“I’m sorry, but all guests need to be announced.”

I can hear the pitter-patter of his loafer-clad feet in hot pursuit behind me.

“Then announce me,” I retort over my shoulder without stopping. I press the Call button and thankfully one of the six elevators opens immediately. Jesus, what have I gotten myself into? “I’m going to the penthouse. Ms. Wilde’s waiting.” Elizabeth is on the twelfth floor. I have no idea if that’s the penthouse, or if this building has a penthouse, but it sounded good.

I step into the elevator and turn back to face him with my arms crossed. He’s scowling at me. I give him a knowing smile and a dismissive finger-wave as the doors close.

Fuck you, Jeeves.

I rock side to side on my feet in the elevator, trying to work out some of this nervous energy. I’m not having second thoughts. Five thousand dollars is a lot of money. I just don’t get what I’m doing here. I have no idea why she picked me. This girl could afford a Hemsworth brother. One of the un-famous ones, at least. The whole idea seemed crazy when she first asked me in the library. I mean, a sex tutor?

That’s insane. Saying yes was insane. There’s a one-in-ten chance I’m walking into an it-puts-the-lotion-on-its-skin sort of situation.

I take a deep breath, hold it for a few seconds then let it out slowly as I roll my shoulders. I’ve had sex with girls for worse reasons, including simple boredom. When Elizabeth propositioned me, I was flattered, even curious, but more than anything surprised. Elizabeth isn’t exactly a sex kitten, but she’s not a hideous beast either. She’s too conservative for my taste, but I’m sure nerds around the world would cream their jean shorts at the thought of getting into her granny panties.

I never would’ve called her if I hadn’t lost my job. Downsizing, my ass. I got fucked over. They think I don’t need the money just because I’m young and single? Fuck them. Everyone’s gotta eat. Even with a scholarship, college is expensive as hell. When I was a kid, my mom couldn’t pay rent, much less start a college fund.

I take another deep breath, hold it for a count of three and release it.

I called Elizabeth ten minutes after I got fired and was ready to murder someone. Somehow, after talking to Elizabeth, I wasn’t so pissed. And the sex tutor idea didn’t seem so crazy. She’s a super-shy girl who needs a bit of a confidence boost. She needs help and I need a job.

We’re a perfect pair.

A computerized voice announces the twelfth floor as the elevator doors open. I find my way down to Elizabeth’s apartment, the last one at the end of the hallway. She opens the door almost before I finish knocking. The eager little beaver has been waiting for me.

She’s wearing a loose T-shirt and jeans that are at least two sizes too big for her tiny frame, tragically managing to hide every inch of her figure.