The sun shone through the window, low and warm in the light of the spring evening. My office hours were coming to a close. The few students who had made appointments for help were long gone, but my contract required I stay until 8. So there I sat, my feet propped up on my desk, reading the latest trashy novel the university library had acquired.
I licked my finger and turned the page, eager to know what happened next. The romance was well-written and graphic, describing each shiver of pleasure poetically and with precision. I was so engrossed in the book that I barely heard the knock or opening of my office door.
"Ahem."
I nearly fell out of my chair when I realized I was no longer alone. The man before me chuckled, obviously amused by my shock. I stood up from my chair, pushed my horn-rimmed glasses back up the bridge of my nose, smiled, and extended my hand to the visitor.
"Dr. Lila Cooper. What can I do for you today, Mr...?"
"Reston, Jacob Reston." Mr. Reston was the sort of man who was as intimidating as he was enticing. Tall and broad shouldered, he was surprisingly fit for a man nearing 50. His expensive dress shirt pulled provocatively across the firm muscles of his chest as he folded those arms across it in a gesture that at once read 'concerned parent' and 'alpha male.'
"Please have a seat Mr. Reston." I motioned to the chair across from my desk where confused and/or petulant students usually sat.
"No, thanks. I'd rather stand."
"Okay..." I stepped out in front of my desk and leaned up against it. "How can I help you?"
"My son, Teddy, is in your Tuesday morning class. I'm concerned about his progress or lack thereof."
To be honest, I was a bit taken aback. It is not at all customary or appropriate for a parent to intervene on a 19 year old college student's behalf. Ugh, this guy had some nerve!
"Please, tell me your concerns, and we'll see what can be done." It took all the will power I could muster to keep from rolling my eyes at him. Classic case of parent on a power trip.
"Look, I mean no disrespect, but you must understand. Unlike most of your other students, Teddy isn't here to 'find himself' or 'get life experience.' He's here as a formality. My boy will be inheriting my company some day and he needs a business degree for the board to take him seriously." Mr. Reston's eyes wandered down my body while he spoke. He shook himself back to attention."While I understand Teddy's - desire - to do well in your class, his energy is better spent elsewhere."
He meant no disrespect? Doubtful. Yes, this was definitely a power trip parent. I was becoming painfully clear just how Teddy grew to become so damn cocky and self-assured. The proverbial apple did not fall far from the tree.
"Excuse me?"
"Your class is a waste of his time." Mr. Reston was obviously getting upset. His voice, while calm, was full of intensity. Sparks of light from the setting sun set his golden eyes ablaze as he stared down at me. "All Teddy needed was to pass your class to fulfill his elective requirement. He spends so much time getting extra help from YOU that he's falling behind in the courses that actually matter! You need to stop tutoring him."
Now, it's true that Teddy had been spending many of his evenings in my office. His unruly behavior in class made the extra time necessary. While together, we worked on discipline and reviewed material. Not long ago, Teddy was failing my class. Our sessions had turned that around. How dare this cocky bastard belittle my career and my efforts with his son. My anger could no longer be contained.
"Your lack of respect, Mr. Reston, for my field and position is appalling! I'm not sure what exactly you expect to come from this exchange, but I do not like the direction it's going. I am done talking with you." They say that when crossing paths with a bear, one is supposed to appear as big and threatening as possible. So, too, with bullies. With a straight back and hands on hips, I gave my best big bear impression.
"You're right. We are done with words." In one long stride, he closed the distance between us. There was nowhere for me to go. The sharp metal of the desk I had been leaning against bit painfully into my bottom as he pinned me against it with his strong thighs. My breath caught in my throat. His arm circled my waist and pulled me closer. The stiff bulge of his arousal pressed uncomfortably into my belly. His molten honey eyes held mine, and then he kissed me.
