Free Seducing Professor Coyle by Darien Cox Page B

“Whatever it is, we can discuss it during school hours. I’m very tired—”
    “Stop!”
    Benjamin grabbed his arm, stopping his retreat. His hand was warm on Peter’s arm, and goose bumps rose on his flesh.
    Looking down, the boy released his arm, but shocked him by taking a step closer, too close for comfort. They faced each other under the trees, and Peter struggled to slow his racing heart. “All right,” Peter said, keeping his tone level, formal, though it was a struggle. His throat constricted, his body heated with the closeness of their proximity, the intensity of the boy’s expression. “What is it you want, Benjamin?”
    Benjamin looked at the ground, stuffing his hands in his pockets. He took a deep breath, then met Peter’s eyes again. “You did think I was following you. Didn’t you?”
    Peter swallowed. “I was mistaken.”
    Benjamin held his gaze, a slight frown arrowed between his brows. He brushed his sandy hair back from his forehead, and looked skyward, sighing. “I went to Thorn’s party with a friend. I saw you there.” He met Peter’s eyes again. “But I would never intentionally invade your privacy, and I’d never tell anyone.”
    Peter’s heart felt as though it was about to come out his throat. Damn it, why couldn’t the kid have just let it go. Why did he have to mention it, create this unbearable awkwardness?
    “But I have not been following you, Dr. Coyle. We just happened to be at the same place. At the same time.”
    Peter slowed his breathing, urging himself to get control. “Are you finished?”
    Benjamin frowned at him, then shrugged. “I guess.”
    Peter forced a smile. “Good then.”
    He moved around him, walking quickly down the path.
    “Hey, wait!”
    Peter kept moving, ignoring him.
    “Dr. Coyle, hang on. Peter, stop!”
    He froze at the use of his first name, and slowly turned back. “What is it you want , Ben?” he asked sharply.
    “I want you to have a drink with me.”
    Peter blinked through the darkness at him, this golden creature who frightened him as much as fascinated him. “I’m quite done with the party. I told you, I’m tired. I’m sorry for what I said to you, it’s done, forget about it.”
    The boy moved slowly toward him, his green eyes heated with something that didn’t look like anger this time. Peter’s groin began to throb, and he struggled to calm his body as Benjamin stepped closer. “I’m done with the party too,” he said softly. “Come back to my place for a drink, where we can talk.”
    Peter let out a shocked chuckle. “I don’t think that’s appropriate.”
    “Who cares?” He moved closer until they were nearly touching. His hand grazed Peter’s fingers, and he flinched.
    “I care.” He struggled to control his breathing. “You’re a student.”
    “Is that the only reason?” he whispered, his hand brushing Peter’s again. “I’ll be graduated in three weeks. Just a technicality really.”
    Peter’s breath grew shallow, inhaling the spicy scent of the boy’s cologne. “Benjamin,” he said in his best, authoritative professor voice. “You are far too young for me.”
    Ben’s hand clasped his. Peter tried to pull it back, but he squeezed tight. “We both know that’s not true.”
    Wriggling his hand loose, Peter moved back, away from him. “What does that mean?”
    “I saw you in the pool. With that kid . I don’t think my age is the problem.”
    Peter’s jaw tightened. “And I suppose you aim to use that against me somehow. I thought you didn’t want to invade my privacy .”
    Ben’s face scrunched in a grimace. “What?” He placed his hands on his head, turning away. He kept his back to Peter, arms curved at his sides as he took several deep breaths. Finally, he turned to face him. “You have got me all wrong.”
    “Do I? Then why are you bringing this up? My private life?”
    He moved close again, and Peter stepped back. “Peter.”
    “Don’t call me that. My name is Dr. Coyle, or