Page 25 of Of Pranks and Passion

One reason I snagged this job was because I was fine opening so early by myself. Students didn’t normally show up for another hour, but there were some professors who got here early who needed their coffee fix. I stuffed my new favorite hoodie and mybackpack under the counter and grabbed my apron, hurrying through the opening tasks like wiping down the counters and turning on all the machines. I was still scrambling when the first customer showed up, but it was slow enough in the morning that I caught up eventually.

Breathing a sigh of relief, I pulled out my notes for my test this afternoon. As long as my work was done and I didn’t ignore customers, my boss didn’t care if I used my free time to study. And professors never seemed bothered that I was using my time that way. I got a couple complimenting me on my diligence, complaining about how most students would be on their phones playing around. I wished I had the time for that, it wasn’t like I loved studying, but I had to focus to get good grades.

Hopefully, my detour last night wouldn’t cause any issues. I’d hate having to choose between Easton and my school work.

“A large coffee, please.”

I jumped, whipping my head up. “Professor Steele. Good morning.”

Setting my notebook down, I hurried to grab him a coffee. He didn’t normally come here, I usually saw him with a travel mug that he brought from home, but that didn’t mean much. Maybe he was just running late.

“Morning,” he murmured in reply. Not chatty in the morning. Same, honestly. Thankfully, I was allowed free coffee working here. It was one of the perks of the job.

While I got his drink ready, he spun my notebook around, reading over my notes. “Feeling prepared for the test?”

It was his class that I had a test in this afternoon. I felt okay about the test, but I never really felt confident. I lifted a shoulder, handing him his coffee.

“Hopefully. I studied for it. Unless you’re willing to give me any hints?”

He straightened, a smirk on his face. I thought for a second he’d give in, which would have been amazing, but his gaze drifted and landed on my neck, and his expression darkened.

“No. I don’t allow cheating. Make sure you show up on time.” He dropped a few crumpled bills on the counter, enough to cover the cost of his drink, and muttered, “Keep the change,” before storming off. I frowned at his receding back.

That was weird…

I didn’t bother separating out the change. Fifteen cents wasn’t worth the effort.

The rush of college students picked up as people started heading for their first classes. Mine didn't start until nine, and my shift didn’t end until fifteen minutes before that. Just enough time for me to scurry to my first class of the day. I was getting comfortable in the back of the room when my phone went off.

Phantom:Workout before lunch or after your last class. Take your pick.

I droppedmy chin to my chest in defeat. Not joking then. Damn.

Gary:After my last class, please. I have a test this afternoon. I’m going to use my free time to study for it.

Phantom:Don’t study too hard. You’ll forget things.

Frowning,I paused. Was that true? I always thought studying until the minute the paper was placed in front of me meant I might have the chance to remember something last minute I would’ve forgotten. But Easton wouldn’t make stuff up, right? He’d been honest with me so far. And he was obviouslyway better at studying than me, since he didn’t even have to try. My phone buzzed again.

Phantom:You’re overthinking.

I whippedmy head up and looked around. How did he know that? He wasn’t in this class with me. My eyes scanned the room, looking for his tousled mess of black hair, but he wasn’t here.

Gary:How’d you know that?

Phantom:I can read your mind. Pay attention to the lecture, Gary.

My mouth fell open.Holy crap. Could he actually read my mind?

Phantom:Yes.

I suckedin a sharp breath and immediately started choking on my own spit. Great. Not only was I so pathetic that I needed a fake boyfriend, I also couldn’t manage simple things like breathing correctly.

“Are you okay?” a feminine voice asked from beside me. I nodded, but I doubt I was convincing since I couldn’t stop coughing. She reached over and patted my back, watching me with a concerned frown until I could finally draw in a breath.

“Here. I have an extra.” She handed me an unopened mini bottle of water. It was warm, like she kept it in her backpack for a few days, but it was better than nothing. I took it gratefully, sucking down half of it before I finally came up for air. I turnedto thank her and blushed hard when I noticed her eyes were dancing. She was trying not to laugh at me.

“Thank you,” I murmured, ducking my head.

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