He put his satchel over his shoulder. "So skip it."
"You're a terrible influence, Professor Hunter."
"I don't think you really believe that. I'll see you at 1." He winked at me and walked out of the room.
Temptation - Chapter 31
Monday
"A delivery came for you," Melissa said as she stood up from her chair. She was all smiles.
There were a dozen red roses in a vase on my desk. I put my backpack down and walked over to my desk. A bow was tied around the vase, and a card was attached to it.
Penny,
I know that you think roses symbolize friendship, but believe me when I say that these ones do not. I hope you're excited for our date. Thank you for skipping class.
-James
The roses were beautiful. No one had ever bought me flowers before today. Except for my parents when I graduated from high school. I read the note again. It was sweet, even if he was a little cocky. And even though he was just trying to show up Tyler. But Professor Hunter was right, I was going to skip class.
"When did these come?" I didn't even realize that flowers could be delivered that fast.
"Just a few minutes ago. So, who are they from?"
I laughed. "You expect me to believe that you didn't read the card?"
"I didn't!" she protested. "But I confess that I did read who they were from.James.So what did you do to earn those?" Melissa asked.
"Nothing."I made him angry.
"You are one lucky girl then."
I leaned in and smelled the roses.I'm so lucky.I thought about the date he was planning. I like piña coladas and getting caught in the rain? And the feel of the ocean and the taste of champagne?What the hell was I thinking?I was basically asking Professor Hunter to get me tons of illegal drinks.
"So what are you doing here anyway? Don't you usually just grab lunch and go to class?"
"Pro..." I coughed.Shit. I almost said Professor Hunter!I took a deep breath and tried to think of a quick recovery. "Probably gonna skip it."Who the hell talks like that?
Melissa stared at me. "Skip what? Lunch? We can go to the dining hall together real quick if you want."
"No, I'm going to skip my class."
"I can't even imagine you skipping a class. You never break the rules." She paused. "Are you feeling alright? Does your stomach hurt again?"
"No, I'm fine." I was tempted to tell her that I was about to go on a date with a professor. I knew how to break the rules too! But of course I couldn't. I could mentionJamesthough. "James had some free time this afternoon and I didn't want to miss getting to see him."
"He's turning you into quite the bad ass."
If only she knew.
"So where are you going?"
It was a beautiful, warm September day. And if we were going early, it was probably because the destination was far away. I eyed the new bikini in my closet.
"He didn't really say. But he dropped some hints. I think he's taking me to the beach."
"It's good that we went shopping last week then."
