The Summer of Consent Page 6

  Gloria raised her head and opened her eyes. Something was wrong.

  “Nate?”

  He looked up at her, and while the desire was still in his gaze, she could see the doubt there too. His chest heaved like he’d run a race and his finger kept twirling just barely inside her.

  “Gloria.”

  For a moment they both looked at each other, knowing that whatever happened next, fulfilment or denial, would take them down a path neither one could return. Gloria’s mind spun with a mixture of her emotions, expressed and repressed, but what won out was her determination to make her own choices.

  She reached out and grasped his wrist and slowly began to pump his hand against her opening, and when she felt a second finger join its partner, she groaned and lay back down, opening her legs wider.

  “Don’t make me beg, Nate.”

  The next thing she knew, his body was on top of hers and they were kissing again, only this time Gloria was helping Nate undo the front of his dark jeans and push them down over his hips. With that obstacle out of the way, she soon felt what the romance novels referred to as “his thick and hard manhood” pressing against her lower abdomen. She let her hands linger on the smooth, soft-firm mounds of his ass cheeks. She squeezed them and Nate moaned. He was kissing the side of her neck now and she raised her hips up to meet him, urging him to seal the deal.

  “I don’t want to hurt you, Gloria. This is your first time....”

  She nuzzled her lips close to his ear and took a nip at his earlobe.

  “But I want you to hurt me, Nate. Fuck me hard and make me hurt.”

  And to show that she was more than ready, she draped her left leg over the back of the couch and let the right one dangle toward the floor, giving him as much access as she could. But Nate wasn’t moving fast enough. She reached between them to grab at his cock but met his hand on the way there, and together, they aimed its head at the opening of her pussy.

  He surged forward and Gloria went into a full body spasm causing Nate to grab onto her as best he could. Every nerve ending in her body shot fire through her and she clung to him, wrapping her arms and legs around him.

  “Gloria, are you alright?”

  He sounded so scared that if she wasn’t so enraptured, she would have smiled. Instead, she sought his mouth with hers and slid her hands until she felt his firm ass again and urged him on.

  He didn’t need any more coaxing. As he began to fuck her harder and deeper, Gloria’s head came out of the stratosphere and she began to respond even more. She didn’t give a damn about the stinging pain in her pussy because it was replaced with another pain, a delicious pain that she could get used to and come back for more. She picked up his rhythm and began raising her hips to meet his thrusts, which he must have appreciated by the way he growled against her ear and then reached for the leg she had draped over the back of the couch. He grabbed her ankle and pushed her leg up toward her head and Gloria discovered how such a move helped him to fuck her deeper.

  “Oh, yes!” she moaned. She lifted her other leg and soon he had her by both ankles. Nate bore into her yielding body as if he was trying to get something out of him and into her—and she tried to, wanted to, absorb it. She closed her eyes. The thump-thump-thump of the couch knocking into the wall every time Nate thrust into her made her more excited and wet. She had no idea how long they continued at this pace. Time didn’t exist anymore.

  She looked up into his face and he had his head bent down, alternating between looking at where their bodies joined and into her eyes. Any doubt or hesitation she saw in his gaze earlier was gone; tenderness, with a touch of amazement, had taken their place. A slow smile came to her lips. She was in heaven.

  “God, you’re beautiful...I’ve been wanting to touch you all week,” he whispered before kissing her again, their tongues caressing the other, and when he pulled away, he sucked on her lower lip and gently bit it. He started to nuzzle against her neck and that made her clench, which made him moan—which sent her over the edge.

  It was an orgasm she never experienced before, not like the one she had when Nate entered her, not even like the first one she had with her vibrating butterfly. This one was more intense. Soul deep. It started deep in her belly and seemed to send signals to her pussy that turned it into a supersensitive receptor of pleasure.

  “Oh, God,” Nate gasped, his body becoming tense. “Oh, shit, I’m coming.”

  Gloria felt him pulling away but she arched into him as hard as she could, clamped down around his cock, and grabbed his ass. She wasn’t about to let him go and he didn’t put up too much of a fight because their mutual climaxes took over, and there was nothing for it but to roll with the flow.

  And flow he did, deep inside her eager, hot pussy that swallowed every drop. He collapsed upon her, his chest heaving, his cock still pulsing inside her.

  Since her legs were wide open and her arms around him, feeling his weight bearing down on her made Gloria feel both protected and exposed. Slowly, she allowed her body to relax and they both sank deeper into the old couch. That’s when she felt something odd, something strange. Something leaking....

  “Oh, no,” she said, panicked. Her fright transferred into Nate because he pushed himself up off of her.

  “What? What’s wrong, what is it?”

  “There’s something wet. Something leaking.”

  They both looked down between them and that’s when they saw it. Along with evidence of their lovemaking was evidence of Gloria’s shattered virginity staining the upholstery. Nate got off the couch and, while cupping himself with one hand and holding is pants up with another, he went to the shelves and got a roll of paper towels.

  “I’m sorry,” she said nervously, slowly easing herself up into a reclining position.

  “Nothing to be sorry for, Gloria.” Nate deftly opened the roll of towels and tore off a few for him and a few for her. “Wait here.”

  He went out into the classroom and she heard him turn on the faucet at the sink. He returned moments later with several sheets of damp paper towel. Kneeling beside her, he gently parted her legs and began to wipe her thighs. When the towel touched her pussy she flinched and he stopped.

  “Painful?”

  She wrapped her moan around a smile and opened her legs a little wider. “Yes. But it’s nice.”

  He continued, and when he finished, he helped her to her feet and they straightened their clothes. Gloria was finally able to get her legs to work and she stood up, straightening her stockings. Nate took some of the remaining damp towels and started wiping off the couch cushion.

  “I assume the couch is not treated with Scotch Guard.”

  “Nope,” he said as he continued to blot. “It belonged to my parents, who got it after all of us kids moved out, so there was no need.”

  He stood up shaking his head, and standing side by side, together they assessed the dark, wet patch. “I can hear my mother now. ‘That’ll never shift!’”

  Gloria burst out laughing so hard she had to hold her sides.

  When she was finally able to calm down to random giggles, she realized that he was watching her with an amused look on his face.

  “What?” she asked, suddenly self conscious.

  He shook his head. “Nothing. I just don’t want you to be upset.”

  “About what?”

  He shrugged. “Anything.”

  “Why should I be upset?” Gloria hooked her arm in his. “Best lesson I’ve learned in my life.”

  “Don’t feel guilty,” Gloria said, frowning down into her keyboard. Sacrifice was practically her middle name. But she figured that all the sacrifices she made now would pay off one day—years from now when she would come back to Darning High for a class reunion and impress everyone with her success.

  “Just because you tell me not to won’t make it so,” Nate said, sitting on the edge of her desk. “You have worked very hard.”

  It had been more than two weeks since their sexual encounter on the
office sofa, and although they let their feelings toward each other show by way of knowing glances, a caress, or even a stolen kiss, they had yet to repeat the feat.

  “So, you’re giving me the Moon Door already, eh?”

  “What...?”

  “Are you trying to get rid of me?” She looked up without raising her head.

  “No! Of course not. Far from it, really. You’re the best thing—” He stopped short and Gloria’s heart caught in her throat. “I’m telling you that you should consider it. That’s all.”

  “OK, Nate. I tell you what.” She sat back in her chair and looked him in the eyes. “Since you’re so concerned about my not having any time off this summer, I’ll take Friday off on the condition that you take me hiking...like you said you would.”

  Gloria could barely contain her laughter at the look on his face. She remembered the offer he made the first time he drove her home after work. He wasn’t expecting that move. His cheeks started to turn pink.

  “You’re an experienced hiker,” she continued, “and me? I’m inexperienced. You could say, a virgin. It’s not like you haven’t taken my virginity before.”

  If she thought she was making him more embarrassed, she thought wrong. Nate eyed her the way a wolf would a lamb. The change in him gave her a thrill that made her shiver.

  “Is that your final word on the matter?”

  She nodded.

  “There’s nothing I can do or say to change your mind?”

  She shook her head.

  “OK, then. You’ll need proper equipment. I’ll make you a list. You’ll need to get everything before Friday.”

  “What’s happening Friday?”

  Both of them turned to see Jill Oliver walking in the door, which gave Gloria a moment’s pause. Unless she was wearing headphones, she could hear the office door open if it was ajar. But she didn’t hear the other woman’s approach at all. Did Jill overhear them? It didn’t appear so, but Gloria didn’t trust her.

  “Oh, nothing much, really,” Nate said. “Something to do with the manuscript. I need Gloria to get some things.”

  “Speaking of getting some things, would Gloria be a dear and run down to the cafeteria and get me a cup of coffee? There’s something I need to talk to you about.”

  Gloria sat frozen. She could feel her jaw drop as Jill dug into her pocket, pulled out several dollar bills, and dropped them on the desk.

  “I don’t know, Jill. Why don’t you ask her?”

  From the confusion on Jill’s face, the thought of addressing Gloria directly, let alone asking, was lost on the woman. Gloria decided to give her a pass...this time.

  “No problem, Ms. Oliver. I need to stretch my legs anyway.” She got up and stood straight to emphasize her full height, and as she circled her desk, she reached out and touched Nate’s arm. “Would you like something too, before class starts?”

  “No, thank you, Gloria,” he said and patted her hand. “And thank you for asking.”

  She gave Jill a look to say, See, that’s how it’s done, before leaving the office.

  Nate lowered his head. He was finding it harder and harder to keep his patience with Jill, but putting her on the spot and making her feel awkward made up for it.

  “You really need to stop doing that, Jill.”

  “What?”

  “Treating Gloria like some flunky.”

  “Oh, she doesn’t mind. Besides, she’s here to assist.”

  “Assist me, not you.”

  “Aww, are you mad at me?” She put on a pout and trailed her fingers along the edge of Gloria’s desk in a mock show of remorse.

  He sighed. “What is it you want, Jill?”

  “I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I’ve been trying to get your attention for the last several days to ask you something.”

  “What?”

  “I wanted to invite you over to dinner. Me and some of the other science faculty have been having weekly dinner parties, just to liven things up, you know? It is summertime, even if we have to spend it teaching these future convicts.”

  “Jill....” Nate knew he wasn’t perfect. He had his moments of demoralization and pessimism when it came to teaching like any other teacher, but he made it a point not to moan about it; otherwise, why keep doing it? Besides, he loved teaching, and when he really got stressed, he would join his pals to play football or do something physical.

  This hiking trip with Gloria couldn’t have come at a better time. If anything was stressing him out right now, it was Jill.

  “Earth to Nate.”

  He blinked. “What? Sorry, I was thinking about the pop quiz I’m writing.”

  Nate shuddered. He never realized how easy it was to lie, at least as far as Jill was concerned. He just rattled them off.

  “Why not leave that to Gloria? I’m sure the kids would get a kick out of it.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Haven’t you heard what they’re calling her?”

  He frowned. “No...what are they calling her?”

  “She’s your T and A.” Jill lips twisted into a crooked smile.

  “My what?” He didn’t mean to shout, and from the look on Jill’s face, she didn’t expect such a reaction. “Who’s calling her that?”

  “The students. Or at least some of them. You know how boys are.”

  Nate shook his head. “Doesn’t mean it’s OK. Why would they call her that anyway?”

  Jill threw her head back and laughed. “Give me a break! Gloria practically struts when she walks. And those skirts and blouses she wears? They stretch the truth quite a bit.”

  “Jill!” This time he didn’t care if he startled her. He didn’t have any patience for cattiness, which was one of several reasons why he tried to limit his time with her. But if she thought he was going to sit silently and let her sink her claws in Gloria, she was sadly mistaken.

  “Geez...sorry,” Jill said. “I didn’t know you’ve taken up the role as her champion.”

  “I hope you discourage it when it happens.”

  “How can I? Most of the kids are here in summer school because they don’t listen. They’re hardly going to obey me when it comes to Gloria’s T and A.”

  Nate closed his eyes and rubbed his temples. God give me strength, he thought before opening them again, standing, and putting his hands on Jill’s shoulders.

  “Sorry. I didn’t mean to snap at you. It’s just that I have a lot on my mind with this textbook and teaching summer school.”

  She put her hands on top of his and gave them a warm squeeze. “Apology accepted.”

  Nate pulled away, ignoring the questioning look she gave him.

  “Anyway, I’m here to tell you I was going to have my dinner party Friday.”

  “I can’t make it Friday. Gloria is going to be out of the office doing some things for me, so I’m going to take that time to get some work done out of the office too.”

  Jill shrugged. “No problem. I’ll stop by your house and—”

  “I won’t be at home.”

  “Really? Where will you be?”

  “Well, if you must know—”

  “Why so defensive all of the sudden?” she snapped. “All I’m doing is asking. I thought we were friends.”

  Nate sighed, lowered his head, and crossed his arms over his chest. Friend or not, why must this woman keep trying his patience? Instead of counting to ten, he forced a smile and raised his head again. “I’m going to go to the university library and spend the day doing research.”

  Another lie. Too fucking easy.

  “But that’s during the day. You’ll be home in plenty of time for a dinner party. Doesn’t start until seven-thirty.”

  She had him there. Nate had figured on taking Gloria on a day hike. They’d be gone most of the day, but he’d have her home by late afternoon. If he was honest, he would have more than enough time to freshen up for a dinner party.

  “OK...but I may be late.”

  “That’s fine.” Ji
ll smiled. “I’ll see you then.” She shot a coy look up at him. “You remember where I live, don’t you?”

  “Sure do.” He moved quickly to his desk, hoping his abruptness got the point across that his reply was not a come-on. When he turned around, Gloria was coming through the door.

  “Here’s your coffee, Ms. Oliver.”

  “Thank you, Gloria,” she replied brightly. “Nate, I’ll see you later.”

  Jill breezed out of the office.

  “I’m sorry about all that, G,” he said when they were alone again.

  “Don’t worry about it.”

  Gloria went to sit behind her desk and started typing. Nate came back around and leaned on one of the storage shelves by her workstation.

  “I do worry about it. You’re under no obligation to her, especially after—”

  He cut himself off but it was too late.

  “After what?” Gloria prompted.

  He sighed and rolled his eyes heavenward. “Now, please don’t take this the wrong way....” Judging from the arched look he got from her, that was the wrong preface to what he was about to say. “Jill brought to my attention that some of the kids have a nickname for you.”

  “That I’m your T and A?”

  Nate did a double take, making her laugh. “You know about this?”

  Gloria nodded, took a deep breath, and exhaled slowly. “I’m surprised you don’t.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “What I mean,” she began with the patient smile one gives a clumsy puppy. “You’re so focused on your work—”

  “Am I? Actually, I’ve been pleasantly distracted lately.” He levelled his gaze on her that made her blush quite prettily. He tried not to chuckle as Gloria’s cheeks turned a deeper shade of dusky pink. When she smiled, making her dimples appear, he felt his cock twitch.

  “Anyway...,” she said, “I was walking down the hall one day and had just sent a text to my brother Michael when I heard my name mentioned. I looked up, and Jill and Ms. Ruiz from the front office were ahead of me, talking. Jill said I’m more T and A than a TA and Ms. Ruiz laughed.”

  This time it was Nate’s turn to inhale sharply and let it out slowly. He began to grind his teeth and stopped once he realized he was doing it.