I met her gaze. “I was just…appreciating the view,” I said honestly.
“I thought that was what you were doing,” she replied, with a wink. “Feel free to admire the view from a closer angle.”
“Unfortunately, I have more papers to grade.”
Lindsey’s smile didn’t falter. She was not one of those women who were likely to take rejections personally. It was another reason I liked her. It would have made a lot of sense for the two of us to hook up, and yet, I was reluctant. My thoughts flitted instinctively to the dark-haired girl who always sat in the front row of my lectures.
She was easily the best student in my class. She answered most of the questions I put forward, and I knew that she was one of the few students who actually did their readings, research, and paid attention during the lectures. I still didn’t know her name, however, and given the number of lectures and classes I taught each week, it wasn’t likely that I could pinpoint her paper amongst the many that were piled on my desk.
“Chance?”
“Sorry,” I said, turning my attention back to Lindsay.
“Where did you go?” she asked curiously.
“I was just thinking of the departmental meeting coming up,” I lied smoothly. “I hate those things. They drag on for hours.”
“I don’t see why you of all people should hate them,” Lindsey said, and there was a hint of teasing in her tone.
“Why me of all people?”
Lindsey shrugged. “You’re popular, especially among the senior staff. Elaine and Monica are big fans.”
I laughed. “That’s good to know,” I said. “I’ve always had a thing for older ladies.”
“That’s good to know,” Lindsey said suggestively. “Especially considering I’m five years older than you.”
“How long have you worked in this department?” I asked.
I knew it would sound like I was changing the subject, but I was genuinely curious. Lindsey shifted in her chair, and her blouse opened up a little more. I could see the swell of one perfect breast, and I waited for the little tingle of desire that usually overcame me anytime I was in the presence of a particularly attractive woman, but nothing came.
“Three years,” she replied. “I taught at a community college for two years before that. And, I really enjoyed it there, but then…”
“Then?”
“I was forced to leave.”
I raised my eyebrows. “Sounds intriguing.”
Lindsey laughed. “It’s not really,” she said. “I got involved with the dean, and…let’s just say our relationship was not the healthiest. We ended up hating each other’s guts, and I decided that keeping my job wasn’t worth the torture of seeing him every day.”
“Ah.”
She shrugged. “Everyone has one of those stories, though.”
“I suppose you’re right,” I nodded.
“Any standouts for you?”
“Only one,” I admitted. “My college girlfriend. It ended so badly that I’ve stayed away from all relationships since then.”
“No way,” Lindsey said. She sounded amused more than shocked.
“It’s the lifestyle that suits me best,” I admitted.
“Well, well… You and I have more in common than I would have thought,” she said.
“Apparently so,” I nodded. “Did you always want to teach?”