I swallowed nervously as I tried my best to mimic his confident and elegant demeanor. I have stayed at budget-friendly motels during trips with my mother, but this was a whole new ball game for me.

The doorman greeted us with a warm smile and opened the door. As soon as we stepped inside, I was hit by the most breathtaking sight. The lobby was like a palace, with high ceilings, chandeliers, and marble floors. People dressed in designer clothes were mingling around. Talking. Sipping martinis and other cocktails. And there I was, in my old hoodie and washed-out jeans, feeling completely out of place. Before I could even process everything, Mr. Cross was already heading towards the reception desk, where a well-dressed woman greeted him with a smile. I tried to keep up with him, but I could not help but stare at the fancy decor and the posh guests.

We made our way to the elevator, and I couldn’t help wondering about Mr. Cross's character. How could he afford such a lavish stay on a mere teacher’s salary? The suite alone would probably cost more than what I would work in fifty lifetimes. Once we reached the penthouse, I was in awe yet again. The living room was huge, with plush sofas, a grand piano, and a balcony overlooking the city. I walked around like a kid in a candy store, inspecting every little detail. I even went to the bedrooms. They were equally magnificent. I moved onto the balcony and was captivated by the view. In the distance, I could hear the muffled voice of Mr. Cross on his phone, but I could not quite decipher the conversation. Whatever time loop I stepped into, I did not want to leave. I was perfectly content living in this luxurious bubble. Even if it was just for one night.

"Miss Evans?" Mr. Cross's voice interrupted my train of thought. 

I turned and faced him, and damn. He looked even more amazing under this bright light. His features were highlighted. He was just too freaking good-looking.

“Yes, sir,” I answered. I could not hide the tremble in my voice. 

Mr. Cross arched an eyebrow in response to my reaction. He maintained a smile and proceeded to say. "I see you are appreciating the view. It truly is magnificent, don't you think?"

I nodded in complete agreement. "I have never seen anything quite like it.” I exhaled deeply, turning back to the breathtaking view while attempting to steady my pounding heart. 

"Miss Evans, would like to take a shower?"

I suddenly faced him and felt a wave of nervousness wash over me. Oh damn! All sorts of wild and steamy scenarios flooded my mind. And of course, my hot and mysterious teacher was the star of every single one. 

I could sense that he noticed it in my expression, and his grin only grew broader and more alluring. 

“Is everything okay?" He asked. "You seem a bit flustered.”

Ugh, seriously? I rolled my eyes.

"I am alright," I said. "I am just taken aback by the unexpected shower invitation."

He gave a knowing grin. "I understand if you are not at ease with this. It's simply a suggestion, so please don't feel obligated."

“Mr Cross… Are you extending an invitation for me to join you in the shower, or kindly permitting me to use your shower?" I dared to ask.

Honestly, I was not sure why I had been feeling so hot and bothered lately. It could be because I had not had a good solo session in a while, so any little explicit word or thought is getting me all riled up.

"Miss Evans…" Mr. Cross hesitated. His bright-coloured green eyes shimmered with both beauty and danger. Suppressing my nerves, I swallow hard. 

I noticed that he had removed his jacket. However, his crisp white shirt remained neatly tucked into his pants. In a matter of moments, he was right in front of me, standing tall and confident. Despite my desire to look away, I found myself unable to do so. His confident presence and manly appearance commanded my attention.

My readers, your girl was about to keel over from a freaking heart attack. Never in my entire life had a man's body been pressed up against mine like this. I was talking about being sandwiched between Mr. Cross and the balcony, okay? I felt his body heat through my clothes, and it was getting me all flustered and shit. 

"Miss Evan," he said, breaking the silence. "Have you ever been with a man?"

His question caught me off guard. Did he seriously just ask me that? I had to take a deep breath and gather my thoughts. I was not prepared for such a bold question.

"Why is that any of your business?" I let out a snort. Clearly annoyed by the line of questioning.

He shrugged, and a sly smile slowly crept onto his gorgeous face as he responded, "Just curious, I suppose."

It was almost as if he was teasing me, his words dripping with mischief. I felt a little flustered and charmed. 

I gave Mr. Cross a sceptical look and narrowed my eyes. "Why are you curious?"

He leaned in closer. His words were slow and deliberate and spoken in a low whisper. "You seem like the type who gets heated quite easily.”

I scoffed and pushed my hands against his firm chest. "What exactly do you mean by that?" I asked, pretending to be ignorant.

He shrugged again, no sign of a smile on his face now. But then, his hand slowly made its way up to my cheek and started gently stroking it, and his eyes just would not let go of mine.

"I cannot picture it. No. That can't be right," he corrected himself. He then expressed his reluctance to even consider the possibility. Stating... “I refuse to even imagine it.” His words took on a sharper edge as he continued. "So, if you were to tell me you have been with a man, I would completely lose my shit."

I could not even believe what was coming out of his mouth. I swear, my jaw dropped to the floor, and my eyes damn near popped out of my head. It was like I was in one of those trippy dreams where nothing made sense.

"I don’t know why you speak like that,” I managed to say. “But it will please you to know that I have never been with a man.”

One second, we were talking, and the next thing I knew, his lips were on mine. Kissing me. It was not the sweet vanilla kiss he gave me earlier. This was some next-level, intense shit. This was like a whipped cream coating on breasts and panties-soaked kind of kiss. 

When his hands started exploring my body, it was like a jolt of lightning shooting through me. I could feel my blood pumping and my heart racing as he pushed me more against the balcony with his body. I did not want him to stop.

“More. I want more of you.” My voice was filled with need as I begged like a slut.

Mr. Cross's lips were soft, but so damn demanding, and his tongue was just the right amount of aggressive. It was like he could not get enough of me, and honestly, I could not get enough of him either. But just when I thought it could not get any better, Mr. Cross pulled away. His breath was ragged. 

We were both panting, trying to catch our breath. I looked at him, a little dazed, and he gave me a lopsided grin.

“Sorry," he said, running a hand through his now messy hair. "I could not resist."

"Well, I am not complaining,” I assured him.

He leaned in again, this time pressing a soft kiss to my forehead. "How about that shower?"

I smiled up at him, feeling an oddly warm sense of contentment.