I lift my gaze, yearning to my professor’s beautiful face, listening to his voice, observing his gestures, and marveling at his kissable moist lips. I’m captivated and terrified at the same time, becoming cognizant of how strongly I’m drawn to him, which isn’t right.
It’s most likely the cocktail. I no longer have control over my words. “Kristoff’s mom hates me. She didn’t even need to say anything. And America is a brat who is really straightforward. They have no right to look down on others just because they were born wealthy. I’m poor, but it doesn’t mean I don’t have feelings or a mind.”
His brows knitted together. “I’m not surprised, but have you told Kristoff?”
“It wasn’t necessary. I’m sure he’s aware. He doesn’t like his family either.” I sigh hard and shake my head before drinking again.
“Melissa and America are almost alike. But Kristoff’s mother wasn’t born rich, Anya. Her father used to work as a blue-collar employee for Sebastian Records.”
I wipe the drink from my lips with the back of my hand. “How did she become a broadway actress?”
“In the eighties, she used to sing for the label. She later married Phillis, whom she met at work.”
“Ah, so that’s how they became acquainted with your family,” I conclude.
“Yes. Kristoff and I first met when he was nine. He was an introvert, but I helped him grow. He’s already gifted.”
I crack a laugh. “I don’t think he’s an introvert. Everybody loves him now that he’s become so sociable. He must have developed his confidence from you.”
“It’s not just confidence, Anya. He changed because of experience. Melissa was more concerned with her profession and social standing than with parenting. America’s no exception.”
Wow. Kristoff didn’t tell me that. I suppose I don’t know much about him, or maybe I’m not paying attention to things other than that he’s always so encouraging.
“But, hey. If he was nine, how old were you?” I ask.
“I was a music coach before I joined the label as a record producer.”
“You must have begun at a very young age!” I blurt.
“I started tutoring aspiring artists when I was seventeen.”
Seventeen“By the time I was four, I was already playing all three instruments,” he continues. “My grandfather discovered my absolute pitch because I could write original music without the scores. I had no idea that was a thing back then.”
“Brag,” I say, giggling.
He chuckles. “But, really. My parents imposed music on me, but it became my passion.”
“It’s in your blood.” I prop my chin on my palm to get a better look at him. I can’t believe he’s telling me about himself.
Julian looks at me. “What is it?”
“Nothing. I’m just surprised.” I wrinkle my nose, and my face warms up by the second. I stare at my third unfinished glass of old-fashioned.
“Anya.”
“Mm?”
“Kristoff is a good kid. Don’t get me wrong, but I’d want to give what happened the benefit of the doubt. He must have an explanation.”
“Maybe.” I yawn. “But you know. Kristoff was always there for me, and he was so caring. He’s the nicest person I’ve met in Whitlock. Lora too! I can’t let them go just yet.”
“Well, there you have it. Your answer. Allow them to explain.”
I take a long, deep breath. I might be mistaken when I thought they’d betrayed me.
“Okay.” I slam my hands on the counter. “Fine. For the sake of our friendship, I’ll listen to Kristoff. We’ve had misunderstandings in the past. Not like this, but he isn’t a liar or a cheater. And Lora, maybe she’s... she’s... I’m not sure about her.”
“But you said that she apologized.”
“I know, but her sister knows Kristoff. Can you believe her sister was supposed to get engaged? Lora said she was engaged, but her fiancé dumped her or something. I’m not sure. I’m really confused.”
“But you’ve got to try, right?”
I rest my sleepy head on the counter. My eyes have suddenly grown heavy. “I do, but maybe tomorrow?”
“Anya...” he hushes, a trace of a grin appearing on his face. “Are you really feeling sleepy now?”
“Just for a moment, please. The ceiling is spinning.” I close my eyes, thinking I’ll need to rest them, but it feels so amazing that I let myself get lost in the darkness.
***
What is this pleasant, soothing scent I can smell?
Is it lavender? No, no. It’s sweet, sweet vanilla.
It’s also on the plush pillow I’m clutching in my arms. My lower extremities, particularly my feet, are warm... and the bed... God, it’s so fluffy. I don’t think my bed was ever this soft.
I turn to the side, but the sunshine reaches my face, causing a blinding effect on the back of my eyelids.
Shit!Did I fall asleep in her room last night?
I slowly open my eyes and push myself up, only to find I’m in an unfamiliar room and sitting in an enormous bed enough to accommodate ten people. I look down at myself to see I’m still dressed in my clothing from yesterday.
Where the heck am I?
“Good morning,” a warm, deep voice greets me.
I gasp hard. “P-Professor?”
He’s seated in a chaise lounge, holding a cup of coffee in one hand and an iPad in the other. He’s wearing only a white T-shirt that barely covers his sculpted biceps, hard rock pectoral muscles, and gray sweatpants that show off his long legs.
Damn. What a sight. Even in his most casual clothes, he’s sexy. I’m curious about what it’s like to touch his chest or sit on his lap. Riding those will certainly feel —
God. No!
What? Ride? Stop thinking such nasty things!
“Where am I?” I ask, my voice scratchy.
“You’re in my room.”
“How did I get here?” I clutch a clump of my hair.
“You dozed off at the bar and slept until then. I’m absolutely astounded by how much you can sleep at night.”
See? How am I supposed to make sense of this? I’m in my professor’s bedroom.
“Am I in your place?”
“My penthouse, yes.”
“And where is your penthouse, exactly?”
“Don’t worry, you’re still in New York. 420 Park Avenue, to be exact.”
My jaw drops. That’s in the Billionaires’ Row. “Why did you bring me here?”
He puts the iPad down on the table next to him. “I suppose you wouldn’t want your roommate to see you in my arms.”
“Of course,” I whisper. Whitlock is a short distance away from the apartment. Someone else might walk by and see us, if not Lora. His sentence, though, causes a hitch in my throat. “In your what?”
I spring out of bed and start searching for my stuff, but I only remember carrying a purse. Where is it?
“Where is my stuff?”
He points to the nightstand.
“And what time is it?”
“It’s seven o’clock in the morning.”
“Don’t you have class today?”
“I have an afternoon one. You?”
I shake my head. “I don’t have class on Thursdays.”
“Good. You can rest and take it easy.”
“Thanks.” I take a whiff of myself, and it’s not pleasant. I still reek of alcohol. I guess nothing strange happened last night, though. My clothes are still the same shape as when I put them on... and the bed... “Where did you sleep?”
“On the couch.” He drinks his coffee.
“Um... Did I do something crazy or say something strange?”
He laughs quietly and shakes his head.
“What? Please tell me.”
He studies every inch of me. “You were too tired to do anything.”
I sigh. “That’s... good to know.”
I reach down to the nightstand. Thankfully, I found my things right away. I draw out my phone and turn it on.
Messages and missed calls immediately flood my alerts, which terrifies me. Seeing all of them makes my eyes hurt, but I’m too sluggish to check, so I slide it back into the purse. Some probably came from Lora or Kristoff.
“I am sorry for the trouble. I should probably leave, but thank you for caring for the hopeless me.”
“Clumsy, but not hopeless.” Julian rises from his chair. “But you’re not leaving just yet.”
“Why?”
“Breakfast.”
“I...” I’m hesitant. My heart can’t handle much more of this. I feel like passing out every time he’s close... “I think I’ve overstayed. Yesterday was a disaster, but Lora and Kristoff must be worried.”
“So, you’re still concerned about them?”
“Of course I am!” I snap.
“Relax, Anya. I don’t mean anything.”
“How can I relax? You shouldn’t have brought me here. You’re my professor.”
“I’m aware.” His jaw tightens. “But where should I take you? Should I just abandon you somewhere?”
“Fine. You’re right. I’m sorry. But can I at least wash my face? I smell awful.”
With a chuckle, he gently pinches my chin. “There are clothes in the bathroom you can change into. Come out when you’re done.”
Julian leaves the room and shuts the door.