Chapter 2

CHAPTER TWO

HIM — BEFORE

The moment she walks into the lecture hall, every part of my body seems to sense her. There is something different about her demure smile, the way she carries herself. She’s confident in a way that draws me to her like a magnet. She takes a seat near the back, opens up her laptop, and crosses one leg over the other, so I can see just a bit more leg under her plaid skirt. I suspect she’s doing it on purpose. That she wants me to look, to climb her skin with my gaze like a child on a jungle gym.

A boy sits next to her, and I realize I don’t recognize either of them. Granted, I don’t recognize many students in this class since I’ve just stepped in to pass a message to Professor Hazelwood, but if I had seen her anywhere around campus, I’m certain I would remember it.

“Is something the matter?” Professor Hazelwood asks, drawing my attention back to her. She’s a squat old woman with gray hair that she always piles on top of her head. Today, there’s a coffee stain on her white blouse and maroon lipstick applied as if she were riding a donkey when she did it. She’s tenured, so I suppose she’s my superior, but in every way that matters, she is useless.

“Sorry, no. That was all.” I move around to the front of the desk, lingering near it while Professor Hazelwood goes back to sorting a stack of papers. As she does, I study the girl, waiting for her eyes to lock on mine. She’s traditionally beautiful, with delicate features and a perfect build. My eyes trace the line of her gold necklace, a single pearl resting on her chest, touching her heartbeat.

How many times has she walked past me in the halls or across the campus? How many times have I overlooked her in such an ordinary place? It feels impossible, and yet it has to be the case. The university isn’t enormous. We’re one of the smaller ones in the city. Chances are we’ve stood next to each other in line at the coffee cart or passed side by side in the library.

When it finally happens, when her eyes finally find mine, there’s a jolt of electricity that hits me everywhere. Suddenly, she’s shy. Her eyes land on mine for just a moment, then dart away as if she’s been caught doing something naughty.

Then…they’re back. As is her confidence from moments ago.

This time, she straightens a little in her seat, ignoring the boy next to her as he says something.

I tilt my head down just slightly, giving an air of authority with a hint of friendliness. The kind of look that says I’m one of the cool professors. I could be your friend.

And I am. I could. It’s not a lie. The students here think of me as one of them. I’m not that much older than most of them anyway—midthirties. It’s nothing. A blip.

Her perfect cupid’s bow lips upturn with a small smile, and finally, painfully, I drag my eyes away. Behind me, Professor Hazelwood clears her throat as the door slams and the final student makes his way to his seat.

“Welcome, everyone. Let’s all get settled down.” Her voice is pointed directly at me, warning me to leave, that I’ve overstepped.

With a nod and a quick glance back her way, something meant to look like an apology, I leave the class. I take the long way, though. Up the stairs, past the girl.

I don’t look at her—not much at least. But I don’t need to. I have the memory of her face, those eyes, that body, seared into my mind.