A Taste of Temptation (Love Spectrum Romance) (5 page)

“The list for the textbooks and note pads are all wrong. Where were you when the order came in? You were supposed to be here a half-hour ago.”

“I was caught up with Miss Miles, helping her to get a paper together.”

“Brandi? Is she still having trouble?”

“She’s on that scholarship, Monica, and if she goes below a B average she can kiss it good-bye.”

“She’ll work it out.” She quickly cast Brandi’s problems aside, “Here, take a look at these. We can’t use them, Tim, and they have to go back.”

“Couldn’t you have done this without having paged me? You teach here and use these, too. Send the requisition back to the company with my signature and they’ll…”

“It would get done faster if you contact the company, since you’re the overseer of the project.” She was seething and it showed, even though she tried her best to rein in her anger. “I’m sorry, Tim. I didn’t mean to…”

“Monica, what’s the real problem today? You don’t normally act this way when an order is wrong.”

“Nothing is wrong; I just got upset about this damn book order.”

“There’s time, and don’t get so mad about it. We’ve never had this problem with Ameriquick before. Calm down.” It surprised him that Monica had not seen signs of Brandi written all over his face. He always felt hot and rushed after seeing her. If Monica ever found out what had happened between the two of them, he knew his goose would be cooked. The university would find out.

He signed the requisition and returned it to her. “Is the rest of the equipment as we ordered?”

“Yes, thank goodness.”

The peeved look was still on her face. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

She slouched into the chair and gave him a little
forgive me
smile. “I’m fine, Tim, just sick of fighting with Myron over wedding plans. I’m really sorry about snapping at you.”

“It’s okay. Better to have someone who stays on my butt than to have someone who doesn’t care. Right?”

“Yeah, and thanks for not ripping my head off. I know about your brawls.”

“In the past, and I never hit women, Monica.”

“I didn’t mean that.”

“I’m trying to stay away from the bars.”

“Good boy.”

“I do need dinner. Want to come?”

“Not tonight, Tim. Myron and I are going out.”

“Good, that might be what you two need; get the friction off your backs.”

“It wouldn’t hurt you to go out once in a while with a nice young woman.”

“I’m done with relationships, Monica.”

She stared at him. “It’s too bad you think that way. Love is an awesome thing.”

“Yeah, for everyone but me.”

“One day you’ll change your mind, when the right person comes around.” She gathered her books and walked out.

Brandi immediately reentered his mind. The right woman for him was Brandi Miles, though he thought he could never do her justice. He hadn’t known why he had broken down and impulsively invited her to the conference with him. Yes, he knew she could benefit from the information, but he would be spending that time with her. His heart was being pulled in two directions, and there was no middle ground.

CHAPTER 5

Justin’s was one of Eric and Brandi’s favorite places to dine while they were together, and he figured it would be just as good a place to make up.

Brandi, on the other hand, didn’t know she was there to make up with him. He had been so nice to her, she figured the least she could do was meet him halfway. Their conversation let her know that he still hadn’t matured enough to even consider reconciliation.

When Eric went to refill his soda, he saw Tim sitting at a corner table. He smiled devilishly when he returned to Brandi. “He managed to find you, didn’t he?”

“Who?”

He pointed to the back of the restaurant. “Your boy Dr. Polaris is sitting back there. What’s he doing following you?”

She saw Tim cutting into his steak. “He is not following me. This is a public restaurant.”

“He has it bad for you, Brandi. He’s always smiling and looking at you during his lecture.”

“You’re imagining things. Besides, what would you have him do, hold a knife under my neck while growling at the class?”

“Other cavemen do; why not him?”

“He’s our professor, Eric; he’s supposed to be friendly. He is not a Pleistocene man, which is how you’re beginning to sound.”

“He certainly is that, and you hover around him every possible chance you get, like you’re waiting for him to knock you over the head and drag you into a cave.”

“I told you he’s helping me with my papers, and that’s all it is.”

“Let a tutor help you.”

She looked at him as if he had finally turned into the caveman he had accused Tim of being. “I already told you he can give me a better perspective on my papers, since he’s teaching the class. Why can’t you understand that?”

“Because there’s more to it than that, and you know it.”

“I don’t know or care what your problem is with him; I can only assume it’s that D you got on his last test. Don’t take it out on him.”

“Why are you protecting him? You’re into white dudes now?”

“Don’t go there. It never solves anything. All it does is bring out ignorance.” She threw her napkin on the table. “I need a bathroom break, if that’s okay with you—master! You and I are going to try and have a normal conversation when I return; if not, you can leave right now. Understand?”

He pushed his plate away. “Oh, I see how it is. You would never talk to
white boy Floyd
that way. And here you go basically flying in the damn air to get to him, but I had to work my butt off to get you to come here with me tonight.”

“Exactly where is all of this coming from? I’m not the one who messed up our relationship. Dr. Polaris did not sleep with my girlfriend. You did. So get off of his back!”

“Bringing that up again?”

“Darn right. When or if you become Mr. Perfect in my life, then you can talk to me like this. Other than that, don’t push it. I didn’t come here to get into this with you.”

“Then tell me this, Miss Brandi, queen of the freakin’ universe, who did he sleep with? Better yet, who would he like to sleep with? Yeah, he looks like the type to get some of that black blood and sip on it until he’s drunk from it. Then perhaps go home to his pretty white wife and do it all again.”

“Drop dead, Eric!”

As Brandi hurried away from him, he realized he had put his foot in his mouth. That wasn’t the way to get Brandi back in his life—if that was to ever happen again.

Getting away from Eric consumed her, but as she approached Tim’s table, all thoughts of Eric vanished. “Dr. Polaris, I thought that was you.”

He stood, taking her hand. “Miss Miles, how are you?”

“Fine. Eric and I were out and decided to come in. I saw you and wanted to say hello. Thanks again for helping me with the paper.”

“No problem.”

“It was an A, exactly what I need.”

“The paper was actually very good. It flowed, and I like how you centered on Moll’s personality, helping the reader understand her instead of her tactics.” He looked across at Eric who was staring at him. “Are you two okay with one another? I’ve heard you two going at it a few times before.”

She shrugged. “He and I disagree on everything, it seems.”

“Are you two dating?” He backed off realizing he was digging too deep. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to ask that.”

“No, that’s okay. We were dating. He has issues to work out but he’s…well, he’s Eric. What can I say?”

His eyes cut to Eric’s. “Just be careful. He has a bit of a temper.”

“What do you mean?”

“He didn’t make the final cut for the basketball team, and he walked out, slamming the door and mumbling obscenities. I chalked it up to his immaturity.”

“I’m sorry he did that to you.”

“What for? It wasn’t you.”

“I don’t know what Eric’s deal is, but his words and actions have always gotten him in trouble. Anyway, I should let you finish your dinner. I wanted to say hello.”

“Glad you did.”

When Brandi returned from the bathroom, Eric was gone.

Tim stopped her. “Brandi, I saw Eric walk out after paying the bill. Is he waiting for you in the car?”

“I don’t know. We didn’t make any arrangements.”

“Check it out. If he’s not there, come back and I’ll take you home.”

She smiled, “He’s there, Tim. Eric wouldn’t do that.”

“You’re right. Enjoy the rest of your evening, and I’ll see you in class Tuesday.”

Moments later, Brandi walked back into the restaurant alone. She walked to Tim’s table and slid into the booth.

Tim knew what the deal was. “He’s gone, isn’t he?”

“You were right. I may need that ride after all. I can call my father if it’s a problem, though.”

“It’s not a problem, Brandi.”

She watched as he ate, stuffing everything the way most men do. Still, he managed to look incredibly sexy.

It was as though he read her thoughts, and he deliberately wanted to block them before they got the best of him. “You want a soda or something?”

“What I want is to strangle Eric. Thanks, I don’t care for anything. Don’t hurry with your dinner.”

“I’m almost finished, and I really don’t need that key lime pie I was eyeing.”

“Don’t be silly; have it. You’re in great shape, so a little slice of pie won’t hurt you.”

“Only if you’ll share it.”

“No way; one bite and it shows up the next day.”

“You’re beautiful one way or another.”

She hadn’t expected that, but thanked him anyway.

His waitress approached, eyeing Brandi as if she were a deadly snake. “Is everything okay, sir?”

“Yes, I’ll take the bill.”

She scribbled out the bill while eyeing Brandi, then walked away with an attitude.

Tim noticed the reaction, but Brandi quickly calmed him. “It’s okay, Tim. She’s a jerk.”

“I won’t have that from her, or anyone else.”

“Screw her, let’s just go. Don’t leave a tip.”

“I don’t plan to.”

Brandi was mostly quiet on the way home. At times, Tim took a stab at engaging her in conversation. Forced close to him in a Mercedes Coup wasn’t helping her situation. Their bodies were so close she could smell his cologne. It intoxicated her, intensified her craving for him that much more. “What are you wearing? It smells wonderful.”

“John Varvatos.”

“Really? Eric wears that. It stinks on him, though. It has something to do with body chemistry. Each man is different.”

“I’m glad you like it.”

“Very much. It smells great on you.”

Their conversation was getting way too personal. He said nothing further. He pulled into her driveway and unlocked the door. “Home sweet home, Miss Miles.”

Thank goodness!
It felt as if she had been holding her breath the entire time, fearing what she would say to him. Deciding to keep quiet was her only shot at staying sane around him. Suddenly, something as simple as holding a man’s hand was the hardest thing in the world. Knowing that, she knew she had to leave him, and leave in a hurry before the inevitable happened—a kiss. “I had better get out of here.”

“Yes, I think you’d better.” He pushed her door open further. “You have a good night. Don’t worry about me with Eric. He will only test my waters so far. Besides, I’m not the coach he has a beef with.”

“Eric has a beef with everyone.” She got out, looking back inside at him. “Thanks for rescuing me.”

“Anytime.” Once she was safely inside, he sped off. His hand felt the perspiration on his shirt. His damp clothing wasn’t from the heat outside, but from the heat inside–inside his heart. He wanted Brandi more than he could stand it, and something had to be done about it, but she didn’t know what.

* * *

Mid-October was a repeat of September, warm and humid, perfect timing for Madison’s annual car wash fundraiser. Everyone was excited and buzzing around getting the teachers’ parking lot ready for the event.

Brandi put in her time, along with other student volunteers who didn’t have Saturday jobs. The weather was great for her cut-off jeans and new tank top, just perfect to clean up a parking lot that normally housed over 250 faculty automobiles a day. Tim would be there, having volunteered to take on the fund-raiser this year.

Upon hearing she would be near Tim’s station, Brandi made every effort to switch with someone. The other night in Tim’s car could have turned into a big mistake. Wanting to kiss him was more than a whim, and she had spent half the night tossing and turning from thinking of him. The entire thing was Eric’s fault for having left her at Justin’s. Riding up to White Plains with him would be just as hard as dealing with him at the carwash. But attending the seminar would be a smart move in terms of passing his class. She felt stuck in Tim’s face today, and the upcoming weekend, too.

She couldn’t switch with anyone, therefore she and other students were put in charge of towel drying every vehicle in the lot. She saw Tim, Dr. Malone, and a few other faculty members getting all wet. She tried not to look his way, but then glance and see Tim in a damp shirt puckering in all the right places. It was exciting, and frustrating at the same time.

They were making loads of money. Madison had the undisputed reputation of pulling off great fund-raisers, especially the car washes. Lots of well-off parents and students supported the school’s efforts because it was it was known for its academic excellence. Then there was Tim. For the last three years, he was the one for whom those women in the luxury cars showed up. Anything to get a gander at Timothy Polaris in wet clothing. They were only too glad to shell out the cash for his cause.

Brandi watched the antics from her station: women handing him lots of cash while students tried dousing him and others with water. Tim finally became a victim of the bucket prank. He was drenched from head to toe, and looking at him with everything sticking to him made her feminine core ache for him. His wet, cold nipples poked through the material, and the bulge pressing in his jeans packed a mean punch. As she watched him flex he flex to shake off the extra water, her mouth went dry.

A honking horn interrupted her daydream. Eric sat behind the wheel watching her watch Tim. The look on his face told her that he well award of the object of her gawking. “I see you’ve found the entertainment.”

“Dry up.”

“Cute, considering what you’re doing.”

“After what you did to me the other night, don’t even think of talking to me, jackass.”

“I admit that was rude, but going gaga over white-boy Rick was also rude, don’t you think?”

“I don’t. I was saying hello to the guy. You were the one seeing what wasn’t there, now make like a bee and buzz off.”

Dr. Moore approached her with an armful of towels. “Miss Miles, take these over to Dr. Polaris before the poor guy freezes to death.”

With little enthusiasm, she walked towards Tim.

Eric heard the exchange and smirked as Brandi walked away with the towels.

The sight of Tim wet with everything sticking to him almost made her stomach churn. Dropping the towels into his arms and scurrying away was her only recourse. “Here. Dr. Moore told me to give you these before you die of pneumonia.”

“They got me good this time, didn’t they?”

“I guess.” Her eyes stared into the distance, never meeting his.

His head tilted to the side, “What’s wrong today?”

She hadn’t been short on purpose, but Eric always managed to bring out the worst in her. “Nothing.”

She headed back, but he stopped her. “Someone’s got your dander up. Now what’s wrong?”

Nothing could make her face him. Instead, she stared at the students running about. “Just a bad day, Dr. Polaris; I’m not feeling well.”

He moved in closer to her, but not close enough to rouse suspicion. “You look wonderful, if you don’t mind me commenting.”

“I do mind.”

A compliment from him should have set her world on fire, but the last thing she needed to hear from him was how good she looked. “Thank you, Dr. Polaris, for the compliment. I should get back to the other side.”

“Wait. Don’t let him get next to you like that.”

“What do you mean?”

“Eric Fontaine. I saw him over there.”

She had to look at him. “What can I do? I certainly can’t date you, now can I?”

He didn’t understand her shortness with him and wasn’t in the mood for it. “You’re right. You do need to go back to your station.”

As she walked away she felt guilty about her behavior. Nothing was his fault, and she had taken it out on him. He was only trying to make her feel better, and she had rebuffed him. She threw her towel down and ran to the ladies room, practically in tears.

The following Monday, there was no one in his room after class. No students stopping by to say hello, no women pretending to need help just to get close to him—and no Brandi. She had stayed clear of him, and he knew why.

The letter he had received from the literature department at NYU inviting him to an interview dangled from Tim’s hand. He had liked their program, and taking the job would definitely free him to be with Brandi—if he could handle a relationship. But he didn’t want to leave, didn’t feel it was fair to himself to leave because of a woman. He had invested three years at that school and had loved every minute. No, he couldn’t leave Madison. His life was there. Getting Brandi out of his head would be dreadfully hard, but he could do it.