Our Forbidden Love Affair | 18+

Chapter 4: Captivated by her Elegance

Melanie's Pov:

I exit the cafe with my coffee clutched in hand, I can't shake the nagging feeling that I was being watched. I glance back over my shoulder, but don't see anyone paying any mind to me. Shaking it off, I continue on my way, my mind preoccupied with thoughts of the mysterious professor. Rounding a corner, my heart nearly stops as I see her standing a few feet away and staring right at me, her gaze intense and almost... hungry. The heat hitting my cheeks doesn't go unnoticed, lighting up the halls like Christmas morning.

Mrs. Hutson smirks, her eyes narrowing as she takes in my flushed reaction. "Something on your mind, Ms. Markel?" My last name rolls off her tongue, her voice deep and velvet smooth. My eyes trailing down her long legs to the black heels on her gorgeous feet, clicking down the hall closer to me, my heartbeat nearly drowning out the taps. I swallow hard, trying to ignore the flutter in my chest at the sight of her lips. "N-No," I manage to stutter, my fingers tightening around the coffee cup for dear life.

Why is she looking at me like that? I can't tell if she wants to kiss me or maybe... smack me?

She quirks an eyebrow at my lackful response, her smirk growing wider. "Really? You seem a little rattled Melanie."

I blush even deeper at the subtle accusation in her tone. She must think I'm an idiot, I think to myself. Trying to regain my composure, I take a deep breath and force myself to meet her gaze again.

"I'm just... tired after the first day, that's all." I mutter softly.

She takes a step closer, closing the distance between us. God, she's so close, my mind screams. I can smell her perfume now, an intoxicating mix of jasmine and spice.

"Tired? That's all?" She asks, her tone playful yet somehow still retaining her authoritative edge.

"I thought college girls your age had more stamina than that?" She giggles with a teasing tone, one she thinks goes unnoticed. I can feel the heat in my cheeks spread down my neck, my palms starting to sweat. "Uh...I...uh..." I stumble over my words, my mind a mess under her intense gaze.

Mrs. Hutson lets out a soft chuckle, clearly amused by my flustered state. "You just... seem distracted," she observes, her eyes roaming over my face. Can she see right through me? I wonder to myself, her gaze so powerful it's like a physical touch, igniting nerves I didn't even know I had. I struggle to form a coherent thought, let alone a coherent sentence.

Suddenly she clears her throat, her expression becoming more serious, her smirk replaced with a more professional facade. Like she caught herself, remembering the role as a professor.

"Are you sure you're feeling alright?" Her voice now in a formal tone that I wasn't expecting, "You seem a little unwell, your face is flushed."

I give her a soft smile trying to regain some semblance of normalcy. "Yeah... I'm fine," I reply, my voice sounding too high-pitched even to my own ears.

She looks unconvinced, studying me intently for a moment.

"You're not coming down with something, are you? The last thing you need is to be sick during your first week of classes." Her concern seems genuine, and I can't help but feel flattered.

"No, I promise I'm feeling fine," I assure her. "Just a little exhausted, like I said. The first week always takes some getting used to." I look up, locking on to those beautiful green eyes, my whole body feeling warm inside.

Mrs. Hutson nods, her expression softening a bit when our eyes link. "I remember those days, trust me. I was exhausted every night my first year."

There's a pause as she studies me, her gaze lingering down to my body, stopping at my belly.

"You're taking care of yourself, aren't you? Eating properly, getting enough sleep?"

I nod quickly. "Yeah, I am. Trying to, anyway." As the words leave my mouth, I remember that my Physics class starts in a few minutes. Damn it, I'm going to be late, I glance at my watch, cursing silently at the time.

"I'm sorry, Professor, but I've gotta get to class," I say, hoping she won't notice the rush in my voice.

She raises an eyebrow at my sudden haste. "Late for class already?" she teases.

I force a sheepish smile, trying to play it cool. "Yeah, I guess I lost track of time..." I respond in a shameful whisper.

Mrs. Hutson grins. "Well, I wouldn't want you to be late, Ms. Markel. Better get going." She giggles softly.

I nod, feeling a mix of disappointment and relief. I don't really want to go, not when every second spent in her presence feels both exhilarating and terrifying at once. But I know I can't risk being late for class.

"Right, I should go, see you around, Professor Hutson." I wave goodbye, forcing myself to turn away towards my Physics class, feeling her gaze linger on me as I disappear down the hall.