Chapter Text
You loved your historical English literature class on a Monday afternoon. It was still fairly early in the semester but you could safely say you did, despite it being a last minute sign-up class.
Professor Delaney had a way of immersing you in the readings, even if it was the most boring piece of literature you’d ever heard, there were times he made it sound magical.
You and your friend (and also roommate) Lucy, slip into your normal seats in the lecture hall, amongst a gaggle of other students deep in conversations of their own; chatting and gossiping about what to grab for dinner, practice after class and a couple of the other figure skaters on the team.
Five minutes later, Professor Delaney stood at the front of the hall, waiting for the chatter to die down.
“Okay,” he began, “now I know it’s still early into the semester but I want to give you guys plenty of time to complete an assignment worth 50% of your final grade.”
A collective groan rolls out through the room.
“You’ll work in pairs, and before anyone calls out who they want to be partnered with,” he says, pushing his glasses up his nose, “I have already decided who you’ll be partnered with and what topic your assignment will be on.”
Yet another round of groans sound out, amongst murmurs of displeasure between students.
Professor Delaney chooses to ignore the unhappiness moving throughout the class; instead beginning to call out names to come and retrieve their assignments.
You hear your classmates names; Emma and Alex, Diana and Elena, Lucy and Max. Then you hear your own name, alongside Beau Maxwell.
You see the looks of envy from the other girls in your class, but refuse to acknowledge them as you walk down the steps to the front of the class to pick up your assignment. You hadn’t asked to be partnered with Beau. You would’ve preferred anyone else.
You know of beau, it’s hard not to know any of the athletes at Briar. Everyone treats them like royalty and they lap it up every time.
Beau’s the captain, the quarterback, a professional flirt. It didn’t help that he was tall. Really tall. With dark hair that curled at the ends and a chiseled jawline. Broad shoulders and eyes that sparkled whenever he looked at you.
Not that you had been paying attention to Beau. It was just hard not too.
He smiles at you as you each grab your assignment and somehow that makes everything worse. You refuse to be subjected to everyone watching you have a conversation with Beau, instead ignoring him and walking back to your seat next to Lucy.
“What did you get?” She asks as you sit back down.
“Italian Renaissance. You?”
“French Revolution.” She replies before adding, “ignore them,” gesturing to the other girls glancing your way, “they’re just jealous.”
“Yeah,” you sigh dramatically.
After everyone has their assignments class begins as normal. Keeping your head down, ignoring the urge to glance over to where Beau was sitting, while your fingers automatically move across your keyboard to take notes.
Attempting to escape class once its over with fails spectacularly as Beau manages to catch you before you can get away. Cornering you as you exit the class, you almost run straight into him but manage to catch yourself before you do. He’s standing there, towering over you in a dark hoodie and backwards cap along with a dangerously charming yet smug smirk gracing his lips. Something you quickly look away from but realise it’s because he knew what you were trying do.
“Beau Maxwell.” He says, holding out his hand for you to shake.
“I know who you are.” You reply, frowning slightly.
A smile tugs at the corner of his mouth, immediately changing his expression. “Well, I’ve seen you around and obviously Professor Delaney called out your name alongside mine but unfortunately I haven’t had the pleasure of being introduced to you properly so…”
You tell him your name, only to hear it be repeated back to you in his deep, smooth voice. “Can I get your number? That way we can text about the assignment.”
“My number is on the assignment paper.” You state, choosing that moment to glance over to where Lucy is waiting for you, only to see her attempting to hold back her laughter over you and Beau.
“Right. Of course.” He says, looking down at the paper in his hand. Somehow he seems nervous which throws you, not expecting it. “That means you’ve got mine already.”
“Yep.” You reply as you start to walk away only for him to stop you again.
“We could grab a coffee now, if your free?” He asks, confusing you with how hopeful he sounds.
“I can’t. I’ve got practice.” You reply, which you’re not lying about, you do have practice and your coach is a stickler for being on time.
“Practice. You’re a figure skater, right?” He questions, pretty sure that he’s seen you at the rink before.
“Yes. And you’re a football player.” You couldn’t help but sound sarcastic as you reply.
“Have you been to one of my games?” He asks, grateful you’ve not yet attempted to make another exit.
“No.”
“You’ve never been to…” the way he said it sounded so disappointed and it instantly made you regret how quick you’d been trying to get away from him.
“I’m not really a football fan.” You shrug, feeling slightly embarrassed. “The most of what I know about football is that Travis Kelce is dating Taylor Swift.”
“I’m heartbroken. You truly wound me, babe.” Placing a dramatic hand over his heart.
“We are getting you to a game, soon. I’m very good at persuading.” He states, cheekily.
“I’m not your babe.” You tell him, though he catches the small smile gracing your lips, one your trying not to show. “Let’s just get this assignment done first and then we’ll see, okay?”
“Okay.” His gaze never leaving you as you walk away.
Leaving the hallway, neither you nor Lucy speak until you’re outside. “Don’t.” You grumble, as the pair of you walk over to the rink.
“What?” Lucy exclaims, I wasn’t going to say anything.” She laughs at the eye roll you give her before she continues, “although, now that you’ve brought it up… he likes you.” She teases.
“Luce.” You retort.
“He does.” She states, firmly. “He was totally flirting before. And you just completely shut him down.”
“The last thing I need right now is to get involved with Beau. No matter how flirty he is.” You declare, “you and I both know the reputation he’s got. So I’m not getting involved, it’s just an assignment.” Your firm in your reply.
“So you admit he was flirting with you?” Lucy questions, laughing again and you can’t help but laugh along with her. At the ridiculousness of this whole thing. You only hoped Beau wouldn’t become more than partners completing an assignment.