Page 43 of Trust Again

Professor Gates’ assignments were so much fun that I finished five of them before the next class. I was eager to do them not just because I wanted to make a good impression on my new professor, but because the assignments definitely boosted my creativity.

Also, my book,Hot for You, had just come out. I uploaded the story on Wednesday evening and it was already available at noon on Thursday. My first readers wrote to me on Twitter and two bloggers asked for copies for their e-readers. It still amazed me that so many people would read the stories I’d written just for fun.

Sawyer kept my secret. Sometimes she made cryptic remarks when I was sitting at my laptop, but otherwise she handled it well. All in all, I was glad that we now shared more than just a dorm room. But we didn’t see each other much that week because I was so busy with my book and with preparations for Allie’s upcoming birthday.

We were gathering at Monica and Ethan’s place to plan a surprise party for Allie. I was sitting in a huge leather armchair, telling Monica and Scott about my new class while we waited for our other friends.

“I’ve heard about him,” Scott said.

“I haven’t,” Monica said.

“He’s so friendly. And open. And completely insane, but somehow…” All I could do was shrug—it seemed impossible to really describe Professor Gates.

“Is he hot?” Scott asked, one eyebrow raised.

I frowned. “If you have a soft spot for rumpled layers and long hair, then yes.”

“You can do a lot with long hair.” Scott sighed dreamily and leaned back on the couch.

“How do you manage to twist every subject into something sexual?” Monica asked, almost admiringly.

“I’ve got a great imagination.”

“Micah wouldn’t approve.” Monica pursed her lips.

“A little fantasy never hurt anyone,” Scott said with a shrug.

I heard the door open and close behind me. Turning, I saw Ethan enter the living room with Kaden and Spencer in tow. Spencer was on his phone and gave us a little wave with his free hand, smiling.

“Got it. I’ll take a closer look at Jeremy next time,” Spencer said, chuckling. After a short silence, he looked down at his feet and grinned. “I won’t embarrass you, Livvy. I’ll be subtle. I’ll just ask him for his number and say I’m the one who thinks he’s cute.”

From across the room I could hear the person on the other end of the line cursing.

“Yeah, yeah, okay. Gotta go now, we’re planning Allie’s surprise party. Uh-huh. Sure, I’ll call again tomorrow. When I’m done… Love you too. Say hi to Mom for me. See you.” He hung up and turned toward us, smiling. Livvy had to be his nickname for Olivia. Judging by his smile and the warmth in his eyes, everything seemed okay—maybe even excellent.

“Hey, guys,” he said. “What did we miss?”

“Except for the fact that Dawn has a new prof? Nothing.” Scott’s grin was just a bit lascivious.

“Did you get into Professor Thornton’s class?” Spencer asked, leaning on the back of my armchair.

I rose and offered him my place. He blinked in surprise. Before he could protest, I had plopped down on the floor in front of the chair and leaned back against it.

“Who’s Professor Thornton?” Scott asked.

“A prof who’s so good looking that it makes me question my own sexual orientation,” Spencer said from behind me. The chair creaked as he sat down.

“If you can sneak a picture we can compare him with Dawn’s new professor,” Scott ventured.

“There is no way I am going to take a photo of Nolan for you to ogle at,” I declared.

Scott waved his index finger at me. “Aha! You’re already on a first-name basis! Oh my God, I can’t wait to tell Allie…”

“You’ll tell her no such thing!” My cheeks reddened.

“You of all people, taking up with a professor!” Scott raised his eyebrows and looked at me sidelong.

What a nut.

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