25. Alexis
CHAPTER 25
Alexis
I ’m pulled from my thoughts when I slam into someone.
“Ouch.” I stumble backward, holding my arms out for balance. My eyes lift to the dark-haired girl rubbing her arm. With her other hand, she pushes her long, sleek hair away from her face, her big brown eyes staring at me apologetically.
“I’m sorry.” We say in unison and then laugh.
I open my mouth, but she holds up her hand, silencing me. “It was my fault. I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going.”
“Me, either.” I give her an embarrassed grin. “I was lost inside my head.”
“Same.” She grins and nods. “I’ve forgotten my manners in the collision. I’m Sophia Myers.” She extends her hand, and I take it.
“Alexis Morgan. But you can call me Lexi.”
“Nice bumping into you. Literally.” She shakes my hand, her warm smile welcoming. I immediately like her.
“It was a pleasure bumping into you,” I gesture to the building a short distance away. “I’ve got to hurry before I’m late for class.”
She looks at the building. “Whitmore Social Sciences? I’m heading there, too.”
I cringe at her words, hating that I’m heading into a building with the name of Evan’s great-grandfather on it. Unfortunately, their influence stretches far and wide.
“For what class? I have Psychology.”
“With Dr. Boyle?” She raises her brows.
“Yes. At least, that’s the professor’s name on my schedule when I looked at it on Friday.”
“Oh, I’m glad.” She squeezes my arm. “That’s where I’m going. Wanna sit together?”
“I’d like that.” We take off toward the building. “I’m glad we ran into one another.”
Sophia laughs. “Same. I’ve only been here one semester, and lemme tell you, there’s some snobby rich bitches around here.”
“This is my first day, but I don’t doubt it.” My nose wrinkles as I spot a group of impeccably dressed girls ahead, their hair and makeup perfect.
“It’s sickening. I don’t think anyone wears sweatpants to class.”
“I’m sure they don’t.” Nervousness courses through me as I look at the imposing building. “Do you know anything about Dr. Boyle?”
“I heard he’s one of the easier Psychology professors.”
“That’s a relief.”
Sophia holds the door for me, pointing toward the hallway ahead. “I feel that. My stepfather imposes strict GPA requirements, or he’ll cut my funding.”
I spot the room number ahead. “Oh my gosh. Mine, too. He’s a tyrant. His son is just as bad. He’s a student here, and his name is?—”
Jerking to a stop, my words die in my throat as my gaze locks with familiar charcoal eyes. A smug, satisfied smile curls his lips as he lounges near the podium.
Sophia slams into the back of me. “Lexi, what’re you doing?”
“Having a nightmare,” I mutter.
Sophia looks confused as I stomp away, intent on ending this nonsense.
“What the hell are you doing here? And why are you standing near the podium?” My hands clench into fists. “Don’t tell me you’re the TA.”
Evan leans closer to me, warm amber cologne infiltrating my senses. “Wrong.” He pauses for dramatic effect. “I’m your professor.”
A hysterical laugh bubbles up and explodes from my list. “So funny. So you’re the new TA, huh?”
“No, Lexi. I’m teaching the class.” His commanding voice leaves no room for doubt.
My laughter dies in my throat as I shake my head. “No way. Dr. Boyle is listed as the instructor on my schedule.”
“He was listed on your schedule. It was updated this morning because I didn’t sign and return the contract until late Friday afternoon.” His unnerving stare bores into mine. “Take a look.”
Reaching into my backpack, I fumble for my phone. My hands shake as I unlock it and pull up my email.
I spotted one from the Registrar’s office with “Instructor Change” in the subject line, so I clicked on it.
Dread fills me as I read it. “Oh, fuck. You’re not lying.”
Evan crosses his arms over his chest, cocking his head. “No, Lexi, I’m not lying.” He winks at me. “We’ll see a lot of each other this semester.”
I mimic his body language, folding my arms over my chest. “Where’s Dr. Boyle?”
“He was approved for a last-minute sabbatical.” He lifts one shoulder in a shrug. “They asked if I’d teach?—”
I’m frantically shaking my head. “No. You did this. You manipulated the situation. I don’t know how, but it was you.”
“How would I do that, Lexi? Be reasonable.”
I take a step back, then another, as a horrific thought occurs. “Dr. Boyle was supposed to be my advisor. Does that mean…” My mouth is so dry I can’t finish the words.
His smirk makes me wanna smack his face. “Yes, Lexi. I’m your professor… And your academic advisor.”
Fuck me.
Without saying another word, I whirl around, my frantic gaze searching for Sophia. She’s sitting in the second row, her face sympathetic.
Defeat makes my shoulders slump as I head to her, my thoughts chaotic.
“How do you know Evan?” Sophia says as I slide into the seat beside her.
“He’s my stepbrother,” I whisper.