Sara Solomon, professor of religion at Vanderbilt University, was concluding a lecture on Jesus of Nazareth at the Ohio State University and in the audience is the infamous Casanova Leon Carlisle.
"In conclusion, while Jesus is not recognized as the Messiah, because he did not fulfill the qualifications as described by the Prophets Isaiah and Ezekiel; however, he is considered a righteous man, who brought the light of repentance, faith, and morality to the world. I thank you for your kind attention and will be pleased to answer questions at the receptions."
The audience applauded professionally as one would expect of an educated group.
"Professor Solomon is correct. A reception, in her honor, is being held in Woody Hayes Hall which is adjacent to the auditorium. Please join us for hors d' oeuvre and the famous OSU Punch."
Those in the audience laughed at the reference to Woody's infamous hitting of a Clemson football player at the 1978 Gator Bowl game.
At the reception, President Ghee asked, "Professor Solomon how did someone of your faith become interested in Jesus as a field of study?"
Sara sipped some punch before answering the question and observed a tall, handsome man with brown hair and a touch of gray observing her. She wasn't used to being ogled in such an obvious way. "Most fields of Jewish religious research are overcrowded and there were few who studied Jesus. My choice was dictated by opportunity."
They were interrupted by Professor Wainwright who introduced her to other VIPs and she and the president were separated. She couldn't, help but notice the good looking brown-haired man charming a number of ladies on the fringe of the crowd. His smile was dazzling and he laughed easily at their comments, several times they locked eyes, and she had difficulty dragging her eyes away.
She remained calm and poised with the multitude of introductions and questions, but was disappointed when her admirer left the hall with a blonde. She'd hoped to meet him. It wasn't often she felt attracted to a male.
Finally, the throng began to thin. From behind her she heard a deep baritone voice say, "Professor Solomon would you like another glass of punch?"
He stood in front of her with two glasses and an alluring smile.
"Yes think you, it's kind of you to think of me," she said smiling at him.
"I'm Leon Carlisle and I find it easy to think of you," he said extending a well manicured hand.
The smoothness and firmness of his grip was arousing. She shook it eagerly; they both held on longer than necessary. "Do you always cater to maidens under stress?"
"Tell me you're not returning to Nashville early in the morning?" He asked with concern in his voice.
"Why do you ask?" She asked fingering the broach over her right breast.
"It's too late to ask you for a coffee but breakfast is my favorite meal."
"I'm scheduled through lunch tomorrow, and I'm leaving at five in the afternoon. Is there something specific you'd like to ask me?"
"I'd be pleased to take you to Columbus International."
"I'm sorry, but my airport trip is also planned."
"Would it be too forward to speak with you later this evening?" He asked with an expectant stare.
She was impressed by a persistent handsome man who never answered a question directly, and who was interested in her. "It would be inappropriate for me to do that."
"Why? You're neither married nor engaged," he stated factually.
"How do you know that?" She asked.
"I do my research too, but if I've bothered or embarrassed you with my tenacity, then I apologize. It's been a pleasure meeting you and listening to your lecture. Have a nice evening and a safe trip home," he said turning to leave.
Sara was startled by the sudden turn of events. Deep down she wanted to know him better and thought she might be missing an opportunity to spend time with a man of obvious character and intelligence. "Mr. Carlisle, I believe my breakfast schedule can be rearranged. Where would you like to meet?" She said feeling good about her change of heart.
His smile light up the room like the flash bulb of a camera. The café at your hotel would be convenient. When should I meet you?"
"Would seven be too early? I rise before the sun."
"I'll be there."
Sara spent the evening thinking about the tall handsome man whose interest in her was apparent. At thirty-five, she'd spent most of her life being educated, doing research, and teaching, and she had little time for men but there was something intriguing about Leon.
* * *
Leon left Mershon Auditorium with a spring in his step. He'd met his first two objectives—meet Sara and arrange a one-on-one meeting. His plan to seduce her in Columbus wasn't going to work, so he'd have to plant seeds in the morning. He wasn't sure what approach to use, but he was confident he'd think of something by seven. In the mean time, he had a blonde waiting for him in the foyer. He wasn't going to get much sleep, but at least he'd have one piece-of-ass before leaving Columbus. His zipless fuck would be a platform from which to devise a way to make breakfast a meaningful meeting.
Sara was attractive but not beautiful. Her dark complexion, black hair, large nose weren't classic, but when he saw her on Good Morning America doing an interview--he was smitten. Watching her speak articulately, gesture with her hands, and nodding her head provocatively energized his libido. He couldn't explain his interest but the desire to get her into bed became an obsession. The internet was a helpful tool in learning as much about her as he could, and he used the information to come to Columbus to hear her lecture.
* * *
Sara woke early, and tried to determine why she'd accepted Leon's invitation. Her entire morning schedule was rearranged which caused problems for her hosts. Nevertheless, she was eager to see him and find out about his interest in her. She knew his attention wasn't entirely academic, but she was a professional and not easily swayed by a pretty face.
After a shower, she took more time than usual to make up her face and to pick a white blouse that would emphasize her breasts under her dark gray business suit. With anticipation she left her room arriving in the lobby at exactly seven and was delighted when she saw Leon holding a bouquet of red roses. "I didn't expect flowers," she said taking them from him.
"I've changed the venue breakfast is waiting in my suite, do you mind?" He asked taking her by the arm and leading her to the elevators.
She didn't have a chance to protest.
