“As you can see being a student at Brighton, is not something to be taken for granted.” He looked around at the faces staring at him before continuing on. “If anyone has any questions you may stay behind or, feel free to check your digital logs found in your equipment once you reach your prospective wings. Your virtual assistants can probably answer just about anything.”
He watched them leave, biding his time so that he could go meet Braden for lunch. It was tradition after all, something the two of them had done for 6 years now after every orientation. Finally, the last person left the room and he made his way out, slipping off his glasses, rubbing his eyes for a moment as he went. Next year maybe Alex could take on orientations, he was the articulate one out of the four of them, after all. Just thinking about the mess Alex would make made him smile, no if he wanted it done correctly, he would just do it himself.
Finding his way upstairs he changed for lunch, ready to get out of the building for a while. He hit the red button on the desk as he slipped into a new jacket.
“Yes sir Mr. Chancellor, how can I be of assistance?” The voice may be computer generated, but it certainly sounded real.
“Hello Lisa, can you have my car brought around so that I can go to lunch please, oh and message my father, tell him I will see him this weekend.”
“Yes sir, Mr. Chancellor, the car will be ready in 5 minutes at the main entrance.”
There was something to be said for modern technology, he certainly was not against enjoying some of the benefits that Brighton afforded him. He slid into his red sportster with ease. He may be the quiet one, but his car was where definitely where he stood out. He made his way into the town of Calabasas, far enough away from Brighton to not be distracted by it. The weather was warm, as usual and he had no trouble relaxing in the sun. He slipped into a parking spot with ease and spotted Braden right away.
If the two of them had not been friends all of their lives, and grew up in the same crows, Braden Montgomery could have easily not been a part of his life at all. The two of them were clearly complete opposites in just about every way. Even now as Eric made his way into the restaurant he had to roll his eyes slightly as he watched Braden ooze charm and do his best to convince some petite blond to meet up with him later. Not that it was ever very hard for Braden. At 6’2, sporting a head of jet black hair and flashy green eyes Braden was by far the “prettiest” of them all. A fact Eric liked to remind him from time to time. Nodding hello to the now blushing waitress Eric managed to sit down in the booth across from Braden, who was now wearing a smug smile on his face.
“You know you are probably going to get that poor girl fired?” Eric arched a brow at Braden, who flashed him a wide grin.
“Doubtfully, she is exactly the kind of sex appeal this place needs. They would be foolish to let her go, why do you think I chose her to play with today?” He flipped open the menu and winked at the girl as she scurried by, heading to another table.
Eric grunted in response to the display, though he was slightly amused. Braden was the only one of them daring enough to try just about anything.
“So Eric dear,” Braden said in his best motherly voice. “How do the newest additions to the flock look this year?”
Eric snapped shut the menu and leaned forward. “The usual suspects, spoiled, entitled, but overall not a bad looking group. Some of them seemed very eager to get started.”
Braden waved at the girl once more signaling that they were ready to order. She held up a finger as she wrapped up what she was doing. “Be nice Eric, we come from the same stock, besides, there is nothing wrong with enjoying life to the fullest.” She turned his dashing smile back on the waitress who finally took down their orders and scurried away once more.
“Sometimes I just want more, I guess. How was your morning anyway?”
The change in expression was obvious as Braden went into work mode. “Hell, as usual. My father is making some big changes, big unnecessary ones because of that bitch he married. She is going to run the company into the ground if he doesn’t stop and see what’s happening.”
“I see.” Eric managed to get out before taking a sip of his drink.
“Sorry Eric, I know you and Nicole had… well, whatever it was, once upon a time. It’s not her it’s her mother.”
Eric held up a hand. “That was a long time ago Braden, Nicole and I are just friends, and that’s just how it should be.”
Nicole Sheridan was an enigma, to him. Eric felt a slight twinge as Braden went on about his family issues. Beautiful and sweet, he had fallen for her hard, but she had backed away from him slowly, never letting things get too far. Never quite knowing what had gone wrong, he left her alone, and when he did see her they would make small talk and usually talk about Braden. He was the common thread that they could discuss safely. Her mother had married Braden’s father a few years ago, and was slowly, but surely, ruining the corporation the Montgomery family had built up over so many years. She was as stuck in the middle of the drama as Braden, both simply wanting what was best for business.
They wrapped up lunch and Eric made his way towards home. He liked living on the grounds of the school, it may access to everything easy and he had his own quarters separate from any of the main buildings. As he drove along he noticed the flashing sign at the coffee bar off the main drive, he pulled in hoping to get a decent cup of cappuccino. Good coffee was an art form, and most people had a hard time pulling it off. Almost empty he made his way to the counter, reading the menu board quickly before looking down at the woman taking his order. When she turned her face towards his he felt his attraction to her immediately.
She was beautiful, her face was like pale cream in its complexion, but for a smattering of freckles and her smile was genuine as she greeted him. What hit him the most was her eyes. They were intense and at the moment were staring at him as if he had grown two heads.
“Or not?” She frowned slightly.
“What? Oh, I’m sorry I was lost in thought for a moment. He gave her a smile and pulled himself together quickly.
“It’s ok, I was just saying we are closing soon so if you want something knows the time.” She hooked a finger at the machine that had been somewhat broken down.
“Is it possible to still get a cappuccino?” He had to wonder if she thought he was crazy, the way he asked was almost like he was scared.
“You got it. Have a seat I’ll bring it over.” She smiled and went to put it together and he watched her through a hooded gaze as she worked. She was average height, and her body was… well perfect. She was humming as she worked, and he smiled.
Soon she made her way over to him and sat down his drink.
“I hope it’s what you were looking for.” She crossed her arms. “A lot of these kids come in here and order a cappuccino, when what they really want is a latte. They don’t realize that a latte has more milk and...”
“…and a cappuccino is more foam than milk.” He finished for her and she smiled.
“Exactly.”
“Sorry, but I know exactly what you mean. I order a cappuccino anywhere else and I get a cup full of milk.” He held out his hand to her. “I’m Eric.”
“Lila.” She blushed slightly. “It’s nice to meet you Eric. I hope you enjoy it.”
As she went to clean up, he watched her discretely, thinking of new ways to get her to talk with him again. It wasn’t as if he had to “find” female companionship, he could meet women easily enough. There was just something special about her. He finished his drink and stood to go.
“It was perfect Lila, thank you again.” He paused at the counter for a moment.
“You are very welcome, I’m glad it held up to your standards.” She smiled wide.
“It did, I may have to come see you again, just to get it done right from now on.” He gave her a wink and turned to go. There was no doubt in his mind that she knew he would be back to see her again. He was in the car and driving again before he realized he had given her a wi
nk, much in the same manner that he had watched Braden do just a couple hours before.
Chapter 3
Lila
He was special. She wasn’t really sure what other words could describe Eric, although she could think of a few as she watched his easy saunter to his sports car. He was tall, lean and blonde. Let’s face it, if she were being honest with herself, she would flat out call him “prince charming.” He had an easy way about him and he was definitely good-looking. She liked the way he talked about simple things like cappuccino. She was still smiling as she set off to clean the machines to finish closing up.
Her thoughts were still drifting as she made her way home and settled in for the night. Who would have thought that she would meet such a handsome guy on her first day as a T.A.? Perhaps everyone at this school wasn’t as stuck-up as she had originally thought? She shrugged as she drifted off, tomorrow was her first day leading a class, perhaps she would have a better feel for things then.
The sun was barely peaking as she set off for the campus. Unlike many other teachers and staff, she couldn’t afford to live very close to campus. It was apparent the closer to Brighton, the more you would pay for the privileged. She sized up the opulence of the campus before her and took a deep breath before she headed towards the door. The bus had to make four stops in the morning and she was on time, though barely. She went up the long stairways and into the main hall where she could speak to the dean and find her place. Yesterday had been a day of exploring the hidden chambers of the exorbitant campus and making new friends. She had hung around for almost an hour before she had to escape the madness. Today was different, today she would make it clear that she wasn’t just another student, no she was here to work. She swung open the main door to administration, still lost in thought. As she did, she felt the hard thump of something solid run right into the front of her.
She felt her bag fall to the floor, long before she had a chance to regain her wits. She glanced up, still trying to regain her balance and found herself face to face with the bluest eyes she had ever seen. She felt his stare into her will as much force as his body had created when he had run into her. Finally, she blinked first and the spell was broken. She shook shakily and glanced down at her bag on the ground. She scooped it up easily enough, facing the culprit who created this mess.
He was rubbing the front of his sports coat, mumbling to himself and not giving her a second look. What an ass, the least he could do was apologize and offer to get her bag for her. She waited as he continued to regain his sense of perfection, it appeared, before she finally crossed her arms and cleared her throat. Finally, he looked up at her once more.
“You were certainly in a hurry miss.” He spoke it simply enough.
“You can’t be serious right now, I was walking and you were running out of here, obviously not looking where you were going.” She felt the heat rush through her and she put her arms down by her side.
“Well, I say we call it even, how about you sweetheart?” He gave her a smile, that she assumed would melt most women’s hearts, but she wasn’t bothered in the least.
“No, let's call it how it is, you were in a hurry, practically knocked me over and then proceeded to fix yourself, before even looking my way.” She had raised her voice an octave now, fortunately they were in a fairly secluded area.
He paused, giving her a once over, a smile lighting up his face. “That’s simply not true, sweetheart. If my memory serves me correctly,” He paused, giving her a wink. “and it always does, I was looking at you very intently for a full minute there. I simply deduced you were a big girl and could check yourself for breaks and such. However, if you need my help…” He made a move towards her which she thwarted off by raising her hand.
“No, I’m fine, just fine. I think you are choosing to miss my point.” She picked up a few stray papers and shoved them in her bag before she looked up at his smile once more. “I’m glad you find this so amusing.”
“Oh, sweetheart, I find most things in life amusing. So is it fair to say you can find your way to class then?”
She felt his eyes travel over her and knew he was doing his best to win her over. Oh no, not me my friend. Rarely would she fall for something that ridiculous.
“I am fine, just be careful where you go…”
“Braden, Braden Montgomery.” He held out his hand, his smile still wide and wicked. He said his name with such confidence it was obvious that he wanted her to be affected by it.
She took a breath once more, reaching out to shake it quickly. “I’m Lila.” She grabbed her jacket and moved to walk around him.
“Have a good day sweetheart.”
She could hear him whistling as he walked away.
Lila managed to find out where she was positioned and she found her way there easily. So, she had run into, quite literally, a Montgomery, and not just any one. Braden was a notorious rake and playboy, and she would do well to stay away from him. Even in her interview for the position the dean had warned her about all four of the “boys” as they were referred to. Until now, however, she had yet to meet any of them.
She made her way to the class, still fuming at the arrogance Montgomery seemed to carry around him like a cloud. Simply put, he was a jackass, and hopefully she wouldn’t have to deal with him anymore. She sighed and looked over the wing of the school she had been assigned. The class was called Great Books, which suited her just fine. Given her part time job writing, she was well versed in literature and couldn’t have chosen a better class section for her first year. She settled into the small nook off of the room, noting a welcoming note and some fresh flowers put there by the teacher for the class, Miss Abernathy. The arrangement was different for most TA but in this case Lila was given the reigns so to speak for the first week on her own. She was excited and nervous, yet she was determined to make it work.
The day went quickly, each class full of rich and upper-class rivals. Some bonded over their similarities, others fighting to be on top. She delivered each class with just enough edge to make them take her seriously, by lunch time she was ready for the welcome break. She moved to close the class door, but not before she heard her name.
“Lila, how nice to see you gain.” She glanced up into the studious face of her fellow cappuccino lover.
“Eric, hello, how are you?”
He moved to lean on the door and she was once more reminded of just how good-looking he was. His blond hair fell slightly over his right eye and he gave her a dimpled flashy smile. She couldn’t help but blush as she took in the rest of him carefully. He was dressed to the nines, and she watched him as he crossed his arms across his chest.
“I didn’t realize you were working here?” He inquired.
“Yes, I am a teacher assistant this year, I’m nervous, but I am also very excited about it.”
“Well, it’s a great place to work.”
“Yes, I mean, it has its issues, but it will look great on my resume. She spoke as she gathered up books on the desks and put them back on the shelf in the room, gingerly placing them in order.
He moved then shoving his hands in his tailored khakis.” Really, what kind of issues?” He was watching her, and she felt her hands subconsciously smooth down the front of her skirt.
“Oh, you know, the usual stuff. Rich kids with too much time and all that. I just want to really teach something is all. So far the staff has been wonderful to me, but then I haven’t met too many people on the board, I’m not looking forward to dealing with that.”
“I see.” He cleared his throat slightly.
“Wow, I am so rude, I’m sorry, I don’t mean to ramble so much.”
It was at that moment that a student stuck her head in. “Mr. Chancellor, how do I get a pass for the main library central. My virtual assistant is stuck.” It was then that she noticed Lila. “Oh, I am so sorry; I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
“It's fine.” Lila managed to choke out the words.
Really? So Eric, the sweet guy
from the coffee shop was not only on the board, no he was one of the four families. She felt the heat rise in her face as her embarrassment was obvious. She was still blushing when he turned around to face her.
“You were saying?” He shot up one eyebrow at her and encouraged her to continue.
“Actually, given I may not have a job anymore, I think I am going to elect to not say another word.” She gave him a weak smile and his laugh was instantaneous.
He laughed for a full minute before addressing her once more. “Your feelings are safe with me my dear.” He flashed his blue eyes at her and she relaxed immediately.
“Well, that is certainly a relief.” She smiled at him again.
“So, I am going to eat, any chance I can invite you to join me?”
She ran through all the calculations in her head, yes she could go and be back before the last bus.
“I’d like that.” She took the arm he offered and they set off to his car.
Dinner was a fun affair. He knew a cute spot in town, a place where he knew she would be comfortable and he wouldn’t stand out either. It seemed they had more in common than their initially realized.
“Goodwin? Really?” She curled up her nose at him.
“What you can’t tell me that you don’t love the cleverness behind good poetry. The Good Doctor, classic.”
“Fine I’ll give you creativity, but there is no romance, no excitement.” She smiled over her glass of wine.
“Understood, I just think there is far more to life than romance I suppose.” He gave her a half smile as the food arrived.
They dined and chatted more about literature and food. He made her laugh easily and she found him a very relaxing person to be around. At one point he even made sure to pay for the meal for a couple across the room from them. The man was dressed in his army fatigues, and out with his wife, which they learned shortly after. As the couple stood to leave they came over to the table, the private shaking Eric’s hand.
Romance: Zach (A College Bad Boy Romance) Page 35
