So far, being back on campus, being a professor is scratching that itch, that need for something more.
Only one hiccup in the beginning, the girl Reanna Lorak charging in late and then staring up at me a little too long and with a little too much interest. It caught me off-guard.
Long, dark hair, stunning blue eyes… Something was strangely familiar about her, her eyes, her face. I couldn’t place it. I could swear it was as if we’d met before, and for a second, it nearly threw off the whole rhythm of the class, which was potentially embarrassing.
Of course, being the professional I am, I shook off the phantom feeling and got down to business. I couldn’t possibly know that young woman.
Heading for the door, I notice the guy she sat with hanging around Sharon’s seat in the risers.
“So you’re the class enforcer?” He’s clearly flirting.
Sharon smiles in a dismissive way. “I’ll be grading your quizzes and taking attendance. That’s as much as I do.”
“Pretty powerful.” His hands are in his pockets, and he’s a decent-looking fellow if a bit smarmy—not that it matters. Sharon can do what she wants.
“Sorry to interrupt.” I pause beside them. “Just heading back to my office. Sharon, thanks for your help today.”
She’s on her feet at once, sliding her notebook and laptop into the messenger bag at her feet. “I’ll walk with you.”
In the hall, the sea of students has thinned to a trickle as the next hour of classes begins. Glancing back, I notice the guy heading out the door of the building.
“Looks like you picked up an admirer,” I tease.
“One for me, twenty-five for you,” she teases right back, but I dismiss her comment with a wave.
“That’s a non-starter, but you and that guy are both students. You could pursue it.”
“No way.” Her lip curls. “He’s bad news.”
“Is that so?” I exhale a laugh. “What is your definition ofbad news, Miss Stead?”
She shakes her head. “He’s a fuckboy. Women are notches on his bedpost, and his datesalwaysdo the walk of shame.”
“Hm,” I nod, knowing the type. “But you’re a strong young woman. No judgment here if you want to blow off a little steam.”
“No thanks. I don’t expect commitment, but I do expect courtesy.”
“Smart girl.”
“Woman.” She corrects me, bumping my arm with her elbow. “Anyway, I’ve got to get to Landon’s class. See you tomorrow.”
“See ya, and hey, let me know if you have any problems with that guy.” I don’t like fuckboys either, and it’s possible my experience with Hana has made me a bit overprotective.
“You’re sweet, and I will.” She gives me a wink before hurrying away.
Taking out my key, I unlock the door to my office. I plan to hop online, make those syllabus updates, then head out to lunch.
I’ve just sat down when a soft tapping starts on my door. “Professor Winston?”
It’s a low female voice, smoky with the faintest hint of an accent, and even though I’ve only heard it once, I recognize it immediately.
“Come in.” My stomach tightens as Reanna Lorak steps into the small space I share with my computer. Alone.
Her blue eyes are so intense, and she’s tall with that magnetic quality models have. She’s still in those jeans and that top, tiny spaghetti straps, no bra, nipples pointed. She’s fit like an athlete, and I blink a few times, tearing my eyes away from her midriff.
Jesus, fuck that. I’m not ogling her body, what the hell?
I’m the professor.