Does He Do It Like I Do It

Chapter Twenty

I clicked my pen impatiently, waiting for the professor to finish up his lecture. I was somewhat grateful for my mother's pressure on me about my schoolwork. I took so many AP classes in high school that my college courses are almost at Junior level. I thought I would have been the youngest in my class, but there were a few people my age. It was weird not being the smartest kid in class anymore, though. Anything to get me graduating early was what I had to continue to repeat in my head. 

"That will be all class. Remember to read chapters six through seven of Morgan Housel's The Psychology of Money for tomorrow's discussion. I am very much aware of the freshman mixer today, and I promise you, drinks and nachos will not help you understand finances."

There was a lot of protest and mumbles as everyone packed up their bag. I didn't have the luxury of attending the freshman mixer. I didn't want my dad to feel like he still had to take care of me states away, so I asked Aunt Alana if I could get a job waiting tables at her restaurant. She, of course, agreed and immediately scheduled me to work the dinner rush. I looked down at my phone and saw I was already behind getting to the bus stop to catch a ride across town. Just as I swung the strap to my book bag across my shoulder, I noticed my professor waving me down. I let out an exasperated sigh and put a fake smile on my face. 

"Mr. Garza, I was just leaving."

"Really quick, Roxanne. I know you have things to do. I was wondering if you'd be interested in interning at the downtown property building. They have been looking for new candidates, and I think you would be great there."

I clutched the strap of my bag, considering what he had said. An internship would look great on my resume in the future, and it would be good to get some experience in the business field to see how things are run. But with everything going on with my classes, there was no way I would have the time. 

"Tell you what, I'll submit a request on your behalf, and if and when they reach out, just grab some information from them. You've been doing great in my class so far, and you are one of my best students in a while. I don't mind putting in a good word for you."

"But it's only my first day in class. How would you know how good of a student I am?"

He smiled. "A professor always knows. Take the internship."

I nodded and hustled out of the classroom. There was no way I was catching the bus unless I did a full-on sprint to the bus stop. I pushed open the double doors, ready to take off running.

"There she is."

I looked at Brenden, surprised. He was leaning against a dark grey Audi R8, shades covering his eyes and a cocky smile on his face. He had on shorts, and I realized his multiple tattoos for the first time. He had a full sleeve on both legs, and I could see the resemblance of tattoos on his shoulders underneath the white Polo shirt he sported. He brushed his hand over his waves and licked his lips. This man was beyond confident, and the more I was around his energy, the more I felt like I needed to step up. The way his presence challenged mine was sexy to me. I felt myself yearning to be around him constantly. 

I jogged over to him, not hiding my excited expression. 

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

"You don't remember texting me last night saying you had to start a job today? I figured it would be better if I gave you a ride than if you were trying to catch the bus."

I wasn't used to people going out of their way to do things for me and remembering the things I told them. Naheim sure as hell never made the effort. 

Brenden opened the door for me and slid in carefully onto the leather interior. Once behind the wheel, he screeched away from the curb and pulled into traffic.