Beyond the Lines

Chapter 16: Amateur spy.

Professor Whitlock's POV:

I didn't know what it was about her, why every little thing about Rebecca seemed to pull me in like a magnet. 

I bit hard into my apple, more than necessary, grinding my teeth against the crunch while Rik yammered on about his latest conquest—a girl in her early twenties he swore was "mature for her age." 

Typical Rik.

"...and then she said she's never tried sushi before, which is just absurd for someone her age," Rik continued, shaking his head. 

"So obviously, I'm like, 'Let me take you out to this authentic place I know.' She's thrilled. One California roll and we're practically planning our third date."

I snorted, rolling my eyes. "So, sushi. Revolutionary."

"Hey, she was impressed, alright?" he replied with a shrug. "It's not my fault she appreciates the finer things in life." He raised his brows, looking entirely too pleased with himself.

I smirked, taking another bite and chewing with more restraint. "You know, some of us come to work for actual...work."

"Listen, man, I can't help it if they're drawn to the allure of academia," he grinned, clearly delighted with himself. "If they're curious and need 'guidance,' who am I to turn them away?"

I rolled my eyes. "Guidance. Right. The noble pursuit of helping young minds navigate the treacherous world of raw fish."

"Hey, don't knock it 'til you try it," he said with a wink, practically waggling his brows.

I laughed, shaking my head. But as I looked up, the laughter died in my throat. 

Rebecca walked by, her hair bouncing slightly as she strode down the hall, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe. 

My heart did this ridiculous, irritating flip.

She was stunning, not just in the "oh, she cleaned up nice" kind of way, but in the kind of way that could make anyone lose their train of thought. 

Even Rik went silent for a moment, his smirk fading as he caught sight of her too.

"Now, there's someone who looks like trouble," he muttered with a raised brow, looking her up and down.

I clenched my jaw, swallowing the last bite of apple like it was a chunk of lead. 

"Forget it, Rik. She's none of your business."

"Oh, no worries, man," Rik said, glancing back at me, clearly amused. "She doesn't look like the kind to need guidance, anyway."

I shot him a warning look, and he held his hands up in mock surrender, chuckling. 

But as Rebecca rounded the corner and disappeared from sight, I realized I was still holding my breath.

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Rebecca's POV:

Ugh, what was Whitlock's problem? 

Acting all high and mighty just because I wasn't wearing my safety glasses. The nerve. And the worst part? 

That irritating, lecturing tone of his reminded me too much of Lane, in all those times he'd casually "accidentally" brushed past me, like I couldn't tell he was doing it on purpose. 

Did I like it? 

Absolutely not. Definitely... not.

Jenna nudged me as everyone started packing up. "Come on, you're zoning out," she laughed.