Chapter 6

"I'm kidding Noelle. Just stay close or else you'll end up getting sick and missing class." His words hit me hard, he was just kidding. I was usually so light hearted and rarely took anything personally or too seriously. I needed to breathe, to recompose myself and save myself from any more embarrassment.

We entered the building and he graciously released his hold on me. I was grateful for the protection against the rain, but wanted to return home as soon as possible. Even the thought of sitting in his car made me feel sick.

"This way," he cut himself short.

I nodded and followed obediently after him, matching him step for step, afraid to say anything. I turned to see if there was anyone around, afraid to be seen with him. The last thing I needed were rumors to start circling, especially rumors with a teacher.

"Come on." He instructed, making me turn my attention to his beautiful white car.

"This is your car?" the words left my lips before I could think.

He chuckled. "Yes. This is my Lotus."

Shit. His car was beautiful, how could a college professor afford such an expensive imported car? I was just so intrigued by the car itself. As a little girl I grew up close to my grandfather who worked on cars all the time. My childhood days were spent beside him while he worked on an old Impala day and night.

"Safe to say that you like cars?"

I shook my head. "No—I mean, that's not it, I just really appreciate nice cars—I grew up around cars."

"Well, I'm glad you like her. Now come on, get inside so we can get you home."

I bit my lip as held the door open for me and gently closed it after I sat in the car. There was this incredibly sweet scent, minty, warm, I couldn't exactly describe it, but it smelled familiar. I closed my eyes and took a moment to compose myself.

"Here." My eyes flew open to Wyatt covering me with a blanket.

"A blanket?"

His voice sounded sweet as he laughed. "Yes. Remember, you adamantly stood in the pouring rain just a couple minutes ago? At least you can keep warm, I forbid you to miss class this week."

"Okay, Professor Wyatt. You have nothing to worry about, I'm not one to ever miss class."

He started to pull out of the parking spot and whispered, "good." Though I could still hear him, it was so soft I figured he hadn't wanted me to hear him so I kept quiet.

It was difficult to be in the car with him, not only because I still felt awkward, but being around him made me feel flustered. Though I wasn't sure why, he most irritated me since that morning that we first met—well—that I remembered soberly meeting him. Our previous night's encounter had probably driven him to annoy me during class. I couldn't even be angry anymore, it must've been embarrassing for him too, having a college girl smothering him while drunk. The thought of it made me flush again and I had to look out the window and into the pouring rain.

"Okay, so where do you live?" He broke my train of thoughts as we left the parking garage.

I pointed out the window to my right. "If you take Lavender Road down to the intersection I'm on the right-hand side, I live pretty close."

"That's pretty lucky of you."

I turned away from the window and faced him. "Not really. Walking in the rain sucks."

"I guess I should bring my umbrella more often."

I furrowed my brows and turned away quickly. My skin shuddered. Why did he make me feel so on edge? Was he doing it on purpose? I blinked a couple of times attempting to clear my mind, and as if on cue my phone started to vibrate.

"Hello?"

- Nelle! Where are you??

"I'm almost home, I had to get a ride, have you not noticed it's storming like hell out?"

- Of course I did! Why do you think I'm calling you?

"Just be at the door waiting for me. I'll see you in a few."

I heard her sigh before hanging up and I had to laugh to myself. Elise was terrified of thunder and lightning, which meant the real reason she called was because she didn't want to be home alone during a storm.

"Boyfriend?" Wyatt's question startled me.

I paused to catch my breath, "No...no.." I sighed, "That was Elise. She has your class with me."

His brow lifted like he still had something he wanted to ask, but instead he nodded in comprehension and continued driving in silence.

"Is that your place right there?"

I nodded at the obvious Elise standing at the door with the light on. Her neon pink Bunny robe stood out ridiculously loud.

"Here, let me at least walk you with the umbrella, it hasn't let up at all."

I waved my hand. "There's no need! You don't-" before there was anything else I could say, he was already out of the car with his umbrella, walking over to my side, ready to open the door. He walked with grace and urgency that made him seem like he was always on edge. I breathed deeply, knowing Elise was going to have so many questions for me once I got inside the house.