The New Professor

[danimal3378]

It was a Thursday night and I was tired. I had spent the day on my feet teaching back-to-back courses and still had a pile of reading and a grant application to get though. I looked at the stack of books and articles I needed to get through for my research, let out a sign and thought, best get started now.

It was my first year as a professor and I was new in town. I had used my first paycheck for a down payment on a loft in a cozy downtown neighborhood; best I could afford but still not much. The neighborhood had several bars, a few restaurants, and a cozy coffee houses that at least offered free internet to go with the sludge they tended to serve. It was a good life, I taught classes on topics that I found interesting, even if the students didn’t always put their best effort in.

At the coffee house I the night crowd was a combination of downtown hipsters, a few students semi- studying, and a few regulars who like me in lived in the growing collection of apartments sprouting up in the neighborhood. I walked in and ordered a cup of decaf from Kimberly whom had my cup half poured before I finished my order. I grabbed the coffee and headed to a quiet corner to start the nightly ritual of pounding through a few article before getting some more of the grant written.

The CD changed and some soft contemporary pop/rock came through the speakers and she walked in. A student of mine - can’t quite remember her name - but she was enrolled in my M/W/F pre-calculus class – I’m an engineer by trade, but the math department was short staffed and they were making some new engineering professor pick up the slack. We were only four weeks into the semester, but she distinctly stuck out. She was from a coal mining town and as a result and strong advocate against environmental destruction. She was also smart; at least her understanding of the material thus far seemed to come pretty easy.

 

[AnyOtherName]

Jessica Swenson wasn't usually the type to hang out in a coffee shop, even if it was conveniently at the doorstep of her apartment building. She'd stop in on occasion, pick-up a hot beverage and be on her way, finding little appeal in hanging around or trying to study in a public space.

Tonight, though, would be different. She didn't suspect so much as she approached the counter and ordered a chai latte; she let her eyes scan around the crowd as she waited for her order. And there he was: Dr. Dan Patterson, her pre-calculus professor. From the appearance of the stack of papers and books on his corner table, he was immersing himself in academic ventures. It was something Jess would usually avoid intruding upon, but...

She turned her attention elsewhere, suddenly aware of a need to not stare. As if he hadn't already noticed the stupidly sweet smile she gave every time they made eye contact in class. Essentially, her showing up was much less about learning (though not to her discredit, she simply knew the material and was only taking the course to fulfill her mathematics requirement) and was much more about the eye candy she found her professor to be. She felt a tinge of guilt. Dan, or Dr. Patterson, shouldn't be objectified in her mind as he was. Perhaps if she knew him better, aside from the personality he projected in class, she could appreciate more than his physical merits...

Jessica considered the prospect as she received her order from the barista. She thanked the woman and turned on her heel, her eyes immediately finding their way back to Dr. Patterson's table. Her feet began to move even as her mind tried to dissuade her.

"Dr. Patterson," she spoke brightly. "Fancy meeting you here." A smile as she eased herself into the seat across from him. "What are you reading?"

She tried to look nonchalant, taking a sip of her tea. Hoping that she wasn't imposing, even if she had seated herself without invitation with that exact ambition.

 

[danimal3378]

“Oh a.. hello,” I muttered, surprised she was now right in front of me. I look at her, taking in her beautiful image. She wore her hair up in a ponytail. She was dressed in black yoga pants, worn running shoes, and a white little button down shirt. Wow.

Reading, the question catching up finally to me. “Um, just some nitrogen transport information and the impact of crop rotation” watching your face, realizing how boring that must sound, I didn’t exactly give it the greatest elevator speech. “It’s for a research topic on how to minimize the impact of cropping systems on ecosystem” I clarify, “for a grant proposal.”
I decide some chit-chat might be best, “So how are you this evening Miss …, um Swanson?” I give it a try. “Semester off to a good start?”

 

[AnyOtherName]

The woman's brows rose just slightly as she listened to his response, an expression that could be easily taken as a failure to fully understand what he was saying. In Jessica's own case, though, it was to convey surprise at how impressed she was by the words that fell out of his mouth. She hadn't been so enamored by her professor as to look up anything about him, so the revelation of such work was quite unexpected and wonderful.

She tilted her head slightly as he nearly got her last name correct. Interesting, how she found it cute rather than insulting.

"It's Swenson," she corrected gently. "But I'd prefer if you called me Jessica." A beaming smile. "Or Jess, of course." She paused just long enough to allow her gaze to dip from his face, appreciatively scanning over his chest for a moment before looking back up at him. "...And, yeah. Semesters always start off well, don't they?" She placed an elbow on the back of her chair. "For students, at least. Workload is at it's lightest, some of us are even fortunate enough to have hot professors to oogle..." She let the indirect flattery slip away rather quickly, following up with a question. "How has it been for you, so far? First year teaching, right?"

 

[danimal3378]

A small chuckle at your joke, students, always trying to be funny, but it does cause me to relax just a bit, the formality driving away.
"Yeah, first year, it’s been well different. Lots of work on the front end, trying to churn out new lectures and it feels like I'm always only a half-step ahead. But its good, it’s nice to meet new students and the like, but frankly it’s a bit of work." Letting out a soft sigh, surprised by my openness to what I've saying. It must be the lack of acquaintances in my new town and suddenly these words are flowing from me.
“So what is an exciting girl like yourself doing here this evening, don’t you have something more exciting to do?” Lowering the paper I had been reading, l look at you, really seeing the beautiful young women in front of me now, but not thinking much about it; it is only friendly banter afterall.

 

[AnyOtherName]

“Well, before seeing you it was my awesomely exciting plan to pick up my beverage and go back to my apartment to...do homework.” She smiled, not trying in the least to cover the obvious lie. “Honestly, I’ve been none too exciting since I moved away from home. Non-traditional student, so I’m kind of missing out on the whole dorm and party aspect of college life.”

She only paused a moment before continuing. “Though I’d like to think I can be more than exciting, given the right circumstances...” Her eyes sparkled with mischief, her gaze falling on the professor directly. “But the guy I’m interested is a bit out of my league, I think.” A foot moved under the table, the edge of her shoe glancingly brushing against Dr. Patterson's. Subtly was not one of her strong suits.

 

[danimal3378]

"You have lots of homework then?" I question. "Someone like you it can't take very long, you seem to breeze threw everything I assign." My eyes linger on you, enjoying your pretty face. "How has it been coming back to school. I'm sure its a challenge, but it can lead to a great new adventure."

The contact of her foot surprizes me. I stutter, "umm, eh I doubt anyone is out of your league." My eyes lost in yours, the light sparkling in them.

 

[AnyOtherName]

"Oh, I always have homework to do, the problem isn't how long it takes me to finish if I set myself to doing it, it is more so about how long I let it sit in the queue." She smiled. "Nothing is due until it's due, and in the meantime I often opt to play games or watch t.v. instead." Jessica had never been this honest to an instructor's face, but...they were just people, too, right? At some point, Dr. Patterson had been the student, maybe he could even relate to her on more levels than she'd expect. "I uh...I mean, I only claimed to be a 'good kid' that'd return home to work on their studies because I'm talking to one of my professors at present."

"Meh. I'm just going for a piece of paper. I wouldn't call it challenging or even stimulating but I guess that's what you get as you suffer through general credits. Level 100 and 200 classes are like high school 2.0."

"Umm, eh I doubt anyone is out of your league." He responded to her comment. The foot which had just rubbed against his own drew back, again sliding against the outside of his footwear.

"Oh? Well...I'm glad that you think so." She smiled. "Let me ask this, though: if I invited you back to my place..would the fact that I'm actively enrolled in your class be a factor in your answer?" At least she wasn't trying to sleep with him for the sake of a good mark: grades came easy. Having sex with the professor was just it's own awesome extra curricular activity.

 

[danimal3378]

Your forwardness catches me by surprise and I try to not let my mouth fall open in shock as the words come from your mouth. Hesitant, this must be some trick… what is happening here, swirl through my mind.
Who is this girl… it must be some sort of trick. “I’m flattered, really, but…. I can’t, that just wouldn’t be professional.” I play it safe, the sexy girl before me would be really nothing but trouble. I look into your sparkling eyes as I say this, hoping my words will sound convincing, even as I not sure I mean them as I’m saying it.
Your foot traces book over my foot, I feel my cock twitch, darn it – please don’t notice. I scotch over slightly, trying to create some space. I feel my face turning red, and figure it best to try to cut this off quick, 'well Jessica' I start.

 

[AnyOtherName]

She smiled softly, lifting her beverage to slip the sleeve off of her coffee. Reaching for a pen amid the books and papers of the professor, Jessica turned her attention to the task of writing down her address and phone number.

"I understand if we'd need to be discrete, I'm not out to get you fired or anything. I promise not to maul you in public or act any more smitten in your classroom than I already do." She lifted the flattened sleeve from the table, offering it to Dr. Patterson. "But if you decide to show up, be warned that I'm going to try to take your pants off."

Her smile brightened and she turned her legs towards the edge of the booth. She stood without removing her eyes from Dan. "I'll be home all evening. If you feel compelled to think about it, feel free to text me whenever it is that you decide in my favor."

She didn't wait for a response before turning on her heel to leave. There was absolutely no chance of her convincing the professor to leave with her, but she hoped a couple of minutes considering her proposition would have him showing up at her apartment. Worst case scenario, she thought, she'd just have to keep offering until he didn't refuse.

 

[danimal3378]

Dan sat there in stunned silence, hand dangling in the air holding the coffee sleeve as Jessica sauntered away. His eyes watched her body sway sexily and although he showed no outward response his mind was racing “who is there girl, what should I do now?” The sound of the door closing brought him back to the present… did the door for that opportunity just close?
His mind doesn’t linger long though, there is plenty of work on sprawled out before him and if he ever wants to get out of here he needed to get starting. Buried back in the work but distracted he plugs away… for several more hours.
As the coffee shot is closing Dan steps out feeling the brisk night air. He wonders, mind again lost Jessica and occasionally his work. Amid his wondering he finds himself at the stoop to her apartment… sitting down to think he sits in silence.

 

[AnyOtherName]

Jessica returned home and, hopefully expecting her professor to show, tidied up her place. She was a clean person to begin with but there was no harm in the extra effort that left her apartment a dazzling display of cleanliness.

An hour passed. The blonde fond herself restless, unable to relax as she laid on the couch and tried to zone out on some television. Some sitcom was on and an awkward romance was unfolding between a couple of the characters. Jessica sighed.

Another hour passed. The young woman started to worry: had she been too forward? Did Dan Patterson think less of her? It was beginning to seem likely that he wasn't going to show and Jess could only assume that she'd stepped over her boundaries. “I’m flattered, really, but…. I can’t, that just wouldn’t be professional.” His words echoed in her mind.

Son of a bitch.

It was nearly another hour before Jessica gave up all hope. Fuck it, she thought to herself. If he doesn't want this, it's his loss. Despite the strength of her convictions in thought, she was still a little shattered. She grabbed her apartment keys and headed out into the hallway, intent to console herself with some ice cream. But as she reached the lobby, a glance out the front glass revealed someone sitting on the stoop. For a second, she thought maybe it was someone waiting for a tenant to return so that they could get into the building without having anyone buzz them in - robberies were not entirely uncommon in the downtown area, though burglars usually focused their efforts on businesses rather than the residential complexes. Several steps carried her towards the entrance, and within seconds she had placed the man on the stoop's clothing with what she had seen Dr. Patterson in just earlier.

She stepped outside. "Oh hi," she greeted him brightly. It was apparent that he was still thinking over her offer, as evidenced by his present position. Jessica remained holding the door to her building open. "We should talk inside," she offered, not really having much intention of talking.

 

[danimal3378]

Dan nods in response, unsure of what to say, knowing he shouldn't but.... but he had already come over and he couldn't really just turn around now could he? There she was standing in front of him, just as sexy as when she had walked away from him at the coffee shot. His mouth is dry, like cotton, he licks his lips and finally exhales and says ‘yes, inside, I suppose we should.’
The next few minutes were a blur, he vaguely remembered standing up, stepping through the door front door she was holding open, and then the memories became a bit fuzzy. He assumed he took her hand and let her lead her to her place, but he was somewhat lost in his thoughts. ‘What am I doing’ his mind said, but his hormones wear spotting the opposite, namely, ‘do you really want to go home alone to that cold dark apartment, don’t be a fool.’
Finally, as they reach the door of her apartment he softly whispers ‘I’m sorry it took me so long.’

 

[AnyOtherName]

She smiled back at him as she unlocked her apartment door. "You were working," she offered easily. "I certainly can't hold that against you."

Jessica had no intention of telling him how much she had wondered and worried in the time she had waited for him to arrive. If she hadn't left her apartment to console herself with ice cream...would he have rang? Or would he have sat there, thought better of it, and went home?

Truly, it didn't matter now.

The young woman led her professor inside, bringing him to the living room. Everything was quiet and dark. Jessica turned the switch of a standing lamp to low, flooding the small area in a dull light.

"Have a seat," she indicated an outreached hand towards the couch. "Can I get you something to drink?"

 

[danimal3378]

He slowly lowered down into the seat she offered, on the edge of the plush leather sofa, 'Um, scotch on the rocks please, if you have it.' He figured a good drink would have calm the nerves he was feeling, and it was already quite warm in here, he could feel his palms sweating after sitting in the cool night air.
As Jessica walked away he takes in the room. Tidily kept and very clean, it looked like everything was in its proper place and well organized. The place was small but well-furnished and immaculate. Heck it probably had more in it than his place. He takes a deep breath, ‘get a hold of yourself man’ he whispered to himself, as if to give himself a pep talk.

 

[AnyOtherName]

"I do!" she responded happily. Jessica didn't drink scotch, herself, but her father did. He and Jessica's mother had only visited once while she lived here, but the man had left behind some stock for the next time they came around.

She walked into the kitchen and rifled through her liquor cabinet. Her father's bottle remained in a stitched leather black case, the only marking upon it being a golden stag. Without the slightest hesitation, she took the case out of the cabinet and set it on the counter. A short glass was prepared with ice. The smoothly designed bottle was brought out into the open, the topper quickly removed and the caramel colored liquid poured over the ice.

When she returned to the living room, she offered the glass to Dan. "Dalmore 40 year old single Highland malt scotch whiskey," she repeated the words her father had used to describe the drink to her. She thought the drink was beyond gross, herself, but supposedly it was a pretty pricey bottle so she hoped her company would like it more than she did. For herself, she had grabbed a Fat Tire out of the fridge.

After he took his glass, Jess reached for a lighter at the base of a nearby candle display. She used the object as a lever to pop off the cap of her beer. "Cheers," she offered, lifting her bottle. After their drinks clinked together, she took a long drink.

 

[danimal3378]

Dan took a slow sip of the scotch, surprised by the spicy chocolate and caramel notes of the drink as compared to the cheap liquor he usually consumed. The sip was slow; he let the liquor linger on his tongue. Who is this girl?

He looked at Jessica, her body silhouetted by the dim light behind her, as the cold beer slowly poured from the bottle. The bottle glistening from the condensation forming on it; all the while the place is silent. At first this doesn’t bother Dan, but as it continues the silence becomes a little unnerving. He starts to squirm in his seat, even the pricey liquor not enough to calm his nerves.

He clears his throat, ‘So,… um… Jessica..’ he starts, feeling more nervous again .

 

[AnyOtherName]

Her eyes fell on Dan as she lowered the bottle from her lips. For a moment, an awkward silence fell between them.

Dr. Patterson cleared his throat. "So,… um… Jessica.."

He was clearly uncomfortable. Uncertain of what to say or do - he was at the young woman's mercy. She smiled comfortingly and placed her beverage on a side table before walking directly in front of her guest.

"Yes, Dan?" she asked playfully as she climbed onto his lap, her legs straddling his hips as she faced him. Her arms draped over his shoulders. She thought to go farther, but waited to see how he'd react to her first step.

 

[danimal3378]

Dan squirmed back into his seat, surprised by Jessica's persistence. 'well, um.' He liked to think of himself as well educated and well spoken, but that certainly wasn't coming across here.
'Don't you think... we should.. um...slow... um maybe.. talk' his thoughts garbled together. He swallows, but his lips feel incredibly dry again, he bites his lip, a visual sign of his nervousness.
She's so close, the sense of her shampoo fills him, oh God she smells delicious, taking a deep breath. Her scent is almost intoxicating, it’s hard to tell if it was the sip of the aged-scotch or just her presence, but Dan was suddenly feeling a little light headed.

 

[AnyOtherName]

Jessica removed one of her hands from his shoulder, moving to take his glass of scotch away from him. She leaned to set it aside, the drink remaining easily within his reach on a side table.

"We could talk, sure," she purred as she returned to her former position. She grabbed her tank top at the bottom hem, lifting the garment over her head in a single fluid motion. The piece of clothing was carelessly thrown behind her. "If you'd like."

The removal of her shirt revealed a light pink balconette bra, which her full D-cup breasts threatened to spill out of as she leaned forward to whisper into his ear. "But, honestly...I think our time could be better spent than talking about what it is I want to do to you..."