The Professor I Shouldn't Want

Waltham

POV: Henry

I woke up to her smell. I had her in my arms, spooning. Yeah, I’d really gone and fallen for this girl. After last night, there was no denying it. I was crazy about her, more than I’d ever been for any woman before.

I knew there was no turning back the second I laid eyes on her at that restaurant for the first time. If I was already obsessed before meeting her in person, after I saw her, after I tasted those soft lips, it only got worse.

There was something about her that pulled me in, something that made me lose my grip. I had to fight so hard not to just show up at her front door the moment I watched that video. All I wanted to do was hop in the car and drive over there to show her exactly what that video did to me.

I would’ve gone insane if I’d had to wait until Saturday to see her. She was all I could think about; I wanted her so bad I couldn't even focus on work. But last night, I made her pay for driving me that crazy.

When she invited me over, one thing was for sure: she was going to be mine that night. I wasn't going to hold back. I needed a taste of her just so I could finally focus on something other than the memory of her half-naked body in the mirror.

And now, here I was in her bed, face buried in the crook of her neck, getting drunk on her scent, feeling her warm body pressed against mine. And found myself wondering if I actually needed to go for that run this morning. I didn't want to leave that bed, ever again.

I grabbed my phone to check the time: 5:10 AM. I sighed and, against my better judgment, rolled out of bed. I scavenged for my clothes on the floor of the dark room and got dressed quick. I didn't want to leave without saying goodbye, but I didn't want to wake her either, so I just leaned over the bed, knelt down, and brushed my hand against her face.

The urge to crawl back into that bed was overwhelming. If I kept looking at her for two more seconds, I’d bail on the run. I gave her a light kiss on the forehead and pulled away. That was it. I really had to go now, or I was about to change my mind.

"My God, you really do get up at the crack of dawn.", she murmured, her voice thick with sleep, just as I reached the door.

"I didn't mean to wake you.", I replied as she sat up and rubbed her eyes.

"Going for a run?", I nodded, and she smiled. "Then at least say goodbye to me properly.", she stretched her arms out, and I walked back over.

She wanted a hug, but that wasn't going to cut it for me, so I kissed her instead.

"You staying home today?", I asked.

"Yeah, why?"

"Because I want to have lunch with you.", she beamed, and I kissed her again.

"You want to go out somewhere, or should I just bring something by?"

"Just bring it here. It's easier."

"Got it."

I looked at her lips, already dying to kiss her again. Dammit. I was never going to make it out of this apartment.

"You still going?", she teased.

"I’m trying.", she laughed, and I finally forced myself up. "See you at noon, then.", she nodded and flopped back onto the bed.

I got home, did a quick change, and hit the pavement. When I got back, I took a shower and headed straight to the office. I didn't have time for breakfast at home, so I just stopped by a coffee shop and grabbed something to eat at my desk.

Sleeping at Anne’s had thrown my morning routine for a loop, but I didn't care. If it were up to me, I’d still be there holding her. I wouldn't change a thing. That’s just what this girl did to me.

The morning didn't drag as much as I expected, even though I was busier than ever.

"Yes, Jane?", I said, picking up my office line.

"There’s a call for you from the Waltham Police Department, sir.", my secretary answered.

Waltham? I let out an irritated sigh. You’ve got to be kidding me.

"Put it through.", I said, pinching the bridge of my nose hard.

"Mr. Anderson?"

"Speaking."

"This is Officer Reynolds from the Waltham PD. Your father asked us to get a hold of you. He’s here and wants to talk to you."

Of course it was him. My day was going too well, wasn't it? I guess I was due for something to piss me off.

"Fine.", I sighed.

"Henry?"

"What do you want?", I asked, losing my patience.

"What do you think? I’m in jail!"

"And what else is new?"

"I need you to get me out of here.", I laughed.

"You’ve got a hell of a lot of nerve calling me to ask for a get-out-of-jail-free card."

"I’m your father!", I laughed again. Hearing that come from him was a total joke.

"I didn't know you’d become a comedian, Harrison."

"Come on, Henry! You put people behind bars for a living. The least you can do is help your own father get out!"

"Even if I wanted to, which I don't, I couldn't get you out. I can't even be involved in your case."

"Then at least send me the bail money. They won't let me walk if I don't pay."

"I’m not sending you a dime! Has it still not sunk in that I won't help you?", I snapped.

"It was a misunderstanding, Henry! They’re saying I hit a woman, but she started it!"

That was all I needed to hear to lose the last shred of patience I had left. No. He wasn't seriously asking me to bail him out for hitting a woman, was he? Not after everything he did to my mother...

"Listen to me!", I said, livid. "Don’t you ever call me again, you hear me? Don’t ask for money, don’t ask for help, don’t ask for anything! I don't owe you a damn thing. If anything, you're the one who owes me, and you know it! For all I care, you can rot in there!"

I hung up, shaking with rage. The memories of that time were vivid in my mind, almost like I was living through them all over again. All the pain, the loss, the hate.

"I really hope you rot in jail."