Author's note: Here's the next bit. We're getting closer to the good stuff so hang in there and read and review.

The Talk

Josie moved her body again so that she was facing Z. As she did so, his hand left her shoulder and she missed the warmth. Before she could think it through, she tilted her head to avoid his glasses and kissed him. Just for a second, she felt him responding, then he leaned away.

"Josie, what are you doing?" She had always liked the he pronounced her name with the "S" almost a soft buzz. Now it sounded almost intimate.

"I don't want references or diagrams on a blackboard. Like you said, I just need someone I trust to show me how to do it."

"I didn't mean me. I'm your teacher." Z put his hands on her arms, not pushing her away but holding her in place.

"You haven't been for 5 years. So I think the statute of limitations is over. C'mon, it'll only be for one night and I won't bother you again." Josie stubbornly continued to face him, trying to see his face as best she could.

"It's not that simple. When I first met you, I put you in the mental box labeled 'Student, don't think even think about it.'"

"Then I think it's time I got out of the box. Let's think this through." She ticked off reasons. "We are both adult free of commitments. I've had trouble with relationships, both due to lack of experience and trust. I trust you and you have experience. You also smell nice." Josie closed her mouth abruptly. "I can't believe I said that."

"I smell nice?" Z sounded startled and let go of her arms.

Josie flushed, but continued gamely, "It must be that pheromone thing or it may be because I haven't seen you in five years. But today I seem have started seeing you in not so much of a teacher sort of way. "

Z was silent for a second and, as he took off his glasses and polished them, he said softly, "When I first met you, I could tell that you were already well on your way to becoming a brilliant and beautiful woman. Seeing you today, made me realize how easily you have surpassed my expectations."

Josie smiled happily. "Is that a 'yes' I'm hearing?"

Z sighed, "It may be opening up a whole new set of problems, but I know I'd regret it if I turned you away." He put his glasses aside and leaned toward her and she eagerly met him.

This kiss was careful, and slow, and felt good to Josie. Z had soft lips. Pheromones-Check, Chemistry-double check. She put her hands on his head to keep him there and deepened the kiss. Z didn't pull away but tilted his head slightly to explore the kiss further. It lasted several more moments before Z pulled away slightly to rest his forward against hers.

"See, that wasn't so bad." Josie teased.

Z laughed, his breath caressing her face. "Not at all, but I think we'd better stop now. But I'd rather not have another ex-student come in and discover us. That would really kill the mood." He leaned back slightly so he could look her and cupped the side of her face with one hand. "Josie, I think it's important that you set the pace and call the shots."

"Really, I'm in charge? Cool!"

"I, however, do have veto power, so don't let the power completely to your head," he replied. "What do you want to do now?"

"Go home to your place?" She ventured.

"If that's what you are ready for."

"Of course, that's why I asked you in the first place." She said impatiently. "I can follow you in my car."

"All right then," Z put on his glasses and then got up and reached down to help her to her feet. They started walking to the door, close but not quite touching.

Josie stopped for a moment. "Don't we need to get something from your cabinet before we leave?"

"What?" Z puzzled out her question and laughed. "Not to worry, I practice what I preached. Even through I haven't needed them recently, I keep have a supply of condoms at home, just in case."

"Good," She grabbed his tie and pulled him toward her. He obligingly leaned down and she kissed him soundly. "One for the road."