“I arrived just before the start of term. I think I mentioned that I studied in America. I’ve only moved to York recently for this job.”
“So, you’re new here too,” I conclude.
“Yes.” He shoots me the crooked grin that makes my heart flutter. “I could use a friend in town.”
I force myself to put a bit of distance between us.
“We’re here to discuss coursework, remember?” I say pointedly.
“Oh yes. My difficult student needs my brilliant insights.” He gestures at a small room that’s mostly closed off from the rest of the bar. “Grab a seat. I’ll get some drinks.”
“I can get mine,” I protest.
His face hardens to that sexy stern mask. “I thought we already covered this. Are you really going to argue with me over a few quid when I can easily buy our drinks?”
I tip my chin back. “I might be on a student budget, but you’re a first-year lecturer. I’m not going to take advantage of you.”
“My salary has no bearing on my means,” he replies blandly. “I’m in my field of study because I’m passionate about it.”
Oh.
It’s kind of rude for me to grill him about his financial situation. And it’s stupid to argue over paying for one drink.
“I’ll have a diet soda, please.”
He tips his head in acknowledgement and heads off to the bar to place the order.
I settle into the slightly worn, padded bench seat in the corner of the small room. I can hear the murmur of a few voices coming from the main bar area, but otherwise, the pub is mostly empty.
Rand returns with our drinks a minute later, and he settles onto a small stool on the opposite side of the table.
“I should sit there,” I say. “Trade with me.”
He looks a little absurd perched atop the tiny seat with all those bulky muscles.
He waves off my command. “You’re comfortable where you are. Stay.”
I purse my lips. “Is that an order, Professor?”
“Do you want it to be?”
Unmistakable heat flares between my legs. I reach for the icy glass of soda and take a long draw of the fizzy liquid.
It doesn’t help cool me off.
“You’re really cute when you blush,” he remarks.
“And you’re cute when you sit your massive body on that tiny little stool,” I retort, doing my best to pretend he’s not affecting me.
He laughs. “Then it’s a good thing you’re still on the bench, and I’m over here. I don’t hear you arguing anymore about trading places.”
I shrug. “You can be uncomfortable if you want.”
“You see what I endure for you?” he teases. “And still, you snipe at me.”
“You like it, remember?” I rebut coolly. “You said you enjoy our banter.”
His grin is wolfish. “You have an excellent memory, Miss Williams. No wonder you’re such a stellar academic.”