Confessing to Cassidy

Cassidy Kendall arrives at my house, eager to teach my child.

“Hello!” she greets, flashing a bright smile when she sees me.

“I brought some extra study materials for the lesson. Are there any specific instructions you have for me today?”

Cassidy is my daughter’s tutor. At 21 years old, she’s a junior at the local college. She has done wonders for Becky in reading, writing, and math. Standing short with a lithe dancer's body, Cassidy is undeniably cute.

Today, her dirty blonde hair is styled in twin braids that bounce off her shoulders. She wears an ivory button-down satin shirt tied at the bottom, revealing her toned belly, paired with a frayed denim mini skirt that accentuates her long, shapely legs, ending in a pair of flip flops.

“Oh my goodness, Cassidy, hello!” I exclaim, guilt washing over me.

“I’m so sorry, Becky is at her mom’s for the week. I can’t believe I forgot to call you.”

Becky’s mom and I separated a few years ago but remain amicable. Becky has settled in well, and her mom got tickets to Disney World. I certainly wasn’t going to get in the way of that.

Cassidy’s emerald eyes widen in surprise before softening with understanding. She sets down her bag of study materials, her slender fingers brushing against my arm in a comforting gesture.

“Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear about the mix-up. Don’t worry about it at all—these things happen sometimes.”

Her gaze lingers on me for a moment, taking in my tall, fit frame and passably handsome features. A faint blush colors her freckled cheeks as she realizes she’s been staring.

“Well, since Becky isn’t here, perhaps this could be a good opportunity for us to discuss her progress? Or anything else, really. You already paid for the hour…”

I smile, already knowing how Becky is doing—straight A’s this month, thanks to Cassidy. There’s a remarkable 21% bump in her standardized tests in ELA.

“I teach math for a living, at the junior college, and I can’t get her to understand it like you can. You’re a lifesaver, Cassidy. Can I get you something to drink? How is college treating you this semester?”

Cassidy beams at my praise, her green eyes sparkling with pride and appreciation.

“Thank you so much! I’m thrilled to hear Becky’s making such great strides! It’s incredibly rewarding to see her confidence growing alongside her grades.”

A playful smile tugs at her lips as she accepts my offer.

“Water would be lovely, if it’s not too much trouble. College is going really well, actually—I just aced my Advanced Lit midterm yesterday!”

She does a little twirl, her short skirt fluttering up to reveal even more of her toned thighs.

“I’ve been pouring myself into my studies and tutoring. There’s just something so fulfilling about helping kids discover their potential, you know?”

Cassidy leans against the wall, crossing one leg over the other as she regards me with open curiosity.

“Of course you did, Cassidy. And it’s Thursday, with classes off tomorrow for the start of fall break. I assume yours are too. Becky’s out for the week.”

“You’re 21 now, yes? I’ll definitely get you that water, but if you’d like a cold beer, I was about to have one before you knocked on my door…”

Cassidy’s eyes light up at the mention of the upcoming break and her birthday milestone. She uncrosses her legs and steps closer to me, her hips swaying slightly.

“You know what? A beer sounds perfect right about now. To celebrate a successful semester and…”

She glances around conspiratorially, lowering her voice,

“…turning 21, of course!”

As I move to grab the drinks, Cassidy follows me into the kitchen, leaning against the counter. The movement causes her shirt to ride up, exposing more of her smooth, tanned skin above her waistband.

“You know, I really appreciate you being so understanding about the scheduling mix-up. It means a lot.”

Her hand brushes against mine as she reaches for the offered bottle, lingering perhaps a moment longer than necessary.

I pop the top on two ice-cold bottles of Pacifico and hand one to Cassidy. I had stocked two 12-packs in my cooler for the weekend, and while I didn’t expect company, I’m glad to have it.

“Are you hungry? I just made a big bowl of guacamole. It was going to be a chips, guac, and beer night for me, and I was probably going to make a fire in the backyard later…but…”

Cassidy’s face lights up at the mention of food and my plans, her green eyes sparkling with excitement.

“Guacamole and beer sounds like the perfect combination right now! You sure know how to make a girl feel welcome.”

She takes a long sip from her bottle, a small drop of foam clinging to her upper lip. Licking it away, she smiles at me warmly.

“And a bonfire? That sounds absolutely magical, especially with this beautiful weather we’re having.”

Setting her beer down, Cassidy moves to peek out the back window, her lithe form silhouetted against the afternoon sun streaming in.

“Your backyard looks like the ideal spot for relaxing and unwinding after a busy semester.”

Turning back to me, she tilts her head thoughtfully, a mischievous glint in her eye.

I see her smile and wait to see what she’s cooking up in that pretty little head of hers.

To be continued in chapter 2...