My hot mentor

Chapter eleven - First class with my hot mentor

Ashley's POV:

I can't believe it. The hottest guy in the university will be my mentor. His name is Ethan. This can't happen. Everything that happened at the party is still like a fresh memory. I can't forget about this. He might not care about the kiss, but I do. It's not only because it was my first one. I have never had anything like this before. There is no way I will be calm around him. We might study for an hour once or twice every week, but it's enough for me. I can talk with him only if we don't look at each other. I tried to avoid his eyes all the time. I can nod my head or look around. This won't be possible when we start studying. It's not polite not to look at someone when you talk with them. I have no idea what to do. I would gladly change him, but no one else is available. It looks like I'm stuck with Ethan. I'll do everything possible to keep things professional. The question is if he will be able to do it. This might be a fun game for him, but it's not for me. I came here to prove to my parents that I didn't make the wrong choice. They support me, but I don't think they believe in me. Mom doesn't think I'll have success. I will find a way to show her the opposite. Maybe my new mentor will help me. I hope that Ethan will be honest with me about my work.

I will have my first class with Ethan. I'm nervous about this. It's not only because of his looks. I planned to show him my last short story. I'm afraid he will say the same as everyone else. I have a lot to learn, but I want to try. There is one famous author that I read online. He posts short stories as well. The difference is that mine can't compare with his. I tried to write like him, but I couldn't. I have a different style. This doesn't mean I won't make it big one day. All I need is support.

My class with Ethan is this morning. I have another one right now. It's not like I can concentrate on it. I keep thinking about the short story. I wanted to give it to him, but it's better if I don't. Last week, I tried to talk with one of my teachers. He said it's better if I focus on my classes. After this one, I went to the halls. I sat on a chair and waited for Ethan. When he came, we went to an empty classroom. I'm not in the mood to study.

- Hey, are you ready to dive into the books? - Ethan asked

- I have to do it.

- Are you ok? You don't look much in the mood.

- I'm fine.

- If it's about the party.

- I don't want to think about this. Thanks.

- No worries. What do you want us to start with?

- I wanted you to check something, but I gave up.

- Why? What is that something?

- I tried to write something like one of my favorite authors.

- What is it?

- This is a short story. I talked with one of my teachers, but he told me to focus on my classes.

- Can I see it?

- It's not good.

- Let me decide that. Will you give it to me?

- Here. This is my latest one.

- Do you publish them somewhere?

- No, people can't read this. It's terrible. I don't even know why I did it. I might have success but it was a stupid idea.

- Did you write this alone?

- Yes, why?

- Because it's great. Can I know who your favorite author is?

- Sure. This is his page. - I said, and he chuckled

- For how long have you followed him?

- Over a year. Why?

- Have you checked the name of the author?

- Yes. Ethan James.

- I'll give you a few seconds to process this.

- That is you!

- Bingo.

- Is there something else that I need to know?

- It depends on. The story is good, but I think you need a bit of shaping, but I like it. Do you have other work?

- Yes, but it's in my dorm.

- You can bring it for the next time. Let's start with your lessons.

- This is one of my assignments. I have no idea what to do here.

- Let me see. I think I still keep mine. I'll search it and give it to you. The idea is simple. You have to write something short with the given keywords.

- Yes, but they have nothing in common. The story won't make sense.

- That is not true. Since you wrote this one, I'm sure you can invent something.

Ethan and I studied for an hour. I tried not to look at him that much. I had to do it a few times. It was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. I don't know how his parents look, but he is perfect. Also, the most important thing is that he liked my work. I wish he liked me. It's better if I forget about the party. He will never go out with someone like me. Both of us were about to grab the same paper when it happened. That was electroshock.

- I know I look good, but you don't need to electrocute me. - he said, chuckling

- I'm so sorry. It wasn't intentional.

- Don't worry. It's better if we stop here. Of course, we can study more if you want.

- Whatever you say. I have nothing else to do.

- Why is that face? Did something happen? You can tell me.

- No, it's nothing. I'm a little bit tired.

- I might have been your fake boyfriend, but I can tell when you lie.

- I feel like I made the wrong choice.

- With what?

- Coming here. This career is not for me.

- It is. You were the only active one in my class. It's visible that you are passionate about books and literature.

- So? Do you know how many people think the opposite?

- Why do you care?

- Because no one supports me in this. I'm alone.

- I'll support you.

- What?

- My parents still don't believe in me. I know this feeling.

- Really?

- It's not only you.

- I see.

- I'll make you an offer. You can spend the rest of the day with me if you have nothing else to do.

- Well, I have another class.

- It will be after it. I can take you for coffee and dinner. Meanwhile, you can tell me why you chose this career.

- Why not? If you want to listen.

- I do.

I went to my next class of the day. I can't believe what is happening. Ethan wants to be with me. I don't know how to react. When my class finished, I went back to my dorm. I have to get ready. It's not a date, but I want to change my clothes. He told me before my class that he would wait for me. Even standing up and doing nothing, he still looks good. I should get this idea out of my head. I don't have a chance with him. Our first stop was a coffee shop.

- You can take anything you want. It's on me.

- I have money.

- I know, but I'm in a good mood.

- I can tell. In that case, I'll take a latte.

- Hello, what do you want?

- Make two lattes and give me two chocolate donuts. You like donuts, don't you?

- Yes, I do. Thanks. - I said, probably blushing

- Here you go.

- Thanks. Let's sit.

- You didn't have to do that.

- But I wanted to. How is your day?

- Good.

- Mine, too. Why don't you tell me something about yourself?

- Like what?

- Have you ever had a fake boyfriend before? - he asked, chuckling

- No. You were my first one.

- Can you look at me?

- What?

- I would like it if I can see your eyes.

- That is not a good idea. Trust me.

- It doesn't matter. Will you look at me? - he asked and lifted my chin

- I.

- You what? Dark brown eyes. You are pretty.

- Huh?

- Are you listening to me?

- I'm sorry, what?

- Nothing. You are funny.

- Thanks.

- Where do you want us to go for dinner? Favorite places?

- There is one small restaurant that I like. We can go there if you want. - I said, avoiding his eyes

- I don't bite. It won't hurt you to look at me once in a while.

- If you want to talk with me, that is the price.

- I can get what I want in seconds.

Nothing. I had no idea what else to say. We stayed in the coffee shop until we finished the drinks and the donuts. Later, we went for a walk. We kept talking about my career and literature. I can't believe I have been reading his work for over a year, and he was in front of me the whole time. I showed him my favorite restaurant. Not many people come here, and it's quiet. These are some of the reasons why I like it. We ordered our food and waited. It smells so good. I can eat all of it.

- What type of books do you read?

- Almost everything. I have read romance, crime, fantasy, and much more. Maybe I won't read psychology. This is not for me.

- It's not that bad, but it's not on my list either. I understand you.

- What about you? Who inspired you to start writing? Your stories are great.

- Thanks. I wanted to prove myself. My parents don't think it's a stable career.

- We are not that different.

- Are you chasing the same thing?

- Yes. The problem is that no one is behind me. Maybe my brother, but he has a different life. He has to take care of himself and his girlfriend. He is lucky.

- What about you? Except for the fake boyfriend, you haven't mentioned a real one.

- I never had one. The one I liked was a mistake.

- Why? How bad was it?

- You don't need to know.

- Maybe you can find someone here.

- It's the best not to do it now. I want to show I'm not who people think I am. I know I can achieve something.

- You can have my help all the time.

- Why? You don't even know me.

- Let's say that we are chasing the same thing.

- But you are already successful.

- Do you know how much time and effort it took me? I can help you to do it faster and without mistakes.

- Really? You will do this for me.

- I will. Whatever you write, you can give it to me. You will receive my honest opinion.

- Thanks. You have no idea how much this means to me.

- I think I do. If you ever need help with writing, you can call me. I will gladly help you.

- I had luck with my mentor. - I said, and he laughed

- Yes, you did.

We spent the rest of the night talking. Ethan even sent me back to university. There was no need for that, but I liked it. He is my mentor, and I shouldn't develop feelings for him. Sadly, I think it's too late. The moment I saw him, I liked him. Now I know he is not only a good-looking boy. He is much more. I have never seen someone so passionate about books, literature, and writing. It's like I'm seeing myself. It felt so good talking with someone about this. Ethan was the only one who liked my story. He said it was good without anything negative. I hope that he can help me with my work.