“I have every intention of hiring you,” he said, a hint of something more in his tone, something only he was privy to.
“You do?” I asked, shocked.
He chuckled, and like his voice, it was deep and rich. “Yes,” he said.
“Why?” I folded my arms on the table and leaned forward. “You don’t even know me. Maybe I’m a fraud.”
His lips curved into what was quite possibly the most arrogant smirk known to mankind. It was also one of the sexiest things I’d ever seen.
“Call it a gut instinct,” he said, humor dancing behind his blue eyes. “Though, I do have a few… requests.”
I narrowed my eyes. I knew this guy was too good to be true. Leaning back, I crossed my arms. “What kind of requests?” I asked.
“No one knows I’m here,” he said, his voice level. “And I want to keep it that way.”
Understanding dawned on me. “Right. You have a reputation to protect.”
Of course, he did. He was probably the most popular guy in his high school. More than likely he was the star player on some sports team, and he most definitely had a girlfriend. How could he not? I bet his girlfriend was gorgeous, too. He didn’t want anyone to know he was flunking classes and needed help.
“Something like that,” he said, his gaze intense. “So, what days are you available? I’d like to start as soon as possible. You know… finals and everything.”
I tilted my head. “Who said I was going to take the job?”
He narrowed his eyes, and I swore they darkened a few shades. “Why wouldn’t you?” he asked, sounding genuinely confused. And curious.
I shrugged. “Well, for starters, I have no idea who you are. You haven’t bothered to tell me your name, and I don’t know what classes you need help with. ‘All of them’ isn’t exactly a helpful answer. And we need to discuss payment, too.”
“I’ll tell you what.” He leaned over the table, eyes suddenly a vibrant, sparkling blue. “You tell me if you’re going to tutor me, and I’ll tell you my name.”
Was this guy for real? Mimicking his posture, I leaned forward, too, our faces inches apart. I had no idea if I could even help him, but that little fact didn’t seem to bother him, so why should I care? If he wanted to give me money to help him, then I’d help him. He was nice to look at, too, which was a big bonus.
“Okay, fine. I can do Mondays and Wednesdays after school. We can meet here,” I said.
I had no idea why I’d chosen those days specifically, but I needed some days to myself for my own studies, so offering to meet him every day was out of the question.
“Perfect. We’ll start tomorrow, then,” he said.
Slowly, he leaned back in his chair, his demeanor cool, and not for the first time since arriving, I wondered if I was in over my head.
“Well?” I said after a moment. “What am I supposed to call you?”
“Jaxon,” he said.
Something nagged at the back of my mind. I swore I’d heard that name before, but where? To my knowledge, there wasn’t a Jaxon in my school, and I didn’t know anyone from Keene Valley by that name. And I was positive I’d never met this guy until now. I shook the thought away. Hefting my backpack from the floor, I rummaged around for my cell phone.
“What’re you doing?” he asked.
“Adding you to my contacts.” I didn’t bother to look up as I added his name to the number he’d used to text me.
“Why? Are you planning to text me?” There was a trace of humor in his tone.
“Yeah, I mean, if something comes up or whatever.” I set my phone on the table. “You have my number, too, so if you ever need to cancel or reschedule…”
Jaxon slid his cup to the edge of the table so it was out of the way, and then he rested his arms on the table. His eyes danced with amusement. “What if I want to text you just because?” he asked.
I snorted. “Yeah, right.”
He was out of luck if he thought he could flirt his way into something more than a professional relationship. I was here for the money, no other reason. And I wasn’t getting attached to anyone or anything, not when I was leaving in a month.
“So, you need help studying for all your finals?” I asked.
He nodded, and I couldn’t help but feel like he was utterly bored with this conversation.
“What classes are you taking?” I asked.
“You know, the usual ones. Math. English. Science.”
I sighed with frustration. “Could you be a little more specific?”
“Probably.” He stood. “But I’m not going to. Not yet.” Then he grinned, the look full of mischief. “So, I’ll see you tomorrow?”
I stood and flung my backpack over my shoulder. “Same time?”
“It’s a date.” His smile turned seductive, and my heart kicked into overdrive.
“No, it’s most definitely not a date,” I said firmly. “Make sure you bring everything you need so I can help you. Notes. Books. Whatever.”
“You’re kind of bossy.” He laughed. “I like that.”
I rolled my eyes, but I was powerless to stop the heat that crept up my neck. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” I said, trying and failing to hide my smile. “I accept cash, by the way.”
He laughed. “How much?”
I shrugged. “Twenty an hour?”
“Perfect,” he said, his eyes narrowing slightly.
Maybe I should’ve asked for more. I shifted on my feet, his scrutiny both exciting and unsettling. “Good. See you later, then,” I said, turning to walk away.
“Chloe?”
I turned back to look at him. “Yeah?”
“Feel free to wear this”—he waved his hand up and down in front of me, indicating my school uniform—“any time you want. It’s a good look for you.”
I narrowed my eyes and marched up to him. “Let’s get one thing straight right now, Jaxon. This is a business relationship. I help you study, and you pay me. That’s it. So, quit it
