W aking up to an empty room was a common occurrence. Carly had spent the night at Theo’s, leaving Beth ample time alone to stew about her decision. She hadn’t caved and invited him to her room. The ache between her legs cursed her for holding out. They’d kissed and kissed some more, trying to make up for the years they’d lost. Fogging up the windows and making out like a couple of teenagers in his car had been hot and so much fun.

Not a single moment did she regret her choice to give him a second chance. She believed deep in her soul, Benjamin Wilder was the one. She’d always thought that way. Which made his past actions that much more painful. She told him she didn’t want to rehash the past, and she didn’t, but she couldn’t forget it either.

Benny had a way of being present that made her feel like she was the star in his world. When they were together, everything revolved around them. As much as she wanted to lie around all day basking in the joy of her new relationship, she had classes. A full day of learning awaited.

She rolled out of bed and got ready. Periodically, noticing the silly grin on her face in the mirror. They had their first date in a matter of hours and she was excited. She took a few extra minutes to apply makeup and choose an outfit that would make him sweat. Benny had a fetish for roleplaying. They both enjoyed dressing up and acting their parts. It added a little extra sizzle to their sex lives. Not that they had one at the moment.

A little torture seemed à propos. The white of her bra was visible through her t-shirt. She paired it with a plaid skirt which sat mid-thigh, knee-high socks and a pair of Mary-janes. The private school outfit had always caught his eye. She tied her hair back in a braid and surveyed her reflection.

“Not bad,” she said to the mirror as Carly walked in, looking like she’d gone three rounds with a Pit Bull and lost. “Damn, what happened to you? Your hair is a mess.”

Her friend’s auburn hair was usually tied in a ponytail, but she wore it down. It resembled a rat’s nest. Her jacket was open and her shirt ripped.

Carly’s cheeks flushed. “What do you mean?” She pushed Beth away from the mirror and laughed as she attempted to smooth out her hair. “Insatiable boyfriend who decided it would be a good idea to make love after I got ready. Note to self, do not listen to him when he says my hair looks beautiful down.”

Beth chuckled. “I like it when you wear it down, but today I’d suggest an up do. My first class starts in thirty. I’ll catch up with you tonight?” Beth grabbed her backpack and pulled on her long coat.

 “If you think that smile of yours and catholic girl outfit isn’t getting talked about think again. You can run, but you can’t hide from me. Why are we not meeting for lunch?”

Beth winked. “Because I have a lunch date. See you tonight,” she said and sauntered out of their room. When Benny had asked her out, she’d suggested lunch. It would be less likely to lead to anything physical. The outfit was meant to give him a glimpse of what he couldn’t have. Yet. She knew it was only a matter of time before she broke her own rules. He was too irresistible.

The morning flew by. The excitement of their first date coursed through her veins, planting a permanent smile on her face. She arrived early at the restaurant. The walk over had taken less than fifteen minutes since he’d picked one that wasn’t far from campus. She appreciated his thoughtfulness. He’d called as soon as practice ended and offered her a ride, but she’d declined.

She planned to use the walk over to center herself. Except it hadn’t worked. She’d practically jogged there she was so excited. Playing hard to get, had never been a game she liked or had perfected. But she didn’t want him to think their reunion was a slam dunk either.

As she sat waiting for him to arrive, her legs bounced under the table. She played with the napkin, ripping it into tiny pieces. She surveyed the menu and decided to have dessert. Something sweet and sugary to help her through the day. The waiter delivered her water and was cleaning her mess as Benny approached.

“Hi,” she said when he reached the table. With his snug jeans and badass leather jacket, he looked even more delicious than the dessert she planned to order.

“Hello to you too.” He leaned over and kissed her. “You look more beautiful each time I see you.”

Beth blushed. Had they not been in a public space, she would have thrown him on the table and licked him. She turned her attention to the waiter whose eyes had widened with recognition.

“Wow. Mr. Wilder it’s an honor to meet you,” he said, stuffing the napkin chunks into his apron. “I’m a huge fan. Do you think I could get an autograph?”

Benny removed his jacket and looked at the name-tag. “It’s nice to meet you, Christopher. I’d be happy to sign an autograph after lunch. Could we get a table in the back? I’d love a more intimate setting for my date, if that’s possible.”

“Of course.” He picked up the menus and her water. “Please follow me.”

Benny pulled out Beth’s chair, and she stood. She bent over to grab her bag off the ground and heard his swift intake of air. Her nipples tightened at the sound. The outfit might have been a bit much for a first date and she wondered if she’d gone too far. She didn’t turn around to find out.

They followed the waiter to a secluded table in the back. The restaurant wasn’t full. “I’ll advise the hostess to not seat anyone near you. I’ll bring another water, and can I get you anything else to drink?” The waiter asked as they took their seats across from one another.

“Add a slice of lemon to my water and that’s it for me. Elizabeth?” Benny asked, staring at her breasts.

“Waters fine,” she answered, and the waiter disappeared.

“I take back my comment from before. You are more than beautiful. I’ve never met anyone more fucking gorgeous than you. Those long legs in that short skirt are something else.” His hand disappeared under the table and he moved in his seat.

Her cheeks flushed and warmth spread over her. “I’m glad you think so. How was practice? Are you taking the ice in tomorrow’s game?”

“Thomas will start. He’s been playing well, but they’ll give me a shot one of these days. They didn’t bring me over to let me ride the bench.” His eyes connected with hers.

“That’s good. Have you settled into your condo?” She grabbed a napkin and twisted it in her hands.

He smiled, reached across the table and touched her hand. It settled her nerves. “Don’t you dare get those first date jitters with me. We don’t have to make small talk. I’m way more curious about you. Tell me everything you’ve been up to since you moved to this city? I want to get to know you again.”

She exhaled and relaxed into her seat. “There isn’t that much to tell. I arrived—”

The waiter returned with Benny’s water. “Have you decided on lunch?”

They eyed the unopened menus on the table. “I’ll have the brownie sundae with extra cherries,” she said, pushing the menu towards Benny.

He didn’t open it. “Steak sandwich, medium, with the house salad.”

Once the waiter left, they settled into normal conversation. She recounted her move from the coast and her decision to stay in Winnipeg. He talked about winning the Cup the year they split, and how it had been bittersweet without her. The meal came, and they continued chatting.

Her dessert looked amazing. Layers of brownie, ice-cream and whipped cream topped with a heaping pile of cherries. Her mouth watered. “If this tastes even half as good as it looks, I’m in heaven.” She picked up her spoon.

Benny reached over and stole a cherry. “Do you think what we eat affects the way we taste?” He popped the red fruit into his mouth.

“What do you mean?” She dug her spoon into her treat as she watched his jaw flex. “Like because you’re eating steak you’d be meatier or something?”

He smiled and pulled a knotted stem from between his lips. She’d forgotten how talented he was with his tongue. He put the knot on his napkin. She clenched her legs together.

“I’m thinking it’s impossible for you to be any sweeter than I remember. I feel like kissing your lips before and then again after so I’ll know the answer. But I’ll settle for later when the extra sugar has had a chance to work its way down.” He licked his lips, teasing her.

Her spoon hovered in the air. “Benny. You shouldn’t talk like that.”

“Eat. I’m following your orders. I’m behaving. You wanted me to talk about my feelings and be honest. You said that’s how people rebuild trust.” He cut into this steak and chewed his first bite.

She put her shaking hand down. “I’m sure they weren’t talking about kissing. We’re not even close to ready to have sex. Um… they.” She wanted to grab his shirt, pull him across the table and kiss him. She mustered some self-control and refrained. “Thank you for your honesty.”

“Elizabeth, this has to work both ways. I can tell by the pink in your cheeks and the way you’re clenching that spoon that you’re holding back. How do you feel right now? How do I make you feel?”

“Horny.” The word popped out. “I’m hot and bothered every time you get near me. I’m soaked right now and you haven’t even touched me. There are so many naughty things I want to do to you and with you, but we shouldn’t. I’m scared of getting close to you again, but I’m happy to be here with you. Is that what you want to hear?”

He checked his watch. “It’s one-twenty. How much time do we have before your next class?”

“An hour.”

“Eat faster.” He took a large bite of his salad, spilling contents out of the side of his mouth.

She laughed and took the first bite of her dessert. It was sinfully delicious. They didn’t talk again until their plates were cleared. It wasn’t an awkward silence. Benny signed a few autographs and smiled for pictures before they left the restaurant hand in hand.

“Get in the backseat,” he demanded, opening the back door for her once they reached his car.

She looked inside the empty backseat. “Why?”

“Don’t ask; just do it.” He motioned with his hand for her to get in. “We’re building trust. Right? Consider this exercise number one.”

The heat in his eyes and the way his voice lowered sent a zap of arousal between her thighs. “Okay,” she said, following his command. “But you don’t have to chauffeur me around.” She sat and ran her hands over the cold leather.

He closed the door behind her without saying another word. The car was already running and warm, but it got hotter the moment Benny sat in the driver’s seat. He didn’t speak as he put the car in drive. She caught his eyes in the review-mirror. They were smoldering. She wiggled on her seat, suddenly unable to sit still.

The music on the radio filled the silence, but she had no idea what song played. She couldn’t take her eyes off him. Within a minute or two, he stopped the car and got out. They weren’t back on campus. He’d driven them around the building and parked in the back. There was no one around. He joined her in the backseat, his legs brushing against hers.

Her breathing became more labored once he was seated. “Wha… um, what are you doing?”

He unbuckled her seatbelt and placed his hand on her bare knee. She nearly jumped out of her skin from the heat. Benny rubbed his thumb over the exposed area.

“Good students who listen are rewarded. You remember as well as I do how we play this game. Are you ready for today’s lesson, Elizabeth? Are you prepared to listen to your teacher?” He removed his hand, and she missed the connection.

Her mouth went dry. “Y… yes,” she said. She moved her back against the door to face him.

His smile was wicked as he reached over and unzipped her coat. He brushed his lips over hers, soft and gentle. She chased his mouth as he pulled away. His fingers grazed her breasts as he opened her jacket. Her nipples hardened, becoming visible through her shirt.

He noticed and growled his approval. “Trust me. I won’t hurt you.”

“Okay,” she breathed.

“I trust you wore this uniform to impress me. As your teacher, I love a student who’s willing to go the extra mile.” He ran his fingers over her nipples again, pinching the tips. “Put your feet on the seat beside me.”

She lifted her legs, keeping them together. Unsure what to do with her hands, she placed them on her knees. “What are you going to teach me?”

“Keep your hands on your knees and open your legs. I want to see what my prize pupil wore under that short skirt.” Opening her legs, she watched his eyes darken. His gaze intensified. “I see you brought your A game today.”

She’d worn a white satin thong that matched her bra. Her arousal had no doubt soaked the material, making it see-through. “I am the teacher’s pet.”

“Yes, you are.” He licked his lips, and she shivered. “I’m going to make you purr as I teach you the art of oral.” He moved his hands up her thighs and gripped her panties, pulling them off.

He sniffed the wet fabric before tossing it into the front. “Let’s see if that dessert makes you taste any sweeter.”

A second later his face rubbed against her mound as he settled between her open legs. She gripped her knees and moaned when his lips pressed against her. Using his fingers, he opened her folds and licked along her entrance. He took his time, reacquainting his mouth with her lower lips.

She watched his head bob under her skirt which covered half his head. Every flick of his tongue made her roar. He teased her by pushing his tongue in and out of her but leaving her clit alone. She ground her pelvis against him, seeking what she needed. By the time he flicked her clit, she was close to hysterics.

“Don’t stop; stay there,” she yelled as he sucked on her climax button. Her legs shook as he pushed two fingers in deep, curling them to reach that special place. He continued to feast upon her. Sucking harder, he pushed deeper, and she was so close. He moaned, and the vibration sent her into a tailspin of euphoria.

Her nails dug into her skin and her toes curled as she reached her climax. She bit her lip to stifle the scream that threatened to come out. Her body stiffened and pulsed. He kissed his way down each of her thighs and she watched him in awe as he emerged from between her legs.

His face glistened from her juices. “I’m not sure we’ve mastered today’s lesson. We’ll have to do that again,” he said with a smile. “But I think we passed our first exercise. Would you agree?”

She was panting, like she did at the end of a run and she felt every bit as invigorated. “Passing marks for sure. You are a top-notch teacher and highly skilled in the oral arts,” she responded.

“I aim to please you. Now, I suppose I should get you back to your real classes. But can I ask you to do me a favor?”

“Anything.”

He removed his jacket and pulled off his t-shirt. “Wear this for the rest of the day. I love seeing your hard, little nipples through your shirt, but I’m not keen on the rest of the student body seeing them.”

Looking down at her chest, she noticed two peaks pointing at Benny. She crossed her arms, covering her breasts. “Fine. This outfit was for you and no one else.”

“Thank fuck. I’m really looking forward to our next exercise.” He handed her his shirt. It was too bad he had on an undershirt because she would have loved to see more of his body. It would have to wait for another time.

She took his shirt and kissed him. “Me too,” she said. The trust exercises weren’t meant to be sexual, but it worked to bring them closer together.