Part 1
He has the most amazing eyes.
That was the first thought that came to Lisa Cuddy's mind as she handed off her syllabus to the guy behind the university bookstore counter. He'd barely flashed those baby blues at her but they'd been … wow.
He's not a guy, he's a man.
That was the second thought that came to Lisa Cuddy's mind as he took the paper. While he looked it over, she looked him over, noting a maturity in the features of his face and about him in general. It was subtle, but there was definitely a difference in his age and hers, and most everyone else around them.
He's a jerk.
That was the third thought that came to Lisa Cuddy's mind had when he began to psychoanalyze her from the contents of her course schedule and professor selection. He accused her of having a chip on her shoulder, something to prove, and being a party girl because she took late classes.
But he's brilliant and infuriatingly right.
That was the fourth and fifth thoughts that came to Lisa Cuddy's mind. She did have a chip on her shoulder — over her mother's relentless need to control her life. And had something to prove — that she could succeed beyond anyone's expectations of her by nearly doubling-up on classes. And she liked to party — or wanted to because she hadn't been allowed it at home.
I want him.
That was the sixth thought that came to Lisa Cuddy's mind and the last because he looked up at her and locked those amazing eyes on her. They crackled with intelligence and humor. He had her attention and he knew it.
"Wait here, I'll get your books," he said with an arrogance that wasn't necessarily unwarranted at this point.
"Ass," she mumbled and waited impatiently amongst the press of students frantically grabbing up supplies, textbooks, and Wolverine-branded gear.
It was a zoo. Feeding time at the zoo, she corrected her observation, seeing a pair of students facing off over a package of pencils. The near-altercation was dispelled when another bookstore worker stepped up with a box to restock.
"Idiots."
The judgement had been passed down from Blue Eyes, who'd returned with a few of her books.
"Is it always like this?" she asked, clearly indicating her inexperience with college life.
"Yep," he said. "Feeding time at the zoo."
Okay, it was ridiculous, but she practically swooned when he said the same thing she'd been thinking. She instinctively gave him a flirty smile, which caused him to smile. He had a great smile. Like his eyes.
Oh, God, I'm pathetic, Lisa thought. Three days on campus and she was already panting after a guy. Not a guy. A gorgeous man.
"Be back in a minute," he told her then added playfully, "Don't feed the animals while I'm gone. Some of them bite."
"Do you?" she found herself flirting, again, this time verbally. She had no idea what possessed her to say such a thing to a total stranger.
His eyes flared with obvious interest and his voice was blatantly suggestive when he leaned over the counter and replied on a whisper, "Only if you ask nicely."
To say Lisa blushed was an understatement. She felt like her face was on fire, and it stayed that way the entire time he was away getting the rest of her books. She was pretty sure he would bite if she asked him, nicely or not. He'd oozed sexuality when he'd said those five words. If she hadn't wanted him before…
"Here ya go," he said, setting the last of the books on the counter. He returned the syllabus to her and she checked over the stack. As she did, she realized how ridiculously huge it was. She was going to need a forklift. Or a guy with really strong arms, she thought then found herself looking at Blue Eye's arms to size them up.
Wow. Again.
"Need some help carrying these out?" he asked, eyes brighter still with humor. He'd noticed her ogling.
"Um, yeah," she said, unable to think beyond the toned biceps and forearms, and the prominent veins that led to undoubtedly strong hands with elegantly-tapered fingers.
Unfortunately, his chance to offer assistance with those fantastic arms was derailed. A jersey flew past her, coming from somewhere over her shoulder, and landed on his head. He shot a glare at the offender. Lisa turned and saw a younger guy decked out in a similar jersey.
"Practice in ten, Greg. Let's go or coach'll have you running extra laps again."
"I like running," he shot back sarcastically, his demeanor changing in an instant. His expression intent, he called one of the other store workers over. "Help Party Girl here with her books," he told the average looking student then hopped the counter and disappeared into the horde of frantic students.
Catching sight of him ducking out through the door into the sunlight, Cuddy had only one thought on her mind.
Greg who?