Against the Rules Read online

  Scattered laughs float back to me as I take a look at the list of names of students who are supposed to be in class. “Okay, I don’t take attendance in here. We will not be calling out names like we’re in elementary school. You all are adults and I expect you to be in class when you’re supposed to be. If you choose to not show up, your grades will reflect that, and you’ll fail. Plain and simple.”

  “Professor Kingston?”

  I look up and spot a young man holding his hand up. “Yes?”

  “Derek,” he says, gesturing to himself. “Are we going to have a textbook?”

  “No, Derek, this course has its textbook available online. I’ll pass out some information soon, but you’ll be required to purchase an access code at the bookstore here at the university, and then you’ll have access to all the learning materials.”

  He nods his head and pushes his glasses up on his nose. “Okay. Thanks.”

  My door opens, garnering my attention as well as the attention of every student in class.

  “Yes?” I ask.

  The petite woman is holding a collection of things in her arms. Her laptop looks dangerously close to slipping from her grip as she moves her books around and rips a paper from a folder.

  “Um. Is this Calculus One? Professor Kingston?”

  “Yes, it is.”

  She looks at the class, a blush tinting her cheeks. “Sorry I’m late. I got lost.”

  “It happens. Find a seat,” I say, gesturing to the desks.

  Within the sixty-five-minute class, I hand out a pre-calculus worksheet, simply as a review for the students. After they’ve completed that, I pass out a sheet that allows them to give me some information about who they are, their majors and minors, and any other details they choose to share with me.

  When I walk around the class, I take some time to talk to each one of them about something on their page, and that’s how I begin getting to know my students. Some time is spent asking me questions about the course, the university, or where to find their next classes.

  In the last few minutes, I take the time to make another announcement. “Okay, our time is nearly up for today. I know many people, including my own brothers, think math is boring, but I try to keep this class from being too tedious. And I always try to make myself available to anyone who needs extra help, so don’t be afraid to let me know you’re struggling. Okay, see you next time.”

  The students rush out to find their next class, leaving me with nearly forty minutes before my next class is set to begin.

  My free time is spent cleaning up the room, putting the papers away from the first class, and making sure everything’s in order to be passed out for the next class. With fifteen minutes left before anyone is due, I sit in my chair and get on the computer.

  “I’m sorry, am I in the right place?” a feminine voice ask.

  I angle my head to find the person who belongs to the sultry voice—a voice that sounds a little familiar. I freeze, taking in the oval-shaped face, striking hazel eyes, and pouty lips. Her thick, dark hair cascades past her shoulders, and I’m taken back to Saturday night.

  My heart rate spikes as my eyebrows shoot up toward my hairline, and her jaw drops.

  “Elijah?”

  She watches me with interest, her eyes tracking my steps as I make my way toward her. “Please tell me you’re not a student,” I plead, though I’m sure I already know the truth.

  Nova continues to study me, her face blanketed in shock. “Uhh.”

  “Shit.” I run a hand over my face and look at the paper in her hand. “Professor Kingston?” I ask, because I’m not the only one who teaches this course. Maybe she’ll be in another class. Not that that makes things a whole lot better, but at least it would help a little.

  She glances at her paper. “That’s what it says.”

  “Jesus Christ,” I mutter. “How old are you? You look young, but I never thought you’d be a student.”

  Nova purses her lips at me. “Old enough to be in a bar. Does that help?”

  “Not really.”

  She walks past me. “Just me and you?” she asks, working her way to a front row desk, right in the center.

  “For now. You’re early.”

  I stand behind my desk, trying to figure out what to say. This isn’t good. This is terrible, in fact. The university has a strict policy about student/teacher relationships, and I’d never risk my career.

  As if she’s reading my mind, she says, “You don’t have to worry. I won’t say anything. And Saturday night was just two strangers coming together. I wasn’t your student, so you have nothing to worry about.”

  Oh, but I do. Because as I look at her now, all I can think about is getting her back in my bed. She grins like she knows that, too. I’m clearly the only one concerned about this.

  A handful of students trickle in, stealing my attention, and when I chance a glance back at Nova, I find her watching me with amusement.

  This is going to be a long semester.

  4

  Moving to a new state was never in my plans. I loved my life in Florida. Warm weather, palm trees, and the bustling cities and never-ending list of things to do. And, of course, my big sister, Gia. She’s my best friend and it’s going to be hard to be away from her.

  But you know what they say, life never goes according to plan, so here I am, creating a new life in a small town that nobody but the residents have ever heard of. That was the goal. So here’s to hoping for nothing but positive things happening out here. I’ve had enough of the negative to last a lifetime.

  I showed up here with my big sister in tow about a month ago. She helped me find an apartment that was ten minutes from campus, and assisted in finding some cheap furniture so I could have a bed to sleep in, a couch to lounge on, and a TV to watch. It’ll take time to get the place looking nice, but that’s okay. She let me have a box of her own dishes and linens, so at least I’ll be set for a little while.

  Before she left, she made sure I had a few job interviews lined up. In a town this size, it’s hard to find a lot of opportunities, but I have an interview for Antoni’s, which means I could become a waitress. Honestly, I’m pretty worried I’ll drop a tray of drinks on someone’s lap if that happens, but we’ll see. Another job opportunity is at a bakery called Flaky Vicki’s. The owner, Vicki, said she doesn’t hire a lot of people, and she has two already, but she threw me a bone and offered to chat with me later this week. As far as that goes, I’m guessing I’ll just help check people out, because I have no clue how to bake anything. The job I’m hoping to get is in the library on campus.

  So far, I’ve met one person who has the potential to become a friend. Her name’s Ayanna, and I met her at the campus coffee spot, Hug-a-Mug, before my first class. She was chatty, friendly, and gave me the quickest rundown on her life while we waited in line. I liked her instantly. After she found out I was new, she insisted we exchange numbers and told me she’d show me the ropes.

  My first day of school started pretty good. I mean, it’s school, so enough said. However, my second class of the day stars the sexiest math nerd known to man…and the man I had a one-night stand with this past weekend.

  Talk about small-town life. Jesus Christ, this is just the luck I’d have. Not that it’s altogether bad, at least not for me. Elijah, or Professor Kingston, seems less than thrilled to have me in his class.

  Before today, I dreaded this class. I’ve never been a math person, and let’s be real, math is not sexy. You don’t think of a math professor as anything other than a sixty-year old man in an oversized sport coat with tweed elbow patches. Well, let me tell you what…Professor Kingston can read to me from a goddamn math book if he wants to. He can whisper equations into my ear until I fall asleep, and wake me up by asking me to solve problems on double integrals using polar coordinates. Whew! That man is fine, and he knows how to lay it down in the bedroom. Something I’ll be thinking about every time I look at him.

  His light-colored eyes wh
ich look like a mix between blue and green, the golden-brown hair with hints of gray, and the spatter of whiskers across his chin, upper lip, and jaw…good lord. And don’t even get me started on how that light blue button-up hugged the muscles in his arms and chest. How am I supposed to pass this class?

  Once I’m inside my apartment, I make sure both locks are engaged, then head to my room to change into a pair of leggings and a loose, off-the-shoulder top. I gather my hair into a ponytail at the back of my head and secure it with a scrunchie. Don’t judge. They cause less breakage and don’t rip out my hair.

  In my small kitchen, I go through my fridge and tiny pantry, looking for something to make. I thought of grabbing some fast food, but I know Gia’s gonna call later and make sure I’m not wasting money on that when I have food at home. But, fast food is so much faster.

  My cell phone dings from the counter.

  * * *

  Ayanna: Wanna grab some food? I can school you on everything there is to know about this town, campus, and whatever else. Plus, I’m starving. Don’t say no. I know you don’t have any friends or plans.

  * * *

  I laugh out loud. I know we’re gonna be great friends.

  * * *

  Nova: Where do you wanna meet?

  * * *

  Gia will be okay with this. Yes, I’m going out to eat when I have food at home, but I’m also making a friend.

  I don’t bother changing, I just slip my feet into some Nike slides, grab my wristlet and drop my phone inside, then head out to my car.

  My Honda Accord is nine years old, almost ten, but I still love it. The AC and heater still work, the cloth seats need a deep cleaning, but they’re in good condition, and the sunroof was something I thought I’d use more often than I do, but it exists. Nothing luxurious, but it works.

  I put the name of the place Ayanna texted me into my Google Maps, because yes, this town is small, but I still don’t know where anything is.

  It doesn’t take long for me to get to a place called Doggone Good. The red and yellow building sits on the corner of Main Street with a parking lot big enough for about eight cars.

  When I pull in, I spot Ayanna sitting at a red, steel picnic type table, scarfing down a hotdog.

  “I couldn’t wait,” she says around a mouthful of food. “I was starving.” She picks up a brown napkin and wipes her mouth. “Head around to the front of the building. There’s a window and someone will take your order. I’d suggest the chili cheese dogs and chili cheese fries, but do you.”

  I laugh and head to the window and take a few minutes to look over the menu. They have hotdogs, chili dogs, chili burgers, hamburgers, fries—with or without chili and/or cheese. There’s also corndogs, kraut dogs, bacon street dogs, and a whole variety of hotdogs. I go with Ayanna’s recommendation and get two chili cheese dogs, but choose to get regular fries and a Coke.

  Once I have my food, I make my way back to one of the six red tables that sit under a red canopy, and drop into a seat across from Ayanna.

  “These better be good.”

  “Oh, they are. Maybe not good for you, but who cares? We’re young.”

  I unwrap one of the chili cheese dogs, and then drag a fry across some of the chili and cheese mixture that was left on the wrapper, then pop it in my mouth.

  “Mm.”

  She nods. “Keep going. It gets better.”

  She finishes her food as I’m still polishing off my first chili cheese dog, and proceeds to give me some helpful information.

  “Okay, do you have a laundry room in your apartment? Because if not, do not go to Double Bubble, go to Bubble Up. Trust me.” She widens her eyes like she’s had a terrible experience at Double Bubble. “If you want to go grocery shopping, I’d suggest either Miss Missy’s or Berta’s Market. They’re mom and pop type places, you know, family owned and all that.”

  I wipe my lips and nod my head as I listen. My mouth is full, but even if it wasn’t, getting a word in with Ayanna seems like something that will take some effort. Not that I mind it. I can get the same way sometimes.

  “Oh, there’s no clubs here. None. I mean, you can travel an hour or so out of town to get to some, but there’s a couple good bars here. The most popular is King’s Tavern. There’s an old movie theater a few blocks down, but a newer one across town is the one the young people go to. What else?” She taps her long nails on the table as she thinks. “This town is generally pretty safe. You have some rough spots on the outer edges of the town, but most people don’t tend to head out there unless they live there, so probably nothing to worry about.”

  I swallow down my food and take a sip of my drink. “I feel like I should’ve recorded this conversation,” I say with a laugh. “But I’ll definitely hit you up if I forget some stuff.” I don’t bother to mention that I already found King’s Tavern, and found the sexy math professor in there as well.

  “Okay, so. Let’s get to the good stuff,” she says, smiling wide, her straight, white teeth peeking out between full, red lips. “Parties. Just because this town doesn’t have any clubs, doesn’t mean there aren’t any parties. The guys in Cashis Hall throw some of the best parties. The top two floors is where the party usually takes place.”

  “On both floors?”

  She nods. “Yep. Their doors stay open, and people just flow in and out.”

  “Wow.”

  “North Village is upperclassmen. They have townhomes and shit. The parties are okay, but…” she trails off, making a face. “And there’s one frat that throws amazing themed parties. Anyway, there will be a party this weekend. Celebrating the end of our first week and all that, and you better believe we’re gonna be there.”

  I hesitate, but Ayanna doesn’t let me come up with any excuses.

  “You won’t be the only new person there, so don’t think that.” She balls up her trash and puts it in the brown bag. “This will be a way to meet some more people. I mean, I know I’m pretty awesome, but I have a few more girls you should meet. Also, boys! There will be lots and lots of boys. And alcohol.”

  I crack a grin. “Okay, I’ll go.”

  “Oh, it was never a question.” She smiles and I laugh.

  I’m loving Gaspar already.

  5

  My last class of the day gets out at four-fifteen, but I normally don’t leave campus until five-thirty or so. Sometimes I head to the library to grade papers, more often than not, I stay in my classroom or office and get the next day’s course work prepared. Since I don’t have papers to grade, I take the opportunity to leave earlier and run some errands before I go home.

  As I’m leaving the building and heading to my car, a familiar voice calls out my name.

  “Elijah.”

  My steps slow down before coming to a stop. I spin around and force a grin. “Lorraine, how was your first day?”

  She smiles, her high-heeled feet bringing her closer to me as the knee-length, tight black skirt accentuates her figure. Her white blouse already has a couple buttons undone, showing off her ample cleavage.

  “Same as all the other first days, I suppose. And yours?”

  “I guess I’d have to agree with you.” Except for the fact that a student I slept with over the weekend is in my class. But nobody needs to know that.

  We continue the conversation as we walk to the parking lot. Lorraine teaches English Literature, and she and I have had a few encounters outside of work…of the sexual nature.

  “How was your summer? Busy?” Her tone has a bit of a bite, and I can tell she’s wondering why I never reached out to her while we were off.

  “Well, not any more than usual. How was yours?”

  “It was fine. A little lonely. I ended up going and visiting my mom.”

  “Well, that’s nice. I’m sure she enjoyed that,” I say, ignoring the part about being lonely.

  Lorraine is a nice woman. She’s beautiful, sexy, and extremely smart. However, she’s quite clingy. After our first time together, everything was fi
ne. After the second time, she tried staying at my house for the entire weekend. A three-day weekend, at that. The third time we were together, she started talking about taking a vacation together.

  Maybe it’s because she’s recently divorced and trying to keep up with her ex-husband, who’s already moved on with someone else.

  She makes a noise in the back of her throat. I’ve definitely annoyed her. “Well, I guess I’ll see you around.”

  “Yes, you will,” I reply with a tight smile. “Have a good day.”

  “Mhm,” she murmurs, giving me a wave with her fingers as she departs to her car.

  Once in my black Audi, I put my briefcase in the passenger seat and head to the gas station. I have to fill up before I drive out to Royce’s place. I’m surprised he’s even home, considering he basically lives at his bar. But the text I got was also sent to Cillian, and he wants us at his house as soon as we can get there.

  I drive up to the pump, kill the engine, and step outside. Loud music blasts from a car at the pump across from me. Students go in and out of the convenience store to either stock up on junk, energy drinks, or cigarettes. This particular store has some pretty good food inside, and since it’s near the campus, a lot of students head here to grab a quick and cheap meal.

  As the gas fills my near-empty tank, I lean against my car and send a text to Royce to let him know I’ll be on my way soon.

  I’m vaguely aware of another car pulling up on the other side of me, but then I hear my name being called once more. This time, it’s a little different.