Chapter 2
CHAPTER TWO
HOT FOR TEACHER BY VAN HALEN
Sienna might have been correct about my time management. Being late is the worst thing in the world. I mean that with everything inside of me; I hate it but as Sienna said, I always manage to end up late.
Today, it wasn’t my fault. Really, it wasn’t.
I was going to be on time to class but then I got stopped by the manager of my apartment building who happens to be my boss, and he had a million and one things to say.
I’m regretting working the front desk at the place I live because I have to see that persistent man every morning, inevitably making me tardy.
I’ve been up every single night for the past few days watching all of my favorite romantic comedies, and TV shows to complete this master list for Si.
Because of that, I might have woken up a little bit later than planned today.
It wouldn’t be that big of a deal under normal circumstances but this isn't a normal circumstance.
Most every class I take at Seattle Pike University is stadium style which means there are at least a hundred students.
I wouldn’t be missed if I decided not to show up at all.
This course, in particular, is one of the only ones I have that’s small, made up of only about thirty students.
So if I’m not there, I’ll be marked absent.
I will be there, just five minutes later than I should be, with sweat dripping down my back. No big deal.
I walk through the quad surrounded by trees, the math hall in perfect view in front of me.
To my left is the street, lined with beautiful blooming magnolias, and cars of students.
The other side of the street is lined with the same pretty grove along the sidewalk in front of one of the science buildings.
Summer is here already. This is my last hour of lecturing before finals next week which means I must show up.
I want to know everything that will be on this test, and Professor Gallen always tells us every detail.
I like school. I like it because it's the calm before the storm of the weekend. Yes, it’s stressful. Tests, books, and notes, but it’s nothing I can’t handle. I’ve always been keen on going to class all throughout high school and college.
“Hey Kamryn,” One of the lacrosse players waves at me, I wave back, flashing a smile.
“Hey, Kam!” Another voice says.
I turn, and see Sienna coming right out of the doors I’m about to walk through.
“Hey, Si,” I wave to her as she bounces down the stairs.
“Do you need me to help you study tonight for your human anatomy class?” Sienna asks, and I shake my head in response.
“Nope, I’ve actually got it covered for once!” That’s the only class for my major that keeps me up at night.
Sports medicine wasn’t my dream when I was younger, but ever since middle school, I’ve never wanted anything more than to be on a field. Preferably a football field.
It didn’t matter what school I went to for sports med, but I chose this one because of my academic and in-state scholarships, and the fact that Seattle Pike University has some of the best sports teams in the country.
Our football team, lacrosse teams, volleyball, and soccer.
I knew I would get the most hands-on experience here considering we have a budget for every sports team.
Hell, we even have a Quidditch team. It was also perfect because no one from my small high school decided to come here and it felt like a fresh start.
“Are you headed in for Professor Gallen?” Sienna asks, and I nod. “Good luck. This final is going to be hell.”
I sigh deeply at her words. “I’m late, and in trouble now. Great,” I joke.
“Are you going to come to Leah’s party with me tomorrow?” She passes me, turning around and walking backward as she awaits my answer.
“I don’t see why not… I’m late so I’ve got to run, but I’ll text you, we can ride together,” I smile at her and she walks off.
I charge the doors and walk to the end of the hall where our class is.
It shouldn’t be such a big deal that I wasn’t here exactly at 10 A.M…
other students aren’t on time more often than not but I already feel a small bit of embarrassment creeping up in my throat at the thought of everyone looking at me when I enter the room.
I peer through the window in the door, and Professor Gallen is already at the front.
I take a deep breath and open the door, knowing I just have to rip the bandaid off.
Normally I’m partial to attention, but now…
not so much. Just as I suspected, eyes turn from the professor to me.
I give a close-lipped smile, slipping through desks to the empty one in the middle of the class.
“Thank you for showing up Ms. Hart,” Professor Gallen speaks.
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” I say under my breath.
I look up to see the only empty desk and, of course, the one behind it. I already see the smirk. His classic dimple is already formed on his cheek. Pearly white teeth, and a million-dollar smile. His gaze is already set on me.
Bellamy’s got a full head of sloppy brown hair that I know he does nothing with to make it look as good as it does which is annoying in and of itself.
Just like the pretty bright blue color of his eyes.
Bellamy Archer, quarterback, heartthrob, charmer, and complete annoyance.
I haven’t seen him once since I tutored him a few days back, but he seems happier than ever to see me.
“I was starting to think I’d be missing that beautiful face of yours today.”
Bellamy has hardly ever been able to control the fact that he’s a grade-A flirt. I’ve been tutoring him since this semester started, and he hasn’t ceased his irrational flirting. I don’t mind it, but part of me thinks he’s a bit delusional because he’s never going to win this game.
“I don’t have time for you today Bellamy,” I whisper.
I feel a soft tug on my hair. I turn slightly. One of my lengthy black strands is curled around his long finger. I stare blankly at his annoyingly handsome face.
“Make time?” He gives an innocent smile, his cute dimple carving into his cheek.
Okay, I have a slight weakness for dimples. So what? I move my head forward, the strand of hair falling from his finger. I like Bellamy’s attention, but it’s distracting right now so I ignore him instead of replying.
Bellamy is probably one of the most sought-after guys on campus…
and it’s a large campus. He’s like royalty here, him and his best friends and roommates Griffin and Lawson.
Quarterback, running back, and wide receiver, like three peas in a pod.
Though all of our teams are incredible, our football team really is the best that there is.
National championships. Some of the highest-ranked players in the nation.
The highest NFL draft rate too. If you play football, you come here.
Everyone knows our team, and if you go to this school, you know Bellamy Archer, Lawson Bennet, and Griffin Jones.
Especially since Bellamy is a shoo-in for the Heisman next year.
I watch Professor Gallen, trying not to get motion sick from his excessive hand movements today.
He’s a great instructor, he just makes my head spin sometimes.
I follow along, writing what’s important, and making a star in my notes by everything he says will be on the final.
I’m ready as it is, but there’s no harm in going over the materials a few more times this weekend.
Class is over before I know it, and we’re even let out a little early which is great. I make my way toward the double doors leading to the quad.
“Hart! Hey, Hart!” Bellamy’s calls, with an obnoxious use of my last name.
I know that there’s no use in trying to outrun a football player. I stop and turn around. He jogs to me, coming to a slow stop right in front of me. I stare up at the tall man in front of me.,
“Yes?”
He wears loose-fitting jeans that are cuffed at the ankles and a pair of Vans.
He has on a white t-shirt that’s bigger on him but still shows off how muscular his chest and arms are.
Part of his tattoo is peeking from the left sleeve of his shirt, it’s the only sign of ink he’s got on his body.
He has on a backpack as well, with only one strap resting on his shoulder.
My eyes roll over his body until they meet his eyes.
“Tutoring, I need you before the final,” He makes his demand, and I raise my eyebrows at him.
He looks at me, hesitates, and flashes a full smile, his perfect teeth revealed to me.
“Alright, fine. Tonight,” I offer, but he sucks in a sharp breath between his teeth.
“I can’t tonight I have-”
“Practice?” I already know what he’s going to say.
This is a common occurrence with him. This man might as well take a sleeping bag and rest his head on the football turf instead of his bed. The boys have all been off for the past three months from practicing from what I know, so I wonder why there’s practice tonight.
“How did you know?” He jokingly nudges my shoulder, and I glare at him.
I’m not easily annoyed by much, but Bellamy’s consistent joking is something that might get on my nerves more than I’d like to admit. He’s never serious, I don’t know if he’s capable of being serious unless it’s from a relationship standpoint.
“I’m glad you find this amusing, but tonight is all I’ve got. The final is on Monday,” I remind him.
“What about tomorrow?” He asks.
“Party that I refuse to miss because I’m tutoring your sorry ass.”
His jaw drops. “How rude,” He jokes.
He’s got to be at least 6’1, possibly taller, which is significant compared to my 5’4. He’s a skyscraper in men’s clothing. A skyscraper with a heart-melting smile that he’s flashing at me right now.
“Why do you have practice? The season is over, can’t you-”
“It’s not actual practice. You know summer sessions are happening in a few weeks and I have to go do the drills that coach called. Come on Hart, give me something, anything,” He practically begs, and I tighten my hold on myself, keeping my arms crossed over my chest.
He’s persistent and charming, which are two very dangerous qualities to have.
“Can you stop calling me by my last name like I’m a football player? And I can’t help you, Bellamy, I’m sorry. We tutored the other day, you said you were fine,” I shrug.
“Saturday?”
I shake my head at his suggestion, “I’m working, and then I have plans.”
“Fine, Sunday?” He gives another option.
“The student center isn’t even open on Sunday.”
We’ve never studied anywhere other than the student center. Bellamy gets distracted far too easily, even in a place designed for studying. I’m not trying to make excuses. I don’t mind tutoring him, but I’m not going out of my way to make it possible.
“So come to my apartment then,” Bellamy stops talking when he hears me laughing at the silly proposal.
“Do you really think we could get any studying done with Griffin and Lawson?” I mention his roommates who are both loud and rowdy just like Bellamy, and every other player on their team.
“Good point… I can come to you then,” He offers. I stare at him blankly. “Please... Pretty please with me on top? I’ll do anything, Kamryn. Please.”
If he actually needs help, I’d be a complete dick to say no. I’ve been tutoring him all semester to prepare for this test. I would hate for it to be for nothing.
“I mean I do know where you live. Technically I can just show up, and beg you on your doorstep. I have great puppy dog eyes, and I’m phenomenal at begging,” He tilts his head, his full lips pressed into a suggestive grin.
He wiggles his eyebrows at me, only making me roll my eyes. That doesn’t change the fact that I’m smirking too.
“Fine, you can come to my apartment. I swear to god, you better not be late,” I say.
He smiles a big toothy grin now. We’ve worked around his football schedule all semester so I don’t see why I can’t do it one last time.
Normally he tries to do anything but study but he seems to have improved in class considering the coach doesn’t have a problem with his grades since earlier this semester, so I guess something must be working.
He’s going to be in my home though which is different…
Very different. No funny business is allowed, not at all.