Page 4 of Teach Me

“How can I be so sure? You’ve already screwed up four times.”

“I know. I know.” He raised his hands. “But I didn’t realize just how annoyed you were with it. I kind of thought you were relaxed and figured you would have to go to summer school either way.” Even the tutor co-ordinator didn’t have faith in my abilities, and I wasn’t sure what that said about me. “I will help this time, I promise. Coach will kick my ass if I don’t.” It wasn’t good enough of an answer. Ralph seemed so easily swayed by people that I doubted me, or Coach could stop him.

Ralph wrapped his arm around my shoulder, drawing me in. “It’s okay, man. I got you.” He raised his hand like he was painting a picture. “I have the most amazing tutor for you. The absolute best. I promise you won’t be disappointed.”

“Yeah? Because if you’re lying, I’ll…” I wasn’t sure how to end that sentence without a threat. I wasn’t exactly known for fighting. That was more Aiden’s style, but Ralph was doing a pretty good job of testing my limits.

Ralph closed his eyes, holding his hand to his heart. “Say no more. I’m sorry I screwed you around. I’ll get you the best tutor we have. Come back tomorrow and I’ll introduce you to Aster.”

Aster. That sounded like a smart name.

“Okay. I’m trusting you this time.” I gave him a pointed look, and he nodded profusely.

“And I won’t let you down.”

“Fine. See you tomorrow.”

I didn’t waste any more time. I stalked toward the door, ignoring the glares of the other students. I didn’t know how many people were watching us, but I knew it was enough for this little argument to get around campus. So now, not only was the newest star quarterback a dummy, but everyone was also going to find out that I was going to potentially kill Ralph if he wasn’t careful.

Whatever. I was giving Ralph one more chance.

As I pushed the library door, I glanced over my shoulder one last time to see Ralph give Kinsey a look as he dramatically wiped his brow. “And Ralph.” He jumped at my voice, but diligently looked up at me with a hesitant smile. “Give Rachel her money back.”

“Will do,” he replied, a few octaves higher than usual.

“And anyone else you took money from.”

“Yes, Boss.”

When I was outside, the fresh air whipped across my face and strangely, I felt slightly more positive than I did before. Rachel may have been a dud, but Aster felt right. Even though I’d only heard his name, he sounded like the type of guy that spent more time in the science lab than outside watching football, and that was exactly what I needed. A guy who wanted nothing to do with me except to help me gain a passing grade.

It justhadto work this time.

Chapter 2

Shunting my backpack over my shoulder, I grunted in annoyance. Why couldn’t my students bring their own textbooks? Like a mule, I was carrying so many, I could hardly see where I was going as I balanced my way through the library.

“Aster,” Ralph drawled out. I rolled my eyes because I always hated talking to him. How he knew it was me under the books, I’d never know, but he always managed to find me when I did my best to avoid him like the plague. Not that I hated him, or anything. He was nice enough when he wanted something from me, but when he didn’t, he just used me for gossip, and I was more than aware of it after my accidental foray with the popular crowd. “Let me help you with those.” He immediately slid the top two books off my pile, making my shoulders relax.

“Thanks,” I muttered, eyeing him up suspiciously. What could he want now? I’d done my best to stay out of the gossip limelight since that Connor fiasco, but he was giving me this toothy, over-eager smile that screamed, ‘pick me.’

“You know. Maybe we should get you one of the carts that people bring to the beach. That way, you can carry as many books as your heart desires. Might even be able to stuff a man in there since you’ve got so many chasing you.”

Was he trying to compliment me, or was that sarcastic?

His hands dropped as he glanced at my skirt. “Not that I’m surprised. I mean, I’d kill for legs like yours. Do you work out?”

He knew I didn’t, and I knew he wanted something.

“Out with it,” I quipped, because I didn’t have time for his fake pleasantries.

“Out with what?”

“What do you want, Ralph?” His mouth dropped in mock shock, and I just glared at him. “I can see it in your face. You’re up to something. Just tell me what you want, so I can say yes or no and get on with my day.”

His mouth was still hanging like it was waiting for a few flies to trap, but I stared him down. He wasn’t going to win against me. He shook his head, tutting in disappointment. “Is that what you really think of me? That I’d only be nice if I wanted something?”

“I don’t think it. Iknowit. Now come on, why are you doing this?”

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