Chapter 23: A Spark in the Air

As Maya and Eric walked down the hallway, the sound of chattering students and ringing lockers faded into the background, and all that was left was the thrum of electricity between them. They had barely made it out of the classroom before Eric had caught up to her, his eyes locked onto hers with an intensity that made her skin prickle. Maya tried to brush it off, telling herself she was just being paranoid, but she couldn't shake the feeling that Eric was watching her, his gaze piercing through her like a hot knife through butter. She quickened her pace, trying to create some distance between them, but he easily kept stride with her. "So, what brings you to my class?" she asked, trying to sound nonchalant despite the butterflies in her stomach. Eric chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Just observing, taking notes," he said, his voice low and teasing. "I'm thinking of writing a paper on the art of teaching." Maya rolled her eyes, laughing. "I highly doubt that." They reached the end of the hall, and Eric fell into step beside her, his arm brushing against hers. Maya felt a jolt of electricity run through her body, and she knew that she had to be careful. She was already walking a tightrope, balancing her feelings for Eric with the demands of her job and her personal life. The bell rang, signaling the start of the next period, and Maya picked up her pace. She had a meeting with the school's principal to discuss some curriculum changes, and she couldn't be late. "Hey, Maya?" Eric called out, his voice stopping her in her tracks. She turned to face him, her eyes locking onto his. "Yeah?" "I was thinking," he said, his voice low and husky, "maybe we could grab lunch together today. Discuss...Shakespearean sonnets." Maya raised an eyebrow, a smile playing on her lips. "I don't think that's a good idea," she said, trying to sound firm. Eric's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Oh, come on," he said, his voice persuasive. "It'll be fun. I promise." Maya hesitated, unsure of what to do. A part of her wanted to say yes, to see where things might go with Eric. But another part of her was screaming caution, warning her of the dangers of getting involved with a student. "I don't know," she said, stalling for time. Eric took a step closer, his eyes locked onto hers. "Please," he said, his voice low and husky. "Just lunch. I'm starving." Maya couldn't help but laugh. "You're a persistent one, aren't you?" she asked, shaking her head. Eric grinned, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "You have no idea," he said, his voice dripping with suggestiveness. Maya felt a flutter in her chest, and she knew that she was in trouble. She was already walking a thin line, and Eric's flirtatious behavior was making it harder to resist him. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. "Okay, fine," she said, trying to sound stern. "But just lunch, and don't expect me to go easy on you." Eric's face lit up with a smile. "I wouldn't dream of it," he said, his eyes locked onto hers. Maya felt a shiver run down her spine as she realized that she was in trouble. Big trouble.