Page 5 of Controlling Natasha

As he releases me to resume his spot across from me in the armchair, I look around.“Your library is amazing.I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“Ah, I forgot.You’re an English major.Feel free to peruse it anytime you want.I’m sure there are books here that haven’t been touched in decades, except to be dusted, of course.”He smiles warmly.

“Oh, I wouldn’t touch them.I promise.”

He frowns.“Don’t be silly.Books are meant to be read.Nothing in here is off-limits.My only rule is that you don’t climb the sliding ladder yourself.I wouldn’t want you to get injured.Ask me or Albert if you want something too high to reach from the floor.Keep both feet on the ground at all times.”His expression is more serious now as he narrows his gaze at me.

“Yes, sir.”

I swear he flinches slightly when I speak.What did I say?The way he’s staring at me makes me squirm.As he laid down his “rule,” something fluttered in my stomach.Now, he’s not blinking, and I squeeze my thighs together.Thank goodness I’m wearing jeans and a sweater.I’d probably leave a wet spot on the loveseat if I were wearing a skirt.

Even with all these clothes on, I feel oddly exposed, as if Mr.Hoffman can see under my denim and wool and is assessing what he sees.It’s a ludicrous thought, but it won’t stop.

Finally, he leans back in his chair and crosses one leg over the other.He doesn’t break eye contact, though, as he sets his elbow on the arm and rubs his chin.“I’ve prepared a room for you, Natasha.”His voice is like warm syrup.It’s maddening how I’m reacting to him.How am I going to live here with this unbelievably sexy man who has me speechless and craving something I can’t identify?

“Thank you,” I manage to mumble.“I hope you didn’t go to any trouble.I just need a bed and a place to shower.”

He gives me his slight smile again.“It was no trouble at all, Little one.Camden told me you liked pink, so I had your room done in pink.I assume he was correct, considering your sweater and purse are pink.”

Camden?Suddenly, I realize he’s speaking about Professor Arnalt, and my cheeks flame thinking about the two of them discussing my color preferences.What an odd thing to talk about.

And when did he have time to prepare anything specific for me?Professor Arnalt only told me about this opportunity today.

“It wasn’t necessary, sir.I’m not particular.”

He shrugs.“It was nothing.You should have a pretty room that reflects you and makes you feel happy.”

“Well, thank you.”I’m stunned.Does he know I’ve never had a room that reflected much of anything in my life?

“If I’ve overstepped or there’s anything you don’t like, we’ll change it.”

“I’m sure it will be fine.I don’t want to be a burden.I really appreciate you helping me.I know it was short notice, and you weren’t expecting to take in a boarder.I promise I will be quiet and tidy.You won’t even know I’m here.Most of the time, I’ll be studying in the campus library.”

He doesn’t respond for several long seconds before inhaling slowly.“We can discuss your schedule later, Little one, but I want you to feel at home here.Edith and Albert are so excited to have someone besides me living in the house that they can barely contain themselves.I assume you’ve met Edith?I thought I heard her voice.”

“Yes, sir.”I’m not sure what to call this imposing man, but he hasn’t corrected me, so I’ll stick with sir for now.

“So, what are you planning to do after you graduate?”

I feel like I’m at the most important job interview of my life, which is odd since this isn’t an interview.Right?Maybe it sort of is.I need to impress him at least enough to allay any concerns he might have about taking in a boarder.Hell, I’m not even paying him.I’m a charity case.

He’s waiting for me to answer, and my face heats as I try to remember the question.Luckily, I do.“Oh, uh, well, I’ve applied for graduate school, so I might do that.”

“You’re not sure?”

I shrug.“It’s complicated.”Surely he doesn’t want to hear my life plans.

“I bet I can keep up,” he teases, giving me another smile.He’s so nonchalant, as though he has nothing else to do but sit and give me his undivided attention.

I don’t want to be rude.Obviously, he’s engaging me in conversation for a reason.Doesn’t really matter what that reason is.Maybe he’s feeling me out to make sure I’m not the sort of person who intends to steal the silver in the night and take off.Or maybe he’s just polite.

I lick my lips.“I don’t have a specific plan that’s viable, so I thought I would go to graduate school in the meantime because I would get a stipend to cover room and board while I get my master’s.”I wince.That sounds so lame and willy-nilly.

“Ah, so you have a non-viable plan.What’s the non-viable plan?”

I suck in a breath.He caught that.Shit.“Well, if I were independently wealthy, I would take some time to write a book.Writing is more my passion than teaching, but that won’t pay the bills, so I’m hoping I might be able to start working on a novel while I’m getting my master’s.If it turns out I’m not good at writing, I can always become an English professor.Maybe teach high school or something.”

I’ve never said any of that to a living soul, and I have no idea why I told Mr.Hoffman.He pulled it out of me.

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