“I missed English this morning,” I tell Jason.
“So did I,” he says. Great, this will look so incriminating, Grant will jump to conclusions. Deena comes along and joins us and we’re all laughing as I’m talking excitedly about seeing Maroon 5. Just then I see my Professor man walk by. Our eyes lock for a brief moment and I freeze mid-sentence. He starts walking towards our table and I swallow hard trying to get rid of the lump that’s forming in the back of my throat. Jason finally sees Professor Montgomery once he gets to our table and he greets him.
“Hi Professor Montgomery,” Jason smiles and says in a friendly tone.
“Mr. Bancroft, Miss Clarkson,” Grant says, nodding coldly at each of us, “I see you were able to make it to campus for lunch, but not to my class this morning,” he continues with raised eyebrows. My heart is racing, my palms are sweating and my nipples harden when I think of how I saw him last. What the hell is Grant thinking approaching us like this? I can’t meet his eyes, I’m afraid they will give something away to my friends and I can’t risk it all. I let Jason speak for us, which I know is a mistake.
“Sorry Professor, we had a late night, it won’t happen again,” I cringe inside at Jason’s cocky answer. He will never get an A from Professor Montgomery now.
“See that it doesn’t,” Grant clips out and strolls off.
“That guy, what’s his deal?” Jason questions, looking across the table at me. All I do is shrug.
“You’re Professor is an absolute hunk, you could get lost in those blue eyes of his,” Deena says dreamily as she rests her chin on her hand. She watches Professor Montgomery walk away. I just continue eating without a word and Jason looks at me curiously. Deena is oblivious as she’s still swooning over my Professor.
“You should see the girls perk up the minute that guy walks into the classroom,” Jason complains to Deena.
“Heck I would too. My English Professor is an old crabby lady. Why didn’t I know to get Professor Montgomery? I would really pay attention instead of falling asleep like I do now,” Deena sighs.
“I need to get to class.” I grab my backpack and head outside, I need to get some air. I go and sit down on the grass by my next class and I text Grant.
Clarissa: I’m sorry I missed class today, I slept through my alarm this morning.
Grant: Were you alone?
Clarissa: Of course, Deena had to wake me up.
Grant: Tomorrow night then.
Clarissa: Yes. 5:00
Grant: See you then.
I leave it at that and slide my phone into my pocket and walk to Bio so I can fall asleep during the lecture. I walk in and sit next to my friend Alex.
“Let’s study together tonight for the test,” Alex says.
“Sure, sounds good. I’ll be at Doheny, downstairs to the right in the back after 3:00,” I tell Alex. Jason will pout about Alex joining us, but I need a study partner for Bio, I’m struggling in that class. Plus this will keep Jason at arm’s length until I figure out what I am going to do.
Jason joins us briefly then he has to leave. His frat is having an exchange tonight with Deena’s sorority. Alex and I keep studying and he sees me home safely.
The next morning as I’m getting ready for class Deena tells me about her exchange last night with the Sigma Chi house.
“So did you have a Close Encounter last night?” I ask teasingly.
“No, I wasn’t in the mood believe it or not. I’ve slowed my pace since I now have 60 days,” she laughs. “Do you know my house President, Tabitha Flowers?”
“Is she a beautiful busty blonde?” I ask.
“Yeah, that’s her. She and Jason were really flirting with each other last night,” she tells me.
“He must have a thing for blondes. Do you think they hooked up?” I try to ask nonchalantly.
“No, I saw him leave alone with his frat brothers. Why are you jealous?” Deena asks.
“Of course not,” I reply as I finish putting on my lip gloss.
“Yeah, keep telling yourself that, Clarissa. I remember how upset you were when he hooked up with your pledge sister, what was her name, Nicole?”
“Don’t be ridiculous, I’m not jealous. I need to get to English. See you later,” I say, walking out the door.
I’m one of the first students to arrive in class this morning and Grant is leaning against his desk, sleeves rolled up and looking damn sexy today.
“Miss Clarkson,” he says, acknowledging my presence.
“Good Morning, Professor Montgomery,” I reply brightly and friendly, making sure there is no familiarity present in my tone of voice. Let’s see if Jason keeps his promise to the Professor that he will not be missing class again.
~~ To Be Continued~~
~~In Close Encounters 5~~
Close Encounters 5
New Adult and College Romance Series
Book 5
By
C.C. Cartwright