Page 21 of Revere
“Very good.” The corner of Professor Gray’s mouth ticks up ever so slightly. “Is that all?”
My cheeks are on fire from his praise, but I try not to let it show. “I could continue if that would make you happy, Professor.”
The second the words are out, I know it’s the wrong thing to say.
His jaw clenches, and his throat bobs with a thick swallow.
I didn’t mean for my comment to come out so breathy and laced with insinuation. At least no one else in class seemed to notice because the energy in the room hasn’t changed. But I sense it in the air between me and him. A current ebbs and flows.
“No, that will be all.” Professor Gray lifts off the desk, tucking his hands into his pockets, finally breaking my stare to look around the room. “Tomorrow we’ll meet at the library at eleven. You’re all dismissed.”
I immediately start shoving my books into my bag, avoiding looking at the front of the room. Something about my professor rattles me—draws out every bit of my defiance—and if I’m not careful, I’m going to do something stupid like talk back until I’m kicked out of the program. Or worse, try to climb him.
Sophia pauses at Professor Gray’s desk, and I dare to look up in time to see his attention land on her. He offers her a genuine smile. The kind that knocks the wind out of me.
Clearly, I’m not the only one who is affected because she wets her lips as a blush crawls her cheeks. She laughs at something Professor Gray says, tucking her hair behind her ear.
He must get this kind of attention all the time from students. Given his casual grin and relaxed posture, I wouldn’t be surprised if he acts on it.
My stomach churns, and I push that thought aside as Violet slides up next to me.
“That was interesting.”
“What was?” I play coy.
She bats her eyelashes. “If that would make you happy, Professor.”
Her imitation of my voice is exactly how I was hoping I didn’t sound. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Yes, you do, that’s why you won’t even look at me. Things between you and Professor Gray seem so…” She bites her lip, thinking. “Tense.”
“Well, they aren’t,” I lie. “I was just participating in the class discussion.”
“You’ve been participating a lot lately.”
“Because I need this recommendation.”
“Is that what you were discussing with him in the library stacks? A recommendation.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I glare at her.
“Never mind.” Violet hums, clearly amused. “Although, for the record, I’m with Mila. The professor is hot, and it’s not like he teaches at our school. Would it be so wrong?—”
“We aren’t having this conversation.”
“Whatever you say.” She grins. “Do you want a ride back to the apartment? Kole’s outside.”
Of course he is. Kole is always in the vicinity of Violet in one way or another. It’s annoying and overprotective and absolutely ridiculous when she’s perfectly capable of taking care of herself. And for some reason, that gets under my skin after my argument with Jacob.
Not Jacob.
Professor Gray.
“No thanks. I think I’m going to stick around campus for a little while longer. I have some books I’d like to check out.”
These assignments don’t come as easily to me as they do to Violet, and I need to make sure I do everything in my power to stay ahead.
“Okay, well, call me if you want us to come by later to get you.”
