I took a few steps forward before catching, in the distance, a familiar voice. Hesitantly, I headed toward the source of the sound, and a laugh made me furrow my brow in confusion. I turned the corner, and a strange sensation settled in my stomach as I discovered who was there.
Jenna was immersed in an animated conversation with Professor Asher Spenser. The half-blond professor was showing off his muscles, clearly aiming to impress the Greek goddess in front of him. Jenna seemed to enjoy his antics, though she wasn't particularly interested in the young professor's muscles. Asher invited Jenna to feel his biceps with his gaze, but the brunette politely declined, laughing awkwardly.
It seemed like the perfect moment to step in and make my presence known.
I cleared my throat, catching their attention, and Asher discreetly adjusted his shirt, avoiding my eyes. Observing his behavior, I approached the pair. Jenna greeted me with a charming smile, looking at me almost with relief.
I had saved her from Asher.
"Martina!, what a pleasure to see you! Do you need something?" Jenna asked me with a smile, slipping her hands into the back pockets of her jeans.
I moved closer to Asher, who looked at me with confusion and a hint of irritation, probably annoyed by my interruption with the new Calculus professor. I shifted my gaze from him to focus on Jenna, whose brown eyes were curiously fixed on me.
My cheeks turned a deep red as I opened and closed my mouth several times, trying to address Jenna without stammering.
Asher smirked mockingly.
"Well, it's been a pleasure. You can leave now," said the Physical Education professor with a half-laugh. I clenched my jaw and shot him a sidelong glance. He smirked teasingly, playing with the whistle hanging around his neck. I tightened my fists, trying to keep my cool.
Jenna looked at Asher disapprovingly, wiping that stupid grin off his face.
"Um... actually, I'd like to speak with Professor Ortega alone," I emphasized the last word, trying to make Asher understand he should leave.
Jenna had told me to call her by her name, but I wasn't sure if that also applied in public.
Jenna raised an eyebrow and looked at Asher expectantly.
The Physical Education professor sighed and muttered something under his breath before walking away down the hallway, leaving me alone with Jenna.
"Coffee? Cappuccino? My treat," Jenna offered, and I smiled, shaking my head.
"A cappuccino, but I'll pay for it myself," I replied. She opened her mouth, feigning surprise. Jenna pursed her lips and looked at me with amused eyes.
"I'll pay. How much sugar?" she asked, looking at me seriously. I sighed, resigning myself to clear defeat.
"Three," I answered, and Jenna entered the number.
The coffee machine began its typical grinding noise.
As I shifted my weight from one leg to the other, I looked at the coffee machine, keenly aware of Jenna's piercing gaze. A few seconds later, the machine beeped, signaling the cappuccino was ready. Jenna leaned down, took the cup of hot liquid, and handed it to me.
Our fingers brushed lightly, and an electric current coursed through my body. I wasn't sure if Jenna felt it too, but noticing her eyes on our hands, it seemed she had sensed it as well.
I smiled gratefully and timidly sipped the cappuccino, closing my eyes at its warm and comforting flavor.
Jenna pressed the button for a long coffee.
"Actually, I wanted to talk to you about two things..." I blew on the cup and downed the cappuccino in one gulp. Jenna laughed, and after a few seconds, took a sip of her desired coffee. With an awkward smile, I threw the cup into the trash bin.
"I'm all yours," she joked, a mischievous spark in her eyes.
Her comment made me blush and, at the same time, feel a strange sensation in my stomach. My expression made Jenna laugh.
"Sorry about that. Go ahead," she said, taking another sip of her coffee while keeping her gaze fixed on mine.
"The first thing was... could I... let's say..." I smiled nervously.
"Get my ring back?" I finished, scratching the back of my neck in embarrassment.
Jenna's eyes widened, and she set down the cup when she finished her coffee. The professor blushed, clearly embarrassed by the misunderstanding.
"Oh, crap, I'm sorry," she said, taking off the ring from her finger and handing it to me.
"It was so comfortable I didn't even realize it wasn't mine," she added, her cheeks turning even redder. I couldn't help but think how adorable she looked.
I slipped the ring onto my finger, once again feeling the sensation of the cold metal against my skin.
"Do you mind if we talk while we walk? I have to get to the third floor; I have class in 10 minutes," the brunette asked with a guilty look, and I nodded to her request.
We began walking side by side toward the stairs.
"What else did you want to tell me?" Jenna asked, glancing at me sideways as we continued walking.
We climbed several steps.
"I've been thinking about your proposal, Jenna," I said her name, and she smiled, pleased. I had to admit it felt strange to call a professor by their first name. Shrugging indifferently, I continued speaking.
Meanwhile, Jenna stopped in the middle of the stairs, looking at me expectantly.
"I accept... it doesn't seem so bad to spend a couple of afternoons together every week," I confessed, and a full-fledged smile spread across her lips.
Almost instinctively, I grabbed the railing as a body pressed against mine, wrapping its arms around my neck.
My eyes widened, and I tensed at the sudden contact, but I started to relax when I realized it was Jenna. Her perfume filled my nostrils, and I closed my eyes, relishing the very pleasant sensation of her warmth against me. My hand rested along her back, timidly returning the embrace. Jenna made the hug last only a few seconds, and I almost complained at the sudden lack of contact.
Professor Ortega's cheeks were flushed, and with the short distance between our faces, I noticed for the first time a series of freckles around her nose.
She adjusted her clothes awkwardly, avoiding my gaze.
"Sorry... got carried away," she justified with a nervous laugh.
"Don't worry," I smiled, and she let out a relieved breath.
"Alright... I should get to class now," she indicated the direction of the classroom while backing away, her eyes still fixed on mine.
I began descending the stairs, but someone calling my name made me stop. I looked up and saw Jenna. The professor had her head tilted toward me, rebellious hair covering part of her face.
"See you later? I'll finish the lesson, and we can discuss the details. Does that work for you?" her question sounded an octave higher due to the strange angle of her neck.
"That's fine. Technically, I'm done for today. I'll wait for you in the teachers' lounge," I replied with a smile, and she smiled back, recomposing herself and walking toward her destination.
Once again, the sound of her heels faded away, taking with them the source of my troubles.