Temptation

35

I smiled at Tyler and he stuck his tongue out at me. After everyone was done describing their ideal dates, Professor Hunter started talking about enunciation. But when he turned to write enunciation on the board, I stopped paying attention. Instead, I was looking at how his khakis hugged his ass. And how he bit his lip when he was concentrating. When class was finally dismissed, I said goodbye to Tyler and waited for the class to empty out.

Not knowing what to do about the rose, I grabbed it and held it down by my side. Please don't be mad.

"I see that you are continuing your relationship with Mr. Stevens, despite my request," he said as soon as I was close to his desk.

"I'm not."

He eyed the rose in my hand.

"It's just a friendship rose."

He rested back on the side of his desk and folded his arms across his chest. "Penny, there is no such thing as a friendship rose."

"But we really are just friends."

He gave me a challenging look. "I'll be picking you up at 1."

I hadn't expected him to change the subject. I was busy thinking of examples of how Tyler and I were just close friends. "Wait, what?"

"I'm taking you on your ideal date."

"But, I can't. I have a class at 2."

He put his satchel over his shoulder. "So skip it."

"You're a terrible influence, Professor Hunter."

"I don't think you really believe that. I'll see you at 1." He winked at me and walked out of the room.

Monday

"A delivery came for you," Melissa said as she stood up from her chair. She was all smiles.

There were a dozen red roses in a vase on my desk. I put my backpack down and walked over to my desk. A bow was tied around the vase, and a card was attached to it.

Penny,

I know that you think roses symbolize friendship, but believe me when I say that these ones do not. I hope you're excited for our date. Thank you for skipping class.

-James

The roses were beautiful. No one had ever bought me flowers before today. Except for my parents when I graduated from high school. I read the note again. It was sweet, even if he was a little cocky. And even though he was just trying to show up Tyler. But Professor Hunter was right, I was going to skip class.

"When did these come?" I didn't even realize that flowers could be delivered that fast.

"Just a few minutes ago. So, who are they from?"

I laughed. "You expect me to believe that you didn't read the card?"

"I didn't!" she protested. "But I confess that I did read who they were from. James. So what did you do to earn those?" Melissa asked.

"Nothing." I made him angry.

"You are one lucky girl then."

I leaned in and smelled the roses. I'm so lucky. I thought about the date he was planning. I like piña coladas and getting caught in the rain? And the feel of the ocean and the taste of champagne? What the hell was I thinking? I was basically asking Professor Hunter to get me tons of illegal drinks.

"So what are you doing here anyway? Don't you usually just grab lunch and go to class?"

"Pro..." I coughed. s**t. I almost said Professor Hunter! I took a deep breath and tried to think of a quick recovery. "Probably gonna skip it." Who the hell talks like that?

Melissa stared at me. "Skip what? Lunch? We can go to the dining hall together real quick if you want."

"No, I'm going to skip my class."

"I can't even imagine you skipping a class. You never break the rules." She paused. "Are you feeling alright? Does your stomach hurt again?"

"No, I'm fine." I was tempted to tell her that I was about to go on a date with a professor. I knew how to break the rules too! But of course I couldn't. I could mention James though. "James had some free time this afternoon and I didn't want to miss getting to see him."

"He's turning you into quite the bad ass."

If only she knew.

"So where are you going?"

It was a beautiful, warm September day. And if we were going early, it was probably because the destination was far away. I eyed the new bikini in my closet.

"He didn't really say. But he dropped some hints. I think he's taking me to the beach."

"It's good that we went shopping last week then."

"I know. Thanks for helping me pick out a new bathing suit. I always appreciate your fashion advice."

"Mhm. So tell me more about him. I want all the juicy details."

"Well. He's spontaneous."

"Obviously. Last minute beach trip. But I mean like...what's he like?"

"He's funny, but serious. There's just something about him that's so intriguing." I stopped talking. The more vague I was, the better. "I honestly don't know him all that well. Hopefully I'll find out more about him today." I did have a lot of questions for Professor Hunter. It was true that I barely knew anything about him.

"So I guess that means you didn't do much talking on your last date then?" Melissa gave me one of her challenging looks.

I felt myself blushing. I knew what she was hinting at. And she was right.

"I've never seen you this flustered before, Penny! So when exactly do I get to meet this mystery man?"

I laughed awkwardly. "I'm sure you'll get to meet him soon." I changed into my new bikini and pulled on a pair of jean shorts and a tank top. I rummaged around in my closet until I found a canvas bag. After mentally checking off a beach towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hoodie, I was ready to go.

"Well, have fun. I can't wait to hear all about it. Being whisked away to the beach sounds so romantic."

"It really does." So romantic.

"Oh! And you better take a picture with him today. Because I need to see what he looks like. He sounds so dreamy."

"Yeah, definitely," I lied. I grabbed my bag and headed out of my dorm. "See you later!"

I only had to wait a few seconds before Professor Hunter pulled up in a red convertible with the top down. His hair was mussed up and he was wearing aviators. He smiled as he leaned over and opened the door for me from the inside. He was wearing khaki shorts and a polo. His legs and arms were tan and muscular.

I took a deep breath as I got in. "New car?" I asked. It still had that new car smell.

"No. But I haven't driven it much."