His Love Lesson (10 page)

Chapter 17

H
unter and Chey had talked for hours while cooped up in the villa. They'd covered a lot of ground, yet so much about her remained a mystery. He knew plenty about her early years in her small town in Virginia, her fond childhood memories and her appreciation for simple things like great movie classics and fun games. However, what intrigued him most were things she hadn't said—the subjects that had been broached but left uncharted.

Today he realized that it was much more than unfulfilled curiosities that drew him in, keeping thoughts of her at the forefront of his mind. Hunter liked her raw beauty, her presence, her smile, the way she dipped her shoulders and threw her head back when she laughed—those, among other more explicit things. Hunter simply liked Chey.

Now he also understood why she'd been so cold when he was leaving and in her email. She was concerned about him respecting her after their delectable heated encounter. She was simply being defensive. If only she knew the Barrington brothers were experienced—to put it nicely. They knew the difference between women with standards and those who indulged in one-night stands with the same casual flair as they chose a pair of shoes to go with a certain outfit.

He'd received his student roster days ago but hadn't paid enough attention to it to notice her name. When Chey practically ran out of his classroom after Kenya showed up, he'd calmly resisted the urge to run after her. He hadn't missed the way Kenya planted herself between the two of them and then touched him as if that were their norm. He'd remained stoic because there was too much on the line. Unlike his brothers, he wasn't up for being “the talk.”

Dinner with Kenya had seemed like a fine idea until the woman who plagued his dreams reappeared in his life. Now as he sat across the table from Kenya as she boasted of her credentials, he couldn't keep his mind from wandering back to the moment he'd recognized Chey sitting in his class. Time had stopped. No one else was in the room but Chey and Hunter. His mouth had watered and his jewel had stiffened at the sight of her and the memory of her sweet taste. Hunter couldn't recall being this affected by another woman. Not even the woman he'd dated throughout law school and briefly thought about marrying.

Politely, Hunter continued to listen to Kenya drone on about her upcoming sabbatical and spending the summer traipsing through Southeast Asia. By any standard, Kenya was an intelligent and experienced woman who would be quite the catch for any man. Right now Chey held his mind hostage. He wondered what she was doing now. Who was she with? Where exactly did she live?

“Hunter!”

“Yeah.” Hunter furrowed his brows, pretending to listen intently.

“Did you hear anything I just said?” Kenya was clearly on the verge of becoming annoyed. “You seem rather preoccupied.”

“I'm sorry. I have a lot on my mind.”

Kenya smiled, obviously accepting Hunter's mild lie. Taking a carrot from the crudités plate, she dipped it in the dressing and slowly brought it to her mouth, stopping short of taking a bite. “What are you thinking about?”

“I wouldn't bore you with the details.” Hunter stabbed a piece of steak and stuffed it in his mouth.

“You could never bore me.” Kenya bit into her carrot.

“Heh.” Hunter appreciated when a woman went after what she wanted, but he hated when the chase was effortless. He connected with Kenya's line of sight, assessed her for a moment and sat back, placing his fork on the side of the plate. “So tell me. What would you like to see happen between us?”

“Wow. Damn the small talk.” Kenya reached for her wine. After a healthy gulp, she put the glass down and stared into Hunter's eyes for a tick. “We both have a lot going for us. You look good on paper and in person.”

Hunter resisted the urge to roll his eyes—something he didn't normally do, but if he had a chip of gold for every time a woman considered how attractive his credentials were, he'd have enough gold to fill all the vaults in the Federal Reserve twice. At one time, that would have piqued his interest—made him push out his chest a little. Right now he wasn't impressed.

Hunter wasn't interested in making a connection that “looked good.” He wanted one that felt good, and not just to his extremities.

Hunter leaned toward her. “I've never dated women I've worked with. I've seen that get...‘messy.'” He curled his fingers into quotes.

“There's always a first time for everything. Besides...” Kenya took another sip. Hunter assumed the rawness of this conversation was more than she was ready to handle on a sober mind. “I'm a grown, intelligent woman who understands boundaries.”

“What would those boundaries look like?” Hunter drew even closer to her. He was interested in hearing how she was going to answer this question.

“I realize we work together. Whatever we decide to do, we set the limits and abide by them, whether we date, have casual sex or a full-blown relationship.”

“What kind of connection would you prefer?”

Hunter saw a flash of embarrassment and then a coy smile spread across Kenya's face.

“Well, I don't know.” Kenya gestured for the waiter to come and ordered a different drink. No wine this time. She must have needed something stiff. Hunter ordered a scotch. “What kind are you up for?”

Hunter sat back again and smiled. “I asked you first.”

“Whew. Well...I guess I'm willing to explore all of those options and see where they take us.”

“Aren't there rules against this kind of thing at the university?”

“Those fraternizing rules apply to relationships between students and teachers, not colleagues. In fact, there are one or two married couples who are on staff.”

“Interesting.” Hunter knew that if he wanted Kenya, he could have her tonight. He'd still respect her in the morning. He found nothing wrong with a forward woman. However, the desire was simply not there. He knew what kept his desire at bay. Her name was Chey. “I'm going to be honest. You're a beautiful woman, brilliant and stimulating.” Kenya's fair cheeks turned pink.

“But...I can hear it coming.” Kenya picked up the drink the waiter had just placed on the table, swirled the ice with the stirrer and sipped.

Hunter chuckled. “I'm looking forward to getting to know you more as a colleague first. I think we'd make great friends. Besides—” Hunter took a breath “—as far as relationships are concerned, right now I'm in an...interesting place.”

“What's her name?” Kenya raised a brow.

Hunter tossed back the remnants of his near-empty snifter and picked up the fresh one that the waiter had just placed on the table. “The name isn't important. It's more like...” Hunter searched the ceiling for the right word “...timing. I like being clear about my intentions and I'd never want to mislead you.”

“Good ole Mr. Time.” Kenya nodded. She placed her hand on his. “I appreciate your candor.” Kenya motioned for the waiter. Hunter sensed that dinner was over. “You can't blame a girl for trying. Maybe in time...
timing
will no longer be an issue.”

Hunter just smiled.
Maybe.
Right now time was the only thing that seemed to stand in the way of exploring something deeper with Chey. He'd find a way to work that out.

Chapter 18

T
he past two days had come and gone too fast. Now Chey stood just inside the building chatting with her parents to avoid going to class early. As if she didn't have enough to be embarrassed about, she'd made things worse by wearing her jealousy on her sleeve and storming out of Hunter's class the other day. She had spoken to her advisor about getting her schedule changed, but the courses she needed weren't being offered at other times. Besides, she had already picked the most convenient schedule possible. Three classes were held on Tuesday and Thursday with a break between the second and third—Kenya's and Hunter's. The other two were on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings.

Kenya had watched her intently during today's session and Chey hoped she wouldn't become a problem. She looked at her watch and realized she had only minutes to spare before Hunter's class started.

“Hey, parents!” Ray and Patricia were on the speakerphone at the store and were going on about how much the customers loved the new lotion she'd created before she left. “Mom. Dad.”

“Yes, sweetie?” Patricia finally opened up the conversation enough to allow her to get a word in.

“I may come home during one of our long weekends. I can make more then.”

“That would be great!” Patricia said. “I still don't like the idea of you being out there in that city by yourself. I don't see why you had to pick a school in New York. There are plenty of schools here in Virginia.”

“Ma!”

“Sounds like a plan,” Ray added, heading off a potential bickering session between Chey and her mother. “Hey. Why don't you whip up something for the men, too, while you're here?”

Chey knew that her dad was equally concerned, but he seemed a little more supportive.

“Okay, I'll look into that. I have to run now. Class starts—” she looked at her phone for the time “—now! Love you. Bye!” Chey ended the call and raced down the hall.

She reached the door just as Hunter was about to close it. He smiled at her. Not a “welcome to class” smile either. His luscious lips curled into a sexy grin that shimmied up to his brown eyes. She looked away.

“Good afternoon, Professor Barrington.” She held her composure and took the seat closest to the door. After the tingling sensation settled down, she remembered that she should have been more irritated than affected. He shouldn't give her looks like that when he obviously had something going on with Professor Davis.

Again Chey found it hard to concentrate in class, but she did better than the first day. She even took more notes. This time, they were actually more coherent, as opposed to being random snatches of information typed across her screen. She still couldn't bring herself to participate further or raise her hand, even though she knew the answers. The less Hunter looked her way, the easier it was to get through the class. She had already caught him staring a few times.

Chey kept looking at her watch, counting the minutes until class finally ended. After shutting down her iPad, Chey leaned over to place it in her bag. As she came up, she saw Hunter's legs in front of her. Her breath caught. She rose slowly.

“Hey!”

“Can we talk?” Hunter asked.

She wanted to say no, but he summoned a yes from her with those irresistible eyes and that strong jawline.

“Let's go to my office.”

Chey stood. “Lead the way.”

Just as they stepped out of the classroom door, Professor Davis walked up.

“Chey,” she delivered curtly with a singular nod. Then her voice changed. “Hey, Hunter! Have you eaten?” She looked at him as if she wanted to have him for dinner.

“No, but I'm fine. I need to speak with Ms. Rodgers for a moment and then I'll be heading straight home. I have court in the morning and this judge can be a piranha.”

“Oh. Okay.” Kenya responded to Hunter but her eyes were on Chey.

“Can I give you a call after court? I have a few questions,” Hunter said.

“Sure.”

“Great! Take care,” Hunter said.

The walk to Hunter's office felt awkward since Kenya trailed them by a few steps. Hunter touched on the subjects they had just discussed in class. Chey was sure that was for Kenya's benefit because when she turned into her office on the right, Hunter stopped speaking as they continued toward his office a few more feet to the left. He didn't start speaking again until they were behind the closed door in his small office.

Chey stood by the door as Hunter rounded his desk. When he sat, he looked up and gestured toward the seat in front of him.

“Please. Have a seat. Get comfortable.”

Chey sat.

For a moment, he just stared at her. A slight smile teased the ends of his lips.

“What, Professor?” Chey tilted her head sideways.

“Hunter.” Chey watched his lips move as he spoke.

“What, Hunter? Why are you staring at me like that?”

“I don't mean to make you uncomfortable.”

“Well...” Chey let the idea hang and gave him a look letting him know that he was doing just what he hadn't meant to do.

Hunter laughed. Chey didn't know why, but she joined him anyway. The oddity of the situation was still funny no matter how awkward it felt.

“I still can't believe this.” Hunter slapped his desk.

“You! I thought I would have a heart attack when I saw you walk into that classroom.”

Chey was pleasantly amazed at how easily they fell into a familiar rhythm now that they were alone.

“I wanted to speak with you since Tuesday, but other than your email, I don't have any of your contact information.” Chey didn't offer any details. Hunter continued. “How was the rest of your trip? Did you ever get to go skiing?”

“Did I!” Chey opened up and told him about her days in Utah after his departure.

“Sounds like things went well. I'm glad the storm didn't ruin all of your plans. Did you work on your book?”

If Chey hadn't been smitten by Hunter at this point, he'd have won her with that last question. No one seemed to care about her desire to write—least of all her last boyfriend. And here Hunter was, asking about it as if he truly wanted to know.

“Actually, I made a lot of headway on it. I really like how the story is coming along.”

“You'll have to let me read it one day.”

“It's romance.” Chey waved him off. “You won't be interested.”

“Why wouldn't I be—especially if you're the one writing it? Do you have someone to proofread it for you?”

“No.” Chey couldn't believe his level of interest. Todd would have never offered to read her book.

“Maybe I could do that for you.” Hunter sat back in his chair and put his hands behind his head.

Chey chuckled. “Wow. You would do that?” It was a nice gesture, but she'd never let him read it—especially with all the steamy details that were inspired by him.

“Of course.” Hunter leaned forward. “Did you put anything about me in there?” He flashed a curious gaze paired with a wicked smile.

Chey shook her head. “Hunter!” she admonished. Her cheeks burned again.

He laughed. “Just curious. Maybe you should.” He paused and returned to that intense gazing that he always laid on her. Chey squirmed a little. His eyes were so passionate. Another moment passed before he started again. He leaned forward, taking on a more serious presence. “The reason I asked you in here was to break the ice a little. In class I noticed you seemed uneasy.” Chey nodded, confirming his notion. “In Utah you mentioned finishing school. Is this your final semester?”

“Yes. I have five classes and then I can graduate.” Saying those words brought back the excitement of being close to accomplishing one of her biggest goals. “Two in science and three in business to fulfill my requirements for a business minor.”

“Great! Therefore, I assume you'll want to ace my class.”

Chey twisted her lips at Hunter. “I've always been a great learner.” Chey could tell by the way Hunter's eyes dipped and sparkled with mischief that he had received her statement with the naughtiest of intentions. “Hunter!” she chided once again. “I'll never survive this class if you keep doing that.”

“Ha! Okay. I'll behave. I don't have much of a choice now, do I?” Both laughed at that. “On a more serious note, I have a bit of a situation.”

“What's that?” Chey asked, feeling even more comfortable.

“I really want to get to know you better, but obviously, under the circumstances there are...limitations.”

Chey swallowed.

“Really.”

“Yes, really.” He stared at her incredulously. “This university has very strict rules against professors ‘fraternizing' with students.” Hunter reached into his drawer and pulled out a thick spiral-bound book with the university's logo on the cover and plunked it on the desk. Chey stretched her eyes in disbelief. “Now, being an attorney, I read through it looking for the loopholes.”

Chey laughed. “Are you kidding me?”

“Not at all! Whoever wrote this handbook did pretty well, so it basically renders you off-limits to me, but it doesn't say anything about being friends. So as a friend, who enjoys eating, I'd like to invite you to eat with me tomorrow evening around eight.”

Chey's shoulders shook as she tried to contain her laugh. “You're serious, aren't you?”

“There are certain things I don't play around with.” The look on his face conveyed the gravity of his words.

Chey stopped laughing. “So a friendly dinner, like the one you had the other night with Professor Davis,” she said matter-of-factly. Hunter tilted his head at her jab. “Okay. That wasn't fair.” She drew in a strident breath, pondering his proposal, and then let it out slowly. “I don't know, Hunter. Besides, I don't get out of class until eight.” Internally, she questioned the viability of this “friendship.” “There's a lot on the line here. This can get touchy.”

“Only if we let it.” Hunter winked. “We can do dinner at nine-thirty to give you some time after class.” Chey shook her head and sighed. He rose from the chair, came around and sat on the desk. “Look.” His tone turned serious again. He had Chey's full attention. “I realize we both have a lot at stake. Teaching here at my alma mater is something I've always wanted to do. If I do well this semester, it can lead to a permanent position and a possible consideration to join the board of trustees. This is an amazing opportunity for me. You've waited a long time to finally finish school. I can tell this means a lot to you by the way your eyes brighten when you talk about it. Despite that, I've wanted to know more about you ever since I left Utah. I accepted that it couldn't happen, until you showed up in my classroom. If the closest I can get to you is being your friend, I'll take it. This doesn't mean you don't have to do your best in class.” Chey's head snapped toward Hunter. He smiled and Chey knew he was teasing her with that last statement. “So how about it?” He stretched his hand toward her for a shake. “Friends?”

“Friends.” Chey shook his hand and once again electricity sizzled through her when they touched. The roguish look that gleamed in his eyes showed that he'd felt it, too. Chey looked at her watch. “I'd better get going.” Slowly, she pulled away the hand that he was still holding.

The knock on his door startled them both.

“Come in.” Hunter beckoned, walking back to his side of the desk.

In walked Professor Davis, surveying the place as if she was trying to decipher what had happened in there. Her eyes skittered between Chey and Hunter, examining their faces as if she might be able to read what they might have been hiding. “You're still here, I see.” She smiled at Hunter but slightly tapered her eyes at Chey.

“Just leaving now.” Hunter grabbed his briefcase and motioned for Chey to walk ahead of him. “Take care, Ms. Rodgers, and don't forget what we talked about. I believe you'll do just fine this semester.”

“Thanks, Professor. I'm sure I will,” she said cheerfully before offering Kenya a forced smile.

“Take care, Ms. Rodgers.” Kenya's acknowledgment was terse.

Chey knew Kenya could be a problem.