I had planned on doing something productive before I had to face Jasper, but instead I spent majority of my time in the library moping and throwing down blueberry muffins. Suffocating my discomfort in calorie loaded pastries has always been a weakness of mine. There was something about the sugary taste slipping down my throat that made me feel better. This was probably why in middle school I was overweight before discovering not all my problems can be solved at the bottom of the cookie jar. Still, old habits die hard. And today was no exception.
In truth, the situation could be worse. I could be spending twenty hours with Jasper every week, but I knew that if I couldn't handle seeing him for less than five minutes, eight hours was going to be just as torturous as twenty.
I groaned inwardly, eight hours out of my week spent with the source of my unhappiness for the past three months. He will no longer be out of reach, but right next to me, addressing me and acknowledging my existence. After months of avoiding him now I was meeting him head on with no exit route. I sent a silent curse to Dr. Porter for the fifth time hoping he slips on ice on his way to work this morning. Service hours? Seriously? Does he not see how cranky the education program is because of service hours? For a smart man he sure made horrible decisions.
My thoughts traveled to imagining myself as an assistant. How the hell is this going to work? Should I avoid talking to him the whole time unless absolutely necessary? Maybe he will deny my request and refer me to another professor. That way we can move along and I can graduate with no distractions. I should want that. But even the thought of him refusing to sign the form sent my heart into an anxious flurry.
I threw down another blueberry muffin.
After contemplating whether or not I really wanted to graduate in May my phone went off informing me that Sara had texted me. Apparently she was going to be home late tonight because she had some tutoring sessions later on.
At least someone got the memo.
After I replied letting her know that it was fine because I'm moving out of the country anyway I saw the time staring back at me. I had ten minutes left until it was time to see Jasper.
Suddenly I didn't want my fifth blueberry muffin anymore.
Instead I gathered my things, straightened my wrinkly sweatshirt as much as possible, and marched towards his classroom located in the Porter Hall English building not too far away. It was just my luck that on the day I finally see Jasper I am dressed like a homeless person because I was in such a rush this morning I didn't think my outfit through. I am almost positive that I had a barbecue stain on the front of my shirt from last week. "Just saving it for later," Granny would always say.
My heart gave a squeeze at the thought of her. I needed her now more than ever and she was probably off somewhere in Seattle raising Cain at a grocery store for advertising things grammatically incorrect. The three days I spent with her months ago was not long enough. I needed her undying support and confidence that she instills in me. Although I know she would probably encourage me to talk to Jasper and discuss what happened, I wasn't ready. I'm not sure I really want the truth because no matter how you looked at it, as long as I'm a student it doesn't matter what went down--the rules would never allow us together.
With a sigh I looked down at the small slip of paper reading the room number multiple times as if it would change on me. Apparently he was located on the third floor and after eating so many muffins I didn't feel like climbing the stairs. I took the elevator trying to ignore the screaming irony of it all. Dissecting hidden meanings in literature for several of years does something to your perception after awhile.
Once the doors slid back with a loud creak revealing the third floor the familiar flutter in my chest returned. This was really happening now. Finding the will to take a step out of the elevator instead of hiding inside was more difficult than I thought it would be.
Stop being so immature, Allison, I chastised myself. You are a grown woman you can't hide from your problems forever.
With that bitter thought I took in a deep breath taking a step and then another until I found myself traveling down the hallway towards my problem, form still in hand. I checked the time once more realizing I had less time than I originally thought so I put more pep in my step.
When I reached his hallway I paused to look at his door near the end feeling a sense of deja vu. It was like the hotel all over again. Maybe any moment now Ms. Harrington will come sauntering out with her clothes all disheveled and messy hair.
I shook the ridiculous thought away. Ms. Harrington is hours away from here, there was no way she would be here. Even if she was it wouldn't matter.
I kept uttering those same words over and over as I made my way towards his door trying to gather all my confidence and ignore my heart hammering away. With one minute to spare I sat in a chair near the doorway wiping the sweat off my palms onto my pants.
After I straightened up I noticed different doors began swing open all down the hall and students began to tumble out of their room as if a silent dismissal bell went off.
My heart quickened when the door to Jasper's room flew open and a couple of student dribbled out. There was no avoiding it now--it was time to see him.
I stood, form ready in hand even if my body wasn't. Once the traffic coming from his room started to slow down I took in a deep breath mentally preparing myself before stepping into the doorway. A girl bumped into me as she scuttled out mumbling an apology. I turned to tell her it was okay before facing the room. When everything was in clear view, I froze.
Standing in front of me was an image I could never erase from my memory.
My heart felt like it was trying to escape when I saw Jasper leaning against his desk talking to a student who had last minute questions. With one hand bracing the desk behind him while the other held his coffee filled mug he nodded his head to whatever the student was saying giving me time to appreciate the view.
My eyes traveled from his business attire paired with a new fitted jacket all the way to his curly hair that looked like it was once combed back but little springs of curls popped out messily. I don't know how he could look so professional yet mouth watering at the same time. Time has not changed his looks very much but his beard was now a bit fuller and ready for the harsh winter. I was also glad to see that he still wore those same thick framed glasses that not many men can pull off. Jasper, however, was always an exception. With a final sweep I took in his entirety realizing one thing: this semester is going to be the most challenging semester in my entire college career and it wasn't because the classes are difficult.
The student wrapped up whatever they were asking him with a smile before grabbing their bag. After saying goodbye they walked past me and out the classroom leaving us alone. Jasper must not have known this because he took a sip of his coffee before turning to his desk with his back to me. I used this time to finally make my presence known.
"Dr. Andrews," I finally greeted trying to ignore the hammering in my chest.
His body visibly stiffened at the sound of my voice and I tried not to let it bother me. Slowly he turned around to face me until finally, after three months, his dark eyes rested on mine for longer than a second.
"Ms. Miller," came his husky voice making my heart speed up even more. Slowly he sat down his mug on the nearby desk never taking his eyes off of mine. "I--um . . . what can I do for you?"
The struggle behind his words didn't go unnoticed. I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear conscientiously. "I actually came here to ask a favor from you."
He perked up slightly. "Of course. I'd be happy to help."
This was more awkward than I thought it was going to be yet at the same time I couldn't ignore how elated I felt. I didn't realize how much I have missed Jasper until talking to him now. It was so much more than just a physical need, I missed him.
Taking a step closer I held up the form in my hand. "I was actually wondering if you would sign this for me. It's, uh. . . ," shit I didn't think of how I was going to drop the bomb on him, "it's . . . a form."
He looked down at it warily. "Yes I suppose it is definitely a form. But what kind?"
Well I guess it's good to know that his cockiness hasn't changed. I took in a deep breath deciding there was no way around it. "It's a form to be your assistant."
He couldn't hide the surprise in his face even if he wanted to. I didn't blame him either. I looked exactly the same way hours ago only a little paler. He coughed probably trying to cover his shock.
"Assistant?" he paused, letting the words settle. "You want to be my assistant?"
"No," I answered honestly. "I have to be your assistant in order to graduate, apparently. My old adviser failed to mention service hours so I discovered Dr. Porter's new requirements only this morning. It turns out you are the last professor in need, so here I am."
Maybe I could have been a little gentler, but even though I am still attracted to him doesn't mean I have forgotten what happened at the convention.
He grabbed his mug lifting it to his mouth. "I see," he took a sip and said, "So this isn't your decision?"
"Not exactly, no," I shook my head. "But I agreed to it and I need the form filled and turned in by the end of the day so if you would please--" I placed the paper on a desk between us and pushed it closer to him. I didn't want to be in here any longer than I had to be. Or at least I shouldn't. I had to constantly remind myself why I'm upset with him in the first place and not be distracted by his allure.
He eyed the paper between us with disinterest before picking it up to read. His eyes skimmed slowly taking in every detail of information before lifting an eyebrow. "Eight hours per week? That's roughly four hours for two days."
"Or two hours, four days," I implored thinking back to what my adviser said earlier.
He nodded taking another slow sip. "And you meet the requirements as an assistant? I know how your grading skills are," he smirked. Damn him.
"I am an excellent upperlevel student who surpasses the requirements," I snapped ignoring the fact that last semester I actually wasn't so excellent. "You won't find a better assistant."
His eyes lingered on mine for a moment. "Yes, how could I forget that you are an upper level student?" the heat in his voice made my jaw clench. I really tried to push down the images but memories of the hotel came flashing back. I hope Dr. Porter slips on ice and lands on his face.
Jasper dug out a pen from his breast pocket. "If what you are saying is true then I guess we are both put in a position where refusal is unacceptable. I do need an assistant and you do need to graduate," he clicked his pen. "But before I sign this I must inform you of what I expect."
I don't know why I suddenly felt nervous. "Sure."
He sat on the desk nearby then cleared his throat before beginning, "For starters, I have three classes every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and one on Thursday. They start at eight in the morning and last until twelve with an hour break. On Thursday it is three hours, no break. I expect you at two of those classes as well as my office to help grade papers and check my emails. I have a very busy schedule and hundreds of emails fly in every other minute. You can see my dilemma," he informed.
"Secondly, I expect you to help plan lectures as well as any of my meetings. For this semester I have mandatory meetings with my students but I also have weekly staff meetings so I need to be sure nothing overlaps. And lastly," he pushed his glasses up his nose, "I expect you to be reliable. If you are my assistant, you will make time to help and treat any work I give you as if they were assignments. I won't make things outrageous for you, but I do expect results. I don't like slackers," he crossed his arms.
My mind twisted around all the information he threw at me making me feel dizzy. I am going to be in his office part of the week? Just me and him? No students? Either I'm going to need to invest in more pastries or I am never going to graduate.
"I accept your terms, but I have a few of mine as well," I stated sounding more bold than I felt.
He took a sip of his coffee. "Fair enough, let's hear it."
I crossed my arms as well. "I expect you to respect my time as a student and remember that this is my last semester. With that being said I need to focus on my studies along with trying to figure out what the heck I'm going to do with my life," that made him smirk. "And also, I expect you to remain professional. Given our . . . history, I don't want it to interfere with anything. You don't like slackers and I don't like things from the past getting resurfaced."
And with that I put a stake in the heart to any future awkwardness, or at least I hope so. I was serious when I said I wanted to end the semester with a bang. I'm not going to let some past fling get in the way no matter how nice his chest is. Especially after he takes a shower, or during a shower--stop it!
For a moment the room was silent between us as he eyed me closely. I wasn't sure what he was looking for, but whatever he found made him nod his head before turning to the paper, "I accept your terms as well."
His long torso bent over as he signed the form before passing it to me along with the pen. I took it from his hand ignoring the heat when his hand accidentally brushed mine and signed my name under his. And with that I sealed my fate for the rest of the semester. I don't know why I felt like smiling after I looked at the form with both our names on it.
"Well," Jasper pushed off from the desk. "that's that. I will be emailing you later on with more information and we can go from there as far as when to meet and such."
I nodded making a piece of hair fall in my face so I brushed it aside. "Sounds good. I will see you then Jas--Dr. Andrews," I blushed at my slip up.
Something flashed in his eyes that I couldn't read before he turned to grab his things from his desk. "See you soon, Ms. Miller."
When he walked by I was hit with the familiar scent of spice and honey. I had to lean against the desk to gather my wits.
I am going to need a lot more muffins.
__________________________________________________________________________
Authors Note: The reunion is here!
I would pay to hear Jasper's thoughts when he looked up to see her. If he had any that is. But seriously I'm so excited for these next couple of chapters although I'm pretty sure Allison doesn't...OH WELL
+Questions: Thoughts on Allison being his assistant finally? What do you think is going to happen? Are they going to remain professional? Or give in?
+Fun Fact: When I get stressed I eat white cheddar cheese it's or chocolate chip poptarts. I'm not big on blueberry muffins.
Next chapter is another that I have been waiting for: Jasper's P.O.V.! It's definitely an interesting one because it circulates around their first day as assistant and professor. Mwahaha!
If you are enjoying the story so far PLEASE consider leaving a vote as well as comment telling me why you like it! I live for feedback and hearing from you all.
Sincerely,
Snow