Hot Blood: Tales of Erotic Horror

'I'm sorry, what?'

On Thursday Shelly stood outside the new boy's final class and waited for him to appear. She had obtained his schedule by interrogating Chi Omega sisters who shared classes with him, or who knew someone that did. A few had questioned Shelly, but she had been cool, collected, even when their tone was catty. Most of them were envious that she had landed Tommy Blackmon, captain of the basketball and swimming teams. She didn't mind if they were jealous of her plan to have a little something extra, on the side.

But Shelly Teasdale didn't feel collected now. She wasn't cool. She felt all fluttery and nervous, like a schoolgirl, as she waited in the corridor outside of Physics 401. She worried that her nerve might fail her at the crucial moment.

Startled by the passing bell, she jumped and nearly dropped her books. Not yet, she thought, and stood aside as students started filing out. It would not do for him to see her waiting in the hall. The gambit must not seem contrived or artificial, if she hoped to make it work.

He was among the last to exit, and she caught his profile through a tiny window set into the door. Head down, pretending to be wrapped up in a bulky novel that her English prof had recently assigned, she moved to intercept him on a hard collision course, correcting once when it appeared that she might miss him.

Impact spilled his books along with hers. They crouched together, almost knocking skulls, and Shelly murmured an apology. His boots were snakeskin, polished to a satin luster. Shelly risked a glance and found him watching her. His eyes, she saw up close, were green with shifting flecks of gold.

He helped her to her feet and said, 'That really wasn't necessary.'

'What?'

'I hoped that we might meet. I've seen you watching me.'

Her cheeks were burning as she said, 'I'm sure I don't know what you mean.'

He shrugged. 'Too bad. I thought… well, never mind.'

'What did you think?'

'That you might like to join me for a cup of coffee.'

Shelly smiled. 'I might, at that.'

The student union was not crowded as they entered. Shelly made a quick inspection for familiar faces, thankful when she came up empty. Tommy would be off at practice, but she didn't need some busybody telling tales. When she was ready to enlighten him, she would be pleased to break the news herself. If there was anything to tell.

John bought the coffee, waving off her bid to make it dutch. When they were seated, facing each other, Shelly found him smiling at her in amusement.

'What?'

'It just occurred to me that we have not been introduced. My name is John Assad.'

'I know. I'm —»

'Shelly Teasdale, yes.'

'You know my name?'

'I have been watching you, as well.'

She blushed again and concentrated on her coffee, covering.

'At home,' he said, 'our meeting might have taken months.'

'I'm glad we're not at home,' she said with perfect candor. 'Did you come to the United States with family?'

He frowned and shook his head. 'My father is a priest. He would not leave his homeland, and my mother's place is at his side.'

'Is that from the Koran?'

His barking laugh surprised her, drawing glances from the nearby tables. 'I am not a Moslem.'

'Oh, I'm sorry.' Shelly was embarrassed. 'I assumed…'

'The East accommodates a wide variety of sects. Ours predates Islam by perhaps a thousand years. Its doctrines are… unique.'

'I'd like to hear about it sometime.'

'Possibly you shall.'

'What brings you to the West?'

'An education, as you see. I feel that our traditions may be best preserved by learning modern ways. I have been a year in London, nearly two in the United States.'

'How do you like America?'

'It stimulates me. You have so much freedom here, in travel, sports, and entertainment.'

'And the women?'

'Ah.' His smile was shrewd. 'I find them quite… desirable.'

Green-gold eyes had strayed to Shelly's sweater as he spoke, and while they lingered there she felt another tremor. Desirable, indeed!

'Shelly, I was wondering… but, no.'

'What is it, John?'

'I was about to ask if you would come with me tomorrow night, for dinner and a film.'

'And now you've changed your mind?' She did not have to feign the tone of disappointment in her voice.

'It is not proper, on such short acquaintance.'

Shelly laughed despite herself. 'Two years, and you're still concerned about propriety?'

'If I had asked you…'

'I'd have said come by the Chi Omega house at seven-thirty.'

'Ah.'

'So, have we got a date?'

'It seems we do.' He glanced at his expensive-looking watch and frowned. 'Regrettably, there are appointments I must keep.'

He rose and leaned across the table, took her hand, and raised it to his lips. Surprised for openers, she was astounded when he turned it gently over, opening her fingers, pressing lips against her palm. His tongue flicked out to tickle her, a darting feather, leaving Shelly weak and wet.

'Until tomorrow.'

Desirable. After dinner and a movie, Shelly thought she just might offer him a little something in the nature of dessert.

There was a bit of trivia to deal with first, potentially unpleasant, but she wasn't worried. Shelly knew that she could handle it. No sweat.

The phone rang half a dozen times at Delta house before somebody picked it up. She asked for Tommy, settled back, and spent the down-time practicing a level tone of voice.

'Hullo?'

'Hi, Tommy.'

'Babe, what's happening?'

She saw no reason to delay the worst. 'I have to take a raincheck on tomorrow night.'

'Oh, yeah?' Suspicion in his voice. 'Why's that?'

'Well…' Shelly had rehearsed a lie, but now it failed her. 'Something's just come up, that's all.'

'I'll bet. This something got a name?'

'Don't be like that.'

'Hey, let me guess. The new boy, right?'

'What difference does it make?'

'No difference, Shell. Not one damn bit.'

Her anger flared. 'You're acting like you own me, Tommy. We're no steady thing, you know.'

'Don't sweat it, babe.'

'I hate it when you call me that.'