“Yes?” I respond.
“I didn’t understand that last concept. Can you repeat it?” she asks.
I glance at my notes, thankful I write out every lecture, and repeat what I believe I just said. Only two minutes left. I can do this.
The door to the lecture hall opens, and the sound of laughter and voices in the hallway carries in. Everyone glances to see who’s entered the room.
Cody. Despite the chill in the fall air, he’s only wearing a blue T-shirt and jeans—another very fitted T-shirt that stretches across his chest. He gives me a sexy grin, and I swear, I canhearall the ovaries in the room swoon.
“Okay, let’s end there,” I tell my class. “I’ll see you all tomorrow.”
Cody makes his way down the stairs as the students collect their things and file out. Once the room is empty, he steps in front of me.
“Hi,” he says. “We need to talk.”
“Cody, we have talked plenty. You need to stop interrupting my classes.”
I grab my bag and try to move past him. He grabs my arm, and the jolt I feel from his touch has me jerking back.
“Let me walk you to your car,” he presses.
I stare up at him. He’s so damn handsome it takes my breath away.
For the first time, I notice a scar just above his left eyebrow. I reach out to touch it, but then pull back.
What the hell am I doing? The desire to touch this man is too strong. I need to get some distance from him.
I step away. “If you’re worried about Randy, he already left. I’m sure your presence helped. Thank you for that.”
“He could still be waiting for you. Let me do this.” His eyes are pleading.
I know he isn’t going to let this go, and frankly, Iamnervous Randy might be waiting. I’ve been lucky so far in getting out of here quickly.
Cody’s expression softens. “Don’t be stubborn, Luce. I protect people for a living. I can keep you safe.”
Safe from others, I’m certain. But he can’t keep my heart safe from him.
“Will you tell me why you left?” I ask.
That’s one question I’ve never gotten an answer to. After he left all those years ago, I tried to call him, but his phone was disconnected. I sent him an email that he didn’t respond to. Even his mom and sister were shocked he’d enlisted; especially considering his mom had still been in the hospital. None of it made any sense.
He visibly swallows then nods.
“Okay, then,” I agree. “Let’s go.”
We are in the hallway when I see Connie walking my way.
“Lucy!”
Oh no.I forgot we are supposed to go for a drink.
With Cody standing next to me, I’m more aware than ever of how beautiful she is. Her long, blonde hair is falling in waves, and her eyes are the bluest I’ve ever seen. But the way she sways her hips would likely have any man hypnotized.
I glance at Cody, but he’s staring at me. “Connie, this is Cody. Cody, this is my best friend Connie.”
Connie’s hands move to her hips. “So, you’re the asshole, huh?”
I grimace slightly as I explain, “I met Connie my freshman year of college.”
