Basic Chemistry: LOVE 101 - WILLOW BAY NOVELLA Read online

  “No, they’ll fire me and have you seek counseling.”

  The guilt written on her face tears me up inside, but I believe it’s because she’s fighting her feelings for me and doesn’t believe mine for her.

  “You didn’t answer the question. How old are you?” I’m not letting her out of answering.

  “Thirty,” she blurts out.

  She’s older than I first thought when I laid eyes on her, but she’s young. Yes, she’s eight years older than me, but it seems that I have a new type, and that is older women.

  “Are you thinking differently of me?” She asks, unease in her tone.

  “Not at all. I mean, thirty makes sense when you think about it. I was actually thinking how it seems like I have a type.”

  “And what type is that, Mr. Landry?”

  “Older women. To be more precise, one older woman who is the hottest fucking thing I’ve ever laid eyes on who likes to wear red lipstick, glasses, and high heels to match.”

  Her cheeks flush, and I watch it travel to her heaving breasts. “You’re such a flatterer.”

  “Not really. I’m only telling you the truth as I see it. I’m sure you think I’m young,” she nods at my assumption. “But I promise you, I’m not some naïve little boy. I know what I want, and this isn’t some passing infatuation. The more I get to know you, the more I’m intrigued and want more of you and your time.”

  I let her read the sincerity of my words written on my face, and when she’s done, we go back to grading papers. After a few minutes of silence with only the sound of our pens and paper, she clears her throat.

  “Can I ask you a question?” Her eyes dart around the room.

  “Anything.” It pleases me that she wants to know more about me.

  “What made you decide to be a chemical engineer?”

  It’s not what I thought she wanted to ask, but I answer anyway. I’ve got nothing to hide. “My grandfather died when I was young. A big company a couple of towns over was dumping their waste into the water, and he got sick. Since then, I’ve wanted to make our planet a better place. I asked what I could become to do just that, and after weighing my options, I decided to become an environmental engineer.”

  “I’m sorry to hear about your grandfather. That’s terrible,” she frowns from across her desk.

  It really is. Luckily my grandmother sued them for every dime they had, and now the company is no more. I’ve never understood why companies think they can get away with fucking over the little guys. Especially when half the population was getting sick from their carelessness.

  I give her a small smile because what else can I do?

  “Where do you see yourself after you graduate?”

  I want to say wherever she is, but I know that’s not what she wants to hear. The truth is, I’ve been planning to stay here in Willow Bay, where I grew up and work at a local company, Enviro Corp. I’ve been interning there for the last two years during the summer, and they’ve reassured me there will be a position for me when I graduate.

  “Here, actually. I’m going to work at Enviro Corp. I’m not sure if I’ll always work there, but for now, that’s the plan.”

  After a few more questions, we get back to work. These papers aren’t going to grade themselves. I’m surprised when I finish the first set, and it’s only been a little less than an hour.

  “What’s next?” I ask, and when she doesn’t respond, I look up to find Roxie staring at me.

  Her eyes are hungry and not for dinner. No, she wants me more than she’s ever wanted me before. I decide to give us both what we want.

  “I think I’m in need of a little snack.”

  “Oh, well, we can take a break, and you can go to the vending machines.”

  “It’s not food I want,” I say as I stand and make my way around her desk. Kneeling before her, I turn her chair until she’s facing me.

  Running my hands up the inside of her legs, I push her legs open when I get to her knees. Her skirt hinders how wide I want her spread out before me. Sitting back on my heels, I order her to stand up. She does as directed, which makes me smile. I love how she’s up for anything. Pushing her skirt up, I don’t stop until it’s bunched up at her waist. “Sit and spread your legs wide for me, pretty lady.”

  I realize then I should have removed her underwear while I had her standing, but I’m not going to let a scrap of fabric be my downfall. Instead, I hook my fingers into the drenched satin and push it to the side.

  Her pussy is glistening, and my dick notices. He wants out of the confines of my jeans. But not now. I’ve been dying to taste her since she slipped her fingers in my mouth, and I tasted her juices.

  Holding her legs open, I dip down and slide my tongue through her wet folds and let out a low growl. From this moment on, this pussy is mine. If anyone comes near it, I’ll rip them to shreds.

  Needing better access, I place one leg over my shoulder and use my fingers to open her hood. Starting from her opening, I lick her up and down and then swirl around her nub, causing her to buck up against my face.

  Roxie’s fingers tangle in my hair, pulling at the strands and guiding me to where she wants me the most. Slipping two fingers inside her core, I pump in and out while I suck and caress her clit with my tongue.

  “Don’t stop,” she moans even as she presses herself further into my face.

  I don’t plan to stop, but I don’t bother to tell her that. Instead, I add a third finger, stretching her, and just as her walls start to flutter, I crook my fingers inside her to touch the place I know will set her off.

  Opening her up to me, I use my tongue to drive her over the edge. Her body starts to tremble around me, her walls pulling my fingers deeper inside, and that’s when I strike. Biting down on her clit to bring a little bit of pain to her pleasure, Roxie cries out, and I have to place my hand over her mouth to keep her quiet. It gives me great satisfaction to see she’s letting herself go, but at the same time, I know we can’t be caught. If we were, I’d lose her.

  When her cries become pants, I remove my hand. Pulling back, I kiss her inner thigh and slip my fingers coated in her juices into my mouth, and moan at the taste. I swear my eyes roll back in my head.

  I move to stand, but she catches my hand. Her eyes are starry as she looks up at me. Her face is relaxed and sated.

  “That was… wow. I’d ask where you learned how to do that, but I don’t want to know.”

  The idea of Roxie being jealous of women I’ve previously been with makes me want to beat my chest and howl at the moon.

  “It’s all you. I take my cues from your body and do whatever I can to bring you the most pleasure.”

  “I’m not sure I believe you, but I do like your answer.” Her hands go to the button on my jeans, but I stop her. Even though I’m dying, I didn’t go down on her so she’d return the favor.

  “You don’t need to do that.”

  “But what if I want to? I can see how hard you are through your jeans.”

  “Make no mistake, I want you, but you don’t owe me anything. It was my pleasure having my head between your legs.”

  She licks her red lips, and I can’t help imagining having her lipstick staining my cock. I start to unzip my jeans when there’s a knock on the door.

  I don’t think I’ve ever moved faster in my life as I run around the desk and sit back down in the chair I previously occupied. I pick up one of the assignments I graded and stare at it as Roxie calls for whoever it is to come in.

  It’s not until that moment, I wonder if she’s righted herself, but then I shake my head. Of course, she did. She’s not going to call someone into her office with her skirt pulled up to her waist.

  “Ah, Jeremy. How are you today? I noticed you weren’t in class,” she gives him a tentative smile from across the room.

  I turn to look over my shoulder at this Jeremy guy and realize he’s in my class. He sits a few seats down from me.

  “Ms. Hart, I was wondering if I could have
a moment of your time, but I see you’re busy. I can wait.”

  “That’s okay. Merrick is helping me grade papers as we talk about his research paper, but I think we’re done for the day.” She looks at me and then tries to give me the same smile she gave him but fails. It’s too bright, as are her eyes. Right now, she’s definitely not looking at me like a student, but as someone she wants to have for lunch.

  I stand, making the chair legs squeak against the floor. “Yes, thank you for talking me over those points. I think it will help me continue on with my paper.”

  “It’s no problem at all. That’s what I’m here for. In fact, I should be the one thanking you for helping me grade my papers.”

  “Is it extra credit?” Jeremy jumps in. “I’ll help you one day, Ms. Hart.”

  “Maybe,” she says, dismissing Jeremy. “Have a good night, Mr. Landry.” She’s looking down at her phone as I exit the room, and Jeremy takes my seat. I’m closing the door when I hear her say, “I hope ten minutes is enough. I really do need to be going.”

  I’m not sure if she’s saying that for my benefit or if she really does need to leave, so I decide to wait for her meeting to end in case she wants me to wait.

  Standing in the shadows, I’m about ready to give up when Roxie comes out of the building thirty minutes later. She’s walking quickly and doesn’t seem to notice me standing by her car until she’s pulling out her keys.

  “Merrick, what are you doing here?” She asks breathily.

  “I was waiting for you. I wasn’t sure if you wanted me to wait or…” I shrug, realizing now she probably didn’t want me to wait.

  “I’m sorry we didn’t have more time, but I’ve got to get home. I hope you understand.”

  “I do,” I say as I swallow the sudden lump in my throat, realizing I might be in way over my head with her. It’s a strange feeling after what went down in her office. What if this is all it will ever be? Secret liaisons as she hides me from her world.

  She steps forward and starts to lift her hand but then drops it. “Your words say one thing while your face says another.”

  “I’m just tired,” I lie, not wanting to make her feel guilty for giving me only what she said she could.

  “Well, get some sleep then, and I’ll see you tomorrow night. How about we meet in the library?”

  “Sounds good,” I say, but I’m secretly wondering if she wants to meet there, knowing it will be next to impossible for us to hook up unless I get us a study room. She’s turning me into a damn girl questioning everything and my feelings.

  “Goodnight, Merrick.”

  Unable to say anything for the fear I might blurt out something that will cause her to run, I stand there and watch her go until I can no longer see her taillights. Only then do I head home.

  13

  NOVEMBER

  Each week I reserve a study room for Roxie and me at the library, and so far, it’s our I guess you would call it our home away from home. It’s the only real place we can get any privacy without fear of interruption. Every Thursday night, I get her all to myself for two hours, and it’s the highlight of my week.

  The only problem is Thanksgiving break is next week, and after that, the semester will soon end. I thought that once I’m no longer one of Roxie’s students, she would be open to being seen out in public with me, but she wants to wait until the end of the school year. I’m not sure how we’re going to be able to meet up when she’s no longer my teacher.

  “Why do you look so sad?” Roxie asks as she slips on her high heels.

  She asks like she didn’t just drop a bombshell on me.

  “I don’t see us being able to spend much time together once this semester is over if you won’t be seen with me in public.”

  She lets out a sigh as she sits down in the chair across the table from mine. “You were the one who thought everything would change because you’d no longer be in my class. I never told you I’d go out and hold hands with you in front of the student body. I can’t risk my job.”

  But she’s willing to risk me.

  “How are we going to be able to spend time together?” I ask, sounding like a whiny bitch. When did I turn into the girl in this relationship? I fucking hate what she’s turned me into.

  “Merrick, just because you’re not in one of my classes doesn’t mean we can’t still meet here.”

  I guess she’s right, but I don’t want to hide anymore. Another six months feels like a lifetime.

  “I’m sorry, but that’s how it has to be,” she says like she read my mind. “I’ll have more free time during break. While I can’t give you all my time, it will be more. That’s something, isn’t it?”

  We might be able to spend more time together, only making my need for her more consuming once break is over, and then how will I cope when I can barely see her again?

  “Where are we going to go when the campus is closed down? My roommates haven’t decided if they’re going home for the holidays or not, and we can’t go to your house.”

  “They should. I’m sure their poor parents miss them,” she says, dismissing my comment about her house.

  Maybe. Or maybe their family is happy their messy children are finally gone—I know I’d be happy to have them gone for winter break.

  “I can’t say. We don’t talk much. This is my first time living with them, and it’s been an adjustment, to say the least.” We don’t talk about my roommates or her brother much because it only leads to how we’re stuck to meeting each other in the library or in a dark parking lot somewhere.

  “That bad, huh?”

  “They’re both disgusting pigs. It’s like they thought they’d live with me for the cheap rent and hoped I’d clean up after them. Their bedrooms are biohazards. We’ll be lucky to get our deposit back.”

  “Oh, I remember my college days. I had a messy roommate.” She shivers, and not in a good way. “We had mice because she was so nasty. You don’t have mice, do you?” She leans back in her chair, looking at me as if I might have a mouse in my pocket.

  “Not that I know of, but we’re probably not far from it. I can’t wait until I don’t have to have roommates any longer.”

  Although, I can think of someone I wouldn’t mind living with. I bet she’s tidy.

  “Maybe you’ll get lucky, and they’ll go home,” she pats my hand as she starts stuffing all of her things into her messenger bag.

  “That’s the only way we’ll be able to spend time together. If not, it will be when school starts back again, and then who knows.” I sound like a pouty baby, but I don’t care. Tonight is not looking good for us and the status of our so-called relationship. It would be nice to see that it might bother her not to see me for almost a month and a half.

  She stops packing up her things and looks at me. “I understand you’re not happy, but there’s nothing we can do about it. I warned you when we started this. To be honest, I didn’t think it would go on as long as it has.”

  “And why’s that?” I ask, barely keeping myself in check. From day one, I’ve been honest about my feelings for her.

  “I thought you’d be tired of me already. I never thought it would lead past one encounter, but you surprised me.”

  “In a good way or a bad way?” I can’t help but ask. If Walker could hear me now, he’d laugh in my face. Instead, he’s off in LA recording his first album. He signed the dotted line, and Titan Records had them in LA before the ink was dry—and before I got a chance to say goodbye. Maybe I’ll go see him during break and get my mind off my troubles here.

  “If it wasn’t good, I wouldn’t be here right now. I wish things were different, but they’re not, so we have to make do with what we have for the time being. Either that or call this off. You should think about how you want this to go. For now, I have to leave.”

  I would call it off if I wasn’t so addicted to her.

  She moves around the table and drops a kiss on my lips that’s too short for what I want, but I have no say in th
e matter. Instead, I turn in my seat and watch her walk out the door—her ass sashaying in her sexy as sin skirt.

  Since I have the room for another hour, I pull out my laptop and try to finish up my research paper for Roxie’s class, but I can’t concentrate. All I can think about is how I might not see the woman who’s become an undeniable craving in my life for over a month, and even then, we’ll still have to hide our relationship.

  Some days it feels like we’ll always be hiding in the shadows.

  Pulling out my phone, I pull up Walker’s number and call him. It rings and rings and rings. I don’t think he’s going to answer, but then at the last minute, he picks up.

  “Hey, man. What’s up?” Walker answers.

  “Same old, same old, what’s up with you?”

  “Nothing much,” he answers, and then it sounds like he covers up the phone and whispers something.

  “I doubt that, man. You’re a famous rockstar now.” I kid him. He’s not famous yet, but he will be as soon as his music hits the airwaves.

  Walker lets out a bark of laughter. “You don’t know how good it is to hear your voice. Today’s been rough.”

  That makes two of us.

  “It’s good to hear yours as well. What’s going on?” Walker’s a pretty laid-back guy, so for him to say it’s rough, it must be bad.

  “Nothing we do pleases the record company or the producer today. They’re pretty much threatening to send us home if we don’t sound better.”

  I highly doubt they’d do that.

  “We’re taking a dinner break so we can put our heads back on straight. Can you believe that?”

  “I don’t know. Did you guys party too much last night?”

  “Not me,” he shoots back instantly. It still doesn’t answer for the rest of the guys.

  “Did she put a leash on you to keep you out of trouble?” It takes everything in me not to laugh when he makes a sound of displeasure.

  “Can’t leash what you don’t own.” He says it like it doesn’t bother him, but I know better. He doesn’t talk about women, and the fact that he talks about Penelope is all the proof I need to know she means something to him.