Page 12 of Almost Rotten

Sawyer’s mouth drops open, then snaps shut just as quickly. She darts a look up at Tytus, who still has her wrapped up in his hold.

“It…” she stammers, then gives her head a little shake. “It was fine. Nothing related to my coursework,” she assures me.

Assured, I am not.

With another tilt of his mouth, Tytus sneers. “It was more of a personal matter, Professor.”

My blood boils. Does this fucker already know details? Why the hell would she call him first?

“Why don’t you come up to my office, Ms. Davvies? We have catching up to do since you had to miss our morning check-in.”

The pair before me exchange a heated look.

I cross my arms, annoyance coursing through me.

I’ve had enough of Tytus Tremblay’s antics for one day.

I’m about to tell him as much when Sawyer takes a step to the side, freeing herself, and holds out her hand.

“I need my bag,” she demands.

His eyebrows shoot into his hairline in what appears to be a challenge. He makes no moves to hand over her satchel.

My annoyance roils into genuine anger. What the fuck does this boy think he’s playing at?

“This is part of my job, Ty,” she reminds him.

Slowly, he grips the strap of her school bag and lifts it from his shoulder.

Instead of handing it over, he shuffles closer and places it on her body, his touch lingering on her collarbone in a way that kicks up all sorts of jealous anxiety in my gut.

Instead of straightening right away, he brings his mouth directly to her ear and speaks.

I can’t hear his words, but I catalog every detail of Sawyer’s reaction.

The way the apples of her cheeks turn pink.

How she sucks in a sharp breath and then clamps her mouth shut, as if fighting the urge to sass back.

Before he pulls away, he tugs on a strand of hair.

The urge to smack a student has never been stronger.

When he glances my way, he offers a casual chin tip.

“I’ve got to get over to the ice rink and check in with Coach. Let him know that I missed morning skate because of that meeting with the dean.”

Jesus H.

As if he needed to make it any clearer that he has more information than I do.

With a peck to Sawyer’s cheek, he strides out of the room.

I inhale deeply, gearing up to demand answers.

What the fuck was that?

What is going on?