with the professor and wondered if someone else would fill in. “That’s a shame, is anyone taking his place?”
“Couldn’t get anyone at such short notice,” Professor Benson went on. “So it will just be the two of us.”
Miranda’s nerves increased, but she knew it was too late to back out. “OK,” she finally said. She watched as the professor shuffled around the papers on his desk and then filed them away. He finally finished and stood from the desk.
“Are you ready?” he asked and Miranda nodded.
The car journey began quietly with Professor Benson concentrating on the road ahead to navigate them through the heavy evening traffic. As they left the city behind, the volume of traffic reduced and the professor relaxed as he settled the vehicle to a steady pace. “So are you looking forward to the weekend?” he asked.
“It should be interesting and hopefully fun,” she replied. “Have you been many times before?”
“This is my fifth trip,” he answered. “I took over from Professor Collins about ten months ago and the college tries to arrange a trip every couple of months. I usually take a couple of students along to help out so this visit will be a little different I guess.” Miranda wasn’t certain, but she thought she caught him glancing across at the hem of her skirt. She looked down to see it was riding up her thighs a little and she shuffled back and forth as she pulled it back down. “It’s a pretty skirt,” the professor said. “It shows off your legs nicely.”
“Oh…, thanks,” said Miranda suddenly experiencing the nerves again at the slightly sexual nature of the comment. “So what is the plan for the weekend then?” she quickly went on, trying to keep the topic of conversation on the volunteer work and off her skirt and legs.
“We collected some money to take the kids out tomorrow so have planned a trip to a local science center in the morning,” Professor Benson said. “In the afternoon I have a teaching session arranged and then Saturday night and Sunday morning will just be about having fun. This is your first trip so just try to get to know some of the kids and I’ll get you involved in the teaching as we go.”
“Sure,” said Miranda. “What time will we arrive tonight?”
“We won’t get there until tomorrow morning,” the professor said. “I never like driving so late so I booked a motel at around the half way distance. We can grab some sleep and then finish the trip early in morning.”
“OK…,” Miranda said hesitantly. It was the first she’d heard of an overnight stay in a motel and she felt her nervousness rising. The sudden desire came over her to ask how many rooms were booked, but she hesitated from doing so. She sat looking out of the window, but there was little to see in the darkness. The conversation about the volunteer work carried on for a little while longer, but Miranda finally settled her head onto the seat backrest and closed her eyes. When she sensed the car slowing, she looked up and again was sure that Professor Benson was staring at the hem of her skirt. “Is that the place?” she asked as she saw the lights of the buildings they were approaching.
“Yup,” he answered. “Don’t know about you, but I am feeling tired after a long day. It will be good to get some rest.”
Miranda couldn’t hold back the question this time. “How many rooms are booked?” she asked.
“The budget would only run to one I’m afraid,” he answered “I requested a room with a double and single bed so we should be comfortable.”
Miranda could feel the quickening of her pulse. It seemed strange to be spending the night in the same motel room as a professor, but she couldn’t exactly afford to get her own so was left with no choice. Professor Benson stopped the car at the main building. “I’ll just go and get the keys,” he said and Miranda watched as he left the vehicle and