“Tobias Bennett,” he said.
She didn’t like the way her stomach twisted.
“Professor Feswick.”
They shook hands, and she noticed the way that Tobias gripped his hand.
Pulling out of Tobias’s hold, she kept to her own space, not liking the way he’d claimed ownership of her in front of her professor. She wasn’t an idiot. He clearly didn’t like her talking to another male. She wasn’t a slut.
Rumor had it that some professors were known for offering good grades for favors returned. She always made sure to avoid them, as she had no intention of ever being that kind of student.
“I was just telling Adora what a fine student she is, and when she graduates, I hope another is as fascinated as she is.”
“I’ll miss your classes, Mr. Feswick. You’re an inspiration to me.” She spoke up before Tobias had a chance.
“I was hoping we’d discuss where you wished to intern in the next few months.”
Adora’s stomach twisted once again. Her degree required a certain level of work experience as well as academic. Her father owned one of the best firms in the country, known around the world.
“What kind of work?” Tobias asked. “I’ve got Adora’s best interests at heart.”
“We believe our students need a level of hands-on experience to see the true potential. Adora’s one of the top students in the class, and I was hoping I could put her forward toward the Hamilton program.”
Hearing her father’s last name filled her with anxiety. Pushing her panic away, she shook her head. “No, that’s not where I’m hoping to go,” she said.
Both men turned toward her.
She saw the confusion on their faces, and she didn’t care.
“Adora, you’re aware of the sheer volume and respect Hamilton brings?” Feswick asked.
“I’m aware of them.” And their lying, cheating, bastard of an owner. “They’re such an obvious choice. I don’t want to be obvious, so I was hoping to be part of the James and Co. program.” They were Hamilton’s biggest rivals, and she had no intention of ever, ever helping her father. That bastard had turned his back on her mother.
After reading her mother’s diary, and knowing the pain she must have been through, she vowed to never give the man the time of day, and that included interning at his company. Adora was aware her father had a wife and children now. The family he acknowledged.
“That certainly does surprise me, Adora. I know you only wish for the best, but it’s your future. Would you like me to put your name forward just in case? Hamilton is very … specific, so you may not even qualify.”
“Put her name down. At least then she’ll know,” Tobias said.
She gritted her teeth, and stared at Feswick.
“I’ll put your name forward for both.” Feswick glanced at his watch. “I must dash. I’ve got to be home for tea. My wife has plans. Enjoy your weekend.”
Feswick adored his children and his wife. He was always telling the class little stories, and she knew she wasn’t the only one that adored her professor.
“He’s an interesting man.”
She turned toward the man that had her torn in many different directions. “Why did you insist on putting my name forward?”
“Why did you insist on not having it put forward?” he asked, staring at her.
The identity of her father was a secret. She intended to keep it that way.
“Did you forget we had a dinner date?” he asked.
She shook her head. “No. I didn’t realize our date would be this early.”
“I like to get dinner out of the way. We have more important things to get down to.”
The wicked glint in his eye let her know exactly what he was talking about. Sex. He was going to be taking her virginity tonight.
“I’ve got to change,” she said, glancing down at her jeans and shirt. She tried not to think about her nerves or her excitement about the coming night.
“You’ll more than do.”
“This won’t be accepted in a restaurant.”
“Then we’ll stop over at one of the shops. We’ll get you more suited.” He placed a hand at her back, and guided her toward his car. Once at the door, she stopped, and turned toward him.
“You were jealous.”
“Excuse me?”
“You saw me talking to my professor, and you were jealous.”
“I don’t believe in jealousy, never have. You’re very much mistaken.”
“You couldn’t stand me talking to him.” She smiled. Jealousy was a good thing. Well, not really a good thing, but it meant that he could at least feel something. “I’m not the kind of woman that screws her professors to get grades.”
He stared at her. “You’re aware that there are women who don’t feel that way, right?”
“Of course I’m aware. I’ve heard of them, and I tend to steer clear of the professors who like to do such a thing.” She stared at him. “You should know. Like you said, you go golfing with some of them.”
She climbed into the car, allowing that piece of news to simmer inside him. He closed the door, and she waited as he rounded the car.
Tobias climbed inside, and she didn’t even have time to admire the décor. This wasn’t like the limo he’d taken her inside the other day. Did he have a new car for each day of the week?
“Have any of your professors propositioned you?”
“No. Like I said, I avoid them. I’ve earned my grades with hard work, not because I’ve given away my body.”
Tobias ran a hand down his face, and she wondered what he was thinking, what he was feeling. Had she finally gotten to him, or was it just an illusion? Was he putting a little show on for her to think that she was getting to him?
He confused her all the time.
From the first touch on her body, she couldn’t seem to shake the feelings he inspired inside her, nor did she want to.
He turned over the ignition of the car, and they pulled away from the college campus, heading back into the city.
“If any professor ever tries anything, anything at all, you tell him no, and you call me immediately, do you understand?” he asked.
“I do.”
Had she gotten to him? He didn’t speak for several moments just driving his car.
“How was your day?” she asked.
“Long.”
She smiled. He may not like it, but she hoped that she was getting underneath his skin just like he was hers. It would only be fair for the two of them.
He pulled up outside a very expensive designer boutique, and her nerves hit her once more.
She didn’t belong here.
Chapter Five
Tobias couldn’t wait to spend his money on Adora. Most of the women he dated were only after his wallet, so it was refreshing to spend time with a sweet girl. My girl. He led her into the boutique, ready to spoil her before their date. Her clothes were cheap, and he wanted to see her wearing the very best. The mother of his child wouldn’t want for anything.
“You don’t have to buy me clothes, Tobias. I can go home quickly to change, or wear what I have on,” she said, stalling at the entryway.