Temptation (The Hunted, #1)(6)

The sun was starting to rise. I tilted my alarm clock and saw that it was almost 7. So that I wouldn't wake Melissa, I switched the alarm off. I took a makeup remover cloth from its case and wiped off what was left of my eye shadow and mascara. Then I grabbed my bathroom stuff and quietly exited the room.

I brushed my teeth twice and used triple mouthwash to help remove the awful taste. Then I jumped into the shower to try to wash away the awkward night. I couldn't imagine facing Professor Hunter. And I didn't even want to think about what awful assignment he had planned for today. Comm 212 was going to be the death of me. Then there was also Tyler who I had to try to avoid. I had made such a fool of myself last night. And I knew it was my fault. I didn't intend to lead him on, I was just so upset about Austin and then I wanted to make my awkward crush for my professor disappear. But I had told Tyler to stop. He was the one in the wrong.

I let the water fall on my head and took a deep breath and grabbed my stomach. It felt like I needed to hurl again. I swallowed hard and rinsed out my conditioner before switching off the shower. The cold air sent goose bumps up my legs and I quickly wrapped a towel around myself. I tucked the edge of it into the top of the wrap to keep it in place and headed back to my room.

After finally getting a comb through my unruly curly hair, I pinned back my bangs and put some makeup on. A little more than I would usually wear to an 8 a.m. on a Friday. I pulled on a pair of tight jean shorts and a tank top and slid my feet into flip flops. I glanced at my phone and saw that it was quarter to 8. Searching through my closet, I found a sweatshirt and pulled it over my head before grabbing my backpack and heading out the door.

The sun felt good on my face. I entered Smith, the building where Comm was held, and made my way up the stairs. Luckily I was one of the first to arrive again, and I went to my seat in the far corner. A few minutes passed before Tyler entered the classroom. I turned and looked out the window. I silently willed him not to sit next to me.

The seat next to me squeaked slightly and I closed my eyes. Why me?

"Penny?"

I looked over at Tyler. He had dark circles under his eyes. He was sitting on the edge of his seat, as close to me as possible.

"Geez, Penny, I'm sorry. I don't even remember what happened last night, besides for the fact that I obviously acted like an idiot." He gave me a small, forced smile.

"Well, I do remember." I wished I could just tuck my head into my sweatshirt and disappear.

"I really am sorry."

The door closed and I looked over. As Professor Hunter walked into the room, I couldn't help but stare. He was wearing black square rimmed glasses. His hair that was usually pushed up a little looked like it hadn't been touched. The top was even a little curly. He was wearing the same leather jacket that he had almost let me keep. He took off his brown satchel and put it on his desk, then unzipped the jacket and placed it on the back of his chair, revealing a green V-neck t-shirt. The casual air about him made him even more endearing, if that was possible.

He shoved his hands into his jean pockets. "Doesn't everyone look alert today?" He smiled. "So, I think the best thing to do is probably hear about your nights. The more comfortable we are with each other, the easier it will be to stand up here later in the semester and give fantastic speeches. Everyone up to share?"

Some of my classmates groaned. I looked around. I probably wasn't the only one that was slightly hung-over.

Professor Hunter glanced at me for a moment as he sat down in his chair. He pulled out the class list from his bag and called out the first name. The first few people swore they were just studying. Some people mentioned that they weren't lame and had gone partying.

"Tyler Stevens?"

Tyler stood up and stared straight ahead. "Honestly I got drunk and made a fool of myself. I was with this smart, beautiful girl, and I probably blew my shot with her." With one hand he reached up and scratched the back of his neck as he looked down at the floor.

"Sounds like an unfortunate series of events," Professor Hunter responded. I looked up at him and he was staring right at me. I gulped.

Tyler sighed and looked at me as he sat back down.

"Penny Taylor," Professor Hunter said. While I stood up, he pulled out a small ceramic pig from his satchel. "I came prepared today. You'll have to trust that I have some pennies in here."

I wish I could control my blushing, but I knew my face was turning red. My heart was beating so fast. "I went for a walk in the rain with a stranger I met at a coffee shop."

Professor Hunter raised his eyebrows. "Sounds rather enchanting, Miss Taylor."

"It was."

He looked at me for a second more before looking down at his paper and calling the next name. I quickly sat down and looked at my hands. I could feel Tyler's eyes on me.

After Professor Hunter had called every name, he stood back up. "Well, it seems as though we have quite a few interesting characters this semester. And now I have a feel for things that you can all use improvement on. Speaking of which..." He rummaged in his satchel and pulled out a stack of papers. "I forgot to hand out the syllabus on Wednesday." He pulled the top packet off and dropped the rest on a boy's desk in the front. "Take one and pass it."

The boy grabbed one and handed the stack to his neighbor. As the papers began to cycle, Professor Hunter sat on top of his desk.