“Good luck!” I say as she walks out.

Thank God that’s over. I sigh.

I hear the door open and close again and when I turn around, I’m face to face with Professor Hampton.

“Can I help you?” I take a step back and cross my arms.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” he hisses, reaching for my arm and pulling me to him.

“Oh, are we speaking now? You have to let me know considering we’re always on your terms.”

“Cut the shit, Aspen. I’m not playing.” He clenches his teeth.

“Neither am I! One minute you’re all over me, the next you’re walking away as if nothing happened. I can’t keep up, Professor! So tell me what it is you want now.”

He stares at me with intense eyes, his jaw tense and body pressed firmly against the door. I see his chest moving rapidly up and down as he contemplates his next move.

He pushes off the back of the door, lunging toward me. His eyes are fixed on mine as he wraps a hand behind my neck and pulls us together. His other hand squeezes my hip as his mouth covers mine in a heated frenzy of lips and tongues. I lean into his chest as he pulls my bottom lip in between his teeth.

A strangled moan releases from the back of my throat as I try to catch my breath. My arms wrap aggressively around him, pulling him as close to me as possible. His hand squeezes my neck slightly, tilting my head up toward him more. He takes a few steps until my back is pressed against the other wall. I feel him against me—all toned muscles and tight features. I feel the hard bulge in his pants as he rolls his hips against mine. My body tilts up to greet his, wanting to feed the carnal desire within me. He groans and pushes into me harder, making me clench my thighs at how wet my panties are feeling.

Ms. Jones’ voice echoes in my head about Natalia—about him having a girlfriend and leaving after kissing me. Suddenly, the rage builds back up inside me, and I push my hands against his chest until his lips are off mine.

We’re both panting and staring at each other in frustrated breaths. Anger fuels me as I remember all the reasons I’m pissed off at him.

I grab my purse and walk out the back door, making sure not to disturb the group’s last session. Everyone is studying the model and their drawings, their eyes focused and steady. I try my best to silently leave, but I hear his footsteps behind me.

As soon as I push through the front doors, rain pours down on me and begins soaking through my shirt. Just fucking great.

“Aspen!” he yells from behind me, his feet hitting the wet pavement.

“Go away!” I continue walking down the sidewalk.

“God dammit, would you just stop and listen to me?”

I spin around quickly, the soft hairs that fall out of my ponytail clinging to my wet face. Before I have time to recover or brush them away, he wraps a hand around my neck again and pulls me toward him. His lips cover mine again and my body reacts to him before my brain has time to catch up.

I step back and push him away again. “You can’t just kiss me whenever you want!” I scream, irritation and desire both fighting for control.

His dark green shirt sticks to his chest like it’s painted on him. The wet strands of his hair drip down over his forehead, and I have to resist the urge to brush it away.

“Then why did you kiss me back?” he challenges.

“Because I’m an idiot! I don’t get involved with men who aren’t available. But you led me on…all damn semester!”

He takes a step back and narrows his eyes. “What are you talking about? I told you I don’t have a girlfriend. I’ve found any possible reason just to get a few minutes alone with you, crossing all possible boundaries just to be near you.”

“Really? Does the name Natalia ring a bell? Because according to Ms. Jones, you guys are quite the happy couple,” I mock in a condescending tone. The rain pours down harder on us, drenching us completely.

He throws his head back and lets out a deep, amused laugh. It fuels my rage even deeper at the way he’s laughing at me. He thinks this is fucking funny?

“I’m glad you think this is hilarious. However, I don’t have time for guys like you in my life. Especially ones who treat women like a piece of meat.”

“Oh, I hadn’t realized you met my friend, Kettle. You two seem to have a lot in common.” His features tighten.

“God! What is wrong with you? Have you inhaled so many paint fumes in your life that you’re unable to function or think clearly?”

“Had you given me a second of your time, I would’ve explained all of that to you.”

“Well, excuse me for not wanting to listen to your bullshit lies when Professor Van-Horny-Pants was draped all over you.”

“That’s a one-way fascination. Not mutual. Never was nor will it be. Also, I had to leave after the gala because someone unexpected showed up the night of the gala, and I wanted to avoid any drama.”

“You mean your girlfriend showed up? That was the unexpected guest, right?”

His brow arches, and I know I’ve got him by the balls.

“Stop acting like you’re so innocent in all of this, Professor. I only kissed you with the assumption that you were single. But after hearing about Natalia, it’s pretty clear you’re just like the rest of them. I may sleep around, but I don’t mess with other women’s men.”

“For starters, I don’t have a girlfriend. I haven’t had a girlfriend in the five years since I left. I told you that. As far as Natalia goes, she’s my feisty eleven-year-old niece who lives with me. My brother’s daughter.” He arches a brow and the realization hits me smack in the face.

“You’re raising your brother’s daughter?” My brows lift. “Why haven’t you told me?”

“I was going to. I just thought until we established what this—” He waves a hand between us. “—was that I should wait before telling you something like that.”

He takes a step closer and grabs my hand. “I swear, Aspen. I’d never hurt you intentionally. Things between us are going to be complicated as long as you’re my student and I’m your professor. But I’m willing to try because I want to make this work with you.” His words are so genuine and his eyes are so soft, I can’t help but want to push him away.

“You hardly know me.”

He pulls me against him, our bodies both drenched and clothes soaked through. “You’ve let me in more than you realize. I know about your pain, your past, your heartbreak. I know you’re guarding your heart in every way possible. I see it in your eyes when you paint. The only time you’re unguarded is when you’re creating a piece of art. Your paintings reflect everything you won’t let people in to see.”

“I’m more broken than you realize. I’ve told you I’m a mess. Probably more than you can handle.”

His other hand caresses my cheek and wraps around my neck as he leans in and slowly kisses my lips. My body relaxes and leans into him, allowing his kiss to take over.

“If you’ll let me in, I promise to give you everything you need.”

My eyes are still closed, the rain covering our faces and lips. “I don’t even know what I need,” I admit. “I’ve never done this before.”

“Then we’ll find out together.” His lips cover mine again as my arms wrap around his body, holding onto him with every possible ounce of strength.

“Come home with me,” I say breathlessly, practically begging.

“I thought you’d never ask.” He smiles against my lips.

I barely pull my keys out of the door before his lips and hands are on me again. He blindly kicks the door shut and wraps his arms around my waist, covering my mouth with his then trailing kisses down my jawline and neck.

“You’re shivering,” he whispers in my ear. “You should really take off these wet clothes.” I smile and nod my head in agreement. “And probably take a hot shower,” he adds, curling his fingers under my shirt and lifting it up.

“You should, too. Wouldn’t want you to get sick or anything,” I say, grabbing for his belt and undoing the buckle. “Better yet, we should conserve water and shower together.”