Page 24 of The Professor's Possession (Crystal River Billionaire Brothers)

My roommate’s face lights up. She loves the fact she gets to be my tour guide to this madness. “Stick close to me,” she replies. “I’ll lead you through all this. I’ll make sure you have fun.”

We make it to the kitchen where she pours me a vodka and soda from the array of free alcohol laid up on the counter. We cheers our drinks.

“To the best roommate ever,” Ava says, winking at me.

“Thank you for being the best person I could ever hope of living with,” I reply.

I take a small sip.

“Right,” Ava says to me. “It’s been a week, but you’re still so tight-lipped about back home. Are there any boys you’re secretly hiding from me? Anyone back home you’re messaging late at night? I want to knowallthe gossip, Olivia.”

I shake my head. “Nope. None. No gossip.”

“Really?” Ava asks. “But you’re so pretty. I’m sure there are plenty of boys tripping over themselves to get to you.”

That makes color rush to my cheeks.

“Thank you,” I say. “But I’ve never had boys fight over me.”

“Olivia, you are drop-deadgorgeous,” my roommate replies.

I’m not fully convinced.

“You’re such a hype-girl, Ava. I love it. I should have a pocket-sized you in my ear telling me sweet words all day long.”

“Well, don’t let Luke try to get you with any of his friends,” my roommate continues. “He’s not known for being a cupid. The last boy you’d want to date is a former member of the Crystal River High football team, trust me.”

“Oh, I’m really not planning on dating anytime soon,” I say.

“At all?” Ava asks. “No one here in Crystal River? Not even one fun date?”

“Not in college,” I reply. “I want to focus on the coursework and that’s it.”

Ava shakes her head in disbelief. “You arewaytoo sensible for me, Olivia.”

I laugh and take another sip of the strong drink.

I look over Ava’s shoulder into the crowd outside the kitchen.

And there’s Professor Penmayne, standing by the front door.

I freeze.

What’s he doing here?

I blink.

No...

I was wrong. It’s not Professor Penmayne; it’s just some tall boy around my age with black hair. Nothing like my English Lit professor at all, really. What on earth am I thinking?

God, I’m starting to imagine things...

“Are you okay?” Ava asks me, noticing something wrong.

I smile. “I’m fine.”

Why am I thinking about my professor...

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