Teach Me (3 page)

Liam

How could I be so stupid?
Picking up my books, I walked out of my final class for the day and toward my Hummer. She was clearly a student. Her boyfriend played baseball, she lived in apartments right beside the college. Maybe I had wanted her to be available and my age so bad that I imagined her looking older.

I shook my head and ran my fingers through my hair.
Way to fuck up everything, Liam. Way. To. Go.

“Excuse me,” someone said.

I turned and saw a woman standing behind me. Her hands were wrapped around the handle to a briefcase, and she was smiling ear to ear. Her reddish hair was combed back into a ponytail on the nape of her neck.

“Hi,” I said, clearly not in the mood to chat but I gave her a fake smile anyway. “Did you need something?”
Can’t you see I’m day dreaming about my student’s ass? God, I sound like a perve.

“My name is Shay, I teach Literature here. You’re new, right? Liam Downs?”

Word travels fast.
“That’s me. Nice to meet you Shay.”

She nodded. “I just wanted to introduce myself. Maybe some time when you’re free I can show you around campus.” She looked nervous, fidgeting with her briefcase, giving me a simple smile.
She is probably your age.
I fight the urge to close my eyes.

“Yeah, maybe I’ll take you up on that. I’ll see ya around,” I said before walking to my car. Shay was walking away when I glanced back up.

I rode the two minute drive to my house in silence. I listened to the passing cars, the football team run by and the birds. I took my time climbing up the stairs and faced room 203A for a second too long before turning toward my door. The door slammed opened and a short girl with brown hair stood eating a popsicle in front of me. It slipped from her grip and hit the floor.

“Damn it,” she mumbled bending over to get it.

“What are you doing out here?” I heard from inside Sarah’s apartment. She came to the doorway and stopped to look at me. “Oh hey, Liam—I mean Mr. Downs.”

I bit my tongue.
If she calls me Mr. Downs one more freaking time
. “Hi, Sarah. Nice to see you again.”

“I’m Jamie,” the brown haired girl said. I glanced in her direction, irritated that she interrupted us.

“Hi, Jamie.”

She grinned and Sarah grabbed her arm. “You were just leaving, weren’t you Jamie?”

She shook her head back and forth, her hair swinging with every move. “Actually, I forgot something inside. Let’s go get it. Nice to see you,
Mr. Downs.”
She pulled on Sarah’s arm and I caught a glimpse of Sarah’s green eyes before the door was shut in my face.

Her eyes were so large, full and bright. She had called me Mr. Downs. I rolled my eyes and hit the briefcase on the side of my leg.
Damn it.

I collapsed onto the bed my bed once I got inside and took my shirt and shoes off.
This semester was going to be too hard.

Sarah

“Please tell me that’s not your new Survey to Civ teacher? It’s the same guy Cody was saying was hot?” Jamie asked, her tongue practically dropping out of her mouth.

I sighed and walked over to the futon. “It is my new teacher. I meet him last night when I took Zeus to the bathroom. I tripped over his dog.”

“Is that a sexual innuendo?” Jamie wiggled her eyebrows.

“Yes, I tripped over his penis. Shut up,” I said, throwing a pillow at her face. She blocked it and smiled brightly.

“What a fucking hottie. You have to know he is sexy. How on earth are you going to learn with his hotness radiating in the room?”

“I’ll manage,” I said, which was a small lie. He was almost too hot. I rolled my eyes at myself.
How pathetic can one person be?
“Anyway, I have some homework to do. You were just leaving…remember?”

She rolled her eyes and staggered to the door. “Oh, Tyler text me and asked if I wanted to go to the movies.” She pressed her teeth into her lip to keep from smiling.

“Oh yeah,” I picked at my jeans, “what’d you’d say?”

“Yes,” she said. “We’re going this weekend. See ya later.”

I laughed, as I picked up Zeus’ toys from around the house. I swear it was like I had a damned kid. I tossed my book bag on my bed and winced at the soda stain on my comforter. Matt. He’d gotten mad about Liam and threw his glass on my bed. Two minutes later he was apologizing and kissing me. He had one hell of a temper.

Knock. Knock. Damn, Matt’s home early.
I walked to the door. Matt was leaned against the door frame, hands wrapped around the top. “Hey, baby,” he said, kissing my cheek. He smelled like sweat, dirt and boys.

“Hey, you’re here early,” I said.

He walked past me and went straight for the kitchen. “Yeah, we have a game tomorrow. Coach let us go home early. I’m starved. I think I’m gonna call for Chinese. Does that sound good?”

Anything were I don’t have to cook. “Yeah,” I said, sliding down on the coach. Matt walked over and slid in beside me, his blue eyes wide and raking over me.

He nuzzled his mouth into my neck and kissed along my collar bone. “You smell good, babe.”
Too bad you don’t.
He pulled me closer and I leaned against him, letting him wrap his arms around my waist. “I heard a few girls talking in class about a new teacher. He’s supposed to be cute or something.” He turned on the TV.

Fuck. Should I tell him?
Better me than someone else.
“Yeah, actually it’s our next door neighbor. He is my new Survey of Civ teacher.”

Matt stopped channel surfing and turned toward me. His jaw flexed and he tilted his head to the side. His black hair was a mess underneath his cap and his shirt stuck to his chest. “You mean the guy that was checking out your ass last night is your new teacher?”

He was checking out my ass?
My stomach warmed at the thought of him touching it with his large hands.
No, Sarah.
“I doubt he was
really
doing that, Matt. But, yeah, he is my teacher. That should make you feel better. He is my teacher, not some random college guy.”

Matt groaned and clenched his fist. “Just because he is a teacher doesn’t mean he isn’t still a man. He
was
looking at your ass, and if I see him do it again I’ll beat the hell out of him,” Matt said, turning back toward the TV.

I didn’t doubt that Matt would pick a fight, he done it all the time. But, I had nothing to worry about because Liam was my teacher, and I was the one acting like a love-struck puppy not him.

Around thirty minutes later Matt went to get the Chinese. Somewhat relieved that he was gone, I walked out onto our balcony. Zeus followed me and curled up in his bed outside. I watched as the sunset over the woods across the road, and leaned against the railing. The wind blew in my face, and it smelled like rain. When I figured Matt would be on his way back home, I turned and something caught my eye. Running down the road and into our driveway was Liam and Layla. I ducked back into my chair, so he couldn’t see me well. He stopped in front of the building, stretching. I watched as his muscles tightened as he stretched above his head. His brown hair was a sweaty mess, but he pulled it off too well. I bit my lip as he bent over and touched his toes.

This isn’t right.
Standing up, I leaned over the railing to get a better look. Layla sat beside him, tongue out and wagging her tail.

Bark. Bark. Oh no.
Zeus jumped out of his bed and started barking down at Liam and Layla.
Fuck.
“Shut up, Zeus,” I mumbled, swatting at his behind.

He continued to bark, loudly.

Liam’s head popped up and he glared up at me. A smile rose from the corner of his lips and he jogged toward us. “Damn it. I hate you,” I mumbled to Zeus.

“Hi, Sarah,” Liam said, craning his neck to get a good look at me. “You spying on me?” he asked.

You have no idea.
“Ha. No, just enjoying the sunset. Sorry to interrupt you, Zeus doesn’t have good manners.” I smiled. “Or does he mind,” I mumbled to myself.

Liam waved me off. “No worries, I was just heading back in. It was such a great night for a run. You wouldn’t happen to know how to get to Lake Monticello, would you? I heard they have a great place to run. It’s opened and spacey.”

I gulped and nodded. “Yeah, I do. It’s kind of hard to explain.”

“Would you mind showing me some time?”

My heart began to beat against my ribcage hard
. Is this appropriate behavior? Am I supposed to give my teacher directions? After school? In his car with him?
My palms were sweaty so I rubbed them against my legs. “Um, sure. Maybe tomorrow or something?” I asked. I knew Matt would be gone tomorrow for his game, and being alone with Liam was starting to consume me.

“Yeah, that’d be great.” He ran his fingers through his hair and smiled. “I’ll come get you.” He laughed. “Next door. What time is good for you? Seven?”

I nodded. “Yeah.”

“You don’t have work or anything do you? I wouldn’t want to take you away from anything.”

“I have a work study at the writing center. It’s during the day. Seven tomorrow will be fine.”

“Great, I’ll see ya--,”

“Sarah?” I heard and looked down to my right. Matt was getting out of his truck with two arms carrying the food. I was glad his arms were occupied, I didn’t want to have to deal with him hitting Liam. “What are you doing?” he asked, through gritted teeth.

“I was just letting her know that we have a test next week. I’ll see you in class Friday, Sarah. Nice to see you again, Matt.” Liam disappeared into the darkness, and Matt walked up the stairs.

Liam

What have I done?
I sat in my office, looking through my student’s work and thought about Sarah. I couldn’t believe I’d asked her to show me the lake?
What possessed me? She is your student, not some random girl.

I was busy wallowing in my stupidity when my phone lit up.
Dad.
I growled to myself. I answered. “Hello.”

“Hi, it’s Mom.”

I sighed. “What are you doing calling on Dad’s phone?”

“Mine is dead. I told you to call me, Liam. Why haven’t you? Are you okay? Are your classes going alright? Are the kids nice?”

Wow, I’m a teacher not a new student in elementary school.
“They’re fine, Mom. It’s going great, but it’s only the second day.”

“I know, I know. Just making sure you’re okay. How is Layla? Is she adjusting to the change okay?”

“She is a dog, she is fine wherever, as long as she is being fed.”

“Well, you don’t have to be so snooty about it, Liam. Is something bothering you?”

Yeah, my dick gets hard every time I see my neighbor/student. I’d say that’s a major problem.
“Everything is fine, Mom. I’m grading papers, can I call you back?”

“Will you?”

“Yes, tomorrow. I love you.”

“Okay, love you too. You better call,” she said before hanging up.

Jesus Christ, you’d think I was twelve not twenty six.
Packing up my papers, I grabbed my briefcase and headed toward my Hummer.

When I got home, I stripped and climbed into the shower. I couldn’t help but think about Sarah sitting in the passenger seat with me. The swell of her breasts, her full lips, and flat stomach. I wondered what she’d look like naked.

“No, Liam,” I mumbled to myself. My dick disagreed, showing me just how much she pushed my buttons. I grabbed myself and began to push up and down my shaft. “What are you doing, Liam?” I leaned my head against the shower wall and finished myself off.

This is ridiculous.
After humiliating myself, in front of myself, which is hard to do, I dried off. I pulled on a tight white shirt and some jeans. I remembered my last girlfriend had liked it, so maybe Sarah would.
No, it doesn’t matter if she likes it.
I put on my boots and filled Layla’s water and food bowl.

At six fifty five I walked over to her door and knocked.

It swung opened and Cody was standing in the doorway. His mouth was half-full of some chips and his eyes were wide. He swallowed loudly and smiled. “How may I help you?” he asked.

“Cody, it’s for me,” I heard her from behind Cody. He turned around and looked back at her. My dick tightened and I pushed back the urges I had to do bad things right then and there. She was wearing the tightest white tank top, some blue jeans shorts and flip-flops. Her cheeks turned pink and she pushed her hands deep into the depth of her pockets.

“This is the
friend
you’re showing around, Sarah?” Cody asked, eyebrow rose.

She narrowed her eyes and jabbed her finger over her shoulder. “Would you please make sure Zeus’ water bowl is filled up for me?”

Cody stuck his tongue out and ran off toward his room. “Sorry about him, you’ll get used to him.”

I smiled down at her, and bit my lip. “Well, are you ready to go?” I asked, gesturing for her to lead the way.

She nodded slightly and walked out of the door. I followed her downstairs, watching as her hips switched.
Come on, you’re not a fifteen year old boy.
“So,” I said. “Where is Matt at tonight? He didn’t mind?”

Sarah didn’t look up as I opened her door for her. “Her doesn’t know,” she whispered before I shut it.

Holy fuck
. I winked at her. “Well, some things we can keep to ourselves then.” I walked around and started down the road.

We rode in silence for a long while before she pointed toward a road to our left. When we pulled up I saw a sign that said ‘Lake Monticello.’

“No, don’t pull in that way, go around this way,” she pointed out. I followed her instructions, and we pulled along a dirt road, and into a clearing. No one was out here, and I could tell it was a secluded spot.

“Well, this is nice. I’m sure this would be a great place to run,” I said. That was my main reason for wanting to know where the lake was, to run. But, now that I’m here with her I don’t want to leave.

“A lot of people run out here, it’s so peaceful. Sometimes I come out here during lightning storms and watch the lighting hit over there,” she said, pointing across the lake.

She chuckled. “Don’t think I’m strange, it’s really pretty.”

I laughed and opened my door. “Come on, let’s get some air.” I walked toward the edge of the water and watched the geese swim across. “This isn’t appropriate,” I finally said. I didn’t want to say it, but it needed to be said. I needed to let her know I couldn’t have her the way I wanted. I wasn’t sure if she wanted me or not, but fuck did I want her.

She twisted her blonde hair around her finger and kicked at the mud. “Then why did you ask me, Mr. Downs.”

Mr. Downs.
I wanted to shake her until she stopped calling me that. “Well, that part I’m not quite sure of. I just needed to tell you that I didn’t know you were my student when I helped you with your cut. It’s not a big deal, but I’m sure teachers aren’t supposed to have their students in their apartments.”

She nodded. “Well, of course not. But, we didn’t know. So, no harm done.” She smiled up at me, her green eyes warm and large. “And plus, I have a boyfriend anyway. It would be wrong even if you weren’t my teacher.”

A ping of something lit fire in my stomach.
I am not jealous of him
.
Yes, the fuck I am
. I couldn’t stand the thought of him touching her, kissing her or making love to her. I bit my tongue hard. “Of course. I’m glad we’re on the same page.”

“Should we head back now?” she asked. “Since it’s not appropriate.” Her tone was bitter, and I tried not to smile.
Did she want to be out here with me?

“Well, there is no need to rush, hold on a second.” I ran back over toward my truck, grabbed the blanket and two Cokes. “Here we go,” I said, laying the blanket out. “Thirsty?”

She stared blankly down at the blanket and then back up at me. I could see the conflicting emotion on her face and I felt guilty. I shouldn’t push her. “We don’t have to do this if you don’t want to. Don’t think I’m trying to do anything else inappropriate.”

She stared at me for a few long uncomfortable minutes. “I won’t tell if you won’t.”

I let out a small chuckle. “Scout’s honor,” I said, lying down on the blanket.

She laid beside me, her body so close to mine. We laid there and watched the sky for a while before either of us spoke. “Did you feel that?” she asked.

I felt something alright, but I was sure it wasn’t the same thing she was talking about. “What?”

“Rain. I smelled it last night, I knew it was coming”

Damn it
. I didn’t want to take her home just yet. I knew we weren’t doing anything but lying there but it felt so good. “Let’s just sit out here for a little longer, then I’ll take you home.”

She turned on her side, quickly and held her head up with her hand. “I wasn’t saying I wanted to go home. I was just warning you. It’s supposed to storm, we could watch the lightening, if you wanted to.”

Her cheeks turned pink. A piece of blonde hair fell from her ear and I pushed it back. “That’s fine. I’d love to see it,” I said.

Her cheeks turned redder, and she smirked, lying back down. “Tell me about you,” she finally said. “Have you always wanted to teach?”

I lay as still as I could, not wanting her to see how I really felt. “Yes. I wanted to teach my entire life. My dad wasn’t for it, he said I should go into the military, and make a man out of myself.” I laughed. “But, I didn’t follow him. I had to do what I wanted and loved. I had to teach.”

Sarah was still staring at me, eyes wide. I tried to ignore that her breast were hanging over her shirt. I could see the roundness of them. I wanted to reach out and touch her. “I think you did the right thing. What you want to do.”

“I just wish my dad thought that way. But, enough about me, what about you? How long have you been with Matt?” I cursed myself for saying it as soon as I said it.

She frowned and turned to look back up at the sky. “A year,” she said. I wanted to pry but I didn’t want to force her. “Are you seeing anyone?” she whispered.

My heart pounded an extra beat. “No.”

I swear I saw the corner of her lip crawl up. “There it comes,” she said, slowly. “The rain.”

As if on cue, the rain started pouring down. We jumped up, laughing, and ran toward my truck. I could hear her breathing hard, and glanced over at her. Her hair was wet, her shirt stuck to her breast.
Fuck, she looks so beautiful.

“You’re all wet,” she whispered, her eyes raking over my chest. My dick moved and I prayed she didn’t see it.

“It’ll dry,” I said without looking away from her. Her lips parted and lightning struck across from us. She pointed. “It’s beautiful,” I mumbled, as another hit almost in the same spot.

She started to breathe faster, her chest rising and falling. Her eyes met mine but she didn’t look away. Her eyes darted toward my lips, her own parted and she squirmed in her seat.
Does she want to kiss me, too? Would it be too old fashioned to ask?
She glanced back up at me, nodded once and I knew that was exactly what she wanted.

So, I gave her what she wanted.