I'm adjusting my tie, wondering why in the hell my last student is taking so long. I'm teaching a class for the first time at Washington State University and, honestly, I have no idea how that fucking happened. I was only helping one of my professors, Professor James, with her lectures one day and, somehow, got the job as the youngest professor here. God, she owes me big time for this.
"Professor Grey, are we gonna be starting soon? I have to leave for another class", one of my students, Amber, addresses to me.
"Just a minute, Miss Johnson, she should be hear any minute", I respond, although I'm hoping I'm telling the truth in some way.
"Who else are we waiting for?", another student, Johnny, asks as he rolls his eyes.
"Her name is Anastasia Steele, Mr. Dornan. She shouldn't be much longer", I state, checking my tie to make sure it's straight. I honestly wish I was doing anything else but after that day with my professor, I had no choice but to pay her back. She helped me with my degree and helped pay off my tuition, so how could I refuse an opportunity to help her along the way? She's a nice woman and I owe her a lot.
Suddenly, a commotion at the door draws my attention and my mouth goes dry. Standing in the doorway is a chestnut-haired girl, around twenty-one—I'm assuming—with big, wide eyes looking like a scared mouse with the door hanging after forcing it wide open. Jeez, is that my student? She's gorgeous.
"Miss Steele?", I ask once I recover my equilibrium.
"Yes, sir. Sorry I'm late. I was busy doing something for another student", she replies, quickly taking a seat next to Caroline, the attention-seeker in the room; until Miss Steele walked in.
"It's fine", I say hoarsely and clear my throat to try again. "Now that we're all here, let me introduce myself." I smooth back my hair and step beside the desk.
"My name is Professor Christian Grey but for the sake of these classes, please call me Mr. Grey. I'm twenty-eight-years old with a major in Literature and Minor in Economics, so I'm fairly educated in how the systems work, as well as how to help you all succeed in your careers.
Now, I'm not saying I'm here to make friends but because I've had atrocious professors in the past—as well as insightful ones apart from an aspect—then I don't want to be one that beats around the bush without hearing you at all. You please me, and I promise you that I'll go easy on you and do everything in my power to help you succeed. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask as my door's always open and my devices are always on." One student raises their hand and I quickly note it's Robert, the bookworm of the group.
"Will we have breaks during class?", he asks once I give him permission to speak.
"If the session goes for too long, then I'm willing to oblige."
"Is there any way to catch up if we haven't gotten the book?", Miss Steele asks after raising her hand. God, she's beautiful.
"I'm sure I can work something out for the sake of the class. Just e-mail me once you have it so you know what to expect."
"Thank you, sir." Oh God, this is torture.
"Now, unless there's any more questions, please open your textbooks to page 68 and we'll begin by reading The Flea; probably the most disgusting and realistic of the pieces of the book." Fortunately, I'm greeted with a few chuckles. I glance at Miss Steele and she takes out a notebook and pencil case and quickly starts writing notes as we begin. I must say, she's more attractive than I'd imagined.
Calm down, Grey. She's only your student.
Shit, now I feel like a pervert.
After clearing my throat to calm my nerves, I take a piece of chalk and start writing on the board.
Two hours go by and, surprisingly, we made a lot of progress. We managed to get in four poems, a short story, and went over a few upcoming assignments by the end of the month. I wasn't expecting to be this productive but honestly, it feels better than it should.
"Mr. Grey?", a timid voice asks me and I look up into the deep blue eyes of Miss Anastasia Steele. Shit, calm yourself, Grey.
"Yes, Miss Steele?", I ask, hoping she doesn't notice my expression.
"I'm really sorry I didn't bring my book with me to class. I wanted to get it this morning but the bookstore wasn't open when I arrived and my computer was broken so I couldn't order a copy." Oh, Miss Steele is nervous.
"It's fine, Miss Steele. Some of the students weren't able to get a copy so as long as you have one by next week, I'm sure you'll be just fine."
"Thank you professor and I'll get on that soon."
"Good. Have a nice day, Miss Steele."
"You too, Mr. Grey", she smiles shyly and quickly walks away.
Fuck. I hope I don't make her uncomfortable.
You're one to talk.
"Mr. Grey?", Caroline asks and I quickly realize she's been standing for a while.
"Yes, Miss Waters?"
"I saw an announcement saying we had to give a presentation on Friday, but I thought we didn't have class on that day." What? I thought I updated it.
"That's my fault. I meant to change it to coincide with this class", I confess, suddenly feeling guilty.
"Would you mind saying when we're gonna have it then?"
"Um, I believe we're having it on the fifth but honestly, I would have to make sure."
"Okay, good. I was worried I put down the wrong class."
"No, you did it just fine", I laugh. "I'll see you on Tuesday, Miss Waters."
"I look forward to it", she says with a look I can't quite comprehend. Before I can ponder it, she turns on her heel and heads out the door. Weird.
After a few more goodbyes, I gather my things and lock up as I make my way to my office to work. This job wasn't as bad as I thought but hopefully it doesn't backfire in the end. I've been expelled too many times to know what that's like.
Taking out my keys and unlocking the door, I quickly enter and after switching on the lights, I notice a small note on my desk and briefly wonder who could've left it. Setting my bag down on the couch, I pick it up and my suspicions quickly cease; Professor James, my one and only mentor.
Christian, sorry about this intrusion but I wanted to congratulate you on your first day of teaching.
I know it's a bit overwhelming for someone so young, but there's no doubt in my mind that you're gonna make me proud. I look forward to seeing you succeed.
Professor Erika James, your mentor.
Smiling, I place the note in the drawer of my desk and sit down to think about today. Miss Steele comes unbidden in my mind and I shift in my seat as I try to process my reaction to her coming to class.
How old is she? Is she interested in literature or just took the class to help her degree?
She seemed upset about not having the book, so I assume that the former is how she feels about the class.
What really throws me is how attractive she was. Slim, light skin, big, expressive eyes that hold no secrets. Jesus, it's my first day and I'm fantasizing over a student.
Get your shit together, Grey. she's off-limits.
I know but deep down, I wonder if it's true.
Shaking my head at the thought, I pull out some paperwork for our next session, trying hard to keep my body under control.
She's my student; nothing more, I repeat in my head, quietly hoping I'm not fooling myself as I do.