He’s leaning against the wall, giving me a sexy smirk. His arms are crossed, which makes his biceps pop.
The man is hot as hell. Probably didn’t take more than one look from him for the women in admissions to give him a copy of my schedule. Ugh, the thought of him flirting with another woman—
“Professor Taylor?” Randy asks.
I realize I’ve stopped talking and have been staring at Cody. He gives me a quick nod, then leaves.
I clear my throat, trying yet again to banish him from my thoughts. “Okay, yes, read those chapters and do the exercises at the end of each one. That’s all for today.”
My students murmur. I never end class early. Still, they gather their belongings and make their way out the door.
I’m packing up my own things when I hear Randy behind me.
“Professor Taylor, is everything all right?”
I turn, putting on my professional face. “Yes.”
As I move to step away, Randy steps in front of me. The smell of strong cologne pervades my space. Like other college kids, he seems to believe more is better. My nose begs to differ. I step back to get fresher air.
“If you ever need to talk, I’m here.”
“Thank you, Randy, but that wouldn’t be appropriate.”
He reaches for my hand. “Lucy.”
I startle and jerk my hand away. “Professor Taylor.”
Why can’t this kid ever take a hint?
His pupils dilate. “I can get into that. Let’s stop playing this game we’ve been playing all semester.”
Gross. Is this some kind of sick joke?
I sidestep around him, needing to get out of this room. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Randy.”
I’m halfway up the stairs to the doors when he steps in front of me, cutting me off.
“Don’t lie, Lucy. You’ve been flirting with me all semester. I see the way you look at me.”
I’ve sensed that Randy is a self-entitled ass, but I never would have suspected he was delusional. But no matter how wrong he is, he now stands between me and the door.
For the first time in my career as a professor, I’m scared; the room is empty except for the two of us. If I run down the stairs toward the back door, he’ll easily catch up. I have to talk my way out of this.
Dammit, now I want Cody to come back. “Randy, I have only ever looked at you as a student. Please move. I have an appointment I can’t be late for.”
His thin lips turn up in a smile. “You don’t have an appointment. This is your last class, then you usually work in your office for an hour. I know your schedule.”
Has he been stalking me? I stand a little straighter and try to remain calm. “How would you know that?” My voice cracks, giving away my fear.
Randy smirks as he leans in too close and runs his icy fingers along my chin. I wince.
“I know everything about you. Which means I know you’re lying when you say you have an appointment.”
The door bursts open. “She’s not lying. Take your hands off my girlfriend.”
Cody stands at the top of the stairs, looking like he’s ready to charge a bull, and wearing a green short-sleeve T-shirt that appears to be straining to contain all his muscles. Between that and the way he’s glaring at Randy, he’s an intimidating man.
“Who are you? I’ve never seen you around.” Randy turns to me, scowling. “Why haven’t I seen him?” His tone is accusatory, as if it is my fault his stalking is less than stellar.
