Eighteen

CJ

My ribs squeezed tight with envy and the unkind thoughts I had towards the boy Lenora was holding against her chest scared me.

She had her head turned in my direction, standing dangerously close behind the dark-haired boy, and it took all my self-control not to yank the boy away and toss him into the trash bin.

A small smile played on her lips as she watched me struggle to keep myself from making an obvious fool out of myself in front of her boyfriend.

I'd seen the boy in my class, and from the look on his face, he was surprised to see me.

"Professor CJ," he stuttered and turned to face Lenora. "What's he doing here?"

"Oh, I forgot to inform you that he's Mariselle's dad."

"Really? Wow," the boy looked fascinated and stretched out his arms for a handshake. "I'm so honored to have you here, and I must say that you're one of the best and smartest lecturers I've ever come across."

"Thanks," I said flatly, forcing a smile and pretending that Lenora wasn't behind him. "Is there some