Nala hesitated before walking into Roman's classroom. He was taking a drink of his coffee before he looked over. She locked the door behind her. No one was walking in on them. She smiled.
"Miss Tomlinson, if I didn't know any better I would think you plan on seducing me", he said.
She giggled and wrapped her arms around his neck. He leaned down and quickly connected their lips. He lifted her and placed her on his desk. He didn't plan on any thing other than kissing, but remembering AJ pushed him for more. He undid the button on her jeans.
"Roman, we can't", she panted.
"I need too", he said.
He undid his and lowered the front. Grabbing her hips and connecting their bodies. Nala undid his bun and ran her fingers through his hair. His mouth moving along her neck, leaving wet kisses. Wrapping her legs around his waist as he quickened his pace. Grunting into her neck and whispering how much he loved her.
"You're mine", he growled.
She nodded. She felt him still, he moaned.
"Thank you", he whispered against her lips.
He rested his forehead against hers. He still hasn't removed himself. He looked almost scared. She brushed her hand down his cheek.
"What's the matter? You seem down, yesterday too", she said worried.
He turned and kissed the palm of her hand.
"There's something we need to talk about", he said softly.
She nodded. Panic took over. Was he going to end things? Why would he? Did she do something? Did he? He was drunk yesterday, maybe he went out after Mark dropped him off. His truck was in the teachers parking.
He pulled away and fixed his pants. She did the same. Grabbing a rubber band, he fixed his hair back into that neat bun she loved so much.
"Its about why I'm so insecure when it comes to you and AJ", he said.
She nodded.
"Don't hate me after I tell you", he said.
Now she was afraid he went and beat AJ up.
"I was engaged, once.", he said, looking down.
She listened quietly. He swallowed.
"She was my college sweetheart, smart, got along with everyone. We were good for a while, rented an apartment together. Right after college, I got a great offer to work at this publishing company, great hours, really good paycheck. We could afford her dream home, you know", he said.
Nala smiled.
"I turned it down, clearly", he said, lifting his arms and gesturing to the classroom.
"You wanted to teach", she said.
He nodded.
"Yeah. I wanted to get kids into reading again, show them that books can teach you so much, like it taught me", he said.
She nodded.
"Well, she didn't like that. She was angry at first but then understood, till she got this great designer job. She met Enzo Amore. Told me they were just friends", he said.
He shook his head at the memory.
"We were a month away from our wedding. I had to work late one night, I was grading finals. I decided to take my work home with me, stopped and bought a bottle of wine. Didn't tell her I was coming home, I wanted to surprise her. Turns out the surprise was on me.", he said, leaning against his desk beside her.
His hands in his pockets. She took a hold of his arm and rested her chin on his shoulder.
"They were in bed together. She turned to look at me and she laughed. Enzo was confused of course, he did what anyone would do. Stood and got dressed. I wanted to beat him to a pulp, but that wouldn't do any good.", he said.
"You loved her?", she asked.
"I thought I did, but after I had a moment to think about it while I crashed on Mark's couch. I realized Enzo did me a favor. I didn't love her, it was good at first, like I said, but after we just argued all the time and it felt more like we were roommates", he said.
She nodded. He looked at her.
"That won't happen with us. I love you so much more than I ever did her", he said.
She smiled.
"I won't let it happen either", she said.
He kissed her just as the bell rang.
"And just so you know. I don't see AJ that way, he's like a brother, I promise. You are the only man I want, from the moment I laid my eyes on you", she said, looking into his eyes.
He smiled.
"I love you, see you later", she said.
He nodded.
"Love you, so much more", he whispered.
After school, Roman had told her to correct her mistakes on the story she had to write. Once she did she dropped it off at the post office. She was a little nervous about it.
"Earth to Nala. Are you there?", Emma said, tapping the side of her head.
Nala laughed.
"Sorry", she said.
"What's wrong?", Emma asked.
"Nothing, I just had this story I had to write to hopefully earn this writing scholarship since it's the only way I can get into Art school", Nala said.
Emma nodded.
"If that story is anything like the other two you showed me, you'll definitely get it. You're extremely talented Nala. I wish I would have gone to college, maybe I wouldn't be here serving and cleaning up tables.", Emma said.
"Aren't you taking night classes?", Nala asked.
Emma nodded.
"For the same reasons I told you, I want to get out of here", she said.
Nala smiled.
"You'll get out of here Emma. You're talented too", Nala said to her.
"Thanks Nala", Emma said.
The door chimes rang and both women turned to see Roman walking in. Emma looked at Nala.
"Your prince charming is here", Emma said.
Nala was going to deny it. Emma stopped her.
"Listen, it's your life and you are almost eighteen. Besides I'm not your parent, and I've also been where you are. Just do me one favor, be careful.", Emma said.
Nala smiled and nodded. She walked over to the table Roman sat at. He smiled at her.
"Decided to come early and wait for you, you are almost off right", he said.
"Yes and I mailed my stories today", she said.
"That's great. When are you suppose to hear from them?", he asked.
"Next week", Nala said.
He nodded.
"You've got it in the bag baby", he said.
"I'm going to go clock out", she said.
He nodded. After she did, she grabbed her bag and car keys. She said goodbye to the cooks and walked out front. AJ was sitting across from Roman.
"Shit", she mumbled.
Roman looked agitated. She walked over.
"Hey AJ, Mr. Reigns", she said.
AJ smiled at her.
"Nala", both men said.
"What are you doing here AJ?", Nala asked.
"Came to see if you wanted to go to the movies? I was at home bored and I missed you. Just want to catch up", AJ said.
Nala nodded.
"I like the food here", Roman said, before Nala asked.
AJ nodded and looked back at Nala.
"What do you say? I hear that Annabelle movie is good. I know how much you like horror movies", AJ said.
Nala nodded. AJ stood, putting his arm around Nala. Roman stood, having enough.
"Alright look, this is weird. You're a teacher and I don't feel comfortable with you all over her like this", Roman said.
Nala smiled softly at him. AJ raised a brow.
"She's like a little sister to me", AJ said.
"But she's not your sister", Roman said stern.
AJ nodded.
"I get where you're coming from. You're her teacher and you're looking out for her, but she's fine with me", AJ said.
"It's ok Mr. Reigns. Trust me, he's ok", Nala said.
Roman sighed and nodded. He grabbed his keys and left quickly. Nala felt terrible. AJ chuckled.
"Weird guy", he said.
"He's just being protective. You are a teacher and if anyone else who doesn't know us as any thing more, will think the same.", Nala said.
AJ nodded.
"Yeah true. He's a good man", AJ said.
"He is", Nala said.
AJ pulled her out of the diner and towards his car.