Lessons From the Professor

“Eighteen, but who’s counting?”

“Don’t match-make.”

“Why not? He’s single, you’re single, and I’d have to be blind not to see you enjoyed one another’s company.”

“You’re not going to let this go, are you?” Sutton asked. She hit the keyless remote as they reached her car and turned to face her friend.

“No, because I really think there was a spark there. I know Sidney; he doesn’t take to people like he did with you.”

“What do you mean take to me? All he did was converse.”

“Believe me, he had the charm dialed up.”

A smile crept over her lips at the thought of the distinguished professor putting an effort into making a good impression on her. Maybe the attraction wasn’t one-sided after all.

“See!”

“See what, Leigh?” Sutton asked.

“That smirk and the sparkle in your eyes.”

“My eyes are not sparkling.”

“Whatever you say,” Leigh said. She flashed her a wink as she stepped back to allow her to enter the car, and rolled down the window.

“Just trust me, Sutton. I know what I’m doing. I got my man after all.”

“I’m going to regret humoring you, but what do you mean?”

“I don’t think I ever told you how I met James. He was my professor.”

“Why does that not surprise me? You little Lolita.”

“Soon you’ll be benefiting from all of my tricks. So, keep your little comments to yourself. The key is to make them think everything you’re getting them to do is their idea.” She stepped away from the car with a smirk that made Sutton’s stomach do flips.

“You’ll thank me later,” Leigh said. She gave a final wave of her hand before she sauntered off with an extra sway in her gait.

“Cocky wench,” Sutton whispered. A giggle bubbled up into her throat as she started her car, and backed out of the parking lot. Regardless of Leigh’s meddling, she’d had a great time. It was the reprieve she had needed.

Chapter Two

“So what did you think about Leigh’s friend Sutton?” James asked.

Sidney peered across the mahogany monstrosity that was his desk and smirked.

“I knew this question was going to come up sooner or later. I’m impressed you waited all week to ask.”

“What? You guys seemed to hit it off,” James said.

“She was pleasant to talk to,” Sidney said. He returned his attention back to the remnants of the sandwich he’d packed for lunch, and a comfortable silence filled the room. They both had breaks in between classes after noon on Tuesdays and generally took their lunch together in one of their offices.

“That’s all?” James asked a few moments later.

“It’s not as if I know Sutton very well,” Sidney said.

“So, no sparks?”

“We both know she’s easy on the eyes.”