Page 20 of Wicked Ends
My face grew hot and itchy. My lungs were cramped, and it was hard to breathe.
I got to the lectern and looked at the class. I felt like everyone could see what I’d done.
Glancing up, I realized that Marcus hadn’t taken his seat yet. He was standing in the middle of the aisle where I’d left him. Once my eyes met his, he sauntered forward. Maybe he’d sit in the back and disappear, and I could forget he was there.
I could forget what I’d done.
Nope. I’d never forget it. I’d slept with a student. My new start at HHU, in this perfect little town, was over before it had begun.
Tears threatened to spill over, but I blinked them away and picked up the roster, a printed piece of paper on the lectern.
With a shaky voice, I called out the names. There were only a few before I came to him.
“Marcus Bailey,” I said in a croak.
Marcus took his time to answer, still sauntering down the steps, oozing confidence, and then he made his way to the open seat right in front of my desk. He sank down and smirked at me.
“Present.”
I tore my eyes from the dark mocking in his gaze and focused on the rest of the class. I had to hold it together, somehow. I had to. I had to get through the class, and I could freak out after.
Yes, good plan.
“Today, we are going to continue where you left off, studying classical forms, specifically sonatas and their transformations in later eras,” I said, my voice still shaking.
Marcus put his hand up.
Damn it.
“Yes?” I asked in his general direction without meeting his eyes.
“Aren’t you going to introduce yourself, Professor? I’m sure everyone is dying to know who our new teacher is.”
His deep drawl sent embarrassment flooding through me. Damn it, he was right. I was so flustered I hadn’t even introduced myself.
I plastered on a professional, pleasant smile and nodded.
“Of course, that was remiss of me. My name is Ms. Moore. Anna Moore.”
“Ms.Anna Moore.Anna?”Marcus repeated loudly, seeming amused at the change in name.
Crap.I waited to see if he was going to push me on it. He wasn’t finished.
“Is that Miss or Mrs.? Or maybe some new-age way of hiding your marital status?”
I risked a glance at him, my cheeks only burning hotter.
“What are you asking, Mr. Bailey?” I demanded, my gaze immediately fixing to his.
He leaned forward, bracing his elbows on his knees. “I’m asking if you’re married, Professor.”
A titter of laughter went up around the room.God.
I stood up straighter and took a deep breath. I had to calm the fuck down.
“That isn’t necessary information to take this class. I promise it won’t be on the final exam.” I gave him a swift smile and was rewarded with more laughter. “Any more questions?”
Marcus’ hand shot up again. Fuck me.
