Forbidden, page 8
Professor Martins turned to see Imogen behind her, and she gave Imogen her best apologetic smile. “Sorry I did not see you there, Imogen.”
Sure, she didn’t, Imogen thought to herself.
Grey stood there with a scowl on his face, not believing a word professor Martins said.
“Was there something you needed? I am about to go home.” Grey asked impatiently.
“Have you forgotten Grey; we are meant to be going out tonight?” Professor Martins said.
Imogen’s heart sank as she looked at the ground, and her eyes began to water. She stopped her tears and held them back. She wasn’t going to let Professor Martins see her like this.
Grey had completely forgotten; it had slipped his mind which was unlike him. “Thank you for reminding me. I will see you at 8:30 pm.”
Grey walked with Imogen to his car, and Imogen was unusually quiet. Imogen knew Grey was going to go out sooner or later, but what made it worse was it was with Professor Martins.
“What is the matter, Imogen?” Grey asked as soon as he started driving down the busy city streets.
“How do you know there is anything wrong?” Imogen said staring out the window, her voice betraying her. She never was good at hiding her emotions. Her voice and face gave her away.
“For a start, you are sat in the back seat, when you always sit up here in the passenger seat, next to me,” Grey said looking at Imogen through the rear-view mirror.
“I don’t want to sit there, next to you!” Imogen knew she was being childish, but she just couldn’t bear it.
Grey sighed, he really thought they were being civil with one another. He had no idea what he had done wrong, and he wasn’t a mind reader. “Why not?”
“Where are you meeting, Professor Martins?” Imogen asked ignoring the question, although asking this wasn’t going to make it any better.
“At a hotel,” Grey answered promptly.
Oh God, this really hurt. It hurt that she lived in the same house, and she could never have him. It hurt that he was her Professor, and it was out of the question! Everything about this whole damn situation hurt! It was as if Grey himself clawed at her heart, twisting and squeezing it until it faltered and broke! “I thought you never had sex with people you know?” Imogen said and the pain was heard in her voice.
“I am not there to have sex. I am there for a business meeting.” Grey answered curtly.
“But you might go for a drink after, meet someone?” Imogen said rudely like she had every right to ask that question.
“Yes, I might!” Grey answered. Imogen had no right to ask him things like this and the other, frankly, it was no business of hers. “Though that is no business of yours!”
“Yeah,” Imogen replied, and she kept her eyes on the outside world, as they watered.
******
Grey stood in his bedroom fastening the buttons to his black shirt, this time he had not bothered to wear his tie. Instead, he left his top button undone. He shrugged into his charcoal suit jacket and walked out of his bedroom door.
As soon as Grey came into the kitchen, Imogen felt his presence and looks up at him from her plate. There was no denying that Imogen found Grey arousing. It wasn’t like it could be helped, there was no switching her attraction off. Not when he looked that amazing. When Grey walked to the table Imogen got a strong scent of aftershave. He most definitely is going out for sex, if he is wearing aftershave! Imogen pondered to herself.
Imogen carried on eating her dinner, and pretended that Grey wasn’t there.
“Imogen, I am leaving now. Don’t wait up!” Grey said before leaving the kitchen. The last thing he wanted was another disagreement with her.
Imogen placed her cutlery down and pushed her plate to the side. She no longer had an appetite! She felt queasy, and her stomach was tied in knots.
Her phone rang on the kitchen table; it was Grey, what did he want now? Imogen wanted to ignore his call; but thought better of it, since Grey was rather persistent.
“What?” Imogen answered with frustration.
“I left my watch; can you place it back in its watch box?” Grey asked.
“Can’t you do it yourself when you get home?” Imogen said with a snappish tone.
“I left it on my bedside table, I don’t like leaving things laying around.”
“Fine!” Imogen rolled her eyes, even though Grey could not see.
“Thank you,” Grey paused, then spoke. “What are you up to tonight, Imogen?” Grey’s voice was rich and warm.
Imogen felt her skin warm up from the tone of his voice. “Nothing, Grey, nothing at all,” Imogen replied quietly.
“Imogen?” Grey’s voice rumbled through the phone speaker.
Once again Imogen was enveloped by the warmth of Grey’s voice. If she had her way, she’d listen to him speak all night. “Yes?”
“Nothing,” Grey let out a sigh. “I am terrible at phone conversations. Have a good night.” Before he had the chance to stop himself the words dropped from his lips. “Sweet dreams.” Then he ended the call.
Sweet dreams? Grey never said sweet dreams, he never even said goodnight. Whenever Imogen bid him goodnight, Grey usually replied with a “Yes,” and nothing more. And if that wasn’t the most bizarre phone conversation she has ever had.
Imogen decided she had better move and put Grey’s watch away.
Imogen pushed the door open to Grey’s room; her nose instantly filled with his scent. She breathed it in, almost letting it consume her. She looked over at his neatly made bed, and she’d bet it smelt amazing just like him. Imogen absentmindedly ran her hand across the pristine bedspread, and before she knew it, she had climbed onto the bed. Her face buried into Grey’s pillow and she breathed in his scent.
Imogen closed her eyes for a few minutes, her head rested against the pillow. She thought of Grey and how her attraction had become more. She knew she loved him, there was no denying that not when visceral feelings are involved. It was hard to ignore. Grey’s intelligence was a turn on too, Imogen liked that in a man. She sighed knowing she had better get up off the bed.
After placing the watch back in its box Imogen returned downstairs.
*****
Grey sat in one of the hotel conference rooms, of the bluebird hotel. He placed his hand around his right wrist, where he usually wore his watch. It was strange, he never went anywhere without it. He checked his phone once again; he had been here only an hour. He found meetings mundane, but it was what was required of him.
For the next two hours he only half listened to the governing body. His mind sometimes wandering to Imogen, and he entertained the thought of stepping out of the meeting to ring her again. He thought better of it. What was he going to say? He sighed and sat back in his chair.
“Grey, the meeting is over,” Irene said standing in the doorway.
How long had he been daydreaming? That was not like him at all. Grey stood from his chair and walked out the conference room door.
“Are you going out for drinks?” Irene asked stepping out into the cool night air with Grey.
Grey debated with himself whether he should go out. He had every right to, but someone else won!
“No, I will ring a taxi and I am going straight home,” Grey answered before taking his phone from his jacket pocket.
Irene pursed her lips together. “Very well then. See you Monday morning.”
*****
Imogen stood in the kitchen, listening to an upbeat dance tune. The music was low, but loud enough for Imogen to hear. She finished washing her plate and placed it back in the cupboard.
“Did you enjoy your supper?”
Grey’s voice came from behind Imogen. Imogen turned and smiled. “You’re back early?”
“I am,” Grey placed a box down on the kitchen table. Then his ears caught the music that played from Imogen’s phone. “What is this horrendous sound?”
“It is music, Grey,” Imogen replied with a small scowl.
“This is not music; this is a nauseating noise. Try listening to classical music.” Grey said stepping closer to Imogen.
“You can’t dance to Classical music,” Imogen answered.
Grey shook his head. “Yes, you can.”
“Not the way I dance,” Imogen said.
“Pass me your phone,” Grey said holding his hand out.
Imogen passed Grey her phone, and Grey choose some classical piece.
“Come here,” Grey said.
Imogen took a step toward Grey, and her breath caught when he placed his hand on her waist, and then her shoulder. Imogen positioned her hand on Grey’s shoulder and the other on the middle of his back. Imogen’s eyes fell to Grey’s neck, spiced cinnamon that is the scent that radiated from him. And it was Imogen’s favourite.
“Eyes on me, Imogen and follow my lead,” Grey instructs.
Imogen’s eyes met Grey’s intense sapphire ones; her heart jumped just a little. Grey began to step out, and Imogen followed his lead. Grey danced Imogen around the kitchen, their eyes never leaving one another.
The music stopped all too suddenly, and Grey stepped back. “I have something for you,” Grey said walking towards the table.
“What is it?” Imogen asked as Grey passed her the red-coloured box.
“You will know once you open it,” Grey replied, and he sat himself down at the small table where they usually ate breakfast.
Imogen opened the box, a huge smile spread across her face. “You bought me coffee truffles?”
Was it wrong? Yes, it went against every rule. “It is for passing your assignment.” He had never bought any of his students anything.
“This for a C? What do I get for an A?” Imogen said grinning.
“The whole damn chocolate shop.” Grey smiled.
It was wide and beautiful and it took Imogen by surprise. She had never seen him smile this way, and his eyes crinkled just a little. He looked relaxed and laid back. Imogen liked it. She bent a little to wrap her arms around his neck. “Thank you.”
“You’re most welcome,” Grey replied.
Imogen sat on the chair next to Grey, and she pulled the box across the table and popped one of the chocolate pieces into her mouth. Tastes so good, she thought. “These are really good. Do you want one?” Imogen offers.
“I’d love one,” Grey replied.
Imogen passed Grey chocolate and he ate it. “You’re right they are good.”
Grey stood from the chair, Imogen following suit. “I am going to bed now.”
Imogen placed her arms around Grey’s torso and rested her head against his chest. When Grey placed his arms around her waist, she lovingly sighed against his chest. “You’re too damn beautiful, Grey,” Imogen said her eyes fixed on this.
Grey’s hands fiddled with the bottom of Imogen’s copper hair, but he stopped as fast as he had begun. “Good night,” Grey said squeezing Imogen’s shoulder.
“Night, Grey,” Imogen says standing on her tiptoes to press a kiss on his cheek.
****
It was one in the morning, and Imogen had tossed and turned since she had gone to bed. Which was two hours ago. Imogen knew why she was having trouble sleeping, she wanted Grey. She wanted-no needed to sleep next to him. Right now, he was more than likely asleep. Sneaking in his bed for a few minutes should not hurt, right? Imogen wondered.
Imogen walked quietly across the landing, and pushed open Grey’s bedroom door. The room was soaked in darkness, and Imogen carefully walked to Grey’s bed. Pulling the bedspread back Imogen climbed into the warm bed.
Grey wasn’t the deepest of sleepers, and when he felt his bed dip his eyes fluttered open. Grey’s eyes focused on Imogen who lay in the middle of the bed, a few feet away from himself. “What is wrong, sweetheart?” The endearment fell from his lips before he had a chance to stop himself.
“I can’t sleep,” Imogen answered, scooting closer to Grey. “Can I stay in here?”
“Yes,” Grey said closing his eyes again. He was too tired to say no.
Imogen scooted closer to Grey; her hand came to his face caressing his cheek.
Grey’s eyes opened, “Imogen,” Grey’s breathing hitched.
Imogen pressed her lips to Grey’s. Soft, delicious inviting lips, Grey groaned. His hand came to the back of Imogen’s head, his mouth opened and he pressed his tongue inside her mouth.
Imogen moaned deeply into Grey’s mouth; her whole body felt like it was burning. She felt every nerve ending charging through her. Grey’s mouth was both rough and soft at the same time. She was kissing Grey and it was unlike any kiss she’d had before. And he was kissing her back! She never wanted to stop. Everything about this kiss awakened her senses.
Grey never kissed, it was too much of an emotional connection, and he felt it with Imogen he did. But this is wrong, so wrong. Grey knew it, he knew he would regret this in the morning. He pulled away, he had to stop it now, no matter how exhilarating it made him feel. “Sleep, now.”
Imogen smiled and wrapped her arms around Grey’s waist. She felt happy, safe, and content.
Chapter 14
Is there something wrong?
Imogen woke the next morning; her head rested on Grey’s pillow no longer was sleeping. Imogen stretched, got out of bed and went to see if Grey was in the kitchen.
Grey stood looking out the kitchen window, his back was rigid as he drank his coffee.
“Morning,” Imogen said taking a step towards Grey, who now turned with an intense look on his face.
“Sit,” Grey said pointing to the table. He took his coffee over to the table and sat in the seat opposite Imogen.
“Is there something wrong?” Imogen asked, her heartbeat getting faster.
Grey spoke the most painful five words. “Last night was a mistake.” Grey didn’t want to say those words, but it wasn’t right that he had let it happen.
The force of the words hit Imogen immensely, and she felt them to her very core. She felt her heart tightening, and it slammed hard against her ribcage.
“I should have never let the kiss happen, and for that, I apologise.” He never regretted the kiss, not for one second. But he had taken it too far, he only regretted his actions by not stopping sooner.
“I wanted that kiss too! I am the one who kissed you first.” Imogen interjected. She went to sleep thinking about that kiss, warmth spreading through her as she rested her head against Grey. The kiss was no mistake to her.
“Yes, but I should have stopped it,” Grey replied.
“You wanted that kiss as much as I did, Grey!” Imogen almost shouted.
That Grey could not deny. “Yes, I did want it. But that isn’t to say it was right. I let my feelings get the better of me.”
Imogen was almost floored by Grey’s revelation. “You have feelings for me?”
“I think that is pretty obvious, don’t you?” His feelings toyed with his brain. Feeling stuck he’d give anything to touch Imogen. There was another part of him that screamed at him that it wasn’t right.
“Then what is the problem?” Imogen asked reaching out to grab Grey’s hand.
“I am your Professor, and seventeen years older than you!” Grey replied and he jerked his hand away.
“I don’t care about the age difference. I certainly do not care about the consequences!” Imogen shouted.
“Well, I do!” Grey said in a firm voice. “Do you know what will happen if anyone finds out about this? What do you think will happen if we took this further, that everything will be okay? You are kidding yourself if you think it will ever work. I worked hard to get to where I am today, and I am not going to let one kiss ruin it all!” Grey said his tone was cold and he felt it was the only way he could get through to Imogen.
Imogen was thankful that she was sitting because right now it felt like her legs were about to give way.
“Forget about that kiss, Imogen. You don’t want someone like me, there will be someone better out there for you.” Grey said standing from his chair and he walked to the sink.
Imogen hated how Grey assumed there was someone better out there for her. She decided to say nothing and walked out of the kitchen and back upstairs.
Once Grey had heard Imogen’s footsteps on the stairs; his hands forcefully gripped the edge of the sink.
Imogen closed her bedroom door and collapsed onto her bed. Her throat felt tight, and she found it hard to swallow. The emotions hit her like a tidal wave. Pressing her face into her pillow she silences the pain that escapes her throat.
Imogen’s phone rang, she looked at the caller ID and it was Scott. Imogen inhaled deeply and hit the answer button. “Hi, Scott.” The pain was heard in her voice.
“What is wrong?” Scott asked showing his concern.
“It’s...” Imogen started to say.
“If it is that bastard, Grey! I swear if he has done anything to hurt you, I will kill the son of a bitch!” Scott’s anger was heard down the phone.
Lying was the only option Imogen had. “No, Scott he hasn’t done anything.”
“Then what is it?” Scott said.
“It is nothing really, I just haven’t been feeling good. I think I am coming down with something.” It was easier to tell a lie than to tell Scott the truth. And as much as her heart broke, and right now, she didn’t like Grey, she’d never want to see him get hurt.
“If that is all it is then have some rest. I was calling to check in on you.” Scott said.
“How is it being your own boss?” Imogen asked. She was glad Scott had rung it helped take her mind off the current situation.
“Fucking amazing, Im, but a lot of hard work.” Scott laughed.
“I am really proud of you. I know being a mechanic has always been your dream.” Scott had studied so hard, and become one of the top students in the class.
“Thanks. How are you doing with your course, still having trouble?” Scott asks.
“I passed my recent assignment,” Imogen says.
