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she had on me
    Her sweater hung off one shoulder, revealing the perfect skin underneath. I glanced at it and noticed the slightly darkened skin. She looked tan despite the cold weather. Perhaps she traveled this past summer. But I kept looking at it, wondering how it would taste.
    When she was near me, I got a waft of her scent. It was light and not overbearing like most women. It hinted of lavender in spring. I took a deep breath and savored it. Who knew when I would be close to her again?
    She stopped and stared at me, waiting for me to speak. I forgot I was actually supposed to talk to her. If I had my way, I’d just stare at her the entire time—among other things.
    I couldn’t tell what she was thinking. Normally, women couldn’t hide their attraction to me. It was obvious in the way they carried themselves, how they looked at me, their reaction to my words and movements. With Athena, I had no idea. Maybe I was just an annoying teacher to her. Or maybe she wanted to fuck me right on top of my desk. I had no idea.
    “Yes, Mr. Clearwater?” Her voice was deep like it was before. It was distinctly feminine, but not high-pitched like most.
    “I wanted to talk to you about your quiz.” I stood up straight and put my hands in my pockets. I stared directly into her face, never looking away. I didn’t even want to blink because I didn’t want to miss anything.
    I was being extremely direct and blunt with her. My intense gaze bore into hers, telling her I was in charge. If I wanted her, I’d get her. I waited for her to look away but she never did. She held my gaze and didn’t flinch. She wasn’t intimidated.
    And I liked that.
    “Is something wrong?”
    “No. Actually, I was very impressed with your answers.”
    “Oh.” She adjusted her bag on her shoulder. “In what way?”
    “Your answers were very unique. I was curious where you learned economics on such a deep level.”
    “My father owns a business. I’ve been working with him since I was sixteen.”
    That explained a lot. “What kind of business?”
    “A small one. He sells and installs carpet. He has a few places around the city. It’s not an empire like yours.” A slight smile was on her lips.
    You’re going to be a part of that empire. “Having direct experience is extremely useful. I’m sure that will give you an edge when you graduate.”
    “Not if I stay there,” she said bitterly.
    I noted the change in her tone. “Why would you?”
    She shook her head. “My dad wants me to take it over.”
    “You don’t want to?”
    “No.”
    This girl kept my interest at every turn. “Then what do you want to do?”
    “I don’t know.”
    Hmm… “I noticed your transcripts.  You’ve taken more art classes than business classes, yet business is your major. Why is that?”
    She eyed me. “Why were you looking at that?”
    Why was I? Quick, think of a response. “I like to know the background of my students. I can determine the ones who will succeed and the ones who will fail.”
    “And which one am I?”
    I stepped closer to her, my movement automatic. “I don’t know yet.”
    She didn’t step back.
    “May I ask why you’re interested in the fine arts?”
    “I love them,” she said immediately. “It makes me happy.”
    Now I was confused. “Then why are you getting a degree in business?”
    “Because my father is forcing me. But he can’t stop me from taking the classes I enjoy.”
    “Like is too short to live for other people,” I said. “What do you want to do?”
    She ran her fingers from the top of her scalp to the end of her hair. “Nothing.”
    Nothing? “You don’t want to work?”
    “No.”
    I couldn’t keep up. “You want to be a housewife?”
    “No,” she said with a laugh. “If you do what you love, you never have to work a day in your life. If I had the freedom to do what I wished, I’d write, paint, act, join a Shakespeare group and travel the world performing. I’d set up a table on the pier and sell my