Love in Education: De La Fuente Book Seven Read online

  Love in Education

  De La Fuente Book Seven

  Lexi Buchanan

  Contents

  Copyright

  1. Sawyer

  2. Andie

  3. Sawyer

  4. Andie

  5. Sawyer

  6. Andie

  7. Sawyer

  8. Andie

  9. Sawyer

  10. Andie

  11. Sawyer

  12. Andie

  13. Sawyer

  14. Sawyer

  15. Andie

  16. Sawyer

  17. Andie

  18. Sawyer

  19. Andie

  20. Sawyer

  21. Andie

  22. Sawyer

  23. Andie

  24. Sawyer

  25. Andie

  26. Sawyer

  27. Andie

  28. Blake

  Dear Reader

  Other books by Lexi Buchanan

  28 Days, a romantic suspense

  Stryker, MMA Romantic Suspense

  Rose and Jacob, a cozy romantic mystery

  Sizzle, Bad Boy Rockers #1

  Seduce, McKenzie Brothers #1

  Love in Montana, De La Fuente #1

  Lawful (Gia ~ Hunter ~ Julian ~ Jarrod)

  About the Author

  Love in Education Copyright © 2017 Lexi Buchanan

  All rights reserved. With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the author.

  Published by HFCA Publishing House

  http://www.lexibuchanan.com

  Cover Design: Robin Harper, Wicked by Design

  Editors: Abigail Higson

  BETA Reader: Emma Clifton, Kathrin Magyar, Lynne Garlick, Nadine Winningham, and Sonya Covert

  This book is a written act of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental.

  1

  Sawyer

  The sound of her voice sends shivers trickling down my spine. It isn’t the words that she speaks but the way her gentle voice wraps around them.

  Months ago, her voice had been the first thing I’d noticed before I’d looked up and knew that I was in deep trouble.

  Andie has been in my head ever since, which is why I keep my distance. I’m not going to be able to keep it up for much longer without looking like a complete asshole though. That isn’t me and as her Professor and with her as my teaching assistant, my avoidance can no longer continue. It’s gone on far too long as it is and it’s about time I grew some fucking balls and acted like the professional I am, instead of imagining her spread out under me on my bed, or her bed. I’m not too picky in my dreams. Hell, I’m not too picky at all when it comes down to it. She’s my obsession.

  Closing my eyes and inhaling slowly, I glance around the auditorium before quickly slipping my hand into my jeans to rearrange my aching cock. It doesn’t help as I admire the shape of her legs in the red dress she wears. I haven’t seen her in anything other than jeans before, so seeing her dressed like this, makes me suspect there is a reason. Maybe the other TA, Jeremy, who looks on, has something to do with that.

  My fists tighten as I watch him make his way to her while the rest of the class files out through the exit. I remain unspotted by my students, but then I feel eyes on me, and my gaze clashes with Andie’s surprised one. She blinks and stares, holding my gaze until I notice a blush creeping along her cheeks.

  She isn’t the only one who feels a sense of embarrassment, but I’m certainly not going to admit that. So clearing my throat, I step out of my hiding spot and move closer, noticing the surprise on Jeremy’s face as he spots me approaching.

  “Professor Lawrence,” Jeremy mumbles in surprise. “I didn’t know you were around today.”

  “I’d left some papers in my office and decided to stop and see how the class was going.” I frown annoyed with myself for giving an explanation when one wasn’t needed.

  “And how did you find the class Professor Lawrence?” Andie asks, hands on her curvy hips.

  My eyes snap to hers and I see challenge staring back at me. My first thought is how fucking beautiful she looks in all her fiery glory.

  “I don’t have all day,” she says, her tone impatient.

  “Andie?” questions Jeremy, looking nervously between us.

  “Ms Foster,” I take a step closer, wincing at the pain in my groin, “I found the class to be informative and you certainly get top marks for being able to hold the attention of the room for the full hour.”

  Her cheeks darken and my lips twitch with amusement. “I trust my assessment is pleasing?” I raise a brow.

  She nods and turning her back, bends to collect her things from the floor. The material of her dress stretches over her ass and my mouth waters.

  Move your eyes...look away...now!

  No matter how many times I tell myself to move my gaze away from her ass it stays firmly glued to the firm round globes that are practically in my face. My breaths become heavy and when she turns to face me, her quiet, “Oh,” goes straight to my balls.

  Pull yourself together!

  Clearing my throat, I ask, “Are you headed home?”

  She looks guilty before her smile widens for Jeremy. “No. We’re going out to dinner and then a club.” Her furious eyes meet mine. “I’ve waited long enough.”

  Her point is received, loud and clear.

  “If you’ll excuse us, we have a date to get started.”

  Totally ignoring me, she slips her arm into Jeremy’s and leaves the auditorium without a backward glance.

  My temper simmers as I slam out of the building and decide to walk back to my house to hopefully walk some of the rage that I’m feeling off.

  She dismissed me like I was nothing. Like I was her fucking Professor and nothing else. And why did she make the last comment? Oh, I knew what she meant. She’d been waiting for me, at least that’s the way I took it. There is a lot wrong with that statement because nothing, and I mean absolutely nothing, can happen between us as long as she is a student and I’m her adviser and boss. Nothing.

  Slamming into my house, I let the front door bang closed behind me and once I’ve dropped my things by the door, I come to a complete stop. My younger sister is eating ice cream out of the tub while sitting on my sofa.

  “Before you ask,” she volunteers, pointing the empty spoon at me, “I can no longer live with dad. He’s getting married to someone your age and that’s just gross. I mean can you imagine him doing all the things you’re doing? Eww right?”

  I open and close my mouth before I drop into the chair facing her. “Well, if that’s the case then I don’t think you have anything eww to worry about with Dad,” I grumble, “because I haven’t done anything eww in a hell of a long time.”

  She’s silent for a minute while she eats more ice cream but her eyes stay fixated on me as she thinks through what I said. “What’s wrong with you? Doesn’t it work?” She waves her spoon around, attempting to punctuate her statement.

  It takes me a minute and then I roar with laughter. “Doesn’t it work,” I mimic, and get the spoon waved in my face again.

  “All my friends used to tell me how hot my brother was so it’s a serious question.” She narrows her eyes.

  “I am not having this conversation with you.”

  “Hmm,” she mutters.

  “What does hmm mean?”

  “H
mm, means a lot of things. Like hmmmm, in pleasure when you have someone between your legs.” She smirks. “Or, in this case, hmm, meaning it doesn’t work.”

  “Fucking hell!” I stomp into the kitchen and pray she doesn’t follow, but she does.

  “You came home annoyed, and don’t try to deny it. I saw your face and you slammed the door. You’d normally get all prissy whenever I slammed it. Why?”

  “It’s an old door.”

  She rolls her eyes. “Why. Are. You. Annoyed?” Her loud sigh fills the room. “Look, I’m your sister. We’re family. Talk to me.”

  I contemplate her for a minute or two and then admit, “There’s a girl.” I cough. “Well, a woman really, that I really like.”

  “You mean you really like her or you really, really, really like her?”

  “The latter,” I reluctantly admit.

  She bursts out laughing. “Well, I never thought I’d see the day when my geeky brother professor fell hard.” She laughs again. “So what’s her name, and why isn’t she with you?” Her eyes narrow. “Doesn’t she think you’re good enough?”

  “Stop.” I run my hands through my hair. “I think she feels it too, but it’s complicated. A whole lot of complicated and because I haven’t acted on my feelings for her, she’s now out on a date with another man.”

  “Oh, that won’t do.”

  “Pattie, you have to promise not to interfere.”

  “You’re kidding right? You obviously aren’t doing so well on your own.”

  Resigned, I admit, “She’s a student.” I go for broke. “She’s not only a student but she’s one of my TAs. Nothing, and I mean nothing, can happen between us.”

  “That doesn’t mean that you can’t be around while she’s on a date though, right? I mean we could go and eat. I am hungry.”

  I love my sister even though she can be a pain in the ass. Growing up it had always been us against the world, especially after Mom left. It still is. We always seemed to comfort the other, but her interference in my life is legendary.

  “So, are we going out to eat because I have to tell you, your fridge and cupboards are pitiful.”

  I smile. “I don’t know where they’ve gone, so we could guess . . .”

  “Okay. You go and shower. I’ll be a good little sister and wait here.” She grins.

  If I didn’t know better I’d say she was up to something, but as she doesn’t know Andie or Jeremy’s names I think I should be safe.

  “Go on and shower.”

  I turn and head toward my bedroom when she shouts behind me, “You might want to get rid of the frustration while you’re in there.”

  I stumble to a stop, and growl over my shoulder, “What the fuck?”

  “You’re a guy and I haven’t met one yet who doesn’t like to yank his own chain in the shower.” She smirks. “Just don’t make any noises while you’re at it.” She heads back into the living room shaking her full head of bright orange curly hair.

  2

  Andie

  For the third time in thirty minutes, I find myself in the restroom bending over the washbasin while I splash my heated skin with refreshing cold water. Shifting my gaze from watching the swirl of the water as it drains away, I stare at myself in the mirror.

  I’m usually more controlled except after talking to my professor in the flesh after so long of using email for communication, I feel as though I’m slowly losing it. Well, considering how often I’ve been hiding out this evening, I’d say that I’m rapidly losing it.

  Jeremy has already had enough of me if the long sigh, moments before, is anything to go off. I don’t blame him really because I’m being a terrible date. He’s waited months for me to accept tonight’s date and I’m ruining it for him.

  I grab a handful of tissue and dry my face while I give myself a talking to. I need to shove Sawyer out of my head and concentrate on Jeremy. It’s completely unfair of me to think about another man while with a great one and I’m going to stop.

  Jeremy is a nice guy and looks handsome in his beige colored slacks, pale blue shirt and knitted dark blue sweater. He does have the tendency to talk about himself all the time, which gets annoying after a while. But, he’s interested in me, which is a plus.

  So is Sawyer!

  Hmm, I’m not sure if I can really read into the conversation that I had earlier with Sawyer. There is something there between us though. That I’m sure of. Whatever it was though has gone, and if I say it enough times maybe I’ll actually start believing it.

  Sighing, I straighten and reapply my cherry red lipstick. Smacking my lips together in the mirror, I smile, ready to face the world.

  Moving back through the restaurant, I plaster a smile on my face that becomes natural, as I suddenly feel calm and relaxed. There is not one reason why I shouldn’t enjoy Jeremy’s company.

  Now that’s decided, I beam across at Jeremy who blinks a couple of times when he spots me approaching. He stands and reaching out pulls me closer.

  “Are you sure you’re okay? We can go if you don’t feel well?” he offers, a frown marring his brow.

  “I’m fine, really.” I sigh as I sit facing him. “I’m just nervous okay? It’s been a really long time since I’ve been on a date.” I take a large gulp of wine followed quickly by another. That wasn’t a total lie, but the wine helps ease it.

  “Feeling better?” he asks, amusement in his gaze, his lips twitching.

  I giggle. “Sorry.” I hiccup. “I am actually.” Leaning forward, Jeremy’s eyes nearly pop out of his head as his gaze moves to my boobs. I roll my eyes and grin. “So, tell me why you keep asking me out?”

  He grins. “I think I should be asking you why you decided to accept after turning me down to many times.” He raises a brow. “I’ve been asking you out for months, and suddenly you said yes.”

  “I asked you first, but I’ll humor you.” I rest my chin on my hands. “I like you Jeremy. I always have. I decided that studying isn’t everything, and I’m tired of being alone.” I hold his gaze. “Don’t you get tired?”

  “Yeah, I do. That’s why I’m happy that you finally agreed to go on a date with me.” His blush on his cheeks deepens as he keeps looking everywhere but at my face, but his eyes are drawn to my boobs.

  I’m not exactly large breasted, but in my silky red push up bra, I happen to think that they look amazing. I don’t usually flaunt them though, but for some reason, I want a handsome man looking at me the way that Jeremy is right now. Except, he isn’t the man I want to look at me in that way.

  My smile starts to slip at the thought and luckily for me the waiter chooses that moment to place our meals in front of us. We eat in stilted silence so it’s a huge relief when we’ve finished and because I feel bad, I suggest, “I think we should go dancing.”

  Jeremy pauses, and tilts his head. “You want to go dancing with me?”

  “Yes.” I smile and taking his hand into mine, I tug him to his feet. “Let’s pay on our way out.”

  “That’s fine with me.”

  Seeing the relief on Jeremy’s face makes me feel guilty for thinking about Sawyer.

  Jeremy leads me through the restaurant and after he’s paid, he insists on helping me with my coat. I slide my arms into the sleeves and when he pulls my hair free at the back, he places a gentle kiss to my neck. My eyes snap up in surprise and I find that I’m staring into the humorous green eyes of Sawyer.

  I quickly look away and try to catch my breath as I step out of Jeremy’s arms. My heart rapidly beats in my chest as Sawyer and his companion move closer, which is when Jeremy sees them.

  “Oh, Professor,” he exclaims. “Nice to see you again. Are you eating here?”

  I try to avoid his gaze, but mine keeps wandering to his. The jealousy I feel at seeing him out to dinner with a woman eats away at my stomach.

  “We’ve eaten,” the woman answers. “We thought that we’d check out a club.” She turns to Sawyer and grins. “Why don’t you join us?” Her arm grips
tightly to Sawyer’s.

  The last thing I want is to join Sawyer and his girlfriend at a club when he’s all I’ve thought about all evening.

  I glance to Jeremy, hoping that he’ll look at me, but he doesn’t, and answers, “We’d love too.”

  My eyes immediately search out those of Sawyer’s and the amusement I see in them upsets me. I try to hide it as my eyes fill but when his face starts to fall, I know that I have to get out of here.

  Without a word, I turn and quickly make my way outside as Jeremy catches up to me.

  He chats to the cab driver and when Jeremy opens the door of the large cab, the woman climbs in. Sawyer and Jeremy indicate for me to follow her. “I’m fine,” I say, refusing to meet Sawyer’s gaze. “You two get in first.”

  Jeremy shrugs and climbs in while I watch Sawyer frown from the corner of my eye. “I insist, ladies first,” he says.

  I’ve lost all patience now and just want to be home so that I can cry alone because I’m so close to breaking down right here.

  “Just get in the cab, Sawyer,” I say quietly.

  He studies me and climbs in and before anyone can do or say anything, I close the door and walk in the opposite direction. Just in time as well because my tears fall—large, big ones that fall harder as the sob I’ve held inside for so long raises to the surface.

  As I dash along the sidewalk, I lift my face and let the rain wash my tears away, but more fall as my shoulders shake. My vision blurs and I start to stumble on the uneven ground, suddenly an arm snakes around my waist, keeping me on my feet.