Page 9 of Silk Sheets

“Like a tutor? No, I haven’t,” I sarcastically shook my head. “And it’s just us. You don’t have to be soformal.”

He blatantly ignored my statement. “How about tomorrow evening at five?” he asked, lifting his eyes to meet mine. “Six works too.”

“You’re setting me up with a tutor? Who?” I asked, and he subtly ran his tongue across his top teeth. He gave me a slight head tilt that screamed,‘Go on. I’ll give you a second’.

“Oh, you mean you’re going to tutor me?”

“Smart girl,” he nodded with a sarcastic edge, looking back at his laptop, and I suppressed a smile.Smart girl.

“I appreciate it, really, but I don’t think you should waste your time. I’ll figure it out,” I shrugged, turning to leave but his voice stopped me.

“It’s non-negotiable. I was simply asking what time suited you best.”

His voice held that stern dominance that I only heard once before, and for some reason, it excited me. I paused for a second then turned to see him leaning back in his desk chair, hands crossed on his lap.

“5 p.m. tomorrow. Six is too late,” I said, and he gave me a single nod.

I watched him lean forward to dot something down on a piece of paper before lifting it towards me. “Don’t lose it.”

I approached him, taking the piece of paper.

He got to his feet, walked around his desk, and I looked down, seeing his address and phone number. “And my number is not for your personal use.”As if.

“Oh heavens, I wouldn’t dare,” I forced a sarcastic smile, looking up at him.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Miss King,” he dismissed me, and in my peripheral vision, I picked up on movement.Someone entered.It was the man from last night. Tall and lean. He was dressed formally.

I headed for the door. “Excuse me,” I barely addressed him as I exited the classroom.

Hurrying down the hallway, I chewed the inside of my cheek in thought until it hit me. He’s Solace’s mathematics professor. I remembered because she said he had this sexy old soul energy to him. I’ve only seen him twice around the campus.

Once with her after class and once when Josh Anderson—my creepy ex—grabbed me. He was quick to step in but didn’t care to stay long enough for me to thank him.

I looked back as the distance between us grew, and my anxiety sparked up again.

* * *

With a fleeting pulse and sweaty palms, I clutched my hands together in front of me as I stood at the door of one of the largest mansions I had seen in person.This is the correct address, right?

I dug in my handbag for the little piece of paper with his address, and I could feel my stomach twist in anticipation.

The door opened, and my head snapped up, revealing Professor Hale.

He was dressed more comfortably, in black, loose fitting pants with a navy blue t-shirt that hugged his bulging biceps. The material clung to his slutty little waist and my eyes snapped back up to meet his.It’s rude to stare, Dakota.

He looked down at his wristwatch and smiled. “Five minutes early,” he stated with not only surprise but a hint of pride. “Come inside, Miss King,” he stepped aside, and I entered, getting a whiff of his mouth watering scent.

I was completely blown away by how beautiful this foyer was. The area was minimalistic. The walls and furniture were a mixture between dark grey and black with brown accents.

“This way,” he motioned his hand, and I followed him, passing the most beautiful and spacious living room with my heels clicking on the shiny tiles.

I had gotten so lost in my mom’s company during lunch that I didn’t have time to change.

We eventually reached what looked like his office and he opened the door.

“Have a seat,” he said, making my body want to collapse at his command, but I kept my composure. He gestured towards the black leather couch in the corner of the room.A couch? In his office? How rich is this man? Professor salary my ass.

I stepped inside, blown away by the fact that he had his own office too. I sat down, placing my bag down next to me. My eyes trailed around the room until he offered me something to drink, and I settled with water. As soon as he left, I couldn’t help but admire this place.