“No. Not really. My name is Tripp.” Right. That’s it. “My sister and yours were in a sorority together. She was trying to get ahold of Julia for a party she’s having and couldn’t reach her.”
“She’s been out of town for her honeymoon, but they got back last night.” I shift my backpack higher onto my shoulder.
Zoe elbows me in the side. “I’m going to go on to class.” She eyes Tripp up and down. “I’ll see you inside.”
“I’ll be there in a second. What’s your sister’s name?”
“Laurel.” He smiles, showing off those pearly whites, and shoves a hand into the pocket of his athletic shorts. His shorts are paired with a too-snug white T-shirt, but he smells like hickory. He’s a good-looking guy, but he smells like he hit a BBQ joint for lunch.
“I’m sorry. I don’t remember my sister mentioning a Laurel.” Why didn’t I listen to Alexander when he called on him? Damn it. Professor Taylor. “What’s your last name?”
“Ouch.” He laughs and clutches his chest. “That hurts. I thought my reputation preceded me, but I guess I was wrong. It’s Dawson.”
God, I’m an idiot. “The quarterback of the football team.”
“Yes, that’s me. Tripp Dawson. Quarterback.” His eyes twinkle as the corners wrinkle. He knows he’s good-looking.
Professor Taylor strolls past us without looking in our direction. The only indication he gives that he saw me is his jaw flexing. Is he jealous? Adrenaline rushes through me. Stop being a child. He’s probably chewing gum.
When he snatches the doorknob, he looks over his shoulder, and a flash of anger fills his eyes before it’s replaced with indifference. It was so fast I’m not sure it happened.
Tripp. He’s watching me ogle Professor Taylor. I grab his arm and lean toward him. “I’ll send Julia a message and let her know your sister wants to catch up with her.”
“Thank you. I’ll let my sister know she’s been out of town.” He lifts his arm, focusing his attention on his wristwatch. “Oh, we’d better get into class. I don’t want to be late.”
He tips his head down toward me as we walk side by side. “My sister said you failed calculus last time.”
I stumble over the toe of my shoe and right myself before I fall at his feet. Seriously? Is nothing sacred? “I opted out during the drop window.”
“Well, good luck this time.” He waves his hand in front of himself, motioning for me to go through the door first.
“Thank you.” My shoulders are stiff as I march past him. Why did my sister think it was necessary to tell everyone my grades? Did she take out a billboard on the interstate? Or use a megaphone to shout it at football games?
I slump into my seat, adjust my gear at my feet, yank my cell phone out of the pocket of my jeans, and poke my finger on Julia’s face.
Me: I met Tripp Dawson before class today. His sister is Laurel Dawson. He said his sister was trying to get ahold of you. How exactly did he know I failed –
I delete the last word as I grind my teeth together. I quit before I failed. I finish the text…
Me: Quit calculus before?
The screen remains black as Professor Taylor clears his throat and begins his lecture. Five seconds. Thirty seconds. Zoe coughs and glances from me to the front of the classroom.
Professor Taylor stands in the front of the classroom with his hand poised in front of the dry-erase board. “Daisy, is there something going on that’s more important than my class?”
“No, sir.” I drop the phone on my desk, causing a loud clanking noise. Not that there’s anyone not gawking already. His eyes flash, and a sheen of sweat covers my skin.
“Good.” He spins on his heel, dismissing me, and writes on the board but not before visions of our night together erase everything else from my consciousness. All I see is Alexander’s face as I knelt in front of him. Strong. Powerful. Eyes laced with desire.
My head spins as everything in the room disappears. Don’t pass out. I suck down a gasp of air, and Zoe swivels her head toward me. Her eyes widen as she gives a disbelieving look. Shit. I dig in my backpack, searching for my notebook and a pen. I should have dropped the class. Who cares if I graduate on time. I could finish my other class, take a calculus course online next semester, and get into medical school next fall.
What’s the big deal about that? Other than my dad losing his mind–nothing.
“Okay, I hope everyone is ready for the quiz.” Alexander walks from person to person along the front row, handing out the questions, and I can’t even remember my name.
***
Forty Minutes Later