Chapter One

"Please turn in your papers on my desk before leaving."

Gathering of papers and groaning grew louder as the students turned in their latest essay.

Spencer gathered all her students' essays and placed them in her briefcase alongside her other materials.

She sighed and began rubbing her temples to ease the pain that had developed over the course of the day. "What a long day…"

"Excuse me, Dr. Carlin?" the voice of her young TA broke through the quiet of the room.

"Yes, Ms. Daniels. How can I help you?"

"I'm sorry to bother you right when you are leaving. I just received this from President Michaels' office asking if you could meet with him as soon as you got out of your class." Lauren handed over the memo to Spencer, who glared at it for about a minute before speaking.

"Thank you, Ms. Daniels. I will meet you tomorrow morning to go over those projects we discussed earlier." Lauren nodded her head and said a soft goodbye before ducking out of the classroom.

'What on earth would he have to see me about? I hope this is not about that grant I have been trying to get….just breathe Spencer it can't be that bad, right?'

Taking one last deep breath, Spencer grabbed her briefcase and headed down the hallway to President Michaels' office.

"Good Afternoon Mrs. Young. How are you?" Spencer politely asked the older woman when she entered the office.

"Very well, Dr. Carlin. President Michaels' said to let you through as soon as you arrived. So please go right in."

Spencer wanted to ask what the meeting was supposed to be about but decided against it and entered through the thick wooden doors.

Upon entering the room, Spencer heard laughing and a slightly raspy yet very feminine voice along with the deep voice of President Michaels.

"Excuse me President Michaels. I received notice that you wanted to speak with me. I hope I am not interrupting I would be more than happy to wait until you are free."

"Oh Dr. Carlin, there is no need for you to leave. I wanted to introduce you to our newest addition here at SCU. This is Professor Ashley Davies. She will be overseeing our new music program and hopefully establishing a prestigious reputation that will continue on for a long time hereafter."

Spencer's breathe quickened as the brunette who had been sitting facing away from her slowly stood and turned around.

The woman was young, maybe around Spencer's age; she was around Spencer's height with a lean toned body which was evident through the dark blue pant suit she had on; her hair was a dark brown, that hung lightly on her shoulders and curled throughout; her smile was captivating and her nose scrunched up immediately upon seeing Spencer; but what had Spencer hooked were the deep, sensual, and intoxicating brown eyes that were looking intensely into her own.

Ashley extended her hand towards Spencer, "Dr. Carlin. It is very nice to meet you. President Michaels says that you are one of the best professors here and that you would be perfect to show me around. That is if you don't mind me tagging along for a couple of days to get the feel of this place. That won't be a problem I hope?"

Spencer was lost in those eyes. She then realized that the soft skin of Ashley's was still on her own and she quickly blushed. "Spen…"

"What was that?"

"Spencer….call me Spencer. Oh and no it won't be a problem." Spencer wasn't sure if she had actually spoken until a look of relief spread over the brunette's face.

"You know for being one of this school's great speakers you sure looked like you were having a bit of trouble there." Ashley lightly laughed at the flustered look that was now covering the blonde's face.

"It's just been a long day. I am heading home right now but if you have the time stop by my office tomorrow morning around 8 and we can go over some questions you might have and I can show you around the campus. I have one class tomorrow but I'm sure you wouldn't be interested in sitting in on my Constitutional Law class."

"Why is that exactly?"

"Well I figured that you might find it a bit boring actually. I sure know my students think so." Spencer laughed remembering the groans from just a short time before.

"Actually I think I might like to sit in on your class. I promise not to heckle well not too much that is." Ashley smiled at the blonde who just shook her head slightly.

"Ok I give. You can be my honorary student tomorrow….my really attractive honorary student…" Spencer muttered under her breath.

"Mmhmm…I would LOVE to be your honorary student for a day."

Spencer wasn't sure if the brunette had heard her muttering but just smiled and was enjoying the way the brunette focused her attention solely on her.

President Michaels cleared his throat and turned to the girls, "So I guess this is settled then. Professor Davies, I just need you to review a few more papers regarding the music program before you leave."

"Ok, no problem. Dr. Car…I mean Spencer, it was such a pleasure meeting you and I look forward to seeing you tomorrow." She extended her hand once again to Spencer.

"The pleasure was all mine believe me." Spencer blushed at what she had just said. She softly shook Ashley's hand, quickly nodded a goodbye, left the office, and walked to her car while thinking of only the gorgeous brunette she had just met.