AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Okay, and? Why do you look like you want to puke?”
“Sh. Keep your voice down.” I peeked over my shoulder to check her location, a little further down in the line. I whispered, “There’s a no tolerance policy regarding professors having relations with the students.”
“We aren’t doing anything inappropriate. Just two old friends who haven’t seen each other in a while getting caught up,” he defended. “Besides, we’re adults. I’m more than just a student. Surely, the dean would understand we’ve known each other since we were young.”
“Maybe she wouldn’t care how long we’ve known each other. But I got this chance at having my own classes today, only on a trial basis. I don’t want to do anything to jeopardize it. She’s the woman I’ve always looked up to, and I don’t want to give her the wrong impression of me right out of the gate.”
His brows stitch together. “I’m sorry you’re upset, but I really think it’ll be okay, though.” He tried to console me again by touching my hand across the table. This time, I jerked it away and left it in my lap.
“Listen, even if Dean Perez understands that we’re childhood friends, that’s not how it’s going to look to others. I’ve seen them actually fire good professors over this type of stuff the past year after a sex scandal rocked through the administration. Everyone is on high-alert because of it. She’s a by-the-book manager and directs the course of my career, and I’ve busted my ass to get here. I don’t want to lose that now that I’ve finally gotten this far. This is only the first day of said career.”
“All right, fine. Let’s go.” He rose from his chair, but I didn’t follow.
“Hi, Mia.” The hairs on the back of my neck stood tall at the sound of Dean Perez’s voice calling my name from behind me.
Since Teddy was already standing, he moved around the table to introduce himself. What on earth was he doing? “Hello, Dean, I’m Theodore Delfino. Thank you for your hard work at Glendale College. All the professors I’ve had so far have been a joy to learn from. Like Professor Reyes here. She and I were just discussing tutoring options. I want to get the best grades possible so I can excel moving forward in the engineering program.”
I had to hand it to him for thinking fast on his feet—and for putting in a good word for me.
She smiled warmly. “Wonderful, Theodore. Good work taking ownership and seeking help where it’s needed. I believe Mia is one of our brightest instructors this semester. I’m sure she’ll see that no student is left behind. If you both will excuse me, I have a large cup of Joe with my name on it.”
“Sure thing, have a great day, Dean Perez,” Teddy said, and I simply waved from my chair. As soon as she was out of earshot, he turned in my direction and commanded, “Let’s go.”
His tone of voice left no room for argument, so I obeyed, following him out the front door.
We were silent, but kept a pretty fast pace until we reached the corner of campus.
“Start talking, Mia. What was all that really about back there? Yeah, I get there’s a rule preventing students and teachers from having sexual relations. But your reaction was worse than the time your dad accidentally backed out of the driveway and killed your cat.” He crossed his arms.
Now he was the one scolding me. And I’d like to see what he’d do to punish me—no, wait. I just wanted to get into my car and get home. Focusing on lesson plans, losing myself in my work, would be the best way to forget all about Teddy Delfino and his gorgeous eyes staring into mine.
“It’s like I told you. I don’t want to lose the job. I need this job, or at least this career. If I were to get fired here for fraternizing with a student, what other educational system would even look at my resume? I’ll tell you—none.”
“You are not having a relationship with a student. You were having coffee with an old friend, Mia.”
I planted my feet, holding my ground in this argument. “No disrespect, Teddy, but you haven’t been around our family in a while. There’s a different set of rules now I’m expected to play by. Cruz hardly ever comes home and rarely calls. My parents barely acknowledge Diego’s life choices of not getting a degree and owning his own bar. So, that leaves me to bear all the burden of taking care of them. It’s what we do in our culture.”
He shrugged, one shoulder to his ear. “I understand. But they can’t expect you to not live your life on your terms.”
“You’ve met my parents, so yeah, they can. To take care of them, I’ll need a good-paying job, and earning tenure here is a great start. I also have an immense amount of respect for Dean Perez and don’t want her looking down on me.”
I started walking again, but he pulled me back, placing his hand on my elbow. “Mia, wait.”
“Thanks for covering for me and making up that story about tutoring and all. I’ll see you in class in a few days.” I dismissed our time together, but he caught up to me.
“Hey, I’m sorry you have all that pressure on you. I kind of know what it’s like with the way my dad was. For what it’s worth, I wasn’t lying about needing tutoring for English. I suck at reading anything. And classic literature? Forget it. I’m seriously going to fail. Can I count on you for some tutoring and still meet up for that? Maybe we could start next week?”
“Look, the campus tutoring program has some great resources and tutors they can pair you up with. I’ll give you the phone number and you can call them to schedule a meeting.”
“What? I don’t want some random person. I want the best, or nothing at all. And you’re the best. You always were, smarty pants.”
Jeez, my insides flipped at the nickname with his sexy half smile thrown my way. “I don’t know, Teddy. I’ll have to think about it. After what just happened in the coffee shop, I seriously have my reservations.”
This time, he didn’t follow as I walked away. Even though secretly I wished he would have. What I really wished to happen could never be—him pulling me into his protective arms, shielding me, and hiding me away from all the responsibilities of life for at least a moment.
5
TEDDY
