Teaching Tucker (Face-Off Legacy/Campus Kings 3)

Another nod. “I don’t want to be another headline. My reputation is all I have at this school, and I can’t afford to lose it.”

“We can still be friends,” I offer.

She turns her head away from me, unable to meet my gaze. “Friends don’t kiss. Friends don’t want to rip each other’s clothes off.”

“Friends with benefits do,” I add.

“You need a tutor more than another girl to hook up with,” she says, now looking at me again.

“And you want to be my tutor?”

She smiles. “For a price, of course.”

I frown. “Of course.”

Everyone wants something from me whether it’s money, status, or an invite to a party. Why would she be any different?

“You won’t pass the class without my help,” she says, and I know she’s right.

Clearly, judging by my grade on the quiz, I don’t understand the material. She knows it, too.

I cross my arms over my chest, and her eyes roam over my body. “What’s the price?”

“Same as before. Fifty bucks an hour.”

“Is that all?”

She tips her nose to the ceiling, thinking over my question. “No, I think that about covers it.”

“I’ve never felt more used in my life,” I admit.

She chuckles. “Put yourself in my shoes three years ago, and then we can talk about feeling used.”

I have no idea what to say. Even though I told her I wanted nothing more than sex that night, she still hasn’t moved on from the past.

“Give me one month,” I tell her.

She cocks an eyebrow at me. “For what?”

“To prove you wrong.”

Sam smirks, her silence louder than words.

Our time together this semester is my chance to prove to her that I’m worth her time. That I’m not the guy she remembers. Now, I have to find a way to make her see that people can change.

But have I? Not really. But I can.

I’m willing to try for her.

Chapter Nineteen

Sam

The library is impressive with its high ceilings and gothic architecture, making it easy to get lost inside and find hiding places. I found mine years ago. The top floor offers some refuge from the crowds downstairs. Before I decided to tutor students on my own, I worked at the tutoring center hidden in the back of the building on the first floor. Now, I prefer the solace of the stacks containing reference books.

It smells of dust, furniture polish, and aged parchment up here, but it’s my favorite place on campus. I come here often, and now I’m about to share it with Tucker Kane, of all people.

Hidden between a row of old microfiche machines, I flip through my notebook. No one can see me over here nestled between several bookshelves. On occasion, I sit by the window, at the only real desk on the floor, but I don’t want anyone to see me with Tucker.

The librarian checks this floor twice daily, usually making her rounds once in the morning and again before closing. I don’t expect her for a few more hours, but other students wander up here from time to time. Most of them are seeking a quickie while others actually want the peace and quiet it offers.

I can’t take any chances when it comes to Tucker.

He had suggested tutoring him at his house. That was a definite no for me. After what happened in the SAC the other night, I can’t be alone with him. Not entirely, anyway.

With an exaggerated sigh, I check the time on my cell phone. Tucker is late. Shocker. I’m used to the jocks on campus making appointments and either bailing or showing up late. He could have called or texted. It’s not like he doesn’t have my number now.

For the last few years, I’ve taken turns tutoring guys on the football, hockey, baseball, and basketball teams. I spend a lot of my free time with athletes. Tucker isn’t the first to hit on me, but he is the one who’s gotten to me most, our history something I cannot ignore. One kiss from him brought back all of the old feelings.

I hear footsteps from a distance, and a shudder runs down my arms. My chest tightens, my heart beating a little faster.

Tucker must be here. Finally.

My body responds to him accordingly every time.

So, why am I so nervous? It’s not the first time I’ve been alone with him. He’s seen me naked, explored every inch of my body with his big hands and even bigger…

Stop it, Sam.

“You okay?” Tucker stands in front of me on the other side of the table while staring down at me. His pale blue eyes are wide and bright, illuminated by the smirk that reaches up to them.

I lick my lips, recalling his nice, full lips pressed against mine.

“You must be thinking of me,” he adds, his smirk growing wider and more defiant. “I’ve been told I take a woman’s breath away.”