Teach Me: A Bad Boy Professor Romance (The Me Series Book 1)

by Penelope Marshall

  REGAN

  I'd have to see her in class again this morning; the infuriating woman whom I couldn't drag out of my mind with a forklift. I grabbed the phone from my nightstand, deciding to call the one person who knew me better than anyone else.

  "Hello," her soft voice filtered through the phone.

  "Mom. I need to talk to you."

  "Is everything okay?" She sounded slightly distressed.

  "Yeah, yeah. Everything's fine. More than fine, actually. I need some advice."

  "What's going on?"

  "I've met someone. Or at least I think I have." The phone went silent for a moment. "Regan Donovan. You finally met some—"

  "She kinda hates me right now."

  "What did you do?"

  "Why me? Nothing. I didn't do anything. She makes me crazy. Crazier than any woman has ever made me."

  "Really?" her question rolled on forever.

  "Why do you say it like that?"

  "You know what they say about the women who make you the craziest?"

  "No, what?"

  "That's the woman you fall the hardest for."

  "Fall? No, no, no. I just said I met someone. There is no falling going on here. I don't do 'falling'."

  "Son, destiny doesn't ask you what you want to do or not. It simply does—then you do."

  "What does that mean?"

  "You'll see, my dear. Bring her over for lunch."

  "I can't."

  "Why not?"

  "She's a student."

  The phone went silent again.

  "Mom, you there?"

  "A student, Regan? A student?"

  "I know, Mom. I wasn't trying to—"

  "What are you going to do?"

  "I guess just forget about it—about her."

  "Is she forgettable?"

  I paused for a moment, contemplating the question. "No. She's not."

  "Well now, isn't that a bit of a problem," she said, with a smile in her voice.

  "You're telling me."

  "This is a big decision, son. You could lose your job. You have to decide if she's worth it."

  "I don't even know her, but—"

  "But?"

  "I want to. I wanna know her."

  She laughed a little. "You sound just like your father."

  A smile washed over my face, knowing how much my mother loved him. Her words were a compliment of the highest regard.

  "What would he have done?"

  "You're here, aren't you?"

  I laughed. "I suppose I am, but this is nothing like what you two had."

  "And you know this how?"

  "She's a student."

  "You've never spoken to me about a woman before. Never. In my opinion, there's something already different about this one. I like her."

  "You haven't met her."

  "But you have, and you like her. That's enough for me. You are just like your father…" her words trailed off.

  I smiled. "Okay, Mom. I love you. I'll call you back and let you know how things go."

  "When are you gonna decide?"

  "I'm gonna talk to Ryder about things today."

  "Oh, no. That boy changes his women more than he changes his underwear."

  "Gross." I chuckled at the truth in her words.

  "How's that nice girl Hannah?"

  "I'll ask him today."

  "Tell him I said hi, but don't listen to anything that kid says, though."

  "Bye, Mom."

  "I love you."

  "I love you, too."

  I dropped the phone next to me then rubbed the scruff on my face. My mom was right. If I pursued Cher, I risked losing my job—everything I'd worked for. But if I didn't pursue her, would she be my greatest regret?

  I hopped out of bed and headed straight for the bathroom. I needed to get a jump start on the day. I should have canceled the morning class like I did the afternoon class, so I wouldn't have to see Cher, but seeing Ryder had been an afterthought.

  I realized I'd also have to deal with Sophia at lunch and then at the game after. Why'd I let her talk me into two meetings when I didn't even want to have one? I jumped into the shower, turning in onto the coldest setting, needing a jolt of something in my life. And since I didn't have Cher around, this would have to do.

  The conversation I had with her before she stormed off began to roll around in my mind. I wondered what I made her feel like. If Sophia hadn't interrupted our conversation, I probably would've gotten some answers, as Cher looked to be ready to say something concrete. Could she have been finishing her sentence with a word that would lean in my favor? Or was she going to say something that would've pissed me off even more? Knowing her, it was probably the latter.

  I stepped out of the shower and got dressed in a pair of navy blue slacks and a light-blue, buttoned-up shirt, before heading out the door for class. I texted Ryder a quick reminder about our meeting as I hopped into the car, throwing my phone into the center console.

  I took in a deep breath and exhaled. "Here we go." I stuck the key in the ignition and sped off to campus.

  CHER

  The morning air nipped at my skin, creating goosebumps up and down my arms. My head ached from my shower mishap, and I hoped class wouldn't be as dramatic as it'd been the last couple times, since I didn't have the fortitude to deal with another run in with Mr. Donovan.

  That man.

  Making it down the hall toward class, I saw him disappear into the room, wearing the sexiest outfit I'd seen him in yet. There was something about him in blue that just set my world on fire.

  I stopped in the middle of the hall, fighting against my urge to head to the counselor's office. He was too good-looking, and I was too weak to keep him at arm's length the rest of the year.

  A strong arm rested across my shoulders, urging me toward class. "Hey, babe. You're gonna be late again if you don't put a pep in that step." It was Reese, staring down at me with the biggest grin. "Whoa, what happened to your head?"

  "A fight with a cat."

  He chuckled. "Pretty fierce cat."

  "What are you so happy about? It's too early to be that happy."

  "I get to sit next to you for the next hour. What else?"

  "Does that really work on women?" I asked, allowing him to drag me to class.

  "You tell me."

  I looked at the floor as we walked through the door together, sliding myself out from underneath his arm. "Later."

  "On our date." He winked.

  My heart sunk, praying Mr. Donovan hadn't heard him. I turned and headed to my desk, stealing a quick glimpse of the hotness standing in front of the class busy texting on his phone.

  The green-eyed monster of jealousy quickly reared its ugly head. Who could he be texting this early? Probably the woman from last night. I'm sure he showed her a good time after I'd left and she was probably floating on cloud nine, texting him how much she missed him lying next to her.

  I shook the thoughts from my head. I was being crazy—making things up in my head to stir up trouble that didn't need any stirring.

  He slid his phone into his pocket then looked up, panning the room with half a smile on his face. I tried my best not to make eye contact, deciding instead to stare at the poster hanging on the wall, which had a cat hanging from a pole with the words 'Hang in There' printed across the top.

  I chuckled a little to myself. I was that damn cat. I was in a futile struggle trying to keep myself on course—from falling into the nightmare of dating and all the things that entailed.

  "Today's class is going to be short. I have something I need to do."

  "Gotta big date or something?" Reese laughed.

  "Actually, yes," Mr. Donovan replied, staring straight at me.

  I shrunk in my chair. Embarrassed. Annoyed. He was ditching our class to be with another woman? That woman. She was beautiful, though, so I guess I couldn't blame him.

  "Anyone having issues with the reading?" he asked, taking a seat on top of his desk.
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br />   "I am," Reese replied.

  I glanced over my shoulder at him, wondering why he enjoyed being such an antagonistic person.

  "What is it?"

  "I'd like to know why two people can't be together if they really wanna be? Why let rules keep them apart? And why do some people refuse to admit their feelings?" he asked, winking at me with his chest puffed out, proud of his profound question—a question which, quite honestly, hit home.

  I cringed, turning back to Mr. Donovan for his answer.

  REGAN

  I thought about my answer as I focused in on Cher's forehead. She was hurt, and all I wanted to know was who, what, where, and why. But it wasn't like I could take her in my arms and comfort her in the middle of class, or anywhere else for that matter—even though I wanted to so badly.

  God, I want to hold her.

  I cleared my throat. "That's a great question—"

  "I know," Reese interrupted.

  "Yes, well, there are so many factors in the world. All of which need to be taken into consideration before two people can make that decision to 'be together' as you say."

  "What's there to consider? You either like each other, or you don't. Fuck the rest."

  "Fuck the rest? I guess there's that school of thought, but what if these two people are bound by the rules of society? What if one won't admit their feelings like you asked, leaving the other person standing alone—exposed. I wouldn't want to be exposed—would you, Cher?"

  CHER

  My jaw dropped. Why would he bring me into the conversation? I knew why—he was an asshole.

  "I. Uh. I've told you my thoughts on Romeo and Juliet. Men and women shouldn't expend so much energy on pursuits that will eventually hurt them in the end. Romeo and Juliet are dead for goodness sake."

  "The question was—would you want to be exposed?" Reese interjected.

  I didn't let his taunt dissuade my eyes from shifting away from Mr. Donovan. "I wouldn't expose myself. I just couldn't." My answer was a personal memo to him, just as I knew his question had been secretly directed toward me. "No. I wouldn't expose myself for anyone."

  Mr. Donovan took in my words with a nod, turning back to his desk. "Okay, I think that's enough for today. I'll see everyone tomorrow." He grabbed his bag, pulling his phone from his pocket still facing the board.

  I waited for everyone to leave, making sure we were alone. I cleared my throat, alerting him to my presence.

  He turned from the board, sliding the phone back into his pocket. "Cher, did you need to tell me off again?"

  "No. I wanted—"

  "It's always about what you want, isn't it?"

  I brushed away his attitude. "I wanna know why you feel the need to make everything personal?"

  "Personal?"

  "You know what I'm talking about."

  He reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. "I don't want to have this conversation with you right now."

  "Who's that?"

  He looked up at me then smiled. "Are you jealous or something?"

  "What?" I shook my head.

  "You sound jealous?"

  "How on earth would I be jealous?"

  "Then what does it matter who's on the phone?"

  I gripped my book tightly, channeling my annoyance. "Just making small talk."

  "We aren't exactly in a position in our relationship for small talk."

  "Our relationship?"

  He slid his phone into his pocket. "Don't play coy, Cher."

  "I'm not playing. Just leave me the hell alone. I don't know if this is a game to you. If your students are your fetish—"

  "Hold on now," he said sternly. "Don't you ever accuse me of such indiscretions. I have never—"

  I cringed at the tone he took with me. I wanted nothing more than to gobble the words back up, but the accusation was already out there, hanging in the air forever. He shook his head at me then walked to the door, leaving me standing alone—exposed.

  McGINNTY'S

  REGAN

  The nerve that woman had on her. I pulled my phone out, ready to text Ryder that I didn't need to meet and discuss the issue. I was done worrying about Cher and her fucking sassy attitude. But I hadn't seen him in a while, and I wanted to throw back a couple beers before lunch with Sophia. Lord knows I needed to be relaxed to deal with her incessant flirting.

  I made it across campus to my car, and headed to McGinnty's, arriving in the parking lot within ten minutes. I guess I must've been excited to see my old friend. Grabbing my phone, I stepped out of the car, locking it behind me before I started for the bar door. I passed by Ryder's, freshly washed, gunmetal black Maserati.

  I shook my head. "This guy."

  He was so rich he could afford five of those and not bat an eyelash. I never understood why he still roomed with Hannah. Secretly, I always thought he had a crush on her, but didn't want to admit it.

  I walked into the darkened bar, which smelled like tequila and the oranges they used for their most popular drink.

  I waved to the bartender, Ralph. "The usual."

  "What are you doing here so early?" he asked, wiping down the counter.

  "Meeting Ryder."

  "He's in the back." He pointed to our usual back booth. "Already drinking a Blue Moon. I'll get you one in a sec."

  "Sounds good. How's the family?"

  "Good, good. Sansa is getting ready to head to med school in Vegas."

  "Med school, really? I remember when she was just a little thing."

  "She's still a little thing. That girl hasn't grown past five feet since she turned fifteen. Got her mother's genes."

  "Tell her I'm proud of her. If you need anything, let me know."

  "Sure will. Thanks, Regan."

  I threw him a quick nod before rounding the corner where I caught sight of Ryder and his head full of perfectly coiffed, dark black hair.

  "Hey," I said, stretching out my hand to shake his.

  His hand met mine, pulling me in for a hug. "C'mon man, give your best friend a hug like a real man."

  I chuckled. "How've you been?" I asked, giving him a quick squeeze before I took my seat.

  He plopped back into his chair. "I've been good."

  "How's Hannah?"

  "She's doing well. She's got this new job at a coffee shop, so she's excited."

  "A coffee shop? Why do you make that girl work anyway?"

  "I told her to take advantage of being best friends with a millionaire, but she won't take anything from me. She even tries to hand me rent every month."

  "Tell me you don't take her money."

  "No, I put it in an account under her name that she doesn't know about. I mean shit, I don't even pay rent. I own the damn building." He laughed.

  "Are you ever gonna give it to her?"

  "When I feel like she would actually take it. She's too proud. It's why I love her."

  "You love her! I knew it!"

  "Shhh! What the fuck man? Like a friend. I love her like a friend. Don't try to push your idealistic shit about love on me." He took a sip of his beer then smiled when Ralph set down a second for him and a first for me.

  Ryder patted Ralph on the arm. "Ralph, how's the wife and kids?"

  "Good, I was just telling Regan that Sansa is headed off to med school."

  "You need help with her tuition you let me know, Ralph. Sansa is like a little sister to me."

  "I think I can manage, but thank you for the offer."

  "It's always open, Ralph. I owe you anyway."

  "For what?" Ralph asked, wiping down the condensation which had dripped down from the cold glass.

  "Without you keeping Regan and me on the straight and narrow, he wouldn't be a damn college professor, and I surely would've squandered the inheritance my grandmother left me on booze and cars instead of getting my Masters in Business.

  "Do you even use that, by the way?" I asked.

  "One day my little grasshopper." Ryder sipped his beer, shooting me a wink.

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nbsp; "You truly live the good life." I reached over, slapping the side of his arm.

  "He sure does." Ralph chuckled. "But at least he's not an asshole about it."

  "Much!" I added.

  "All right boys, I'll let you get to business." Ralph finished wiping down the table then threw the rag over his shoulder and walked off.

  Ryder leaned in. "So tell me, what's with the ultra-secret meeting?"

  "There's this girl—"

  "I fuckin' knew it. I knew your romantic ass couldn't go without getting snatched up."

  I leaned in. "I'm not snatched up."

  "Then why the fuck are we having an ultra-secret fucking meeting over this girl?"

  "Goddammit, lower your voice."

  "Fine, fine. Tell me what the problem is. Don't tell me you can't get it up? They have shit for that."

  "No. That's never been a problem."

  He laughed then took another long swig of his drink. "C'mon, I'm growing old here. What's the deal?"

  "She's—she's my—"

  "She's your what?" He urged an answer from me.

  "She's my student."

  He threw his hands in the air then slammed them down on the table. "What the fuck's the problem?"

  "I just told you."

  "Regan, do you know how many teachers I banged in college?"

  "Yes, actually I do."

  "Do you see me screwed up over it?"

  "It's not right."

  "Life ain't right. You can't control your manly needs. Shit happens. Is she down to be with you?"

  "No. I actually think she can't stand me."

  He leaned back in his chair. "You? Everyone loves you. It's me people can't stand. Though, I couldn't tell you why."

  "I dunno. Ever since the first day I met her. We're like oil and water. She's going on a date, and I hate to admit it—"

  "Oh, shit. Don't tell me you're jealous."

  "I'm jealous."

  "Fuck, almighty. Have I taught you nothing?"

  "I know, I know. I'm trying to get her out of my mind."

  "What's the problem?"

  "She's just so goddam perfect."

  "Oh, shit. Here we go."

  "I mean it's everything. Her hair, her smell, her attitude. The way she doesn't need me. All of it."

  "Have you told her?"

  "No, I never get the chance. She's always calling me out on something—fuckin' ruins the moment."