A/N: Thanks for the reviews and PMs, guys, I totally appreciate it! And now on to the story...business picks up!

Gym had to be one of Stephanie's most favorite classes, probably because it was one of her easiest classes. All she really had to do was show up for it sixth period and she had her A for the day. Not that she didn't do anything in class...she rather enjoyed gym, because it gave her the opportunity to work out, and she loved to keep herself in good shape.

She walked into the weight room, which was pretty much deserted. Most of the other students preferred to go hang out on the indoor basketball court and gossip or whatnot, but she took advantage of her time, working out and thinking...

She looked around the room, trying to decide what she wanted to work out on first. The treadmill, she decided mentally, and she walked over to where the treadmills were located in the far corner of the room. She turned one on and set off at a light pace, thinking back to third period earlier that day...

"Today, class, we're going to write about emotions," Mr. Irvine said to his third period class. Nearly everyone groaned, and he laughed. "Oh come on, is it so hard to write about feelings? About the way that you feel about something?"

"What guy do you know who actually likes to write about his feelings?" one of his male students asked aloud.

"I'm a guy, or did you not notice?" Mr. Irvine asked.

"I think we all noticed," Stephanie piped up from her seat in the back of the class, causing her classmates to laugh.

"I'm sure you did," Mr. Irvine laughed, smiling at her. He kept his eyes locked on her as he began talking again. "Ok, so some of you may think I'm somewhat of a sensitive guy once I tell you this, but I like to share my feelings... I like to let people know exactly how I feel."

"Give us the assignment already," another student piped up jokingly.

"Ok, ok," Mr. Irvine laughed, looking briefly around the classroom before his eyes locked on Stephanie's again. "Today's assignment is simply to write about something or someone that you feel strongly about...a subject that you're passionate about. It can be anything at all...anyone at all...no names needed..."

Five minutes later, the class was working quietly, so he walked around looking over their shoulders at their progress. He laughed out loud at one of his student's papers, then kept making his way around the room until he got to Stephanie's desk.

He stood behind her and leaned over her shoulder. "Mind if I read what you've written so far?" he whispered into her ear.

"No, I don't mind," she replied in a low voice. "I think you'll enjoy it..."

He read part of it aloud in a quiet voice, still right by her ear. "Every time I look at you, all I can think about is tasting you..." He read the rest quietly, then raised an eyebrow and looked at her. The whole time, he was still leaning over her shoulder. "What...who is this about?"

She turned her head to look at him, and their lips were mere inches apart. "You," she said honestly. "But if anyone asks, I'm talking about ice cream..."

Stephanie fanned herself lightly at the memory of just how close Mr. Irvine had been to her earlier in class. It had seemed like he'd stood there forever, with his lips so agonizingly close to hers...

"And so we meet again," came a voice.

Stephanie turned around and smiled at the person who'd just spoken to her. "What are you doing here, Mr. Irvine?"

"It's Chris...and it's my planning period, so I'm here to work out a little," he replied. He looked her up and down, taking notice of her short shorts, before taking off his shirt. He got on the treadmill next to hers and started jogging. "So... That paper you wrote was pretty amazing."

"I write what I feel," she said simply, shrugging.

"I like what you feel...I mean, what you wrote," he replied, still looking over at her. "Sounds like you have quite a thing for ice cream."

"You know how you can just tell when something's good, just by looking at it?" she asked. "How you can just tell that you want something just by watching it..."

"Believe me, I know," he said quietly. "I know..."

They worked out in silence until Stephanie decided to switch to another machine. She walked over to it and looked at it for a minute before laughing. "I would choose the machine that I haven't figured out how to operate."

"It's simple, hold on, I'll show you," he volunteered quickly. He got off the treadmill and walked over to her, standing behind her and reaching around her, essentially putting his arms around her. "So what you have to do is..."

"Shhh," she interrupted, feeling inexplicably bold. She leaned back against him, feeling his bare chest against her. She felt him wrap his arms around her waist loosely, probably instinctively, and she smiled.

"You do know that I could get in so much trouble for this, don't you?" he asked quietly, his lips brushing against her ear. He breathed in the scent of her shampoo and felt the urge to kiss her neck, but he didn't...not yet, anyway.

"Who's watching us?" she asked logically, turning around in his arms and looking at him. She daringly put her arms around his neck and waited for his reaction.

"True," he said, putting his arms more firmly around her and pressing his body closer to hers. This time his lips did find their way to the side of her neck, and he kissed it lightly before he spoke. "You are 18, right?"

She shivered a little when his lips touched her neck, and stuttered when she answered him. "R-right..."

"Good," he whispered, his tongue darting out to taste her skin. He didn't know why...he didn't know how... It just felt natural to him.

Just then, from outside the room, a whistle blew. It was one of the coaches, telling everyone that it was almost time to leave. Regretfully, Stephanie pulled away and ran a finger down his chest before speaking.

"I have to go, time to dress back in," she told him.

"Nice working out with you, I look forward to seeing you in class tomorrow," he replied, watching her go with fire in his eyes.

"I'll be there," she said with a smile. "It's my favorite class of the day."

She left the room and he leaned against the wall, closing his eyes. This girl had the potential to get him into a lot of trouble. This was exactly what he'd been warned against and told not to do...

Was he willing to take the risk? Maybe she'd be worth it...

There was only one way to find out...