My hot mentor

Chapter sixteen - Club reading

Ethan's POV:

For the past week, Ashley has been studying like crazy. She is the first student I had who takes this test seriously. Most of them don't take the teacher's words seriously. His test is not impossible, but he wants to be sure that people study. I guess he had experience with cheating students. It's one of the reasons why he changed the format of the test. If you have a good grade, he will ask you to explain some of the answers that you wrote. That is proof that you haven't cheated. I understand him. He puts a lot of effort into his classes. Luckily, Ashley has me. I'm sure she has a good grade. No one else studies as much as her. I have taught many students, but none of them was like her. She knows why she is here and will do everything possible to achieve it. Of course, I will help her with that. I have said this before, and I'll repeat it. Ashley's talent shouldn't get wasted. Her test is this week, but I don't think she should be worried. I'm trying to act like a mentor, but it's hard for me to pretend. I want more with her, but I know what she will say. If I want to keep her close, I have to behave. She got my attention straight away. I sensed something about her. The kiss was the cherry on the cake. I have to be patient. I might have a chance. I hope that I won't mess this up.

The past week might have been my best one. Ashley and I were only studying, but I had her close to me. I don't know when I will have another chance. I don't know what she feels. Well, I can tell she felt good at home. I have no idea what else to do to keep her close. I can speak with her about my feelings, but this will ruin everything. The worst thing that can happen is if she changes her mentor. I can't let this happen. That is my only chance to keep her.

I finished my classes for the day. I'm in the hall with Chloe and Tyler. Soon, she will have a class with her students. Ashley texted me that she wanted us to meet. It's not for studying. I will gladly wait for her. If she is in a good mood, I can have my benefits for that. Tyler only looked at me, smirking, without saying anything. I know what he is thinking about. I have my hopes. Well, I don't know what to think about. I looked up from my phone when I felt their eyes on me. I wasn't even texting her.

- What?

- Won't you leave her alone? She is in class. - Tyler said, chuckling

- I'm not even texting her. See. - I said and showed my phone

- But you were.

- She started it.

- For sure.

- She only wanted us to meet after her class. Nothing will happen.

- You can be honest with her.

- I tried. It didn't end well. I told you about this.

- Try again.

- I won't mess with this now.

- But you are curious about what she has to tell you.

- It's not what I want, so I don't care.

- If you want, I can talk with her. I'm a girl. She can open up. - Chloe said

- Can I deal with this alone? Thank you.

- We only want to help you. What happened with book reading?

- We missed it. She wanted us to study for a test.

- Maybe the next time.

- Hello. Am I interrupting something? - Ashley asked

- Hey, and no. You are in a good mood.

- I am. Do you want to know why?

- Yes.

- Look at this.

- You got an A on his test! Good job.

- You were right. He asked me to explain five questions.

- He always does this.

- I am the only one with an A. It's from the whole class. Thank you so much. You are the best teacher I have ever had.

- It's not only because of me. You put in a lot of effort.

- We can attend the club reading today because we missed it last week. I have read the book. It's not my favorite, but I like it. You can't say no to me. I can go alone, but it's better with company. Also, you know the people there.

- Not all of them.

- It doesn't matter. Will you come with me? Please.

- Sure. It was my idea, after all.

- Thank you. I have to go now. I'll see you later. - Ashley said and left

- Don't say anything.

- We won't. Ashley's actions speak clearly. - Tyler said

- She is only in a good mood.

- Because of you.

I don't know what is happening with her, but I like it. I went to my apartment to get ready for the club reading. I have heard about this book, but I haven't read it. I can always be silent and listen to what others have to say. When I was ready, I texted Ashley to see where she was. Later, I went to pick her up. Her dorm was empty as usual. I don't think her roommate even comes here. On paper, she is there. Both of us went to the place. It's a library on the last floor of a building. I already saw familiar faces.

- Ethan, hello. I haven't seen you in a while. How is the university? Your short stories are great.

- Thanks. I'm doing well.

- I believe you came here because of the book.

- Not this time. I'm here because of a friend. She is right there. - I said, chuckling

- She seems interested.

- We were supposed to come last week, but she had to study for a test. I haven't read this book.

- It's ok. You can sit and listen.

- I will do that, for sure.

- They have so many books in here. Why haven't you told me about this place?

- You never asked for it. That is Ashley.

- Hello. I'm Elisa.

- Hey. Can we start with the reading?

- We will. I'm waiting for only two people. We can sit and talk. It's our book for the next week. If you are interested, you can come.

- I will think about this. I haven't read absolutely everything.

- You can always come to listen. People always have something to say, even if they don't know the story.

- That is true. We create different scenarios for everything.

- It's the power of our minds.

- But it creates beautiful stories that people can enjoy.

- True. Are you a writer?

- I'm not an official one. I don't post anywhere.

- You can start doing it.

The reading went well. I couldn't say anything about the book, but I listened to Ashley. I have to say that this is her place. She was talking with so much want and desire. Every day she impresses me with something new. I couldn't stop smiling. We need to come here more often. That can be something we can do together. It's part of the studying process. When it finished, I took her for dinner. I know a restaurant that is not close by, but the food is delicious.

- What do you think about the reading?

- It was great. I felt like I was at home. I should've come here earlier. That guy tried to fight me, but I won. I guess he hasn't read the book carefully. He was talking nonsense. Nothing of this was the way he said it.

- I haven't seen you so alive. I mean, you haven't read the book. You ate the covers. - I said, and she laughed

- That's the point of reading. It's not only to know the story. You have to absorb every word.

- Interesting thought. No one has told me this.

- You said it. We can learn something from there.

- True. Do you want us to go again one day?

- I would love that. Next time, I'll let you speak. Hopefully, you will be on my side.

- As long as I have read the book.

- I can give you a short story of everything.

- I know, but it's better if I read it. That will be my personal experience.

- No one can beat that. I can recommend many books, but I don't know if they are your style.

- I'm down for anything.

- In that case, I'll make you a list.

- How long will it be?

- You can tell me this. I'll follow the lead.

- You can write your favorite books. I'll check them out when I have time.

- Good. Can we go for a walk after dinner?

- Sure. I would love that.

- Thank you.

I was silent most of the dinner. Ashley didn't stop talking about the reading. I'm glad that she enjoyed it. This is how I like to see her. Full of joy and happiness. I don't know what to get from that, but I won't miss my chance. Ashley wanted a dessert as well. I think she liked the restaurant. She offered to pay for her food, but I denied it. I'm in a good mood, too. After dinner, we went for a walk. This time, there is no direction. I'll let her lead. We passed by a few places.

- You are quiet. Don't you have something to say?

- If you give me the word, I might do it.

- I'm sorry. I'm in a good mood today. On such days, I talk a lot. I'm full of energy.

- Yes, I can tell. I'm glad that you liked the reading.

- I loved it. It was so good.

- It's getting late. I can take you with me.

- Ethan, I'm not falling for that. I'll go to my dorm.

- Then, I'll take you there.

- Why? I'm not a little kid.

- Maybe, but I won't let you walk alone during the night.

- Fine. I have nothing to lose. This time, you'll talk.

- Let's see. What should I tell you? - I asked, as we kept walking

- While you were thinking for so long, we arrived.

- Your dorm is empty as always.

- What can I say? I have a ghost for a roommate. - she said, and I laughed

- Now you have me.

- You are not my roommate.

- I can be if you let me. - I said and sat next to her

- Ethan, don't do this. We can't. I don't want something to happen to you.

- But what do you want?

- Does it matter?

- Yes, to me. We both know what is going on. I don't understand why you can't admit it. Don't hurt yourself.

- What I do has nothing to do with you. It's my business.

- Everything goes well. When I talk about this, you become cold again.

- It's not that. Don't make this complicated.

- I know what you want. You can't keep lying to me. - I said and put my hand on her cheek

- No.

- Yes. Look me in the eyes and say that you don't want this.

- You know I can't do that.

- Because it's not true.

- It is.

- Then say it.

Nothing. I won't think twice. Before Ashley could pull away, I kissed her. I shouldn't do it this way, but I don't have a choice. She will never let me do it. Surprisingly, she didn't pull away. I expected it, but no. I can go like that until I do everything, but I won't. She will hate me for this, but I don't care. This time, it was better than the party. I knew since then that she was not like the rest. Ashley will always be something more than a student. I can be professional when we study. I had to push myself away for longer, but I couldn't. I hope that this won't change the good relations between us.