A Yearning Beyond Years

Episode Five

Stacey's POV:

My heart was threatening to burst out of my chest. I looked down at the black undies that I stupidly left there. I knew I had forgotten something.

You didn’t think that the one thing you forgot was your undies??

“I’m going to need you to take your seat, Mr. Baker,” I finally found the words, my shaking voice blatantly showing, and that seemed to amuse him.

“I know you remember last night. I mean, it’s going to be hard for you to forget considering how much you loved my d**k in your mouth.”

I found myself swallowing whatever it was that was in my mouth, flashbacks appearing in my head.

“That’s a good girl.” He grabbed his bag and headed to his seat, and that's when I realized the entire class's attention was on us, and most importantly, the box containing my undies was still on the desk.

“f**k!”

Quick, do something.

“Well, thank you so much for finding my scarf, Mr. Baker. I really appreciate it.” I forced a smile on my face while I quickly put the box with my undies in my bag.

His eyes bore into mine, and you could see him struggling to contain a laugh.

“No problem, I’m sure you’re going to need it.” He winked.

My face instantly turned red, shooting him a deadly stare.

He is trying to get a rise out of you!! ….. Okay, okay, just breathe, Stacey. Don’t let him get to you; just finish the lecture and try to avoid eye contact with him.

Easy, right?….

Wrong!!

“So class, can anyone remind us what was discussed in the last class?”

One of the students, whom I recognize as Eric, my top student, raised his hand.

“Oh good, Eric, please remind the class what we discussed in our last class.”

I could sense Noah staring at me, making me feel more and more uncomfortable. I slightly turned to meet his gaze.

Shitty mistake

He looked calm and precise, like a freaking panther in the jungle about to pounce on his prey.

And you were the prey.

“Was that correct ?”

Eric’s voice broke me out of my trance, averting my gaze and quickly facing him.

“I’m sorry, what?”

I got so distracted by Noah that I didn’t even hear what Eric was saying. What the f**k is this boy doing to me?

“I said we spoke about the essay on volcanic eruptions around the world and the active ones.” Eric repeated.

“Oh yes, of course, thank you, Eric; you can sit down.” He took back his seat.

“Now what do we say makes a volcano erupt or suddenly become active?”

I looked around the class, but only one hand was up.

Not him. Anyone but him.

“Anyone else?” Please?

I saw Eric attempting to bring his hands up, but Noah shot him a deadly look. He quickly dropped his hands, fixing his glasses.

I took a deep breath, accepting my defeat.

“Yes, Mr. Baker,”

Noah stood up, a smile spread across his face.

“Well, a volcano remains dormant, stuck in one place without moving or having any eruption whatsoever until something comes along, giving it a reason to erupt.” His voice was low and husky, and he maintained eye contact with me, waiting for my answer, but honestly, I was stunned and impressed.

Were you more surprised that the answer was right or impressed that he managed to make a question based on volcanic eruptions sexy?

“That's correct, Mr. Baker, but what might that be?” My question rewarded me with a stunned look on his face, but he quickly covered that up with a smirk.

“What do you mean?” He asked, his eyes never leaving mine.

“You mentioned a reason for the eruption? What might that be ?”

Why are you condoning this!!??? And a better question is, why do you like it?

I leaned over the table awaiting his answer. I could see his body tense up when I leaned over the table, and for some reason that gave me a little bit of satisfaction.

Giving him a taste of his own medicine ought to set him straight.

“Climate change,” he answered quickly.

“Take your seat, Mr. Baker.” I turned to the board, not giving him another look as I continued the lecture.

The day finally ended, and I couldn’t be happier.

Noah was called to the gym by his coach earlier, and that gave me so much relief.

I was packing some files when my phone buzzed. I looked at the screen to see it was a text from Chloe. ‘meet me at the courthouse in 10min.’

I quickly shot back a reply. “On my way”

I dreaded what was going to happen, but whatever it is, I am not losing my daughter!

I grabbed my bag and made my way out of the school, heading to the parking lot, when I saw him.

So close!

Noah was leaning against the rail like he belonged there, like he hadn’t spent the past few hours trying to distract me in class. I looked away fast, my heart beating against my ribs like it knew something I didn’t want to admit.

I kept my head low and made for the parking lot, keys in hand, bag slung tight over my shoulder.

Just get to the car. Just go. Maybe if you moved fast enough, he’d get the message.

But of course, he didn’t.

“Stacey, wait.?”

He's still calling you by your first name!?

His voice hit me like a flashback—dark room, warm skin, his mouth against mine , my fingers clutching his di…

No, no, no, not the time; just keep moving.

I didn’t stop till I reached the car and yanked the door open, heart in my throat, heat creeping under my skin.

“I just want to talk,” he said, appearing in front of me. He moved faster than I thought he would.

He rested one hand on my car door, stopping it from closing .

His eyes found mine, and that same look from that night was still there: hungry, searching, like he already knew how my body would react just from him standing this close.

“I can’t stop thinking about that night,” he said, voice low.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Baker, but I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I retorted.

“I can’t just pretend it didn’t happen. I want more; I want you, Stacey.”

God, he really said it.

I clenched my jaw, trying not to let the memory come up—his hands, his mouth, the way he made me forget everything else for just a few hours. But that was all it was ever supposed to be. Just one night. One mistake.

“Look, Mr. Baker, I don’t know what you’re talking about, and even if I did, I would really appreciate it if you would stop mentioning it, please.” My expression turned serious. “It’s Mrs. Smith to you.”

His face was stunned as he slowly let go of the door.

“Your mouth might be telling me something, but your body is certainly telling me something different, and you can only deny it for so long…. Mrs. Smith”

“Please, Noah, stay away from me. Just leave me alone.” I pleaded because there was nothing left to do now.

“Is that what you really want?” He said, moving closer. Close enough to be intoxicated by his scent…

Oh, f**k that scent just…

Fuck no!

“You’re crazy,” I said, forcing the words out through the ache in my chest.

I slammed the door in his face and drove out of the lot before I could lose my nerve. I didn’t look back. I couldn’t.

Because if I did… I might’ve stopped.

Just how the f**k did you get yourself into this awful, awful mess; you just had to go f**k your student… The eligible men in the world weren’t enough, and worst of all, he’s just 20.