Stalked For Love by KC Royale Page A

can eat.” Once the waiter returned with a menu, he then started to order a few dishes for us. It took me by surprise that two of the dishes he ordered, were my favorites. How was it that we had the same taste in food, when he seemed so worldly?
    I always thought he probably ate raw fish and alligator, or something else exotic. But he actually liked chicken parmesan, and steak and potatoes, and so did I. He’d put in the order for those entrées, and then the waiter had left.
    “That was amazing,” I murmured, while shaking my head at him.
    “What was?” He asked.
    “You chose two of my favorite meals without even asking me.” 
    “Well, maybe it’s my lucky day,” he stated, as he winked at me.
    “Maybe it is,” I giggled, as I reached for the two shots, handing him his. I held mine up, thinking of what to say. “Hmm… what shall we toast to, Professor?”
    “How about we toast to a great future?” He offered.
    “Okay, to a great future,” I repeated, and we clinked our shot glasses, as we both threw back the liquid fire. I then blew out a long breath afterwards, as it was surely needed.
    “You okay?” He asked. Obviously the whiskey did nothing to his throat, since he was so calm as if he’d drank water.
    “Yes, I am fine. I would like a glass of champagne now.”
    “I never took you for much of a drinker, Miss Moore.” He chuckled, as he reached for the champagne bottle in the ice bucket, and started to fill both our glasses.
    “I’m not. I mostly prefer a glass or two of wine periodically, but sometimes, a gal needs a shot of whiskey,” I teased. He chuckled at my playful demeanor as he handed me my glass, and I smiled at him sweetly.
    “I’m guessing this is one of those times?” He arched a brow.
    “Well, aren’t you clever? You don’t know too much about me, professor, so let’s not presume. I don’t presume to know you, but if I’m permitted, I can learn,” I admitted boldly, the liquor was already making me braver than I really was.
    “Okay, I get it, but I can learn as well. Keep in mind that I am fully aware, of your learning capabilities, Miss Moore.”
    “Oh, well you’d do well to keep in mind that, I am also fully aware of your teaching capabilities, Professor Brennan.”
    “You’re very intelligent as well as entertaining, Miss Moore. In and out of the classroom,” he stated, and clinked my glass. We both then drank some of our champagne, while our eyes stayed locked on each other’s.
    As much as I was trying to stay in control of things and not over-think this non-date with him, I felt as if I was completely out of my league. But I couldn’t deny that I was having a great time, just being with him, in this way. So, I sat back and got comfortable, as I let the sweet sounds of jazz take me away, and away I was taken, with my professor right next to me.

Chapter 8
     
    “Jessica?” He murmured, and I turned from looking at the stage, to look over at him.
    “Hmmm?”
    “So, back to the previous question, where would you like to travel?” He asked, as he looked at me intensely.
    “Oh, I don’t know, Thomas. I would love to visit Italy one day, and maybe Australia and St. Croix,” I replied absentmindedly and he smiled.
    “Those are very good choices, and I think you’ll get to visit them all one day. Sooner than you think.” He replied, while taking another sip of his champagne.
    “Oh yeah, how? I don’t have the resources for that kind of traveling, not to mention the time or companionship. I wouldn’t want to go alone and all my friends are leaving, and I won’t have anyone here with me after tomorrow,” I sighed, and looked back at the stage.
    “You’ll have me. You’ll always have me,” he muttered. Unsure if I’d heard him right, I turned to look at him, as my eyes widened. I was dumbfounded, at the words that came out of his mouth. Not at the validity of his words, but the instant response of that kind of a statement. It had actually made me