I begin the squats that my trainer instructed me to do, feeling sweat trickle down my face.
After completing the first twenty, I head over to my locker, open it, and take out my thermos filled with chilled water, sipping from it.
“Miss Moore?” I hear my teacher’s voice and, swallowing the water, I turn around. “I haven’t seen you around here before,” Mr. Winston says with a smile.
“I’ve only been here for a month,” I reply, and he smiles back. The atmosphere shifts slightly, so I lick my lips and say, “Alright, I close my locker and walk away, and he simply nods as I return to my routine.
It feels odd as I become aware of eyes watching me. I try to ignore the sensation and focus on my workout until I finish. Just as I call James, a man clears his throat, interrupting me. I turn to find a tall guy smiling at me.
“Miss, your water bottle,” he says softly, and I thank him, taking the bottle and letting out a sigh.
I see that James has already responded.
“I’m sorry,” I mumble, quickly putting on my headphones.
“Relax, are you done?” he asks, and I nod. “Okay, I’m nearby. I’ll be there in less than ten,” he says before hanging up.
I grab a small towel and wipe my face and neck before slipping on Alex’s sweatshirt. It smells so good that I’m eager to wear it.
As I breathe in his scent, I feel my body unwind. The sweatshirt is huge on me, but I adore it.
“Do you need a ride?” I hear Mr. Winston ask. I shake my head.
“James is picking me up,” I whisper, and he cocks his head.
“A friend,” I clarify, and he nods.
“Alright, see you in class tomorrow. Don’t forget, there’s a test,” he reminds me, causing me to frown.
“But the exam week is in a month,” I say, puzzled. He gathers his belongings, places his arm next to mine, and winks.
“Consider it a little help-topics eighteen to twenty,” he says, and I shake my head but eventually nod.
“Thanks,” I murmur, and he smiles.
“If you need help studying, I sometimes have free time,” he offers quietly, and I nod in response.
“I’ll keep that in mind, thanks,” I whisper, and he agrees.
There’s a surprise pop quiz tomorrow, and I feel unprepared for literature!
My phone vibrates, and I see a text from James saying he’s outside. I rush out and jump into his car.
“Do you know literature?” I ask as I fasten my seatbelt, and he chuckles.
“Hi. I’m good, thanks for asking,” he replies playfully, making me laugh. “I’m not sure; I might know something else. Why do you ask?”
“Mr. Winston mentioned a test for tomorrow,” I explain as James frowns.
“Mr. Winston? Why would he tell you there’s a pop quiz if it’s supposed to be a surprise? When did he mention it to you?” he asks, and I shrug.
“I bumped into him at the gym, and out of the blue, he said to remember to study for the test tomorrow and mentioned it as a gift,” I say, and James tightens his jaw.
“You should tell Alex that he goes to the same gym as you,” he comments, and I roll my eyes.
“I don’t know; what if he suggests I switch gyms?” I murmur.
“Also, what if he starts telling me about upcoming tests and study topics? That could be really helpful,” I mention, and James shakes his head.
“What if Alex finds out later?” he questions, and I sigh.
“Mr. Winston is my teacher,” I remind him.
“Alex used to be,” he says, and I laugh.
“But Alex is incredibly handsome, sexy, and cute; Mr. Winston didn’t clarify. I want Alex,” I whisper, and James bites his lip.
“Whatever. But I’d prefer you tell him rather than having him find out from someone else,” he insists, and I decide not to respond.
James drives me home, and I kiss him on the cheek in farewell. As soon as I step inside, I can hear moans in the background.
Rolling my eyes as I ascend the stairs, the noises only grow louder. Lucas is always making a scene.
When the sounds stop, the door swings open, revealing my stepbrother in just his boxers and holding a cigarette.
“How long have you been here?” he asks, to which I shrug.
“Long enough to hear the entire opera,” I reply as he nods, exhaling smoke.
“Your mom said she wouldn’t be home tonight, and my dad’s out too, so…?”
“Neither,” he finishes with a grin.
“What a surprise,” I retort, rolling my eyes. “You have the house all to yourself. Burn it down, throw a party, bring someone over, whatever you usually do,” he adds, and I nod.
Heading to my room, I tidy up and change out of my workout clothes into the red lingerie I recently bought, pairing it with Alex’s sweatshirt.
I grab my literature book and start studying topics eighteen to twenty, just like Mr. Winston suggested.
But after half an hour of trying to focus, stress sets in. Then, as if by fate, I get a call from Alex. I answer.
**Phone Call**
“Hello, gorgeous,” he purrs, and I can envision his charming smile.
“Hi, Daddy,” I whisper back.
“Are you free tonight?” he asks, prompting a sigh from me.
“Oh-oh. I don’t like that tone,” he remarks when I respond.
“I need to study, Daddy,” I mumble, pouting.
“I can help; I used to be a teacher, remember?” he says proudly. I chuckle softly, feeling a smile creep onto my face.
“Okay, should I wait for you at my house? I’ll be alone,” I say quietly.
“Of course, love. I’ll see you there in an hour,” he replies, and I blow him a kiss before hanging up.
**End Phone Call**
I start marking key points in my book and play some relaxing music in the background.
I cross my legs and hear my door open.
“See you tomorrow,” Lucas says, and I wave goodbye. He shuts the door, and in no time, I hear the front door slam shut. Biting my lip, I stroll to the bathroom, inspecting myself briefly as I comb my hair and pinch my cheeks to add a touch of color. I feel satisfied with my appearance.
Returning to my bed, I worry about my upcoming test. A few minutes later, I hear a knock on my door and go to answer it. As the door opens, I see a beaming Alex in a sharp suit. I smile and let him in.