Elle Jamison
Chemistry
Gwen held the book with two hands while her heart raced. She couldn’t decide if she was more excited by the fact that she was about to do her research on this great work, or by the author on the back cover, Dr. Brock Brinkman. Gwen examined his photo one more time, staring into his piercing blue eyes. She had had a crush on him since she’d seen him speak her freshman year. He was just as attractive in person as he was in this picture. He was pretty young to be such a major force in the world of Science. He was only about thirty-five years old, she guessed. And to Gwen, he gave a whole new meaning to the term Chemistry.
From a young age Gwen had been interested in science, particularly Chemistry. She was a bit of science geek herself, and knew the old stereotype that scientists were either geeky young guys, or weird old guys with crazy, bad hair was all too accurate. However, the author of the book was neither. No, he was rather good-looking, perhaps even dreamy. Heck, Gwen thought, this guy is hot!
She kept her eyes locked on his face on the back cover of the book, imagining that she could see them peeking at her while they kissed. Gwen thought about what it would be like to meet this beautiful man, to flirt with him, to embrace him. It had been a long time since she dated anyone. Gwen longed for romance, and all too frequently Gwen’s mind would drift off into fantasy. Her fantasies usually involved strong, bold, successful men, and more often than not, it was Dr. Brock Brinkman.
"Anyone sitting here?" asked the man standing over Gwen, watching her sit at the table with her mouth hanging open, the book now dangling from her hands.
She became physically startled, almost shaking where she sat, making her knees knock together. The man’s voice broke her trance, her frequent trip to daydream land. When Gwen finally looked up at the mystery man, her jaw dropped instantly.
"You… you're…uh…" stammered Gwen, looking up at the tall, good-looking stranger.
"My name is Brock. It's a pleasure to meet you," he said, extending his hand.
Gwen reached out her hand, and he took it in his. Brock gently kissed her knuckles, sending tiny tingles down her arm, up her spine, and ending up somewhere around her perky breasts. He sat down beside her, trying to be as quiet as possible. After all, they were in the university's library, and no one wanted to make a scene and disturb the other students.
"I see you're reading my book. I hope it's not too boring," Brock said smoothly, smiling at her.
"I can't believe it's you. Why are you here?" Gwen asked nervously. She was amazed at how friendly and down-to-earth he was. He had none of the arrogance that frequently accompanied the title “Doctor and Best-Selling Author” at the university.
Brock chuckled, his blue eyes twinkling. "Should I leave? I was visiting the campus and wanted to check out the library. The librarian was kind enough to mention that my new book had just arrived and that you were reading it."
"Yes!" Gwen replied excitedly. "Yes, indeed! I'm so lucky to have it, too. I love it."
"Great. Thank you very much for the praise. That means so much coming from such a beautiful young lady. So you've got brains and beauty, too."
Gwen felt her face turn red from the compliment. She felt the goose bumps run up and down her body, covering her arms and the back of her neck. She was getting a little excited and she liked the way it felt. Brock was not your typical Science geek, no way, no how.
He stood at about six foot three or four, she estimated, and looked like he was a regular at the gym. He had a pretty nice physique from what she could gather and a face that was even more handsome up close. When she went to see him speak freshman year, she had only seen him from the back of huge lecture hall, but even from that distance, she could see he was attractive.
Besides those beautiful blue eyes, he also had a sturdy chin, rugged jawline, and a mouth that looked like it was inviting her to kiss him. His lips were slightly pouty, and she loved that in a man.
Gwen wanted to tackle him to the floor and kiss him right there in the library. She knew, however, she had to keep her composure.
"Hello? Hello!" Brock called out.
"Huh?" a stunned Gwen responded, as she snapped back to reality.
"You know my name, but may I ask yours, dear?" Brock said silkily, taking a seat right beside Gwen.
"Oh…sorry. My name is Gwen," she replied, with a shy smile. His use of an endearment thrilled her and she had gone from having a crush from afar to being in grave danger of falling in love at first sight.
"Very nice," said Brock, peering into her eyes deeply. "So what do you think?"
Gwen looked at him, confused by his question. She started to speak, but only stuttered. She had no idea what he meant, and she was starting to get nervous. Gwen knew what she thought about him, but was that what he was asking? She didn't want to sound like a young, brainless girl, but then again she felt like one at the moment.
"My new book. How do you like it?" clarified Brock, giving her a wink and a warm smile.
"Oh! The book is great. Just started reading, but I love it," Gwen said happily, thinking he must be used to women going flighty around him.
Brock was happy to hear that. It was flattering for any author to hear praise firsthand from an avid reader, or in this case, a student.
Then again, praise from such a young beautiful lady like Gwen made his ego and libido swell with excitement. He was in his late thirties, a Science geek for most of his life. Now he was a researcher and writer, putting him in the public eye. It was a huge boost to see that there were actually beautiful, intelligent women interested in his work, and possibly in him as a man.
Brock placed his hand on Gwen's thigh, flashing his sexy smile.
She looked at him with a mixture of fear and desire, not saying a word. It felt good to have him touch her, yet she knew they were in a library, so she was confused by his intentions. Good thing there weren't many students around now, and that she was seated at a corner table with her back to the wall.
"Can you tell me about your book? I mean, I'm doing a report on it for Chemistry class and since you’re here it would be great to get quotes directly from the author,” asked Gwen, trying to keep the focus on her work as much as possible.
Brock smiled, loving her straightforwardness. "Sure, I can do that for you. I'm here to help you any way I can."
He proceeded to look deep into her eyes while lecturing her on the finer points of his latest book. Gwen jotted down notes while he spoke, almost forgetting about Brock’s hand still resting on her thigh. She tried her best to concentrate, despite the effect his velvety voice and close proximity was having on her. He was radiating scholarly charisma, and a few times Brock chuckled on her account, as he noticed her penmanship got a little sloppy. He knew what he was doing to her, just as she did too. It seemed neither of them cared, although Gwen was trying to take advantage of the fact that the author was giving her some great information she could use for her research project.
They sat at the corner table in the school’s library until closing time. The university’s librarian ordered all the students out, and also Brock, giving him a friendly wink. Brock moved his hand away from Gwen’s thigh when she had approached their table. It wasn’t every day the school had notable authors visit, so this was a big deal.
“Are you hungry?” asked Brock, as they slowly walked out of the library together. “I know of a quiet restaurant not too far from here. If you would like to have dinner with me, that is.”
“Sure,” answered Gwen, going weak in the knees. “I would love to.”
“Excellent. My car is just outside,” said Brock, as they walked out to his rented vehicle. He took her hand and rested it in the crook of his arm as they crossed the university parking lot.