The real question was, would she be on the same page as me?
Would she desire the same things I did?
It was the feeling of warmth on my face that had me cautiously opening my eyes. Everything was foggy for a moment, and I blinked a few times, my vision finally clearing as I peered out the window. The flat was high up, and I could see buildings off in the distance. I had no doubt there was a bustle below, yet I heard nothing save the sound of my effortless inhalations.
I felt my brows knit, a moment of confusion sinking in because I wasn’t sure where I was.
Suddenly it all came pouring back.
Professor Baldwin.
The Olive.
Sitting in his car and admitting things I probably should have kept to myself.
I sighed gently, raised my hand and massaging my forehead. I had a dreadful headache, one that was thumping just behind my eyes.
The aroma of all he was poured over me, through me. I really found myself turning my head farther into the cushion, closing my eyes, and inhaling deeply.
Dark and woodsy.
Potent.
Masculine.
Everything Professor Baldwin was.
I was crazy, laying in his bed, in his apartment, wondering how in the hell I was going to get through this humiliation.
I forced myself to sit up, my feet dangling over the bed, my toes nearly brushing the hard wooden floor.
I rubbed my feet together, glanced down and realized I had no pants on. I pushed the blanket totally off me, letting out a sigh of relief that my panties were still on and that I was still wearing my cardigan set.
One drink and this was the effect, this was how far I’d dropped in my values.
I tried to remember if I’d slept with him. God, if I had, this would grow so much worse. This would be a nightmare, even if the notion of being with Professor Baldwin was everything I’d ever dreamed about.
I looked behind me, partly expecting him to be in the bed with me, and felt relief but also a flash of regret when the opposite side was vacant. I reached out and stroked my palm over the pillow, the linens frigid to my touch, almost sharp and severe under my fingertips. It was evident he hadn’t slept near me all night.
The daylight coming through the drapes, although subdued, had my headache hammering stronger behind my eyes. I heard the sound of my phone vibrating and sat up to see it resting on the dresser across from the bed.
I lifted it up and stared down at it. There were three texts from Alexis, as well as two missed calls.
“Shit,” I mumbled. I was very sure I’d forgotten to contact her last night once I’d gone to Professor Baldwin’s place.
I’m terribly sorry. I neglected to contact you last night and ended up crashing.
Alexis: You worried the heck out of me, Gracie!
After Professor Baldwin had gotten me into bed, everything else had gone dark. I’d fallen asleep soon away, and now hated having Alexis worry.
I’ll contact you as soon as I don’t feel like my head’s going to burst.
Alexis: You better.
The last thing I needed to do was phone her while in his place and have her overhear him say something.
God, was I really at my professor’s house?
