Page 8 of The Professor's Possession (Crystal River Billionaire Brothers)

That tone...

This man has taken an instant dislike to me, and I don’t know why. I’m sure I have done nothing wrong. Nothing to provoke him.

The retort comes instantly to my lips. “No, I’ve never hooked up with my school’s quarterback. I’ve always found quarterbacks too dumb, probably due to their proclivity of getting hit in the head a few too many times.”

Oh, crap.

I did not mean to actuallysaythat out loud.

Luke glares at me, dumbfounded.

“What doesproclivitymean?” he asks in a bark.

I shrug. “Proves my point.”

Ava can’t help but laugh then at my little joke. She clearly has never heard anyone retaliate against her town-famous boyfriend before and is loving it. Luke, meanwhile, has clearly never had some strange girl stand up to his insults before and so behaves like a little boy with his feelings hurt, getting up and storming out of the room without another word.

The door slams shut behind him dramatically.

I blush. My heart is beating out of my chest. I really didn’t mean to be as sharp as I was, but I really don’t like getting disrespected like that. “I’m sorry, Ava. I really didn’t mean to make that uncomfortable...”

Ava’s still laughing. She waves a hand dismissively. “That was hilarious, Olivia. I’m liking you already.”

“I feel ashamed,” I whimper.

“Why? Oh, don’t worry about Luke. He’s got thin skin, but he’ll get over it. I think he was just upset about being beaten by a girl for once. You ran circles around him.”

“I am sorry.”

“Absolutely no need,” my roommate says. “He had that coming.Ugh, he can be so bossy and arrogant sometimes. I’m glad you stood up for yourself. He has to learn that he doesn’t always have to be the center of attention in a room.”

I glance down at my hands. “Thanks.”

“Look,” Ava says, getting up off her bed. “Tonight I’m going to head over to the boys’ dorms to Luke and his friends to celebrate the first night of college. That’s what we were talking about. You’re more than welcome to join us if you want. It seems like Luke’s just gonna spend the time playing stupid drinking games with his buddies, so I might need a friend to keep me entertained.”

I take a look around the room and at my soaking-wet bag. “I think I’ll just prefer to unpack and settle in,” I say. “Sorry, but it’s been a long day and I need a moment to unwind.”

“Sure. No problemo.”

I spend the next hour slowly unpacking as Ava gets ready for her night out. I would not mind going out and meeting new people, but I do need a moment for myself. It’s fair to say I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed, and Luke’s dramatic entrance and then exit haven’t helped in the slightest. Even though I harbor a sense of guilt for not accompanying Ava tonight, I don't believe I'm prepared to confront her volatile boyfriend once more in such a short span of time. And, besides, it feels like I haven’t stopped moving all day. I’m just so freaking tired.

Ava’s finally ready. She somehow looks even more beautiful than she did when I first met her in her sweater. She’s all dressed up in a pink flowery blouse and midi skirt. Something tells me her boyfriend won’t match her effort.

“You’re stunning,” I remark as she checks herself out in the restroom mirror. She honestly would look good inanything.

“Thank you,” she calls back to me chirpily. “You know, it’s not too late to come along.”

“I’ll be fine, thanks.”

“Suit yourself. I’m going to get drunk and dance to music,” Ava replies. “You’re missing out on what could be the best time of your life, Olivia.”

I laugh. “Maybe I am,” I say. “Have a good night.”

Ava opens the front door, but before she gets out of here, she turns back to me. “You know what, Olivia? You and I are going to be good roommates,” she says softly. “And even better friends, I can already tell.”

I smile. “I think so too.”

She leaves.

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