chaptertwenty-two
Oaklyn
I didn’t knowwhat time it was when I first opened my eyes, but there was a glow coming out from behind my blackout curtains. I was mid-stretch when I saw my overstuffed chair pulled into the corner and remembered last night. Reaching out, expecting to find Callum, I instead met cold sheets.
A glance around showed no signs of him, unless he was hiding in the bathroom with the lights turned off, but the sheets were cold. He’d been gone for a while. I tried to ignore the doubt filling my mind as to why he had left in the middle of the night without waking me. Splashing cold water on my face at the bathroom sink, I remember how he’d said he would try, and I had to be grateful for that.
The pinch in my chest eased when I flicked on an overhead light and saw a piece of paper taped to my front door.
Oaklyn,
I had an early breakfast meeting and had to leave. You looked too beautiful sleeping, and I didn’t want to wake you. I can’t thank you enough for last night.
C
I dragged my finger along the C, liking the sharp curve. His handwriting fit him. Perfectly in line, clean without any messy strokes between. I turned and leaned against the door, holding the piece of paper to my chest like a love-sick fool. It was a reminder that last night had happened and hadn’t just been a crazy figment of my imagination.
Although, maybe his confession would have been better if it hadn’t been real. I released a painful exhale as I remembered his story. I’d been in shock. My body had tingled with adrenaline as I hurt for the man in front of me. My mind had scrambled to process that Callum, six-foot-four, two-hundred-plus-pound Callum had been taken advantage of in the worst possible way.1I couldn’t imagine the lasting effects that it must have had on him, but a lot of his actions made sense after his explanation.
A part of me had hated pushing him to tell me. I would have rather him have told me he was ashamed of himself for wanting a student. I would have rather heard almost anything other than that he’d been sexually abused.
My eyes burned all over again.
He was a more beautiful and amazing man than I’d already thought him to be.
And he’d pleasured himself for me. He’d wanted me to watch. He’d wanted to share that moment withme. He’d felt safe enough withme.
The wave of emotions washed over me, leaving me exhausted by the time my orgasm subsided, and I’d selfishly asked him to stay. Needing the comfort as much as he did.
What was I going to do with all these feelings over the long weekend? Left to my own thoughts until we went back to school on Tuesday. I had no way of reaching him. I even flipped the note over in hopes that maybe he’d left me his number, but it was blank. I kicked myself for throwing away his card in a moment of anger.
I could email him, but that felt on the edge of desperation, and I only had his school email. God forbid someone had access and opened it. What would it say?
Thanks for picking me up from the sex club I work at and taking me home. Also, for masturbating with me and holding my hand as we fell asleep. P.S. here’s my number because I’d love to do it again. See you in class this week.
That would go over great.
Accepting the next few days without communication, I decided to do my research and form a plan. The next time I was with Callum, I wanted to be more prepared and maybe try for something much more than just watching.
* * *
Tuesday morning,I walked across campus with confidence. I’d come prepared, in a baggy sweater that hung off my shoulder and a lace bralette underneath. It was skimpy and bright red to match my bold lipstick and nail polish.2I’d left my hair down and slightly curled, taking time to appear ultra-feminine.
I just hoped Callum thought so too.
I could tell my plan worked when I watched him do a double take as I walked in class. He stood in his normal spot leaning against the desk, greeting students with a quick glance. But when I waltzed though the door, he said hello to me and began to move on to the next person when he turned back to watch my progress across the classroom.
“Dayum, girl,” Olivia said when I sat. “You got a date later today, because you look hot as fuck.”
“Just needed a little confidence boost,” I said, shrugging as I pulled out my notebooks.
“Well, I think you’reboostingall the guys, if you know what I mean,” she said, her eyebrows waggling. “Hell, even Dr. Pierce had to pick his jaw off the ground.”
“Oh, he did not.” I didn’t want Olivia noticing Callum staring at me. I didn’t want that kind of scrutiny on me or him.3“You’re hilarious, Liv.”
She pretend-flipped her hair and then focused her attention up front as class began.4
I was pretty sure it was just me since everyone else seemed to be focused on the lecture, but the tension ran higher than usual. Each time his eyes landed on me felt like he was shouting to everyone who would listen that we’d come in front of each other. The seconds he stared felt like minutes, and I was sure by the end of class my heart was going to explode in excitement. Somehow, I made it through the entire hour without combusting.
