“Just know my door is always open if you need help with English or any other subject. I’d be more than happy to help you.”
Umm…
“Thanks.” I pause, wishing she would remove her hand. “If anything comes up, I’ll let you know.”
“Please do.” The way she continues staring only heightens my unease. “I’ve worked with several athletes over the years and it’s always been a rewarding experience for both of us. I wouldn’t have a problem reaching out to your other professors and asking for extended deadlines on your behalf. Most will accommodate our athletes, especially if they know that student is working closely with a colleague.”
This has to be the strangest convo I’ve ever had with a teacher.
Not to mention, most uncomfortable.
I can’t decide if she’s talking strictly about academics or not.
Either way, this conversation has left a strange pit sitting in my gut. I’m probably reading something into the situation that isn’t there. Dr. Hayes is a beautiful woman. My guess is that she doesn’t need to troll her classes to get laid. She’s probably got guys lined up around the block.
I’m definitely making a mountain out of a molehill.
When she lifts her hand, the unease dissolves and leaves me feeling like an idiot.
“Why don’t we plan on getting together later next week and we’ll discuss your progress. That way I’ll know you’re on track.” Her lips lift. “How does that sound?”
“Sure, that works.”
“My goal is to give you the necessary tools you need to be successful. Not only at this university but in life.”
“I appreciate your help.” I’m a dipshit for even questioning if there were ulterior motives at play. Dr. Hayes is just being friendly. She obviously goes above and beyond for her students.
“If you have any questions, my contact information is on the syllabus.”
“Yup.” I hitch my backpack higher onto my shoulder before taking a step in retreat.
“Here, just a minute.” She grabs a small pad of paper and a pen before scribbling something down. Then she tears the page off and holds it out to me. “That’s my cell number. Usually it’s only available to my grad students, so please don’t give it to anyone else.”
I take the paper and look at her name and number. “Thanks.”
“It’s the quickest way to get ahold of me.”
I glance at her before stuffing the scrap into the front pocket of my jeans.
“If you have any questions, shoot me a text. Even if it’s to talk or unload. All right?”
“Yeah,” I mutter, feeling weird again, “thanks.”
She picks up her sleek black briefcase. “Well, I need to get to my office. I’m meeting with a group of graduate students to work on their thesis.”
“Okay.” I inch away from her. The more distance I put between us, the better I feel. I lift my hand into a wave. “I’ll see you on Friday.”
She winks. “If not sooner.”
I jerk my head into a nod.
And then I’m gone, taking the carpeted stairs two at a time before pushing out through the lecture hall doors into the empty corridor. Once I’m there, I expel the breath from my lungs, not realizing I’d been holding it.
Am I nuts or was that woman coming on to me?
My guess is that I’m losing it. There is no way Dr. Hayes was flirting.
It’s all in my head.
It has to be.
Chapter Eighteen
Mia
I park the Jeep in the circular drive and grab my duffle bag before heading up the wide stone steps in front of the house. The door is unlocked which means someone has to be home. Once inside the two-story foyer, I call out, “Hello?” I pause and wait for an answering response. When silence greets me, I raise my voice and bellow, “Mom? Dad? Are you home?”
“In the kitchen, honey,” Mom yells back. “I hope you’re hungry.”
Is that a joke?
I’m always hungry.
Especially for a home cooked meal.
I set my bag next to the front door before heading through the hallway that leads to the kitchen. Mom is at the oversized marble island chopping vegetables. A smile lights up her face when she sees me. I give her a quick kiss and hug before beelining to the fridge and pulling out a bottle of water. Happy to be home for a few days, I settle on the stool across from her.
“How was the drive?” she asks.
“It was fine.” I pause for a beat before adding, “Although my Jeep made a few weird noises when I started it up. But it went away and didn’t give me any other problems.”
“Hmm.” Her brows beetle together. “Make sure to mention it to your father when he gets home.”
“When will that be?” I untwist the cap and lift the bottle to my lips, taking a long swig.
“Tomorrow morning.” Even though the smile remains intact, it doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “He’s been out of town the last few days.”