The Good Student Read Online Free Page A

Taylor before?”
    “Yeah. Last year. He’s totally unorthodox.”
    “What’s his real name?”
    Cynthia shrugged as she pulled into the parking lot.
    “Is he married?” Her throat clenched and she wondered if she’d gone too far with the questions.
    Her friend's eyes narrowed. “I don’t know. Why you asking?”
    “Just curious. I didn’t notice a wedding band and I assumed he’d be married at his age.”
    The parking lot was filled with students. Cynthia spoke to her from over the roof of the car once they'd joined the melee. “Why were you even looking to see if he had a wedding band?”
    Kaya grew bold as they trekked to the entrance. Cynthia was her best friend and wouldn’t judge her like a stranger might. “He’s kind of cute.”
    “What?” Cynthia grabbed her sleeve. “Cute?”
    “You heard me.”
    “You’ve got to be kidding. Mr. Taylor? He’s like fifty and you’re like…oh my God. What’s wrong with you?”
    “Nothing. I assume you don’t agree with me.”
    “Gross. No. How could you even see him like that? Mike likes you. A hundred other guys would say yes to you, and you have eyes for Mr. Taylor?”
    “I didn’t say I loved the guy. Don’t you think he’s good looking?”
    “He’s old and wrinkly.”
    “Is not!”
    “See. You’re defending him. You do like him.”
    Kaya pulled open the heavy metal door to the university. “See you at lunch.” She speed walked down the hall, away from Cynthia and her accusations. It surprised Kaya that her friend didn’t find Mr. Taylor attractive when she was so hot for him. She assumed every female had to see him the same way as her. To each their own, she supposed.
    By the time economics class ended, Kaya was ready to bolt for the door. Unlike yesterday she arrived at philosophy early and took the same seat as last time. The few groups of students present spoke in whispered voices. The room echoed due to the size and emptiness, adding to her anxiousness.
    Kaya studied the teacher’s desk, imagining when Mr. Taylor would occupy it. She lost herself in daydreams of true love, something not uncommon for her. Kaya was a hopeless romantic and always would be. Reality slipped away and background sounds became muffled until they drowned out completely. She imagined Mr. Taylor ordering her to lie on his desk, naked, in that authoritative tone he used. He’d spread her legs open and run his hands over her sensitive inner thighs. She'd writhe, raise her hips so he'd touch her where she needed him most, but he'd discipline her with that ruler he used to scare his students. " You've been a naughty girl, Kaya. Now you'll be punished."
    “How was your lunch?”
    Kaya blinked and turned her head towards the voice, not even remembering where she was for a moment.
    “Pardon me?”
    It was Mike. “Your lunch. Yesterday with Cynthia. Any good?”
    “Oh yeah. Sure. I hope you didn’t get the wrong idea. I wasn’t trying to be rude.”
    “Never thought it.” He sat on the edge of her desk in the same position Mr. Taylor had the day before. “Your name’s Kaya, right?”
    “Yep.”
    “That’s different.” He leaned down. “I like different.”
    Kaya pressed her back firmly against her seat to regain some personal space. Mike didn’t seem to mind her discomfort. Without much choice, she made eye contact with him. He had light brown eyes that matched his hair and he kept a thin line of hair along his jawline.
    The class filled and the teacher must have entered because a throat clearing snapped Kaya and Mike to the present.
    “Sorry to interrupt you, Don Juan. Think we can start the class now?” asked Mr. Taylor. He stood right beside Mike in the aisle, his arms crossed. She hadn't failed to notice the outline of firm pecs under the tight T-shirt he wore.
    Mike hopped off the desk with a blank expression. “Sorry, sir.” He slunk off to his desk across the room without another word to her.
    Mr. Taylor continued to stand on the stairs beside