When Zane pulled up in his nice car, Blaine felt her heart skip a beat. This was it. They were going to be off in a few minutes. "Good morning, Sir," the young woman greeted with a polite smile and sharp eyes as she watched him take her luggage and load it in his trunk. She still couldn't really believe she was going on this trip. Had she just won the lottery?<br/><br/>As always, whenever she was alone with Professor Forbes, Blaine felt herself on edge, a nervous wreck. Why though? Yes, he was handsome, successful, a mature man who commanded respect, her superior in every way and intelligent beyond her wildest dreams, but it was more than that. She craved his respect. She had it to a certain degree by being his star pupil, but she wanted so much more than that. When she dressed, she wore beautiful undergarments for him. She shaved her legs for him. She didn't eat that second slice of pie--<i>for him</i>. As if he cared. No doubt he saw her as a young girl who simply did well in his class because she wanted to do well in every class. In no way would he assume she excelled for him.<br/><br/>Sometimes she would fantasize that he would close the door to his office and press her up against it. He would caress her cheek with his knuckles before leaning in to kiss her. The fantasy always made her knees weak, just as it did now as they drove in silence through the deserted streets of New England. Lowering her lashes as a blush crept up her cheeks, Blaine didn't dare look in his direction. Was he staring at her in puzzlement? Thinking her a foolish child for reddening at nothing?<br/><br/>He pulled the car into the lot of a pub and when it became apparent he wanted to eat here, Blaine opened the car door on her side of the vehicle and stepped out. She followed him, staying by his side and wondered if perhaps people believed them married. The thought sent a thrill down her spine. She was wearing gloves so they wouldn't know if she had a ring or not.<br/><br/>The waitress seated them and when she was handed a menu, Blaine opened it to read, though none of the words sunk in. "I... I'll have whatever you're having and a gin and tonic, please," she added quickly before she could change her mind. She wanted him to see her as a grownup and grownups ordered alcoholic beverages. Only once the waitress left did she realize Zane had ordered a coffee, which made her thoroughly embarrassed. Perhaps alcohol was supposed to be for supper only. Too late now to change her order, or he'd think her a double fool.