Reckless Hero

I’d never had to work this hard to keep a girl’s attention before.

“So,” I said, trying something different. I leaned a little closer to her and let the teasing tone fall out of my voice in favor of a more straightforward one. “Why philosophy?”

“Huh?” She looked up at me, confirming my suspicion that my presence wasn’t affecting her in the least. Her grey eyes shone from behind her glasses.

“Why did you choose philosophy as your major?” I tried again.

She shrugged and looked back down at her notebook, clearly not interested in carrying out a conversation with me. I watched her for a few seconds, waiting for her to speak, but she didn’t. She just continued doodling in her notebook.

“I’m glad we got here early,” I said as more students starting filing into the classroom. I waved and high-fived a few of the guys I knew from high school. “We wouldn’t have this lab table if we were late.”

Anna nodded. “True. I would have hated to sit in the back.”

“Didn’t you say you always sat in the back in high school?”

“I did. But this is college. It’s different. So I have to be different.”

She put down her pen when the professor walked in, instantly giving him her full attention.

I admired her focus, but was still daunted by her lack of interest in me. I could only assume I wasn’t her type.

Dammit.

Without wasting any time, the professor launched into the syllabus immediately after his teaching assistant handed them out.

“I’m a stickler for punctuality,” the professor warned. “So if you’re late to class, don’t bother showing up at all. I won’t let you in. And remember, all assignments are due on the date the syllabus states. If you’re worried, then have them completed a few days ahead of time. That way, if an emergency arises, you already have the work done.”

I listened with raised eyebrows.

Was he serious? He wasn’t going to allow late assignments?

I exhaled slowly and glanced at Anna to see how she was reacting. I found her staring at the professor with wide eyes, scribbling down notes while he spoke.

It was apparent that she’d meant what she said about taking the class seriously.

Right then and there, I knew if I was going to be successful in my pre-law classes, I had to get my act together. Shameless flirting and letting myself get distracted wouldn’t get me into law school. This professor meant business, but so did I. I wasn’t going to let my perfect academic record slip through my fingers.

As the professor finished explaining the syllabus, I made a vow to put aside my attraction to Anna and stay focused. I pulled out my own notebook and grabbed a pen from my backpack as the professor was just about to start the lesson of the day.

I didn’t want to miss a single word.

By the end of the hour, I had two pieces of paper completely filled with notes. The professor was a fast speaker and my hand ached, but in a good way.

When we were dismissed, I packed my stuff slowly and glanced at Anna. She was tossing her notebook into her bag and putting the top back onto her pen.

She still hadn’t looked at me since before class, something I was keenly and regrettably aware of despite my vow to stay focused. And as it turned out, staying focused was easier said than done, for each time the air conditioning kicked on and blew the scent of Anna’s perfume my way, I knew I was a goner. Her scent, not to mention the way the cool air rustled her hair, made my whole body tense.

She was so beautiful. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t noticed her before.

“That was a good first class,” I said lamely, smiling when she looked at me.

She nodded and smiled back politely. “Yeah. I thought it was interesting.”

She then stood and made her way to the door, leaving me hurrying after her.

“So,” I said, falling into step beside her in the hallway, “I was thinking that since we’re already sitting together, we could be study partners. I have a feeling this class is going to be a killer, so we’ll both need the extra help.”

Anna looked at me for a second and then averted her gaze. I couldn’t tell if I had insulted her by implying she might need help, but it was the truth as far as I was concerned. That professor wasn’t fucking around; it would be easier on both of us if we had help studying.