Page 34 of Falling for the Quarterback

I remain composed, but the moment I turn my head to look at her, I lose my breath. Lottie walks in, her green eyes holding a bright smile for the dean, and then she literally jerks back and her smile diminishes when her gaze lands on me.

“Oh, excuse me. I thought we were meeting, sir,” she says in apology, confusion etched across her beautiful face.

Dean gestures with a hand toward the chair next to mine. “Yes, please sit, Professor Butler. Mr. Henderson is the one who requested that we all meet together. I apologize I didn’t make that clear in my meeting invite to you.”

With one quick look, I can read the burning question on Lottie’s mind:What the hell are you doing?

“Hello, Professor,” I say in my most charming and unassuming voice. “Thanks for joining us today. You probably didn’t expect to see me in the dean’s office.”

She moves gracefully toward the chair, her fragrant scent wafting in the space between us, and I have to grab hold of the chair arms to steady myself.Do not fuck this up, I remind myself.

Once settled, she crosses one leg over the other and peers at me.

“What can we do for you, Mr. Henderson?”

Oh fuck. What can’t she do for me?

She can turn me on. Turn me out. And turn me into a sappy, lovesick puppy.

But I keep those thoughts out of my head and off my face. That’s step two of my plan. First, I need to get through Step One.

I lay my palm flat on the folder in my lap. In it is everything I need to move forward with my plan.

Operation: Make Lottie my Girlfriend.

“As you may or may not know, Professor, I recently accepted a job on the football team’s coaching staff.”

Lottie quirks an eyebrow. “Yes, I may have heard something about that. Congratulations, Mr. Henderson.”

The corner of my mouth curves in a smile. “Thank you.American football, of course.”

Her eyes twinkle at our inside joke.

I continue. “After much consideration, I’ve decided the best way to manage my limited time and to give my team the focus it deserves is for me to complete your course early. I have come prepared to submit my final paper to you in advance of the semester deadline.”

“Very admirable, Mr. Henderson,” Dean Becker interjects, pride in his voice. As if I’m doinghima favor. He glances at Lottie and leans forward. “Do you have any objections with his early submission, Professor Butler?”

I hand over the file folder that contains all the coursework from the syllabus and my final paper that I’ve worked on night and day over the weekend. When our fingers touch, a current of electricity runs up my arm.

When she accepts the folder, I notice a slight tremble of her hands. She opens it up, flipping through the printed-out assignments and paper.

“I printed it out for you, but I’ve also uploaded it all in the student portal for your review.”

“Well, this is highly unusual…” she says cautiously.

“But I’m sure we can make the exception for Hendy, don’t you?” The dean has stated it in the form of a question, but with an eyebrow raised. Lottie squirms in her chair uncomfortably.

I jump in, not wanting Lottie to feel bulldozed by any of this. I want her to see this as a good thing for both of us.

“Professor, I have learned so much while in your class. You’re a wonderful instructor and you’ve made learning about marketing very interesting. I’d remain in your class if I could.” I catch her gaze, my eyes blazing with meaning. I want her to know I’m doing this for her. Because I love her. “I just thought this would be a win-win and help me in my currentsituation.”

I let the words dangle between us. She knows what situation I’m referring to. The situation of the two of us being in a relationship, exploring what’s already started to grow between us.

The dean, however, thinks this is all about my new coaching position. He just smiles, like he’s proud of my efficiency.

Lottie chews on her bottom lip, glancing down at the papers, then to me, and finally to the dean.

“I’ll review everything this evening and let you know tomorrow if anything has been missed. Assuming it’s all in order, I’ll submit your final grade before the fall break.”

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