Mr. Alpha

Chapter Two: Second Impressions

Athena was counting down the moment she could return to her dorm room, hide herself in her blankets, and never come out again. Out of all the bars, no, out of all of the schools in Washington, of course she'd run into her professor. Lainey was less mortified, mumbling something about him being attractive. Perhaps she wouldn't be so flirtatious if she knew he assisted Athena in removing Lainey's drunk ass from the bar. But then again, she'd find some way to turn it in her favor. Athena couldn't imagine things getting worse than what they already were, but the day was still young.

Her phone vibrated hard on her desk and she snatched it off the surface before her professor could hear it. She didn't want to give him any reason to look her way, she was already dying of private humiliation and she didn't want to add to it. She waited a few moments and then swiftly put her phone in her lap to check it.

LaineyBug: I would take a side of Mr. Sexy ANY DAY.

Agreed. He's a looker.

LaineyBug: He's going to be mine by the end of the semester.

What if he's married?

LaineyBug: I don't see a ring and even if he were I have absolutely no problem with being a home wrecker.

Duly noted.

"I'll see you Thursday." Mr. Zander's gruff voice startled her and dropped her phone on the floor. She frantically scattered about, packing up the materials she'd taken out for the day. When she touched her sketch book, the unfinished eyes seemed to taunt her. She took a deep breath and shoved her in bag. She saw a clear path to the exit and made a beeline for it when she heard, "Miss Rose can I see you for a moment?"

Lainey waggled her eyebrows and blew her as kiss of good luck before she left. Athena nodded but her feet refused to move. Students shuffled around her without a care in the world. Once the room had cleared out, she moved toward him slowly. Her feet were as heavy as cinderblocks and her heart was bound to beat right out her chest. She couldn't imagine the conversation going anywhere but straight to hell.

"You wanted to see me?" Her voice cracked. She wanted to slam her face into his desk, but resisted the urge. It was bad enough he caught her in a bar, she didn't want him to think she was a complete nut job as well. His eyes locked on hers and he cleared her throat, she felt conflicted. On one hand his eyes were the most beautiful shade of pale sea green. But on the other hand, his gaze was one of the most intimidating ones she'd ever been under.

"Ah, yes. I was wondering if you're going to drop my class." He pondered. She had so many things running through her mind and knot in her stomach but her mouth managed to form words as she gave him a funny look.

."Why would you wonder that?" She inquired. In all honesty, it hadn't crossed her mind. She figured dropping the class would be just as awkward as staying. She'd have to get the papers and describe why she'd drop it. There was no way she'd be able to come up with a good reason and the truth wouldn't make it out of her mouth nor paper if she could help it.

"When I called your name, you lost all color in your face and looked a bit clammy. I thought you were going to puke." He pointed out. She was right, the day was young and at that point, it did get worse. Her face felt like it was on fire as she struggled to form words let alone an explanation.

"Last night—"

"I don't care about what you do in your personal life, Athena." He interrupted. She sighed in relief, but it didn't ease her embarrassment by much. "I know I'm super old to you kids but I was your age once if you can believe that. And I too snuck into bars with my friends. Granted, I didn't have a pretty face so it was much harder but I still did it."