Page 20 of Until We Meet Again

I look at his incredibly handsome face—the one I'd laid my eyes on just before his mouth crashed against mine—knowing that whatever has been growing between us is about to end.

I'm torn between shedding tears of frustration or letting out a primal scream from the depths of my lungs, but I do neither. All I know is that when the bell sounds, I have to get the hell out of here.

Chapter 9

Zane

"Okay, you all look surprised to see me. You didn't know your previous professor had resigned?" I notice a few people shaking their heads and murmuring. "I was told you'd all get an email about this."

"Nah, man. We didn't knowanything. We just showed up today expectingto see Whitaker."

"I see communication works well here." I hearsnickersbefore continuing. "How about I go over what we'll be studying, and then you can ask me any questions you mighthave at the end?" Once again, I catch whispers in the air.

Ireach forThe Great Gatsbyon my desk before refocusing on the class.

"Has anyone read this before?" As I scan the crowded room, I notice a few students raising their hands, and then my eyes land on the blonde beauty sitting in the third row. Our eyes meet, and I'm gripped by a look I can't quite understand, but I'm sure it mirrors mine.

It takes two seconds for my world to turn upside down, for my eyes to lock with the emerald ones I'd previously lost myself in, and for my ability to speak or think to disappear.

No. Anyone but her.

I snap out of my trance as quickly as possible, making sure no one notices the sudden change in my energy.

How is this fucking happening?

I'm not sure how much time has passed or how many times I've referred back to Leonardo DiCaprio's version ofThe Great Gatsby, but trying to focus on anything other than Tessa is impossible.

Just the sight of her in front of me makes me want to strip her bare and fuck her tight virgin cunt over this desk until nothing but the echoes of her screams and the smell of sex remain.

The physical pull is stronger than I've ever felt before. But it goes beyond that. Even though we're keeping things casual, there's more to it than just a casual attraction.I feel like there could be a deeper connection with Tessa than that. It's there, simmering, but I can't quite pinpoint it. However, the idea of this ending before I've had a chance to lose myself in her and the fire she ignites inside me is fucking with my head.

I try my damn hardest to avoid looking at her for the rest of the lesson, but it's pointless as my eyes keep returning to her as if she's the only thing I really see.

"Is there anything you want to ask me before you all leave?" Movement from behind Tessa pulls my attention away from her.

"Yo, what's the deal with Whitaker? Why did he bail without giving us a heads-up?"

"I don't know for sure, but I was told that the last professor had to leave due to personal problems."

Tessa straightens up with her arm raised, her sweater slipping slightly down her shoulder, revealing a glimpse of her skin that I'm desperate to sink my teeth into.

"Yes, Miss…?"

"Walsh."

"What would you like to ask, Miss Walsh?"

"With such little time to get to know us, how do you think you'll be able to grade us? It's not possible." Her tone is cold, and I can see she's angry. I get it because I'm experiencing the same feelings, but I won't tolerate being questioned as a teacher.

"Miss Walsh, I take my time getting to know my students. I've been handed all of Professor Whitaker's notes, which I'll readover the next few days to ensure your grades are fair." I can feel her stare cutting through me as if she's trying to read my thoughts, and then she speaks up again.

"Let's hope so, Professor, because most of the students in this class have worked their assesoff and deserve better."

That fucking mouth of hers is pissing me off as much as it's turning me on.

"Miss Walsh, you and I will talk after class."

As the bell sounds, students pack their belongings and leave their seats. Tessa, on the other hand, remains seated at her desk, her face expressionless.

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