The Professor - Kelli Callahan Page 0,11
car. It stops beside me and the tinted front window rolls down.
“Alright, I’m definitely stalking you now.”
He has the nerve to smile and God help me; I smile right back. I let out a laugh. “Oh, my God. If I get in and talk to you, then will you leave me alone?”
He shrugs. “I’m not making any promises.”
With a resigned groan, I open the door and slide in. It feels so warm. So good. I let out a content sigh. My ass was literally freezing off in the short uniform dress and stockings. Sniffing, I bury my nose in the collar of my coat. Bryce adjusts something on the dashboard and the leather seat heats up. I almost groan my pleasure and gratitude.
“Better?” He asks.
“Uh huh.” I shove my hands into my coat pockets and soak up the heat.
“Where are you going?”
“Bus stop.”
“I mean, where do you live in west Oak Valley.”
I know that’s what he meant, but I can’t let him take me home. “You can’t take me home, it’s too much out of your way.”
“Well, I am stalking you the least I can do is give you a lift home no matter how far it is.”
“You just don’t quit, do you?”
He shakes his head. “I’ve never quit anything in my life. Not even piano lessons, which I was forced to take and detested. I tough things out, Abigale, even running behind defiant women... one in particular.” He drives on but keeps the speed at a crawl.
“You don’t expect me to believe that you stick to one woman?”
“What gives you the idea that I don’t?”
“You’re wealthy. Your type is almost always playboys.”
He lets out a roar of laughter. “My, you’re delightful.” Giving me a quick glance, his lips twist into a smug grin. “You Googled me, didn’t you?”
“No… yes. So what if I did? What’s the smug look for?”
“It means you’re interested. In me.”
“You’re so full of yourself,” I mutter.
“It’s okay. I’m interested in you too, Abigale.”
Fully warmed up, I cross my arms over my chest and glare at his profile. “Are you always so arrogant?”
“Yup, we rich folks, usually are.”
He flashes me a toothy grin. The laugh I try to hold back comes out and floats around his fancy car.
Chapter Four
Bryce
I’ve never heard a sweeter sound. Her laughter surrounds me like a blanket, warming me on this frosty night. My abdominal muscles actually clench at the sounds. I take another quick look at her. Her features have softened and her eyes twinkle. She’s less guarded and… beautiful. There’s the girl I met and kissed on the beach.
“At least you own it,” she says. “Call me Abby.”
“Abby.” I smile. “Does this mean we’re friends?”
“No. Everyone calls me that.”
I sigh. “You have got to be the most difficult woman, I’ve ever met.”
She looks at me and grins. Now, she’s the smug one.
“Even though we aren’t friends… yet. I’m taking you home. It’s midnight, and it’s freezing. I won’t take no for an answer. Remember, I’m arrogant.”
This time she doesn’t laugh. The troubled expression that appears too often is back. “You know who I am.”
It isn’t quite a question. There’s a warning tone to her words. I could pretend not to know what she means, but what’s the point? I not only got her full name and tracked her down, but I discovered that her family’s reputation is less than stellar in Oak Valley. It’s her father really, but I can guess how everyone else holds her responsible for his actions. I’ve lived here all my life. I know how some of the town’s people are.
“I do.”
“Then why won’t you leave me alone?” She sounds exasperated, and it makes me smile.
“I’ve always been the type to go after what I want.”
“You can’t always get everything you want.”
“I can certainly try.”
Her sigh sounds tired, resigned. She stares ahead for a few seconds, then she turns to me and gives me her address. Satisfied, I make sure my triumphant smile doesn’t surface. I don’t want to risk annoying her. Pressing the gas, I head for the west side.
“Do you always take the bus home this late?”
“Not all the time. My sister needed the car tonight.”
“How old is your sister?”
“Eighteen.” She’s staring out her window, seemingly far away.
“How old are you?”
Silence. I don’t think she’s going to answer, but she turns to me with raised brows. “Too young for you.”
My brows dip. I give her a fleeting glance and return my attention to the road. “Why do you think that?”
“You’re a professor. You’re probably