Page 17 of Teach Me Your Ways

“It’s good to meet you,” I said calmly. “I’m Professor Stone.”

Lina’s eyes raked over Cece. I knew that look. I had been teaching for years and running the bar long enough to know a Mean Girl situation. Cece didn’t look like Lina. Lina looked like the spoiled rich girl she was in her fashionable capris, blouse, and heels. She was carrying a handbag with a designer name on it. Cece was wearing a pair of khakis, sensible shoes, and a plain polo shirt. Lina was all perfect hair with manicured nails and Cece had her red hair pulled back in a ponytail. No nail polish. Cece was curvy while Lina was willowy.

“This is…” I started to say but I stammered for a second.

“Cece Monroe,” Cece said.

“The other TA,” I quickly added. I sounded guilty. But I had just gotten caught with a beautiful woman in the lecture hall. A woman I had felt pressed up against me, the sound of her moans still fresh in my ears.

“Oh, another TA? I thought this position was mine alone. Who approved this?” Lina was acting like she was the boss. I was about fucking sick of women trying to push me around.

Cece crossed her arms. “Is there a problem?” Cece cocked an eyebrow and was immediately on the defensive.

“Ladies,” I interjected, raising my hands. “Let’s keep this professional. There’s been a few last minute changes but we can roll with it and have a successful year together.”

If it came to fist fight, my money was on Cece. That fiery red hair matched her personality. I had been on the receiving end of that passion last night.

“No one told me I had to work with another TA,” Lina said.

“Well, you do,” I said firmly, cutting off whatever petty complaint Lina was about to launch into. “And you’ll work together professionally, or you’ll find yourself without a position at all.”

Lina’s mouth snapped shut, her perfectly glossed lips forming a thin line. Cece, on the other hand, looked like she was fighting back a smirk.

“Now,” I continued, gesturing toward the desk where I’d set up the coffee and donuts. “Let’s discuss what your responsibilities will be this semester.”

As they moved toward the front of the room, I caught a whiff of that same vanilla scent from Cece that had nearly driven me insane the night before. My jaw clenched. This was going to be a long fucking semester. I was only a man and not immune to temptation, no mater how much self-control I had.

“Miss Reese, you’ll be handling the grading for the introductory sections,” I said, keeping my voice strictly professional. “Miss Monroe, you’ll assist with research coordination and field prep for any upcoming digs.”

I launched into my usual spiel about the course. I did my best not to make eye contact with either one of them. I emphasized the importance of careful excavation, the ethical considerations, and the need to preserve artifacts for future study. As I spoke, I couldn’t help but notice Cece’s gaze fixed on me, a mix of frustration and something else. Lina, on the other hand, seemed more interested in glaring at Cece than listening to me.

The few times I did look at Cece, I felt that same zing. It was like an electric shock right to my soul. In a good way. The tension in the room was humming but it wasn’t all sexual. The two women were vibrating with thinly veiled animosity. It was day one and there was already a ton of drama brewing here. It was going to be trouble.

After wrapping up, I dismissed them. Lina exited with a huff. Cece tossed her coffee cup in the trash and picked up the napkin Lina had left on the table area where she’d been sitting. I almost smiled watching her pick up after the snotty Lina.

“Cece,” I said, stopping her from walking out. “About last night… I’m so sorry. I had no idea you were a student. And I certainly had no idea we’d be working together.”

“Yeah, I get that,” she said.

“I would appreciate it if we could keep what happened last night between us,” I said. “It was a mistake. If I would have known you were a student, I never would have let things get that far.”

“Yep, heard that too,” she said. “For the record, I didn’t know who you were, either. I thought you were the bar owner, not a professor. I’m sure that’s what you’re thinking but I didn’t know.”

That was a relief. And I believed her.

“I’ll speak to the department,” I said, nodding. “See if we can get you reassigned.”

She shrugged and gave me a look that made me feel like a bug she was debating to kill with her shoe or her bare hand. “You can try, but until then, you’re stuck with me. I need this job and you’re not messing it up for me.”

“I can respect that.” As she turned to leave, I decided to offer her a bit more advice. “Maybe consider wearing something different tomorrow.”

She paused, looking over her shoulder. “Different how?”

“More appropriate,” I said, gesturing vaguely.

“Appropriate how? Use your words, Professor.”

The venom in her voice was no joke. A weaker man would wither.

“Those clothes are a bit… tight.”

She completely turned around, eyes narrowed on me. If looks could kill, I would have been toast. “You are unbelievable. I didn’t hear you saying anything to Lina about what she’s wearing. Oh, but wait, she’s a skinny little thing.” I watched as she looked down at her chest and gave them a little shake. “They’re called boobs, Professor Stone. You should know all about that considering these very same boobs were in your mouth last night. I can wear a bigger shirt, but I promise you, you’re still going to be looking at my tits.”

She walked out, leaving me alone in the lecture hall. With an erection. Her shaking her boobs while reminding me I had my mouth on them was too much for my self-control.

“Fuck me. I’m so screwed.”