Chapter 3

Tessa

Three days later.

"If you need anything, don't hesitate to let Carter know," Mom said for the millionth time, as I got ready to leave for school. My first day at school.

"You've said this before, Mom. I'm good," I answered, and she shot me a look. "I know how nervous you get when you enter a new environment. That's why I said you should reach out to Carter."

I don't know why she keeps mentioning him. She had no idea how hard the past three days were for me, how his presence made me nervous and confused at the same time. If not for his phone ringing the other night, I was sure he'd have kissed me. The tension was strong.

Since that day, I had been trying my best to avoid meeting his gaze or allowing him to touch me. And today, I would be left alone with him to take me to school. "Just do as I say," Mom broke through my trance.

I heaved out a sharp breath. "Alright. Anything you say. I'm off," I said, catching sight of Mr. Carter getting down the stairs, eyes glued to the watch he was wrapping around his wrist.

For the life of me, his body build was a sight to watch. I averted my eyes before he could catch me staring at him. "Are you ready, Tessa?" he asked. Did I forget to mention he has a breathtaking voice?

Mom shot me a glare, reminding me not to misbehave. "Yes," I answered shortly.

"Mila, don't make dinner today. We'll eat out instead. So be ready before dinner time."  he said, marching forward, and they hugged each other. They always show their affection in front of me, and to see that Mom enjoys it pisses me off.

We made our way out of the house. Mr. Carter saved my heart this time by not resting his hand on the small of my back. We hopped inside the car. My breathing hitched when he leaned forward. I thought he'd kiss me until he spoke. "Your seatbelt."

I gulped down and held the belt. "Thank you," I answered awkwardly.

"It's normal to feel nervous on your first day. But trust me, it'll get better. You will love the school," he started again, making me look at him straight in the eyes since that night.

My heart raced inside more when he went ahead and flashed me a smile. "I can see through your fears. Your mom told me you get nervous whenever you enter a new environment. Don't worry, I will be with you whenever you need me."

"I will be with you whenever you need me." The words repeated themselves in my head. Was there another meaning to his words, or was I just being paranoid? I could only force out a smile, not knowing what to say.

After a few minutes' drive, we arrived at the school gate. I didn't try to hide my astonishment at how big the college was. "You're liking the school, right?" His voice broke through. He parked his car in the part intended for the professors of the school.

He turned off the engine. "Let's go," he ushered, patting me on the shoulder. I wasted no time in getting out of the car. The breeze blew and cascaded onto my skin. I found myself letting out a smile.

"Let me show you to your department."

I nodded my head, and off we left. He gave me a tour for a few minutes before we finally arrived at the class. "Go on. Let me get my materials ready. I'm taking you the class this morning."

Damn! That means I would see more of his face today, at home and in school. The class was noisy, and no one seemed to notice my entrance. The lecture hall was bigger than the one in my former college. I searched for a quiet spot and made my way to sit. "Hey, that's my seat," someone said just as I was about to sit down.

"Sorry," I muffled out. The tall girl blew out a bubble from her chewing gum. If not for her lipstick and her breasts, I would have sworn she was a man, because of her gangster look. "But you can sit. Lily isn't coming today. I will take her seat," she said, blowing her gum again.

I nervously sat down, dropping my bag on the desk. She occupied the empty seat next to me. "A transfer student?"

"Yes."

Her eyes raked my body. "You're not that bad. I'm Claire." She stretched out her hand.

"Tessa," I shook her hand. She withdrew it before I could allow it to linger. She continued chewing and focused her attention on her phone. I nervously glanced around the surroundings. Students were busy with what they were doing. Some were wearing headphones, while some were playing cards. You can never see that scene in my old college. Students are always punctual.

"He's here!" a loud voice echoed through the hall. Claire fished out lipstick and powder from her bag. I watched as she applied it and even pushed her shirt to the side, revealing her blonde shoulder skin a bit. What was going on with everyone? Why are they getting all serious?

Turning around, I was met with the entrance of Mr. Carter. It was as if he knew I was looking at him; his eyes shifted to me. And for the life of me, the rate at which my heart was thumping escalated more. "Claire, I think he's looking at you. Damn! You're getting noticed," someone said behind me, shaking Claire's body.

I diverted my eyes away, realizing I was staring too much. Total silence was maintained as his deep voice penetrated through the microphone. From the way the female students were all behaving, it looked like his presence was taking much of their attention.

I tried my best to focus on the class, my eyes following his every move. Taking notes of every little detail. As for Claire, sitting next to me, she didn't even open her book. All her attention was on him. I felt something hit me at the way all the girls were staring at him.

"To revise what we've covered so far, can someone tell me the primary functions of the skeletal system, and how its structure supports these functions?" His question boomed through the class.

The class went into total silence. I noticed how Claire was turning her head to the other side. Mr. Carter awaited their answer, but none attempted or they weren't paying much attention. I bit my bottom lip before raising my hand.

"Go on," he spoke. "What's your name?"

"Tessa," I answered shortly.

I stood up and began. "The skeletal system serves several functions, including providing structural support for the body, protecting internal organs, facilitating movement through its joints and attachment points for muscles, producing blood cells in the bone marrow, and storing minerals such as calcium and phosphorus."

"Fantastic! Can you all hear her answer? All you students know is to sit in class and warm the seat. We're having a pop quiz," he declared. Noises began formulating around.

"Damn! This man and his unannounced tests," Claire said, bored. I didn't miss the glare she gave me.

"If you miss this pop quiz, you know what will happen," he added.

"Have your seat, Tessa," he gestured. I slowly sat back down. Claire rolled her eyes. "Miss know-it-all," she threw.

I said nothing and prepared myself for the pop quiz. At the end of the day, Claire copied from me and her other friends, and I didn't bother. I don't mind sharing my knowledge with people.

"Time's up!" Mr. Carter declared. "If I see anyone writing, I will deduct his or her marks. Submit your sheets to Tessa."

My eyes widened at his words. I looked at him and found his lips curved up. Did he do that intentionally?

"Bring the sheets to my office," he added. The moment he was out of the class, it took charge with noises.

"Why must you show you're good? You ended up causing an unexpected test," Claire glared at me with a hiss.

"I'm sorry, but I don't think it's appropriate to keep the answer to yourself when you know it. And I didn't see anyone trying to answer."

"That's because we're not busybodies like you. We know the answer and choose not to answer," the other girl threw in the same manner Claire spoke to me.

"I'm sorry if you feel offended. But I'm not sorry for answering the question." With that, I packed the sheets and sauntered away.

It wasn't until I found myself out of the class that I realized I didn't know the directions to his office. I exhaled sharply, then fished out my phone.

Nervousness coursed through me as I fisted my knuckles on the office door. He had given me directions, and with the help of some students, I was able to locate his office. "Come in," his deep voice came through.

I inhaled and exhaled before pushing the door and stepping inside. I closed the door behind me. His office had the same aura as his room. "Tessa, you're here," he said, looking up from the paper in front of him.

I took slow steps toward his desk. "Here are the test sheets," I ushered, dropping them gently on the desk. I turned around to leave when he called me, stopping me in my tracks.

My body went rigid when he stood up and rounded to my side. "I hope what happened in class didn't upset you. That's how they are. I needed something to make them behave during my class."

"I'm okay. I enjoyed the class," I said matter-of-factly.

His lips curved up, and he took a step forward, his action making me lose balance. But I didn't fall. His hand came in time and saved me from falling by snaking around my waist. My back then collided with the desk.

I held the edge of it. His eyes met mine, and I found myself staring right back. I parted my mouth to speak, but no words came out due to his hand moving down to my thigh, shifting it between my legs. When his hand found my pussy through the jeans' fabric, I let out a low moan unknowingly. "You're wet," he whispered.