**Sara**
I stood in front of my closet, eyeing the contents with disdain and resignation. Another day, another outfit to piece together. I grabbed a pair of high-waisted jeans that hugged my curves in all the right places - thank you, squats - and paired them with a soft, cream-colored sweater with a hint of collarbone.
I slipped on some ankle boots, giving myself an extra couple of inches of height. Not that I needed it, but a girl's got to work with what she's got. A quick glance in the mirror confirmed what I already knew—I was looking good. My dark hair fell in soft waves around my face, and my eyes sparkled with mischief that belied my innocent outfit.
"Watch out, world," I grinned at my reflection. "Sara's coming through."
Breakfast was a hurried affair, as usual. I scarfed down a bowl of cereal, barely tasting it as I scrolled through my phone. No new messages from Jessica.
As I crunched on my last spoonful of cereal, I caught sight of the clock and nearly choked. "Shit!" I yelped, jumping up from the table. "I'm gonna be late!"
I grabbed my bag, did one last mirror check (because of priorities), and dashed out the door. Of course, the elevator was taking its sweet time, so I opted for the stairs. Six flights later, I burst out of my apartment building, slightly out of breath but still looking fabulous.
The crisp morning air hit me like a slap, waking me up better than any cup of coffee ever could. I briskly set off towards the university, my boots clicking rhythmically against the sidewalk.
As I walked, I noticed the appreciative glances thrown my way. It was nice to be noticed, especially after the emotional rollercoaster of the past few days. As I strutted down the street, I held my head high, channeling my inner supermodel.
"Who needs a catwalk when you've got a sidewalk?" I muttered to myself.
As I approached the university gates, I spotted Jessica waiting for me, two cups of coffee in her hands. Her hair was perfectly styled, as usual, and she wore a grin that screamed, "I've got gossip."
"Well, well, look who decided to grace us with her presence," Jessica teased, handing me one of the cups.
I rolled my eyes, gratefully accepting the coffee. "My alarm and I had a disagreement this morning. The alarm lost."
Jessica laughed, linking her arm through mine as we strolled onto campus. "You're lucky I love you enough to brave the morning coffee rush for you."
"My hero," I deadpanned, sipping the heavenly brew. "Seriously though, thanks. I needed this."
As we walked, Jessica's eyes lit up with that telltale spark of juicy information. "So, have you heard about the new professor?"
I quirked an eyebrow. "No, but I have a feeling you're about to enlighten me."
"Oh honey, you're in for a treat. Word on the street is that our new professor is drop-dead gorgeous. Like, 'I'd-fail-the-class-just-to-retake-it' levels of hot."
"Jess, your standards for 'hot' include any guy with a pulse and all his teeth."
"Hey!" she protested, swatting my arm playfully. "I'll have you know my standards are impeccably high. This guy, though? He's apparently in a league of his own."
"Alright, alright. I'll believe it when I see it."
As Jessica and I stepped into the lecture hall, the buzz of conversation washed over us. I scanned the room, spotting our usual crew huddled near the back.
"There they are," I nudged Jessica, nodding towards our friends.
We made our way up the steps, dodging backpacks and outstretched legs. I swear, some people treat lecture halls like their personal living rooms.
"Ladies," Jake greeted us with a mock bow as we approached. "So kind of you to grace us with your presence."
I rolled my eyes. "Save it, Shakespeare. It's too early for your theatrics."
Mia piped up. "How are you guys? Ready for another riveting lecture on... what is it today? The thrilling world of corporate finance?"
"Oh joy," I deadpanned, sliding into my usual seat. "I can hardly contain my excitement."
Jessica plopped down next to me, her eyes still scanning the room. "Where is he? I don't see any godlike creatures masquerading as professors."
"Who?" Jake asked, his curiosity piqued.
"The new professor," Jessica explained, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Apparently, he's hotter than a jalapeño in a sauna."
Mia leaned in, intrigued. "Ooh, do tell!"
I tuned out their gossip, focusing instead on setting up my laptop. My fingers danced across the keyboard, logging in and pulling up the necessary documents for class. As I was about to chime in with a sarcastic comment about the objectification of professors, my mouth half-open and a witty remark on the tip of my tongue, the door swung open with a dramatic whoosh. The room fell silent instantly as if someone had hit a universal mute button. All eyes, including mine, were magnetically drawn to the figure who strode in with purposeful steps.
My jaw hit the floor. No. Freaking. Way.
It was Tom. THE Tom. One-night-stand Tom. Breakfast-making, witty-banter Tom. The guy I'd sworn I'd never see again.
And here he was, looking even more devastatingly handsome in a crisp button-down and tailored slacks. My heart did a little tap dance in my chest.
"Good morning, class," he said, his voice carrying easily through the now-silent room. "I'm Professor Thomas Blackwood, and I'll be taking over your Corporate Finance lectures for the rest of the semester."
I sank lower in my seat, praying for the ground to open up and swallow me whole. This couldn't be happening. It had to be a dream. A very cruel, very realistic dream.
Jessica leaned over, her eyes wide. "Oh. My. God. He's even hotter than the rumors said. Sara, are you seeing this?"
I couldn't form words. My brain had short-circuited, leaving me gaping like a fish out of water.
"Earth to Sara," Jessica whispered, nudging me. "What's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost."
I turned to her, my voice barely audible. "Jess, that's him. That's Tom."
Her brow furrowed in confusion for a moment before realization dawned. Her eyes grew even wider, if that was possible. "Wait, you mean... THAT Tom? One-night-stand Tom?"
I nodded weakly, feeling the blood drain from my face.
Jessica's mouth formed a perfect 'O' before curving into a wicked grin. "Well, well, well. Looks like your walk of shame just turned into a semester-long stride of pride."
"Not helping, Jess," I hissed, sinking lower in my seat.