Page 10 of Teacher's Pet

Seated with a group of other guys wearing baseball hoodies, Walker is laughing it up, grinning like he owns the place.

"Blondie over there with the baseball boys." I point. "Walker."

Both Meg and Elijah turn their heads to give him a good, long look.

"Rich boy?" Meg jokes, nudging my shoulder lightly.

"Right, because this college isn’t full of privilege?" I gripe, rolling my eyes.

Elijah’s smile grows mischievously.

"What are you-"

"Hey, Walker!" Elijah suddenly exclaims, his voice ringing loudly across the dining hall.

I watch as Walker’s head snaps in our direction, and I quickly cover my face with my hands.

"Elijah, what the hell?" I whisper angrily.

"If he wants to come to one of our movie nights, I think it’s only fair we meet him first and evaluate," Elijah says with a wicked grin.

"Elijah-"

"You called me?" Walker says, his voice filled with surprise and amusement as he approaches our table.

Sensing him right behind me, I pull my head up from the table, my cheeks instantly flushed with embarrassment, the heat creeping up my neck.

"My friends wanted to say hi," I manage to grin, kicking Elijah under the table to snap him out of whatever judgmental thoughts he’s having.

Walker gives me a warm smile, settling down next to me without hesitation.

"Well, here I am."

I watch as my friends give him a once-over, their silent assessment making the air feel heavier.

"So, Walker," Megan begins, locking eyes with him, "what are your intentions with our dear Ana?"

My stomach tightens as she shoots him a searing gaze, her tone all business.

Elijah leans forward, adding his own bite to the conversation.

"Follow-up question: what about her made you want to single her out in English?"

I could die right now.

Walker meets their challenge with ease, his voice steady.

"Honestly, I thought she was extremely beautiful, and it was clear that if I didn’t say something to her, someone else would." He glances at me, his honesty making my heart flutter. "So I took a chance on talking to her, and she invited me to your little movie night."

Elijah taps his chin, nodding slowly, clearly sizing him up.

"And if you were to come to said movie night, could we count on you to bring snacks?" he asks, mimicking the act of drinking with a hand gesture.

I guess his potential wealth doesn’t matter too much anymore.

"I can most definitely bring the best snack." Walker laughs.

Just as I start to breathe easier, I feel his hand gently settle on my thigh. The touch startles me, a rush of nerves sweeping through my body.

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