She asks me what she can do?

“Mr. P?” Alison peeks around the door frame, “Can I talk to you?” Four days have passed, and I can see the stress is really getting to my normally optimistic tenant.

“Sure, Angel, come sit down.” I’ve always liked the way Alison sits neatly on the edge of the couch with her knees pressed demurely together and a little to the side. Somewhere, sometime, years ago someone must have taken the time to teach her not to sprawl. At least part of the appeal though is wondering what she'd do if I stood in front of her and pulled open those tightly closed knees. Don't judge me, it's just something I've thought about.

“Mr. P,” Alison takes a deep breath and then launches into a carefully rehearsed dialog. “Mr. Patterson, the Cutco thing isn’t working out at all, and so I’m not going to be able to have your rent by Friday.” That's no surprise. “But Sir, I was raised to always treat people fairly, and I wanted to know if there was anything I could do around the house to help make up for the money being late.”

“Alison,” I smile deciding to start her off with some good news, before I put on the pressure. “Tell you what. Let’s forget about last month’s rent, I know you’ve been really stressed out about it, and honestly I don’t need the money that much.” It takes her a minute to understand what I’m saying, but when she does, she clasps her hands together and whispers a quick prayer to the heavens.

“You mean it Mr. P?” Her worried face breaks into the beautiful smile I’ve been missing these past few days. “You mean you’ll give me more time to find a real job?”

“No, Alison.” I correct her firmly, “I mean you don’t ever have to give me September’s rent.” She bites her lower lip between her teeth and shakes her head slowly sending making her hair move in soft waves across her shoulders.

“Oh, Mr. P, I can’t let you do that.” She wipes her cheek with her palm and then lifts her head to meet my gaze. “It’s not right.” Instead of taking the opportunity to get what I really want right then and there, I make the conscious decision to play the long game.

“Of course it’s right, Angel. Haven’t you been watching the news? Do you think you are the only one having trouble making ends meet? All over the nation landlords are forgiving rents.” I decide not to mention the stories about rent strikes and new laws banning evictions, instead I focus on how much she has to lose if she lost her housing. “I’d hate to be the reason you have to leave Wesleyan and go back to Tennessee.”

“Oh thank-you Mr. Patterson.” I am rewarded with a hug that lasts even longer than the ones I got when I sat through her Cutco sales pitch. The way her young body presses against mine feels like it might even be worth $500. “But I swear Mr. P, I will pay you back just as soon as the restaurants start to reopen.” I let go of her and put enough space between us that she doesn’t feel my boner pressing against her belly. She didn’t seem to mind being in my arms and I want to make sure it stays that way.

“That might take a while if this wave is as bad as some of the experts are predicting.” I warn, gently resting my hand on her bare leg just above her knee. It is not quite a sexual touch, but it is certainly close enough that I would never have done this with one of my students. Alison stiffens for a second and then places her small hand over mine creating a sandwich of warm soft skin around my calloused hand.

“It won’t be that bad, Mr. P?” She asks in a breathy whisper “will it?”

“I hope not, Honey.” I hug her again gently pressing her breasts firmly against my chest before releasing her so she can pull away if she chooses. She does step back a little, but even in this new position the tip of her nipple is still brushing against my arm. For someone as naïve as Alison is, she might not even be aware of how fucking sexy it is for her to be standing this close to a man. She may have even subconsciously learned over the years that men are more likely to give her what she wants when she stands this close and smiles up at them with her adorable doe-eyes. She may indeed get what she wants, but I’m damn sure going to get what I want too.

“I just think we have to start thinking about what if’s.” She smiles shyly and nods her head in agreement. “Would your parents cosign a loan with you?" Her beautiful eyes cloud briefly and she lowers her gaze to her lap. From what I've gathered of her family life her father especially was not pleased to see her move away, I'm not surprised when she shakes her head.

“There may be some scholarships you can apply for...” Alison shakes her head again.

“I checked Mr. P, they're all for next year.” I take a deep breath and try to steady my nerves. Honestly, I can't believe I'm going through with this, but this is a once in a lifetime chance, and I have to at least give it a shot.

“Well that brings us back to what you can do for me around the house...”

“Of course, Mr. P” Her eyes are wide with excitement. “But what can I do? You already cook, clean and do your own laundry way better than I could.” It is true. I have always been a little picky about my home and even before Fran was killed I did almost all the cooking and housework myself.

“There is one thing that I can't do on my own.” I chuckle good-naturedly, she stares at me in confusion when I take her chin in my hand; it isn't until I gently kiss her soft lips that she finally understands what I am suggesting.