry, and I wet my lips before answering. “Yes. Thank you. But I—”

“Where is it?” His head tilted, eyes flicking over me like he was searching for it. “If you tossed it, that’s fine. I won’t take it personally.”

I reached into my satchel and held up my keys. “It’s right here. On my keys.”

“Cute,” he murmured, gaze lingering on me a little longer than necessary before he slid them from my hand. His fingers brushed my palm, light, but intentional.

I swallowed.

“Ryan—”

“This would look better on you,” he said, quieter now, like he was telling me a secret.

I frowned, unsure what he meant until his hand found my hip. The contact was fleeting, almost careful, but it drew me closer. He unclipped the keychain, eyes never leaving mine, and fed it through one of the belt holes at my waist. His knuckles grazed my stomach before the clasp clicked shut.

When he leaned back, the smirk was faint, but his gaze lingered where his hand had been. I didn’t move right away.

He tilted his head, narrowing his eyes. “Okay… how about tomorrow?”

I shook my head, confusion flooding me. “Tomorrow what?”

“You said you can’t stay today, so let’s finish this conversation tomorrow?” He smiled.

His hands were gone, but the sensation still lingered on my skin.

No, I needed to focus. This is where I made the boundaries clear.

I cleared my throat. “My office hours are three to four p.m. on Mondays only. Sorry, Ryan, but most of your questions can be handled by my TA.”

His smile faded. He slid off the desk, arms tightening at his sides.

“What? Why?”