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“Hmm, agree to disagree on that one. What would you like to drink with dinner?”
“Whatever you’re having.”
“Soda it is then.”
“Pop,” I tease.
“Soda, pop, I don’t care what you call it. But you sure are cute.”
I busy myself with straightening the plates on the table to hide my blush. It doesn’t matter how many compliments these guys give me, it doesn’t get any easier to take. I blame a lifetime of being put down and ridiculed by almost everyone in my life. I guess that kind of damage will take a while to undo. But I feel like the guys are genuine with their kind words.
The front door opens, and my heart stalls in my chest as the professor walks in. He looks incredibly handsome in dark denim jeans and a white shirt which really pops against his dark skin. He kicks off his flipflops in the doorway and I’m mesmerised by his bare feet. Holy shit he has pretty feet. Is that a thing? Can I say that?
He clears his throat, and I drag my gaze up his body to meet the amused expression on his face.
I quickly avert my gaze, feeling my cheeks heat up. I can’t believe I just got caught ogling my professor’s feet. I hope he doesn’t think I’m some kind of weirdo.
“Good evening, Professor,” I say, trying to sound composed.
“Good evening, Miss Van der Zee,” he replies, a hint of a smile playing on his tone. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything?”
“No, not at all,” I say, gesturing towards the table. “We were just getting ready for dinner.”
He nods and takes a seat at the head of the table, his eyes scanning the plates and cutlery. “Looks like I’ve made it in time to enjoy a great meal.”
I’m saved from having to reply by Bhodi thundering down the stairs, still soaking wet and in just a towel.
Fuck my life, this really isn’t fair.
He kisses me on the cheek, falls into the seat beside the professor and starts loading up his plate before Cove has even put the dish down.
“I’m starving.”
I can’t help but shake my head at Bhodi’s lack of manners, but the professor just chuckles and begins to serve himself some food.
Shortly after, Reef joins us, taking the seat beside me, and Cove places the final dish on the table and sits on my left. The room is filled with the sound of clinking cutlery and the occasional slurp from Bhodi, who is clearly enjoying the meal. I don’t blame him, it does taste amazing.
As we eat, the conversation flows easily between the five of us. We talk about everything from our favourite books to the latest news and gossip on campus. I find myself completely engrossed in the gossip, hanging on Bhodi’s every word.
At one point, I catch the professor looking at me with an intensity that makes my heart skip a beat. I quickly look away, feeling heat rising to my cheeks once again.
After dinner, the others retire to the living room to relax, and I stay in the kitchen to clean up. Reef, Bhodi and Cove are deep in conversation about some new surfboard design, leaving me alone with the professor.
“I’m sorry about earlier,” I say, feeling embarrassed.
The professor quirks an eyebrow in question, and I’m pretty sure he knows exactly what I’m referring to.
“I’m not sure what you mean,” he replies, his voice smooth and low.
I take a deep breath, gathering my courage. “You caught me staring at your feet. I hope you don’t think I’m some kind of weirdo.”
The professor steps closer to me, his eyes locking onto mine. “On the contrary, Miss Van der Zee, I found it rather...intriguing.”
“I... I don’t know what to say.” Nervous energy floods my system, and my body doesn’t want to be still.
“You don’t have to say anything,” he murmurs, reaching up to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. The action makes me nearly combust.
His fingers linger on my skin, sending shivers down my spine. I can feel his breath on my neck as he leans in closer, his lips barely grazing my earlobe.
