Unexpected Anticipation

"And what are you still doing here?"

I looked up from my copy of Raised by Wolves I had been annotating to see my English professor, Dr. Redding, hovering over my shoulder.

I sat in the middle of a large wooden table placed close to the campus library exit. I'd gotten so engulfed by my read that I hadn't noticed that the library was empty. I looked up to the clock that hung beside the exit sign.

6:37 P.M.

Crap, I thought to myself, I've been here all day!

"H-Hey Professor Redding, I was just working on my essay," I held up the book, giving a sheepish smile.

"You know, it's not safe for a young woman to be all by herself, and especially after dark?" She gave me a questioning look, raising one eyebrow.

"I'm twenty-one and capable of taking care of myself, professor." I gave her a no-nonsense tone, willing my words to be true.

I wasn't afraid of the men who might go bump in the night, but I also was no fool to the fact that I was a small woman who believed in settling things without violence. Besides, my car was parked close enough to the library that I could get in it and drive off before anyone even saw me.

Dr. Redding gave me a skeptical look before dismissing the subject with a slight shrug.

"Well, let me see this here," She grabbed the book from me, brushing her fingertips against mine.

Professor Redding sat on the edge of the table - her legs nearly touching my shoulders -- and read the summary on the back of the cover. I couldn't keep myself from looking at her as I tended to when she was focused. Dr. Redding was one of the youngest college professors on campus at 29; a prodigy. She stood at about 5'8 or 5'9 and her toned body suggested she went to the gym regularly. Today her long, auburn hair was in a loose, manicured bun letting a few strands touch her flawless heart shaped face. Her hazel eyes were encased in glasses that looked sophisticated, but still young. Her lips were upturned in a smirk as she continued to read the book summary, and I felt myself getting nervous that she wouldn't approve of my choice. I put my head down not wanting to let her expression intimidate me, and took account of the strapless maroon dress she wore that stopped just above her knees showing her amazing, olive-toned legs. She wore black heels -- which she did often -- so I knew she stood easily at over six feet tall.

I'd been so preoccupied; I hadn't noticed she finished reading.

"Something entertaining about my legs?" Her tone was light and joking, but I couldn't help feeling guilty as I looked up at her.

"No, no! Sorry Professor." I stammered not knowing how to respond.

Luckily, she waved off my response and changed the subject smoothly.

"So, this is an interesting choice for your paper." She handed the book back to me and I stuffed it into my bag.

"I thought it may be an interesting way to showcase a strong female character," I spoke confidently, having read the book at least four times I knew exactly how to make it fit to the assignment without overworking myself.

"Well, I'd love to hear more about it," Dr. Redding stood from the table. I was sure I'd imagined it, but her tone sounded almost...flirty. Not missing a beat, I responded.

"My essay will be done before the due date; I'm sure of it. I'd be more than happy to turn it in early for you." I'd packed the rest of my belongings and stood to leave.

"Well," Dr. Redding said as she took one step toward me, looking down at my 5'4 self, "why don't you accompany me to my office? I have a few more things to grab before I leave, and I'd be happy to give you some suggestions. That is," she flashed a grin, her pink lips highlighting her perfect teeth, "if you have the time?"

I felt my face getting warm, but luckily my dark skin never betrayed me by blushing.

"I've been here all day," I started, "I really should be getting home."

"Oh, it won't take but a few minutes. Besides, I could definitely use the help getting a few things to my car." She grabbed onto my right hand and led me back through the library to the main English building on campus. I didn't object, thinking it couldn't take more than a few minutes to help my favorite professor.

She let go of my palm as we walked to the elevators, and I felt fleeting embarrassment as I realized my had started to sweat.

The professor offices were on the third floor of the building, so we discussed the main plot of the book and deciphered what the author's purpose may have been. The elevator slowly opened to the third floor, and we stepped onto a deserted hallway.

"Most teachers are out of here by four," Dr. Redding said, making a right down the second hallway.

"What's been keeping you here?"

"I usually stay later on Thursdays, I like to get extra work done so my weekends are...Well, mine." She laughed, a light and wonderful sound, and I couldn't help but laugh with her.

She stopped in front of a set of window-less double doors and unlocked them, motioning me to step inside ahead of her. The automatic lights turned on, and I saw a large dark-wooded desk with a small desk lamp in the middle of the room. Behind it was a matching bookshelf that held large novels I was sure I'd never heard of. The two windows on either side of the desk were large and the blinds were shut making the room seem darker than I'm sure it was. I heard a click behind me and turned to see Dr. Redding locking the double doors.

"I don't want maintenance coming in while I'm packing up. They can get pretty impatient waiting for me to get out of their way." She strolled over to her desk and sat. "So, you were telling me about your interpretation of your book," She'd gestured to the chair in front of her desk, and I sat.

"Aside from the obvious character struggle, I think it attempts to break the boundaries that society may set for women -- especially young women," I paused, watching her face go from amused to serious.

"You know what, I have something that might help," She stood -- smoothing her dress -- and walked over to a small closet that held even more books.

I watched as she shuffled through her collection and mumbled something to herself I couldn't quite make out. Her back still to me, she called over her shoulder.

"Can you look on the bookshelf behind my desk for a copy of Maya Angelou's first work? Start on the top shelf, there's a stool beside my desk."

She returned to her closet of books, and I did as I was told. Standing on the small step ladder I was still not tall enough to reach the top of her bookshelf, so I stood on the balls of my feet hoping to get leverage. I hadn't even heard Dr. Redding move until her hands were around my waist.

"Now, the last thing I want you to do is fall, silly girl."

Underneath the thin blue sweatshirt I chose to wear, I could feel my skin heating where her hands rested. My breath caught in my throat as I tried to respond with a 'thank you' and my hands froze above my head.

"Did you find it?" She asked, gripping tighter on to my waist.

"Um, n-no I haven't yet," I mentally winced at how shaky my voice had been.

"That's because you're on the wrong side," She leaned back, letting go of my waist, "I can see it from here, it's the third book on the left." She rested her right hand on the small of my back encouraging me to reach for the title.

I felt rather than saw the location of the book and handed it down to her.

"Good girl!" She squealed. "Now come down here."

I stepped from the small ladder and turned to see Dr. Redding sitting at her desk, her back turned toward me. Using her pointer finger similarly to a child, she scanned across page after page of the book with interesting speed. I'd made one movement to step around her desk and return to my seat when she cleared her throat. Looking down at her, I saw her head was still in the book, but she took her already erect finger and pointed to the edge of her desk right beside her.

"Sit." She ordered in a tone that was barely above a whisper.

I leaned rather than sat as I'd been directed, not sure what to do next.

I'd been wearing denim, but I could still feel the heat of her arm as my thigh brushed against her. I fixed my eyes on the book over her shoulder, pretending to read the passages with her, but letting my mind start to wonder what she may be thinking.

We sat in silence for a few more moments when she stood abruptly. I shifted but the movement was stopped with a pointed stair from her, one I took to me 'Stay'.

She turned back to the bookcase, her reading finger dancing on the spines of her collection. I watched her carefully, not sure what she may be looking for. She turned around empty handed, a childish grin playing across her face.

"I don't know where my head is at, I can't seem to find the book I had in mind," She let out an exasperated chuckle and walked over to stand directly in front of me, her heeled toes touching my tennis shoe-covered ones.

"Well, maybe you can send me the title and author when you get a chance? I can look it up later." I couldn't get myself to look into her eyes, so I settled for looking down at our feet.

"Yeah, that could work. Sorry, I feel like I've ruined a climactic moment here." She sounded defeated.

Dr. Readding did not move from where she stood, and I could feel her eyes focused on my face though I still could not bring myself to look at her.

Suddenly, I felt her fingers grab onto my chin. With a less-than-gentle tug, she forced me to meet her eyes.

Her face was flushed, and her lips were pressed in a hard line. I could feel the heat of her stare on my skin, so I forced my eyes to look away out of habit, or nerves? I'm still unsure.

"Don't look away, darling," She lightened her grip on my chin, letting her sweet-as-honey words soak into me.

I felt my heartbeat quicken as I returned my gaze to hers. Her smile was warm as she leaned forward to place a kiss on forehead. I let out a small gasp but didn't move under her hold. Dr. Redding straightened to look at my face, and gently she pushed my legs apart with her knee. She stepped between my thighs, moving her hand from my chin and placing both on either side of my hips. She pushed past my sweater -- her hands making contact with my skin -- and I shifted in response, knocking a few papers to the floor which Dr. Redding ignored.

"Are you alright dear? Are you nervous?" Her eyes were still on mine, but her grin was teasing.

Feeling slightly embarrassed, I bit my lower lip and broke my stare -- my head dipping lower than my shoulders. I gave a small nod, unable to find my voice.

I can honestly say I don't think I've ever thought of anyone -- let alone Dr. Redding -- in this way before.

I'd come into college a virgin and had no intention of changing that status. I wanted to focus on my study and get myself right out of there.

This wasn't because I'd made some pack with God, or because I didn't want to; the opportunity just never presented itself how I would've wanted, and I really wasn't in a rush. To my dismay, people still try.

I would describe myself as decent -- fair height, good skin, toned, friendly, and I tend to let my natural curls fall where they may, and that style seems to be 'it' now -- so I had my fair share of guys ask me out for dinner or to coffee. Once I started talking books, passions, life, however, their eyes would gloss over, and I'd lose them as quickly as they found me. I was the nerdy cliché and didn't mind it. Never, though, have I had a woman come on to me, or show an interest in me -- not that I thought there was anything wrong with that either. But now, having this gorgeous woman making my 'you-know-what' tingle with what I could only guess was desire, I didn't know what to think. I knew one thing though: no part of me tried to stop it.

Dr. Redding chuckled and pressed her body against mine.

"You are such an adorable little thing! You don't have to be nervous; I won't bite you too hard."

I looked up to meet her eyes to see amusement and want, very enticing and mesmerizing feelings.

"Let's let this go," she ran a thumb over my bottom lip, encouraging me to release it from my teeth.

"Yes, professor." She pat me on the head twice, and stepped from between my legs.

I felt myself frown at the absence of her body on mine but did not move. From a short distance, she examined me closely, making my cheeks go warm with embarrassment at the thought of being judged. I mentally thanked my skin again for letting me keep that to myself.

Her eyes stopped as they took in my worn jeans, and her brows furrowed.

"You know, you'd look so much cuter if you wore slacks, or skirts. Oh, dresses!" She clapped to herself, making her look like a kid in a toy store. "For now though, let's take these off."

She bent enough to undo the button of my jeans, and without hesitation she pulled my pants to my ankles. I let out a gasp but continued to sit mute thankful that I'd worn cute lacey underwear today.

"Kick off your shoes for me, please." She didn't say it as a request, and I could feel the impatience radiating off her.

I did as I was told, completely aware that my socks had clouds and smiling suns on them. Dr. Redding grabbed my shoes and -- almost with disgust -- put them on the opposite side of the desk. When she returned, I expected a comment on my choice of socks; something between a laugh and a 'you're such a child' speech. She said nothing as she slid my pants off, taking my socks with them.

"Now stand for me," She patted my thigh and sat in her desk chair, rolling it back to the blinded windows so that she could fully see me.

I stood, relieved as I remembered my aunt's pool party a few days ago giving me a reason to actually shave my legs. Through the dark blue lace that covered my behind and 'you-know-what' I could feel a chill in the room I hadn't noticed before. I looked sheepishly at my professor as she examined me for the second time.

"Sweater. Off." Her tone was sharp as she pointed to my favorite sweater.

I crossed my arms and hooked my hand onto the ends of the sweater, but paused suddenly realizing I was about to be half-naked in my professor's office. I looked at her, pleading with my eyes that she would change her mind, but all she did was tap her watch impatiently pushing me to strip.

I let out one long breath and quickly pulled the sweater off like a band aide and tossed it aside. I hadn't been wearing a shirt underneath -- one of my favorite lazy outfits -- so my bra was exposed. It didn't match my underwear perfectly, it was just a little too blue in comparison, but it did compliment my 34C chest. I resisted the urge to cover my chest while she watched me.

Dr. Redding stood and walked toward me. She seemed even taller now that I had no shoes on, and more intimidating; I was suddenly aware that she was nearly a head taller than me. She ran her fingers over the strap of my bra until her hand settled my back.

"You know, skin as lovely as yours deserves to be dressed in better fabric." She moved her hand lower on my back, making me shiver.

"I'll try to remember that professor," my voice was low and dripping with want. Who was I?

"Try?" Her fingertips continued to trail against my skin.

"I will remember," I said, closing my eyes and enjoying her soft touch dancing on my skin. A new sensation I felt myself already clinging to.

"Good," her hand stopped just above my behind, "Now sit back down."

She placed both hands on my waist and guided me back until I hopped back onto her desk. She stepped effortlessly between my legs and pressed her body on mine, her warmth electrifying me. Her head lowered until her lips brushed my right ear, her shoulder so close to my lips I could feel my own breath bouncing off her skin.

"Now," she whispered, "I'm going to ask you a serious question, and you're going to respond. Okay?" The tip of her tongue slid across my jaw, and I let out a slow moan I'd never heard escape my lips before.

"Yes," I breathed against her skin.

"Yes, what?" She countered, a smile in her voice.

I wasn't sure how she expected me to respond, so instinctively I corrected myself.

"Yes, professor."

"Good girl," She straightened her back, standing to look at my face which I'm sure gave away my emotions and uncertainty. "Now, tell me, have you ever had a woman before?"

She looked at me with understanding and curiosity, and I knew that she was treating me like a student. Though, I'm sure most students weren't half naked in her office -- at least I hoped.

"Had a woman? I do not understand," I tilted my head in confusion.

She closed her eyes and shook her head, a small smile spread across her face.

"Have you have made love to another woman, my darling?" The tone in her voice reminded me of a mother reminding her child not to touch the hot stove. I felt my embarrassment bubbling into my throat and had to cover it with a cough.

"Um, n-no I haven't professor."

I willed my eyes to stay on hers while she assessed the information. She seemed to see something else in my expression, and her smile turned devilish making her look dangerous.

"Have you ever made love to anyone?" She crossed her arms waiting for my answer.

I cursed myself for my inexperience, but answered with a voice that was nearly inaudible.

"No Dr. Redding, I have not."

Her smile grew warm as she placed her hands on either side of my face, holding me just a few inches from her own.

"A virgin!" She squealed, her sweet breath making my head dizzy. "Such a pretty, pretty virgin at that!"

She planted a quick kiss on my lips and stepped to the side of her desk. My head spun as I tried to understand what had just happened. I was so distracted, I almost didn't notice what she was doing.

Dr. Redding stepped to a larger closet (seriously, how many closets does she have in here?) and brought out a black dry-cleaning bag. She walked over to me and laid the bag across my lap.

"Will you try this on for me?" She pouted her lower lip and placed on hand on my knee looking much younger than even myself.

"Of course, Dr. Redding," I said, wanting so badly to obey. She let out a snort, drawing my attention back to her face.

"When you're not calling me professor, call me Kim. Dr. Redding isn't quite as flattering in my opinion." Her tone was light, but I could hear the command just beneath her words.

"I understand, professor," I responded. I smiled guiltily and added, "Kimberly Redding?" To which she responded with a curtsey and a perfect Irish accent.

"Named after-rr mi g-rrrandmuder." We laughed at her accent as she returned to her desk chair, motioning for me to open the bag.

I grabbed the zipper and pulled it halfway down. Inside was a slick black dress with thin straps. I pulled the dress fully out of the bag and let it dangle before me. It was simple but eloquent with a slit down the side.

"Exquisite, isn't it?" Kim's legs were crossed, her eyes peering into mine knowingly. I turned the dress between my fingers.

"It's beautiful!"

"And such a lovely dress deserves an even lovelier host. Come," She stood and took the dress from me, "Arms up my darling."

On my feet, I lifted my arms above my head letting her slip the dress onto me feeling myself shiver each time her fingers brushed my bare skin. She ordered me to turn, and then bent down to pull the dress gently into place. As she stood, her hands grazed my figure until they reached my shoulders. I let out a soft moan of pleasure as she passed my behind.

Gripping my shoulders, she turned me so that I faced her, dress in place. She stood back to take an admiring glance at her choice.

"Mm, something is missing," she snapped then walked back to the closet with no warning, returned with a pair of midnight black stilettos.

Stilettos. They were at least four inches, more than anything I'd ever tried to wear.