"Okay so I'm going to go out on a limb here, but I'm starting to sense that you don't really want to be here."
She shrugs as if it doesn't matter when clearly it does. "It wasn't exactly my idea to move."
"Yeah, I guess it would kind of suck moving half way through your junior year."
There's an unhappiness about her that doesn't quite sit well with me. It's somewhat surprising to realize that I don't really like seeing her look like that. I'd much rather have feisty Beer Girl back with all her cutting remarks and icy stares than this girl. Because this girl is doing something inside me that I don't quite understand.
Or like.
Needing to lighten the mood, I lean forward. "I think I have something that will cheer you up."
Her eyes instantly change. Gone is the haunted look and for that I'm grateful. "Getting an STD would definitely not cheer me up. Plus, we've already established that you're not my type."
"True. But I'm willing to try changing your mind if you're open to it."
And with that comment, she suddenly starts stuffing her books back into her brown leather bag before rising to her feet. "No thanks, Montgomery."
"Suit yourself," I shrug.
Just as she's passing my chair, she leans down so that her lips are right at my ear. A little shiver shimmies its way down my spine. My eyelids instantly close as her warm breath tickles my skin. "I'm not gay, Parker. Just uninterested. There's a difference." She sucks my ear lobe into her mouth, giving it a little nip with her teeth, before releasing it. "See you on Wednesday. Same time, same place."
And then she's gone.
Unfortunately, the boner in my jeans is not. Yeah, I think I'm probably going to be here for a while.
Chapter Five
It's Friday morning and I'm sitting in Mrs. Fisk's 3rd hour English Literature class. My God, can this woman drone on and on. And then on some more.
If I didn't know any better, I’d have to guess that half the students in here were already stiff with rigor mortis. Any other day her lecture would be enough to induce a well-deserved mid-morning nap. But today it's only providing yet another opportunity to conjure up images of Jordan. That whole thing she did in the library. Damn, but I can't stop thinking about it. Every time I do, I pitch a major tent in my pants.
So, apparently that chick isn't a lesbian. It took a moment to wrap my head around that one. Or... is she and she's simply messing with me? Argh... that's the problem- I just don't know.
Yet.
I don’t know yet.
This is the first time I've ever found myself completely perplexed by a female. Usually I know exactly what to expect. It's like they're all reading from the same play book and I was lucky enough to get my hands on a copy. I know exactly what they're going to say, how they're going to act, how far they're willing to go, etc...
But not with Jordan.
That girl is a total enigma. I don't get her at all. Which makes me want to figure her out even more. I think I've spent more time contemplating this chick in the last week than I've ever spent thinking about any other girl. Like ever. And if that's not bad enough, I've been scouring the hallways for her as well. It's like my head is on a swivel but there hasn't been one single Jordan sighting so far. She's being totally elusive and it's driving me completely bat shit crazy.
A book slams down on my desk knocking me out of my Jordan filled daydreams. My eyes arrow straight to Ms. Fisk who, much to my misfortune, has now parked herself directly in front of me.
"Parker, are we boring you this morning?"
Of course she's boring me. What kind of question is that?
But something tells me that she's not actually interested in a truthful answer and I can't really afford to piss her off too much more than I already have because I still need to get my grade up. "No, ma'am. I'm hanging on your every word. Please, continue."
Her lips thin... As if that's possible. And just a little FYI- Ms. Fisk does not have kissable lips like a certain someone else I know. A little shudder of disgust works its way through my body. I push that thought far, far away where I can't inspect it any further. Because if I do, I might actually throw up in my mouth.
Gross.
On both accounts.
"So tell us, Parker, in your very astute opinion, what do you believe to be Odysseus' greatest weakness?" A small, not to mention very un-kissable, smile tilts the corners of her lips upward. She looks like a cat that's just about to feast on some big fat mouse.
And guess who she has her sights locked on?
Yeah, no surprise there.
"That's an excellent question, Ms. Fisk," I pause, stalling for more time.
Her smile broadens as she eyes me with something that looks very much like glee. I don't think I've ever seen Ms. Fisk look gleeful before. It's actually quite scary. Kind of like staring death right in the face. "Do you have an excellent answer for us, Mr. Montgomery?"
This time, I allow the corners of my lips to curl upwards as well. "As a matter of fact, I do."
Did you honestly think I was going to let her get the best of me? Not going to happen. At least not today, it isn't.
She sweeps her hand towards all the other students who have now turned their somewhat interested attention towards me as they wipe the drool from their chins and rub the sleep out of their eyes. "Please enlighten us. We're all perched on the edge of our seats with anticipation. Metaphorically speaking, of course."
I try to look thoughtful as I begin. Yeah, it's a stretch but I manage it. "Well, that's a tough question because Odysseus was pretty much the perfect hero. He was brave, loyal, not to mention smart. His flaws don't immediately jump out at the reader."
Her eyes narrow just a bit. "Go on." I can almost hear her grinding the back of her teeth together and I have to admit that it feels pretty damn good to surprise her with a correct answer.
"If pressed, I would have to say that Odysseus' greatest weakness was his sense of pride."
"I'm hoping you can give us an example, Mr. Montgomery." She folds her arms over her scrawny chest. Not that I've actually checked out her non-existent rack. Because again- gross. Okay, this time, I actually think I did vomit in my mouth.
"Well, Odysseus proved that he was prideful when he battling Polyphemus, the Cyclops, because he felt the need to brag about who he was. After he blinded Polyphemus, the Cyclops tattled to his father- you know, the sea god dude-Poseidon. Poseidon ended up causing a lot of trouble for Odysseus on his journey home. Odysseus would have had an easier time getting back to his honey if he would've just kept his big mouth shut."
Ms. Fisk tips her head to me as one worthy adversary would to another. "Very good, Parker." Then she turns to the rest of the class. "A lesson to all of you that it's always best to keep your mouths shut. And this was rather surprisingly taught to us by our very own Parker Montgomery. Let's all give it up for Parker."
There's a smattering of applause along with a few snickers but I could care less. Did that woman seriously just acknowledge, in a public forum no less, that I did a good job? Did I somehow miss the memo that hell had officially froze over? Not that I'm going to admit it or anything, but the only reason I even knew that answer was because Jordan quizzed me rather relentlessly about the story two nights ago when we were studying at the library.
Take that Ms. Fisk! Booya!
"Alright everyone, your assignment is to finish reading pages 220-240 and answer questions 1-8 on page 241." She glances at the digital clock above the door. You can use the rest of the hour to get started on the assignment."
Just as I'm pulling out my incredibly thick and ridiculously heavy lit book, Jordan unexpectedly steps out of Ms. Fisk's office. Wait just a minute- what the hell was she doing in there? Ms. Fisk hands her some papers and Jordan nods her head while they talk quietly before she leaves the room. Apparently she doesn't realize I'm in this class because she doesn't even glance my way.
I quickly jump out of my seat. "Ms. Fisk, I need to take a-"
"I, ah, need to use the restroom."
She huffs out a breath before handing me a pale blue slip of paper. "Take a hall pass. And make sure you don't get lost on your way back."
I give her a sharp little salute along with one of my most charming smiles. I may hate the old bat but I'm still angling for a good grade in this class. Then I decide to dim the wattage of my smile just a bit. I wouldn't want her, for the love of God, getting the wrong idea. I'm willing to do a lot for a good grade, but certainly not that. Let me amend that statement- I'm not willing to do that with Ms. Fisk.
Snatching the hall pass from her thin fingers, I practically race through the door and out into the hallway. My eyes scour the empty corridor until they land on Jordan's retreating back. For just one moment I can't help but stare at the swing of her slender hips as she continues to stride away from me. And then I'm off. Damn, but I've never had to chase after a girl like this before.
It takes no more than a moment or two before I reach Jordan's side. I can't help but nudge her gently with my shoulder because all I really want to do is touch her. Actually, I'd like nothing more than to take her in my arms and kiss the hell right out of her until she's just as senseless as she makes me feel. But I have yet to see Jordan senseless. I unfortunately feel, not to mention act, like a huge asshat every single time I'm around her. It's very un-Parker-like.
So, no, I don't like this feeling one damn bit.
As she turns, her gorgeous green eyes slam right into me. Man, at the risk of sounding like a total chick here- I have to admit that her eyes literally steal my very breath away. And don't think that I'm not totally hating myself for even thinking along those lines because, trust me, I am. Jeez, next I'm going to be writing her a sappy love song or some other crap like that. Nope, this isn't good at all.
What is it about her that drives me so crazy?
I wish I knew. Because all I really want to do is fix whatever is going on and get myself back to normal.
"Shouldn't you be in class doing, you know, actual class work?" She raises a tawny colored brow at me and damn, if that doesn't have something stirring south of the border.
This girl gives me a total hard on by doing nothing more than glaring at me. Man, I am such a goner. This is bad. Really, really bad.
"I needed to stretch my legs." I glance down at the thick stack of papers she's holding in her hands. "So, what're you up to?"
"I have to copy these packets."
Engaging this girl in conversation is seriously like pulling teeth. Normally I can't get these chicks to shut their mouths. They're constantly yapping in my ear. And about things I couldn't give two shits about- gossip, what diet they're on, what they just bought, their favorite song, more gossip... I usually have to tune out their incessant chatter before my brain literally explodes all over the place. I'm not used to having to make small talk. So I dig deep before asking a follow up question. "Are you, like, Ms. Fisk's teaching assistant?"
She smiles just a bit.
And for one single moment something sparks within me. She's not even giving me a full blown smile and I'm feeling bowled over. Crap.
"Wow, nothing gets past you does it, Parker?"
Damn but this girl just loves to give me shit. And look at me, I'm practically lapping it up like I can't get enough. What the hell is wrong with me? I'm in some serious need of psychological help.
"Why the hell would you want to be TA for Ms. Fisk? Christ, does she make you scrub her classroom floor with a toothbrush on your hands and knees?" Poor Jordan, she's like a modern day Cinderella. Instead of a wicked step-mother she has a wicked teacher.
"Of course not. She's not that bad, you know." Jordan pauses for just a moment before adding thoughtfully, "More like misunderstood."
I snort with about as much derision as I can muster. Which is actually quite a bit. "She's probably even worse than I can imagine. That woman is a total beast."
Jordan gives me a small frown before saying slowly, "Ms. Fisk is my aunt."
My eyes widen with absolute shock and a fair amount of horror. "Shut the eff up." That woman actually has a family? Certainly did not picture that one. I thought she pretty much hatched from an egg...
And then ate her siblings.
"It's true. She's my mother's older sister."
"Poor you." I give her a pitying stare. "How about a hug?" With a big smile, I open my arms. "Would that make you feel better?" I know it would make me feel better. Because all I want to do is get my hands on this girl.
She rolls her eyes before punching me in the bicep. None too gently, I might add.
"Ow!" I rub at the now tender spot. Dang. Note to self- the girl doesn't hit like a, well ... girl.
She raises a brow. "Oh, suck it up you big baby." Then she continues on with our previous conversation. "You just don't know her like I do. She's an excellent teacher and she really does care about her students."
Now it's my turn to roll my eyes. Which I do with complete and utter exaggeration. "Yeah, well, warm and fuzzy aren’t exactly the feelings she inspires within me."
Hmm, I didn't think it was possible, but my boner has totally deflated just thinking about that woman.
Thank you, Ms. Fisk.
Leave it to that old bat to ruin my day one way or another.
But still, I'm unable to stop myself from touching her again. I bump my shoulder into hers as I ask, "So, where you headed?"
She waves the papers at me as if it should be obvious. "Copy room."
Nice, small, private room where I can close the door and get her alone. Perfect. I couldn't have planned it out better myself. My lower regions stir in agreement.
Ms. Fisk or not, this girl gives me a total woody.
"Shouldn't you be getting back to class?"
"Nope." Not on your life. Whether she realizes it or not, I plan on kissing her before the end of 3rd hour. Now I'm on a mission. And I'm not about to abort it for any reason.
Once we're in the small windowless room, Jordan gets to work setting up the copier. I just stand and watch as I bide my time waiting for the perfect opportunity to take her into my arms and seduce the crap out of her. Minutes slowly tick by as she gets the machine up and running.
It's almost cute the way she's so intensely focused on what she's doing. It's like she's totally forgotten that I'm even standing behind her. This notion has me frowning because it really is like she's forgotten that I'm standing right behind her. I think I'm going to have to ratchet up the old Parker charm here. If I didn't know any better, I would suspect that I'd lost my touch with the females because Jordan seems completely immune to me.
Kind of like she's gotten a Parker Montgomery inoculation or something like that.
Clearing my throat, I search for something else to say, something that will draw her attention away from the stack of paper in front of her to where it belongs.
On me.
"So any big plans for the weekend?"
Jeez, really? That's the best I could do? Guess I'm just going to have to roll with it.
She flips a page over and lowers the top of the machine. "No, not really."
I step a bit closer. Yep, a few more minutes and I'll move in for the kill (if we're using predator/prey analogies here, which clearly I am). "Not going to the game?"
We have a huge football game against Mt. Clements. They're one of our toughest rivals. If the past really does dictate the future, then this game will be an absolute blood bath. And the stands will be jam packed with fanatic fans who want to see that. Quite naturally there'll be a huge celebratory bash after we kick their asses at Carter Callaghan's on Saturday night. I was kind of hoping that she would be there. And this time, there wouldn't be any beer spilling fiascos either.
She glances down at the machine before punching in the number of copies. "Probably not."
"You don't like football?" Most girls don't and I'm okay with that. Like I me
ntioned before- I'm not in these pseudo relationships because some chick and I happen to have a lot in common. I'm in them for a totally different reason. And most girls are cool with that. Hell, half the time, they're the ones dragging me to a dark bedroom upstairs. Not the other way around.
"No, I like football. It's just that I have a lot of school work to get through."
"So, you're going to hang out at the library all weekend?" I'm pretty sure there's a look of absolute horror on my face right now.
Noticing it, she smirks. "Something like that."
"Doesn't exactly sound like fun." Actually it sounds like the complete opposite, if you ask me. "So what do you do for fun?" I'm starting to wonder if this girl even knows what that is.
She wraps her lips around the word as if she's unfamiliar with it. "Fun?"
I take another step towards her until I'm just close enough to pull her into my arms. If I wanted to, that is. Which I totally do. Come on, you know I do. But this is kind of like fishing (okay, bear with me as I switch analogies) and right now, it's important to reel her in nice and slow so that she doesn't even realize that she's been caught until it's too late. My voice drops a few octaves as I answer, "Yeah, fun... you know- blow off steam, cut loose. That kind of thing."
I sure as hell know what I like to do to cut loose but I doubt she would have the same thing in mind...
Jordan tilts her head so that she's staring straight into my eyes. I like that about her. She doesn't back down. She's not afraid to go toe to toe with someone. This is where I try using one of my Jedi mind tricks on her. Yep, I'm staring right into those cool, green cat-like eyes of hers. They get me every time I do. Hmmm, maybe she's using a Jedi mind trick on me. I hear the whirl of the copier as it photocopies the pages behind her.
Confessions of a Heartbreaker Page 4