Page 2 of Drew
The professor stands in the center of the room for just a moment before clearing his throat. Everyone scatters to their seats as the aging man in the tweed jacket gathers some papers to put onto a podium. Once everyone’s settled, the professor stands in front of the room and announces, “Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Look to the person next to you. This is your permanent lab partner. There’s no switching unless you want a ten percent reduction of your grade.”
Gasps are heard around the room, and a light chuckle escapes from me as I glance to the girl next to me. Her jaw practically lands on the table, and it’s all I can do to contain my amusement.
I manage to mumble, “It’s a good thing I chose you for a partner then, isn’t it?” as the professor launches into discussing the syllabus as well as his expectations for the semester.
Somehow, Abby manages to regain her composure, and the two of us spend the remainder of class taking copious notes. Abby’s diligent, and that’s just what I need with the season getting started and my full course load to stay on track for graduation.
Typically, athletes take fewer credits during the season, but if I’m to graduate on time and get into the school of my dreams, I can’t afford to slow my pace. As it is, I’m already busting my butt and have had to take summer classes to get the extra classes necessary for admissions.
When class ends, Abby quickly gathers her things and abruptly stands. She won’t even look in my direction as she makes her way out of the room. I can’t help but stare after her and wonder what our next class will bring.
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2
Abby
When I returnto lab the following Tuesday, I’m quickly reminded of how I left. To avoid any conversation with my extremely popular lab partner, I stormed out of the classroom, wondering how I’ll get through this semester.
He might not be that bad, but the string of people who kept stopping by… No, thank you.
Unfortunately, I remember the professor’s words all too well. I can’t afford a drop in my grade, especially this early in the semester.
It’s only one semester, Abby. You can do this.
Of all the places he could sit, why did he choose my table? When he mumbled something about specifically choosing me, what the hell did he mean by that?
Shit, is he planning on using me like Toby did my sophomore year?
Christ. I can’t go through that again. There’s no way in hell, I’d survive. I’m already taking twenty credits and working as many hours as I can at the library. I can’t afford to pull someone along to maintain the grade I deserve. Don’t even get me started on how it felt to be used emotionally either.
Been there, done that. Don’t need the t-shirt.
When I walk in, I’m relieved to find my table empty. I sit and unpack my things to settle in for class. I’m reviewing this week’s reading assignment to make sure it’s fresh in my mind when the hair on the back of my neck pricks. As if my body knows he’s here before I consciously do, I’m alerted to the scrape of a stool next to me.
I smile a greeting in his direction.
Maybe today will be different?
He nods once, then digs into his backpack, and for the most part, ignores me.
The smell of his cologne permeates the air, and my stomach does a small involuntary flip. I take a moment to take him in, realizing I might not have given him a fair chance the last time we met.
Okay, I’ll admit it, the man’s hotter than anyone I’ve ever laid eyes on in a science lab. His dark hair makes his blue eyes pop and smolder. His large frame fills out the black shirt he’s wearing, as if it’s been tailor made for his well-defined chest underneath. His square jaw with just the right amount of scruff and perfect lips are set in a straight line. When my gaze finally returns to his eyes, I find him staring expectantly.Holy hell! Get it together, Abby. He’s just a guy.But why did he choose to sit by me?
To regain control over my body’s reaction to the mysterious man sitting next to me, I quickly return my attention to my book. Though let’s be honest, I’ve hardly read more than a page since he made his presence known.
My ability to focus is thwarted by his sexy masculine scent and the unpacking of his materials for class. From the corner of my eye, I can’t help but watch his every move. As he pulls out a notebook, his muscular arms flex, and his elbow slightly brushes my arm, sending shivers down my spine.
Just like last time, people continue to stop and chat with him before class begins. My mind drifts to our last encounter, and I grimace.
I’m quickly reminded of how he thought he was too important to be bothered to mention his name…and how my instant crush ended. The man may be hot as hell, but he’s one of the cockiest people I’ve ever met, and that’s a major turnoff. Hell, I don’t have time to date, even if he wasn’t so arrogant, so it’s a moot point.
As our professor gets lab started, I’m relieved to find the guy next to me may be a jock, but at least he isn’t a dumb jock. He’s able to hold his own when it comes to our chemistry lab. We work solidly together until the professor announces we can take a short break and leave when we’re through.
“Do you mind if we work through the break? I have someplace I have to be after class,” Mr. No Name asks.
I’d ask his name but after working with him for the past hour, it’s just beyond weird to ask now. Maybe he’ll get called something other than Dude, or Man and I can figure it out, when the time comes.
