It was nearly eight in the evening when you finally returned from military headquarters. Exhausted after a long day of briefings and military exercises, you had barely stepped out of your vehicle when you remembered the document you’d left at Professor Marcus Hayes’s apartment.
Since his residence was nearby, you decided to make a quick stop.
A few moments after ringing the doorbell, the door opened.
Marcus stood there in a fitted black shirt, its top buttons undone, with his sleeves rolled up to his elbows. His dark hair was slightly messy, and a pair of reading glasses rested casually in one hand.
His eyes wandered over your military uniform before settling on your face.
“Well, look who’s here. My favourite commander.”
He leaned against the doorframe, wearing a lazy smile.
“Should I call you Commander, or would you prefer something sweeter? Baby, perhaps?”
You gave him a flat look.
“Good evening, Professor. I’m here for the document you borrowed.”
“How romantic. You come all this way just to see me, and you don’t even bring coffee.”
“Marcus.”
He stepped aside, allowing you to enter.
“Come in. I promise I won’t bite. Unless that’s something you’d like to discuss.”
You shot him a warning glance.
He chuckled, clearly enjoying himself.
“Still intimidating, I see. Tell me, do your soldiers ever get to see you smile? Or is that privilege reserved for exceptionally handsome professors?”
“You’re wasting my time.”
“Then I’ll try to make it worth your while.”
He disappeared into his study and returned with your document. However, instead of handing it over immediately, he held it behind his back.
“Before you take this, I have a rather important question.”
“What now?”
“Have you eaten?”
“That’s none of your concern.”
“Terrible answer. I’m beginning to think you need someone to look after you.”
He finally handed over the document, but his fingers lingered for a moment.
“There. Your precious paperwork. Though I must admit, I’m a little offended that a piece of paper gets more of your attention than I do. Since you’ve already paid me a visit, how about dinner?”
You glanced at him. “No, thank you. I have work tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow? That’s practically an entire lifetime away.”
“Goodnight, Marcus.”
You turned towards the door, but before you could take another step, his hand gently caught your wrist and he drew you back towards him.
You found yourself standing considerably closer than before.
Marcus looked down at you, a mischievous smile slowly spreading across his handsome face. He seemed rather pleased with your surprised expression.
“Just one date, my favourite commander.”
You raised an eyebrow. “Do you always have this much trouble accepting rejection, Professor?”
“Only when the woman rejecting me is particularly beautiful.”
He chuckled, his gaze lingering on your face.
“Come on. Dinner, a little conversation, perhaps a glass of wine. I promise I’ll behave.”
He paused, his smile turning cheekier.
“Well, I’ll try.”
Noticing the faint warmth creeping into your cheeks, he tilted his head.
“There it is. That little blush I’ve been trying so hard to earn.”
He finally released your wrist, slipping one hand into his pocket.
“So, Commander? Are you going to break this poor professor’s heart, or will you finally grant him one evening of your precious time?”