Octavia's Time [The Klawinken] (Siren Publishing Allure) by Natalie Rosewood

bite to eat while we discuss your paper.”
    “That works for me. Do you want to meet somewhere here on campus?”
    “Ordinarily I would say yes, but I’m not sure we would have much privacy because students would be coming up to me all through dinner. Have you heard of the Country Squire? It’s not far, just up Route One.”
    “I know where it is. I could meet you there.”
    Octavia’s insides were in turmoil. Leading a man on was not something she had ever done before. It didn’t sit well with her, but hers were not ordinary circumstances, and she had been attracted to him prior to meeting Mathieu. For a moment, she seemed to slip into a waking dream as she imagined herself in a room by herself. Mathieu wasn’t there, but the man from the shadows was. Of course she couldn’t see him, but she could sense him watching her. She felt her nipples harden. She desperately wanted to see this man who hid himself from her. She closed her eyes and felt his lips lightly touch hers before she opened them with a start. Professor Barstole was looking at her expectantly. She had not heard one word he had spoken to her. Breathing deeply, she attempted to slow the beating of her heart before she smiled sweetly and asked him if he would mind repeating himself.
     
    * * * *
     
    The Country Squire didn’t look too crowded when she walked in the entrance and up to the hostess stand. She mentioned Dr. Barstole’s name and was shown to their table where he was waiting for her.
    “Octavia. Right on time. It’s good to see you.”
    “It’s good to see you, too, Professor Barstole. Thanks so much for taking the time to see me.”
    “As I said before, that’s what I’m here for.” He smiled. The waiter came to their table to refill his glass and to pour Octavia a glass of the same wine he was drinking. “Oh, and do call me Eric. Professor Barstole is so formal and quite unnecessary when we’re away from the classroom.”
    She smiled and took a sip of the wine. It was sweet, exactly the kind she liked. Most people liked very dry wines, but she loved the dessert wines and those with a fruity base. “This is very good, Eric.”
    “I’m glad you like it. I also took the liberty of ordering for us. It’s a variety platter that I think you’ll enjoy.”
    “Okay.” Relieved, she surmised that he was probably anxious to return home and ordered to speed up their meeting. However, what he said next made her think differently.
    “You look quite lovely, Octavia. You have the most beautiful hair, and your skin is luminescent.”
    “Why thank you,” she said, feeling slightly uncomfortable when his eyes lingered on her face and then casually lowered to her breasts.
    The food arrived, and still there was no talk of Willa Cather. He entertained her with some not-so-funny stories that he thought were hilarious about other professors that she found completely inappropriate. He also made sure her wine glass was never empty. However, she held her tongue and just smiled and listened politely. They had just finished dessert when she excused herself to visit the ladies’ room. She stood up and immediately felt the effects of the sweet drink. When, she returned, he was leaving a tip for the waiter.
    “Octavia, I was thinking as I watched you walk to the ladies’ room that possibly you may have had just a little too much to drink. I believe it would be for the best if I drive you home.”
    She hated to admit it, but she knew she was in no shape to drive, and calling her parents wasn’t an option she wanted to pursue. They would be mortified by such behavior, especially if they found out she was with one of her professors.
    “I think you may have a point. If you don’t mind, I would appreciate a ride home. I’ll worry about my car tomorrow.”
    “I could bring you back tomorrow to pick it up. We’ll see what the night brings.”
    He put his arm around her waist and helped her navigate through the now crowded restaurant. Still holding her