12. Chapter 12
Chapter 12
Rebecca
R unning into Eli before class was utterly mortifying. Ever since our conversation in his office the other day, I can’t stop thinking about what he said. Both the good and bad.
But he was right to send me away, because I would have let it become so much more in that moment. And that cannot happen again.
The thing that’s distracting me, that has me chewing on my pen cap and staring at him instead of taking notes, is that he looked…flustered.
Of course, I don’t know him well, but so far, every interaction, even in his office, he’s been so in control. And in the hallway, he just seemed not to be.
And for the amount of time I’ve been staring at him, I can tell that he is very meticulously trying not to look at me. A smile spans his face as he says something about microeconomics and the pen cap falls from my mouth. I have to wipe the corners of my lips to remove the drool that started to pool.
He’s way too sexy to be a professor. I never would have expected him to be. When we met, I figured he was in finance or engineering. I’d always pictured economics professors as old coots with heads full of white hair. Probably not all that different than Albert Einstein, if I’m being honest.
Everybody starts slamming their books shut around me, and I straighten in my seat, glancing down at my paper.
Fuck. I didn’t take a single note. The only thing scribbled in black ink is today’s date.
More than half the class is already gone by the time I start packing my things away. I feel the burning sensation of eyes on me and lift my head to see Eli staring at me with a frustrated look on his face.
He nods to a student who waves at him on his way out, but Eli stays planted in place.
Part of me is screaming to hurry up and get out of there, while another part is causing me to linger. I’m not sure which part is smarter at the moment.
Eli clears his throat and leans his hands on the first row of tables. “Planning on staying all day?”
“I, uh, got a little distracted. Sorry. I’ll be out of your hair in a minute.” I throw my bag over my shoulder and walk to the end of the aisle, turning and putting my foot on the next step when his voice stops me.
“You know, it might be better for both of us if you dropped my class.”
Ice runs through my veins and tingles in my chest. His voice is void of emotion, of anything. It seems easy for him to just do away with me. What he said in his office wasn’t bad enough? Now he needs to add that I should leave his class? He really doesn’t even want to have to see me.
“And why would I do that?” I glance over my shoulder but can’t turn to face him. I’d lose whatever little bit of resolve I have left.
“It might prevent you from being distracted during class time.”
I hold my chin up high and turn to face him. “I signed up to take econ with you because you’re the best. I’m here to get an education, professor . I’m ready to leave the past in the past if you are.”
A narrowed gaze is all that meets me before he crosses his arms against his chest. “Then I guess we have nothing further to discuss, because I am as well.”
With that, I spin on my heel and climb the few steps to the door, but his voice stops me one more time.
“Oh, and Rebecca? Be sure to get today’s notes from someone. You’ll need them for the first test.”
Grinding my teeth, I take a deep breath and leave the classroom. He’s certainly not going to make this easy on me. Though I’m not surprised.
I need to do exactly what I said and move on. Maybe Tasha can help. She knows something’s up, but I haven’t divulged what. It’s not worth the risk. Even though Eli clearly wants nothing to do with me, I don’t want to get him in trouble. Not only because he’s a good professor, but because the Baker sisters have given me so much.
Today’s my first day of work since the semester started and I’m dreading it. I know they’re going to ask about taking class with their brother. What do I say to that?
I practice the possibilities during the whole thirty-minute drive to Juniper Grove.
The second I’m through the door, Liv’s eyes widen and she pounces. “How are your classes? How’s class with my brother?”
“Um, good so far. I’ve only had two with him, so not much to go on yet.” That seems foolproof. And true.
She deflates a little. For some reason, I feel like she was expecting me to sing his praises. And while I certainly could do that, I highly doubt it’s in a way any sibling would want to hear about their brother or sister.
“I guess that’s true. I didn’t think of that. Well, I know you’re in for a great semester with him. And I’m not just saying that ’cause he’s my brother. Mostly.”
“He is a highly rated professor at the school. That’s why I chose to take the class with him. So far so good. I’m sure it’ll keep up.” Hopefully, that’s all that keeps up. Every time he utters my name my heart races and my palms get sweaty. Which is an unfair reaction, considering he’s making it clear we were a one-time thing and that it’s definitely over. Whatever happened in his office was a purely physical reaction that he couldn’t control. I don’t expect him to slip up again.
Liv walks me through the day, explaining the specials and how business has been and what to expect for this time of year as the seasons change.
I try my hardest to focus on the words coming out of her mouth, but every time she looks at me, I get such a strong sense of Eli. I never noticed how much they look alike.
It seems like everything about this semester is going to be difficult.