Page 28 of Teacher's Pet

If we had crossed paths first, we would be together. I know we would.

“Mature is just code for old.” I smiled, my tone turning mocking.

He shook his head. “She's not—” Then he shook his head, stepped closer, voice firmer. “I’m not playing this game anymore. I want to go home to my wife.”

My wife.My wife.That’s all he fucking talked about.

What about me?

“I’mkindlyasking you to move, Ryan.”

I observed him, his face, the tension in his jaw, his mouth…

“Kiss me.”

He froze. “No.”

I grinned. “You already kissed me before. What’s one more? I can stand here all day.”

He looked hard at me, and I saw it, his eyes flicked to my lips before snapping back to mine.

“If you don’t…” I let the pause stretch until it’s almost uncomfortable, “…maybe the school board hears about that kiss.”

His jaw tightened, breath slow, measured. I could tell he was trying to hold it together.

“So much for that little nice act, huh?” he says, low. “Seems you're good at lying.”

Ouch.

“Nice doesn’t get you anywhere. People only get what they want with leverage—” my gaze sweeps over him, deliberate,before climbing back to his face, “—or blackmail.” I take a step closer, lowering my voice. “And you? You’re not even in control of your own life,Nathan. Can’t keep your wife happy. Can’t keep me out of your classroom. Hell, you can’t even make me move.”

His jaw flexed, and he bit his cheek. I don’t think he’ll do it, but then he grabbed my face and I inhaled sharply. He leaned in, but turned my head slightly, lips brushed my cheek in a quick peck before pulling back.

I blinked at him, confused. He looked right at me, not breaking eye contact.

“That’s cheating.”

My voice came off higher-pitched than I would have liked. As if I were whining. I wasn’t.

He scoffed under his breath. “Ryan.”

“A real kiss.”

“It won’t mean anything,” he gritted.

I stared at him. “I don’t care.”

Silence.

“Nathan…”

He sighed, leaned in again, his breath hot against my ear. “You’re a problem, such abrat.” His words sent a shiver down my spine. “Close your eyes.”

I gave him a wide-eyed stare before fluttering them shut. I stayed frozen, face heating when nothing happened, then his lips were on mine.

His lips were soft, but the kiss was rough. Invasive.

His hands brushed over my hip bone, hesitated, then pulled back. A second later, I heard the bang of his fists hitting the door, and I startled, only parting my lips more, letting him deepen the kiss.