Taste of Ms. Alexander

Chapter 5 - Ready or Not

Amanda Alexander
Monday | 6:00 am

I was somewhere between excitement and anxiety. My mind was running endless scenarios of how the day might unfold. This wasn't just another morning; it was a significant start in my new role. I spent years preparing for this moment, yet now, I couldn't shake the question, "Was I truly ready?"

The cloud of steam that once surrounded me faded as I stepped forward from the glass-enclosed shower stall. The warmth of the water had settled my mind, allowing me a fleeting moment of peace where nothing else mattered. I was no longer the eager student sitting in a lecture hall. Now, I was returning as a lecturer, stepping into the very position I once admired.

I grabbed my towel from the hook and wrapped it around my body. The doubt crept in like it always did, whispering "Is this really the right path for you?" No matter how many positives I tried to focus on, my overthinking always found a way to overshadow them. It was exhausting both mentally and physically. I tried shutting out those intrusive thoughts, but it felt impossible sometimes.

Determined not to let them ruin my morning, I let out a deep sigh and turned my attention to my routine. After squeezing toothpaste onto the bristles, I began brushing my teeth with hopes that the mundane routine would ground me for a moment. While I was doing so, my phone vibrated against the counter, and it drew my attention. I glanced over and saw an unfamiliar number flashing on the screen. I hadn't given my number to anyone recently, so I ignored the call and continued onto my room.

Once I got there, I sat on my bed to lotion with cocoa butter. After unscrewing the lid, I scooped some into my palm and massaged it into my skin. I liked mixing it with coconut oil for a little extra oomph. It left my skin velvety soft, glowy, and smelling absolutely divine all day. Once I was finishing up, my phone vibrated again. This time, it was a WhatsApp video call. I sucked my teeth in annoyance and tossed the phone aside, hoping whoever it was would get the hint.

Turning my attention elsewhere, I rose from the bed and crossed to my closet. My first day as a lecturer was only hours away, and first impressions mattered. The first option was a sleek black and grey striped pencil skirt, paired with a crisp white button up and black heels. The second a bolder yet sophisticated choice. A white button up, navy blue high waist wide-leg trousers, paired with gold open toe heels. I held both outfits against my body and turned from side to side, trying to decide which one screamed competent lecturer and not struggling young adult. Then my phone vibrated again.

"What the fuck!" I blurted out.

I tightened my grip on the towel, making sure it was secure before reaching for my phone. The device vibrated insistently in my hand, and by now, my curiosity had gotten the better of me.

The moment the screen lit up, my eyes widened.

Anthony.

Of all people, it was Anthony staring back at me through the incoming video call. A mixture of surprise and disbelief washed over me as I adjusted the phone and made sure I was fully in frame. 

"How did you even get my number?" I asked.

Anthony's smirk deepened as pure mischief danced in his eyes. "Iz ah small world," he replied smoothly. Then, with an exaggerated tilt of his head, he added, "Buh yar try give mi ah show or wha?"

I scoffed, adjusting my towel as heat rose to my cheeks. The audacity.

Meanwhile, he casually propped his phone up on what looked like a kitchen counter to give me a better view of him. His dreads were loose and some strands fell in front of his face. Then, slowly my gaze instinctively traveled downward. From his broad, bare chest to the defined ridges of his abs, and then further down to his...Shit.

I snapped my eyes back up to his face before I got caught staring.

"Wha I tell yuh about watchin mi like dah? If u war see just ask sweet girl," he said.

I giggled at his silly remark then said, "Ain't nothing dey to be seen. Likkle cocky car impress me."

Anthony chuckled, clearly amused, as he slid his hand along the indentation of his shaft. His fingers gripped his length through his boxers, and even through the fabric, it was impossible to ignore the sheer size of it. Was he fully hard? Or was that him soft? Either way, the monstrosity resembled that of a third leg.

I was left jaw dropped and my thumb acted on instinct, immediately ending the call. My heart was racing as I tossed my phone onto the bed like it was scorching hot. The temptation was too real, but I needed to stand my ground. I had priorities, and getting caught up with a man was not part of the plan.

I glanced at the time. 6:47 AM. "Fuck!" I cursed under my breath. Panic immediately set in as I had to be at the college by 7:30 AM. With no time to overthink, I grabbed the first outfit, slipped into it, quickly did a light beat of makeup, and bolted out the door.

It was the quickest I had ever made it out of the house. I slid into my aunt's 2010 Toyota Yaris, turned the ignition, and braced myself for the dreaded journey to work. It had been so long since I last drove in St. Vincent. While I considered myself a decent driver, others like my hypercritical mother would beg to differ.

However, as I eased onto the road, the beauty of the morning was going to make my journey worthwhile. The sunrise ahead was absolutely stunning. Though, the only missing piece was my music. I wasted no time in reaching for my phone and queued up the first song on my playlist. The familiar beat of Shenseea – Sun Comes Up pulsed through the speakers, instantly shifting my mood. I exhaled deeply, letting the music carry me as I navigated the winding roads.

New day. New start, but what a morning it had already been.

I started singing along to the lyrics, completely lost in the rhythm as the outside world faded into the background. For a moment, everything felt light. No nerves, no overthinking, just me, the music, and the open road. A quick glance at the clock reassured me, I was going to be just on time.

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Author's Note:

-This is not the final draft of this book.

-Please excuse any grammatical errors as they'll be corrected later on.

-Feel free to express your thoughts by leaving a comment.