So guys, I know I haven't finished my last Paul story – forgive me. One day I will. This new story hit me like a brick and my fingers were like lightning on the keyboard. I'm hoping this one will pull me out of the writer's block I have been plagued with. Let me know what you think! xoxo kallikat

The day was exceptionally dreary. I mean, I didn't exactly move to Forks for the sunshine – or the lack of, I suppose. I am currently pursuing my degree in English, and I have heard nothing but great things about the University of Washington, so I packed up and moved to a quaint little cottage on the outskirts of Forks. The rent was cheap and my backyard was the woods.

Originally from Seattle, it's not like I'm not used to the rain…that I was prepared for. I would be lying if I said some days I didn't like it, because in all honesty, sometimes I truly did. But on days like today when I was running late to my first class of the week on a new campus and the rain was dripping into my coffee mug (I didn't even have time to transfer it into a to-go cup) and matting down my dark hair, I was not a fan.

I was currently a junior in college and twenty-two years old. I picked up in a haste and left my old college in Seattle because I desperately needed a change – I wouldn't go to the extent to say I was necessarily "running" from my past…it was more or less a sprint. I didn't like to think about it.

At home were my two loving parents; My mother had called me almost every other hour since the move. She was a bit of a worry-wart, but she knew this move would be the best thing for me. I had no siblings, but I didn't mind. I had the same best friend my entire life, Karmen, but she wasn't too upset when I left since 1) it isn't too far away, and 2) I convinced her she could visit once a week if that's what she wanted.

So, here I was, darting through hallways to reach my own classroom: Smith Hall 411. I raced up the steps with my mug, not minding the steps – I actually preferred them. A couple flights never hurt anyone…right?

I was five minutes late and the thought made my stomach squirm. I couldn't stand all eyes being on me and being late, it was bound to happen. I mentally groaned and peered into the room. Yep, class had definitely started. I debated turning around but my conscience wouldn't let me. Ugh – being responsible totally blows.

Listening in, I heard Professor Day speaking to the class. "This is Mr. Lahote, everyone. He is in route for his masters in teaching, and is using his required teaching hours to teach alongside of me this semester. While I will be doing a majority of the curriculum, he will be taking attendance, grading papers, handing out homework, and acting as professor when and if I need the day off for any reason."

I creaked the door open and kept my head down, letting my hair fall in my face. Spotting the only seat open, I almost groaned out loud this time – it was the one directly in front of the professor's desk. Fuck. Me.

Walking across the room and avoiding as many eyes as possible, including the professor's, I settled into my seat. Putting my stuff away as quietly as I could manage, my eyes shot around the room. It looked like most of the students had already forgotten my entrance.

I brought my eyes to the professor now. He was an older man, probably mid fifty, who had kind, greyish eyes. He gave me a single nod. I was grateful he didn't say anything else.

Then I looked at the young man, (probably a few years older than me) sitting to his right. His head was down, his eyes scanning some sort of list.

Holy shit. This dude was gorgeous. His dark hair matched his dark eyes and his button up shirt hugged his biceps in a way I couldn't describe if I tried. He was literally the epitome of tall, dark, and handsome. I noticed I wasn't the only girl in the class ogling him.

My eyes darted as soon as I noticed him lifting his. Shit. He was looking at me.

"There's only one name on the attendance I haven't called…I'm assuming you're Jade?"

My head still down at my notebook, appearing busy, I casually replied, "Yes, that's me."

When I felt his eyes still boring into me, I raised my eyes to meet his. The professor had the syllabus pulled up on the projector now, and was droning on and on. Although, I hadn't heard a word.

Something happened. Mr. Lahote's jaw seemed to go slack, and his posture weakened. His shoulders slumped, slightly. He didn't tear his eyes from my own, and I felt my entire body heat up. I felt self-conscience in a way that I hadn't in months. He was studying me – only staring at my eyes, yet I still felt so exposed. Almost as if he could hear my thoughts.

I don't know how long we sat, staring at each other until I noticed the boy beside me shifting awkwardly and then clearing his throat. He must have noticed our staring game.

I snapped out of whatever weird haze I was in, and shifted my attention back to the professor. What the holy hell had just happened?

I adverted my eyes from the assistant's the rest of class, even though I could see him out of the corner watching me, and not even trying to hide it. I couldn't place my finger on what I felt – nervous? Excited? Totally and completely freaked out?

Class ended, and Dr. Day told us he would see us on Thursday. Thankfully I stacked my classes in a way to where I only had classes two days a week (Tuesday and Thursday) and a couple online.

I was packing up my things when the boy to the right of me cleared his throat. I glanced up at him. He was cute. Tanned skin, dark and wavy hair, dark brown eyes. He had a boyish face that he pulled off effortlessly.

"Hi," He started. "My name is Seth. I figured since we are table partners I might as well introduce myself. You're Jade, right?"

It wasn't until I saw Seth's eyes quickly dart to Mr. Lahote's that I grew a little suspicious. The look was so fast, I almost missed it. Either that or I imagined it. Did they know each other? And why was I even curious?

Giving him a shy smile, I replied. "Nice to meet you, Seth. And yes, it is Jade."

I avoided Tall, Dark, and Handsome's glaring eyes as I made my way out of the classroom, Seth hot on my heels.

"So, Jade, you're not from around here, are you?"

"Uh, no, I actually just moved from Seattle." Short, and sweet.

Tilting his head similar to that of a puppy's, he asked, "Oh really? Why would you move from a place like there to a place like here?"

Choosing my words carefully, I answered, "Well, I just needed a change. And I heard great things about your all's reading department."

"Can't be much better than Seattle's, though!"

"Yeah, well," I gave him a tight-lipped smile. "I enjoy the change of scenery."

He nodded and grinned. "Well, it was nice meeting you. I've unfortunately got to run," He gave a notion with his head towards behind us.

I looked over my shoulder and felt a little weak in the knees. My eyes met Lahote's, once more. So…these two were friends.

"And just cause I'm running off with the professor's assistant, don't be calling me a teacher's pet! Paul and I go way back." He gave me a wink, and jogged down the hall to meet the hottie, who I was assuming was named Paul.

I gave a wave and started walking the opposite way. Knowing Seth and Paul were headed in the opposite direction, I knew it was crazy of me to wonder if those brown eyes were still lingering over my backside. I felt that heated feeling coursing through my veins – someone was watching me.

I took a quick peek over my shoulder, and sure enough, Paul's head was turned over his looking at me.

Shit. Did I have something on my face or something?

I huffed and sped my way to my next class; After all, I probably should only be late to one of my classes for the day.