Plot of Episode 10
Kaitlyn is stunned when Cole is introduced as the teaching assistant for her toughest class. Trying to stay professional, Cole unintentionally singles her out. When the professor asks him to evaluate Kaitlyn in front of everyone, hidden feelings threaten to surface in the most awkward classroom moment yet.
Continue the Story
Chapter 10 – My Crush Is Standing at the Front of the Classroom
The lecture hall quieted the moment Cole Hart stepped onto the platform.
Gone was the man who made Kaitlyn hot chocolate that morning.
Gone was the roommate who looked flustered every time she smiled at him.
Standing before the class was someone entirely different.
Confident.
Professional.
Completely in control.
He adjusted the stack of papers in his hands before speaking.
“Good morning, everyone.”
“My name is Cole Hart.”
“I’ll be your teaching assistant this semester.”
A wave of whispers swept through the room.
“So that’s him…”
“No wonder everyone talks about him.”
“He’s even better-looking up close.”
Kaitlyn slowly sank lower in her seat.
“Please don’t recognize me.”
“Please act normal.”
Cole picked up the attendance sheet.
“Let’s begin with roll call.”
He read a few names before pausing.
“Kaitlyn Sinclair.”
Every muscle in her body stiffened.
“…Here.”
Their eyes met for only a second.
Long enough for both of them to remember the awkward morning they had shared.
Long enough for both of them to immediately look away.
Sammy frowned beside her.
“That’s strange.”
“What?”
“He’s not calling names alphabetically.”
Kaitlyn forced a nervous laugh.
“Maybe…”
“He has his own system.”
Across the room, Cole silently cursed himself.
“Smooth.”
“You couldn’t even pretend not to notice her?”
Trying to recover, he cleared his throat.
“Ms. Sinclair.”
Kaitlyn’s head snapped up.
“Would you mind coming up here?”
She blinked.
“Me?”
“Please help me pass out the course syllabus.”
Dozens of curious eyes turned toward her.
Her heart pounded as she walked to the front of the classroom.
When she reached him, she lowered her voice.
“What are you doing?”
Cole kept his smile professional.
“What do you mean?”
“I didn’t know you were taking this class.”
She stared at him.
“I could say the exact same thing.”
Before either of them could continue—
The classroom door opened.
Professor Calloway strode inside carrying a leather briefcase.
“Good morning, everyone.”
The class immediately fell silent.
He smiled toward Cole.
“I see you’ve already met my teaching assistant.”
Several students nodded enthusiastically.
Professor Calloway set his notes on the podium.
“For those who don’t know…”
He gestured toward Cole with obvious pride.
“Mr. Hart remains the only student in the history of this course to earn a perfect score.”
The room erupted into impressed murmurs.
“So if Mr. Hart tells you something…”
Professor Calloway chuckled.
“I strongly recommend listening.”
Cole looked almost embarrassed by the praise.
Kaitlyn couldn’t help smiling.
“Of course he got one hundred percent.”
“He’s annoyingly perfect.”
Professor Calloway scanned the room.
Then his eyes settled on Kaitlyn.
“You.”
She blinked.
“Yes, Professor?”
“Your name?”
“Kaitlyn Sinclair.”
“Excellent.”
He adjusted his glasses.
“Would you stand facing the class for a moment?”
Confused, Kaitlyn obeyed.
Professor Calloway frowned thoughtfully.
“Hmm…”
He looked toward Cole.
“Mr. Hart.”
“Perhaps you should come closer.”
Cole hesitated.
“Professor?”
“Humor me.”
The professor motioned for Kaitlyn to step beside him.
“Now…”
He folded his arms.
“Take a good look at Ms. Sinclair.”
The classroom instantly grew silent.
Thirty pairs of eyes bounced between them.
Cole swallowed.
“You’ve got to be kidding me.”
He walked forward until only a few feet separated them.
Kaitlyn looked up at him.
Her pulse raced.
She could feel every student watching.
Professor Calloway smiled innocently, completely unaware of the tension he’d created.
“Tell the class…”
“What do you notice about Ms. Sinclair?”
Cole stared at her for one long, dangerous second.
The tiny freckles across her nose.
The nervous way she bit her lower lip.
The green eyes he’d been trying not to think about since the night of the party.
A hundred thoughts rushed through his mind.
“She’s beautiful.”
“She’s distracting.”
“She’s the biggest problem I’ve ever had.”
But none of those answers could ever leave his mouth.
To be continued…
