[RECAP: No one else in the art class knows that Sera is privately posing nude for their teacher, Mr Marek]
Jasper had discovered that Elizabeth sang in a folk band, and had decided the whole class should attend her next performance to support her. This was taking place in a traditional country pub some miles out of town.
Elizabeth was pleased but very flustered. "Oh no, really, there's no need to come. I realise that folk music is hardly fashionable these days."
"Nonsense. It's part of a long and well respected musical tradition, dating back over the centuries. You're preserving our heritage, Elizabeth dear." Jasper trilled a few bars of Greensleeves and Sera tried not to giggle.
"A cousin of mine used to play folk music. He was a Morris dancer," said Winfred, who was sipping a small sherry. Jasper had finally managed to persuade both Bob and Winifred to join them in the Norfolk Arms, so the entire class was there that night.
Including their teacher.
It was strange. On one hand Sera and Mr Marek shared this huge secret and she sensed a reluctant bond with him over it. On the other hand he was clearly trying to put up the biggest wall of formality between them at all other times.
She still cringed to think of him discovering her virginity. It was bad enough that he already thought she was too young, being underage. Though thankfully he hadn't made any more comments about her coming to the Norfolk Arms and drinking alcohol.
Besides, she would be eighteen in just a few weeks. A legal adult.
Sera glanced at Mr Marek and as if he sensed her eyes on him, he met her gaze. She felt a weird flip in her stomach. If only everyone else knew, she thought. What would they think? Jasper already made the odd hint and innuendo. She wasn't sure whether it was just random teasing on his part or whether he had picked up on the suppressed chemistry between her and their art teacher.
Jasper set down his tankard with a light thump.
"So it's settled then. We'll all be there, in our finest."
"It's really a very casual affair," Elizabeth said. "Just a country pub. I shouldn't worry about dressing up." She looked anxious and Sera imagined she was probably picturing Jasper striding into the Green Man Inn wearing a top hat and tails.
"Subdued finery it shall be then," Jasper promised.
Sera was glad at his lightening the mood, because the tension she felt towards the dark, chiselled man across the table was so intense that she was sure everyone else must be sensing it.
Bob got up to buy the next round of drinks. "I'll certainly look forward to it," he said, rubbing his beard. He turned to Sera. "You catch the bus normally, don't you? If you need a lift, just let me know. I'll be picking up Winifred and there'll be plenty of room."
"Thank you." Sera was surprised and grateful for the offer. She could have borrowed Marisa's or her father's car, but this way she could enjoy a couple of drinks.
Mr Marek was the only person who hadn't yet confirmed his attendance. Jasper tactfully addressed this.
"You may already have commitments, of course, but should you be available I can offer you a map. The roads out that way are a labyrinth of narrow country lanes and hedges, it's easy to miss the turn off."
"I'll be there." The art teacher didn't indicate whether he would need help wth directions, but his tone was polite.
He would be there... of course this prospect transformed the whole occasion in Sera's head.
"What do you sing?" she asked Elizabeth. "I'm afraid I don't know a lot of folk music."
Elizabeth smiled. She was wearing her usual dangly earrings - this evening they had tiny turquoise and bronze beads, picking out the vivid colours in the printed scarf she wore wound about her neck. "You'll probably find you recognise a a few of the songs. We do a version of Puff the Magic Dragon and several other contemporary tunes."
Sera had heard of Puff the Magic Dragon at least.
"I've always liked that one about Bangor," Barry said.
"That's a very jolly song," Winifred agreed.
Elizabeth said they didn't currently perform it but she would look at adding to their repertoire.
Sera knew the song and suddenly had a vision of sitting in a pub with Mr Marek listening to Elizabeth's band cheerfully singing about what a lovely time they had on a day trip to Bangor. The image was so incongruous she wanted to laugh. It was a bit of a leap from The Retro to 1970s folk music. She had no idea what he normally listened to as no music had been playing at his home, but she was sure he didn't own Fiddler's Dram's Greatest Hits.
She would have much preferred to spend time with him in a dark bar again rather than a country pub on a Sunday afternoon. To dance with him again, without anyone else around who knew them. She was sure he would put up less resistance a second time, maybe even take the lead.
Mr Marek's eyes were on her again and Sera desperately hoped he couldn't read her mind. If only she could read his. Despite visiting him in his own home and lying naked before him, he remained the most mysterious man she had ever met.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
This story is going to get significantly more *sexy* next week. So if there's anyone who doesn't want to read sexier scenes, you may prefer to stop reading ;)
Otherwise, if you love sexy stuff, you should enjoy the next update...
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His Model Student: A Student-Teacher Romance
Roman d'amour★★★TOP 5 WATTPAD ROMANCE NOVEL (reached #5)!★★★ When Sera's new art teacher mistakes her for a model and demands that she strip naked, sparks start to fly. Will Mr Marek be able to keep his student at arm's length after seeing everything she has t...