After I found my bf kissing his "childhood friend", I got drunk in a bar and my best friend ordered a skilled call boy for me. He was indeed skilled and crazy hot. I left cash and ran away the next morning. Later, I ran into the "call boy" in my classroom and found he's in fact my new Professor. Gradually, I realized there was something different about him... “You forgot something.” He gave me a grocery bag in front of everyone with a poker face.“What—” I began to ask, but he was already walking away. The other students in the room were staring at me questionably, wondering what he had just handed me. I glanced inside the bag and instantly shut it, feeling the blood draining from my body. It was the bra and money I had left at his place.

#

Brian’s Birthday Party

Tessa’s POV

“Tessa, where is the ketchup?”

“Tessa, we are going to need more drinks!”

“Tessa, get more napkins!”

I wiped the sweat off my brow and walked through the loud gathering of people.

“Okay, just give me a minute,” I shouted over the music.

I fell in love with Brian during our freshmen year. He was my first love.

He was a boy who came from a wealthy family, and I was the girl who grew up in the countryside and worked on my father’s farm.

I felt inadequate when it came to Brian and his friends. They all grew up living a wealthy lifestyle and I never quite fit in with them.

However, I made up for it by trying to be the best girlfriend that I could be.

That included throwing him the best birthday parties. Like this one.

Despite our differences when it came to wealth and elegancy, I always believed that Brian and I would be endgame.

That is why I tried so hard to make our relationship work.

Ruby was leaning against the counter when I entered the kitchen, folding her arms across her chest.

I already knew what she was going to say before she spoke.

“Brian has been talking to Amanda all night,” she pointed out.

I could feel her eyes on my face as I pulled the cans of soda and beer out of the fridge.

“It’s his birthday party,” I said in return. “He can talk to whoever he wants to talk to.”

“He’s also your boyfriend. He should be talking to you all night, not her.”

“She’s his best friend, Ruby.”

“You’re his girlfriend, Tessa.”

“Please, just leave it alone. I don’t want any issues tonight. Especially with all his friends here.”

They already judged me enough.

“You work too hard,” Ruby said, grabbing the ketchup off the counter and following me as I entered the living room. I began placing napkins on the tables I had set up for the food and drinks. “They treat you like you are their slave, and they always have. How many more hoops are you going to jump through for them?”

“As many as necessary to get on their good side,” I answered. “I’m doing this for Brian, not for them.”

“You should rest and enjoy some of the party.”

“I just want everything to be perfect,” I told her with a grin.

She rolled her eyes at my response.

“Must you always be an overachiever?”

I didn’t answer her.

Brian was my first boyfriend. I didn’t know about other people, but I’m used to trying my best for those that I loved.

“On a new note, did you hear who’s coming to our school next semester?” Ruby changed the subject realizing I did not have an answer to her question.

“No, I haven’t.”

“Joseph Evergreen. That fantasy novelist you love so much!”

“Wait seriously?” I asked, raising my brows. “He’s coming to our school?!”

Joseph Evergreen was an incredible writer and an inspiration for my own writing.

It is my dream to be a famous Fantasy writer. But so far, my hard work didn’t help me much with that.

“He’s coming to our school to teach a special writing course. We should sign up for that class together! I bet you will get a lot more out of learning from Joseph Evergreen than you will from learning from Mrs. Peabody.”

We both laughed.

“I love that idea,” I agreed. “We will go first thing in the morning before classes start to sign up. I absolutely love Joseph Evergreen. He just reminds me so much of my writing idol, Christopher Moore.”

I couldn’t help but get excited.

“Maybe they are the same person,” Ruby teased.

“Christopher Moore was alive hundreds of years ago. He would have to be some immortal vampire or something,” I teased in return.

We laughed again.

Soon, Ruby’s demeanor changed in an instant and I saw her looking at someone past me.

I felt a pair of strong arms wrapping around my waist from behind me and I knew who it was instantly; I could tell that Ruby was trying hard not to roll her eyes.

She never liked Brian and she made that painfully obvious.

“Hey beautiful,” Brian said, kissing the back of my neck.

I chuckled, turning around to hug him.

“Brian, not in front of everybody,” I said, peering up at him.

“What were you two laughing about?” He asked, kissing the top of my head.

“Joseph Evergreen is teaching a special writing course at our school next semester. Ruby and I were thinking about signing up.”

“A writing course?” Brian asked, narrowing his eyes at me, and dropping his hands from my waist. “Do you think it’s wise to dedicate a whole course to a hobby?”

“Well, it’s not just a hobby for me—”

“Writing isn’t a career, Tessa. We talked about this.”

“I beg to differ; Joseph Evergreen is very successful—”

“Okay, one in a million make it as real writers,” Brian said, cutting off my words as he often did. “I thought we discussed you taking a business course for your last semester so you can be prepared for when you intern at my father’s company.”

My heart fell into my stomach.

I hadn’t told him that I chose against taking a business course. More importantly, I decided I didn’t want to intern at his father’s company.

I wasn’t sure how to tell him and I certainly didn’t want to do it during his birthday party.

“I know,” I said, lowering my gaze. “But it’s our last semester and I wanted to take something I really enjoy.”

“If you want to be successful, you need to start thinking about your future and writing is not a plausible career,” he said, shaking his head with dismay written all over his face. “It’s nothing more than a hobby.”

“I could learn so much during this course, Brian…”

“Forget it,” he muttered, turning away from me. “Do whatever you want.”

He disappeared through the crowd of people, leaving me staring after him.

“He’s such an arrogant asshole,” Ruby said, folding her arms across her chest. “Why do you let him control you like that?”

“He’s not that bad...” I told her.

But even I didn’t believe those words.

“I’ll be right back,” I told her.

I went through the crowd and in the direction Brian went. I didn’t want to leave the conversation like that.

By the time I found him, I saw that he was back to talking to Amanda. They were in the back corner, and she was leaning against the wall, staring up at him.

“She doesn’t care about a thing that I want. She’s too set in her ways. She might be pretty, but she can be incredibly dumb sometimes.”

Those cruel words came from Brian. I stood frozen with a heavy heart as I listened to my boyfriend talking about me to his best friend.

“I’ve said this countless times before, she’s not good enough for you,” Amanda said, putting her hand on his arm.

I watched as the two of them began kissing, and it wasn’t a small sisterly kiss either.

That was the moment I realized that I was probably the only one trying to make this relationship work.

“You two bastards!” When I was about to step out, Ruby did it before me.

Brian quickly pulled away from her.

“Tessa… it’s not what it looks like!”

“Save it for someone who cares, Brian,” Ruby said.

Brian started walking toward me.

“I can explain—”

“That’s the end of it!” I said with my eyes beginning to betray me. “I have done enough for you to make this relationship work, Brian. But I won’t try for a cheater.”

I said it word by word, trying to stabilize my voice.

“He’s not worth it,” Ruby muttered, draping an arm around me, and pulling me away from the party.

Brian followed us until we reached the door, then he stopped and let us leave.

When I glanced at his figure for the last time, I tried my best to croak as tears fell out of my eyes.

But I was surprised that I felt relieved at the same time.

Maybe I didn’t need to try so hard for everything in my life, especially for someone like Brian.

“Where are we going?” I asked Ruby.

“You’ll see,” she said with a grin.

We drove for about 30 minutes until we reached downtown, then she parked the car.

“We are going to a bar,” she finally announced. “You need to loosen up and forget about that loser.”

I sighed and got out of the car, following her down the streets until the bar, lit up in neon lights, came into view.

As we continued walking, I brushed past a tall and incredibly handsome stranger.

Goosebumps instantly formed on my skin.

I paused and looked over my shoulder at him and that’s when I noticed he was no longer walking.

He was staring with such a ravenous look in his eyes.

And it was me he was staring at.

#

The man at the bar

Tessa’s POV

This man was insanely attractive, and he had to have been in his mid-twenties. He was tall and had a broad figure. My heart was pounding heavily in my chest, and I forgot where I was for a moment.

He was staring at me with such a ravenous look in his eyes and it felt like I was on his menu.

“Tessa, come on!” Ruby urged, pulling me along with her. “Only a little further.”

Ruby obviously didn’t notice this man, but I reluctantly turned away and went with her into the bar.

His eyes were otherworldly; I couldn’t get them out of my head long after seeing him. Not to mention how he looked at me made my heart skip a beat.

It was as if he was looking at more than just my face.

He was staring into my mind, heart, and soul.

“Surprise!” Tessa said, motioning around as soon as we stepped into the bar.

I frowned as I looked around; this wasn’t just a normal bar. I saw incredibly hot men walking around with their shirts off, serving tables.

There were other men dancing on a stage and flirting with women.

“You took me to a callboy bar?” I asked.

“You need to loosen up and have a good time. Forget about that loser Brian. There are so many better guys out there for you.”

“I don’t think I’m going to find him at a bar like this,” I said, shaking my head at her.

She laughed and grabbed my arm, pulling me toward the bar stools where we sat down.

“Two tequila shots please,” she asked the bartender. “And a water for me.”

“I don’t want to take any shots,” I said to her.

“We came to a bar; you must drink. I’m going to make sure you forget about Brian. At least for tonight.”

“I’d rather not get drunk,” I said sheepishly.

“I’ll be the responsible one and drink water tonight. I got both those shots for you,” she explained.

The bartender put the shots in front of us along with Ruby’s water.

She smiled and motioned for me to take a shot.

“Humor me.”

I knew she was right; I needed to loosen up and have a few drinks. I didn’t often drink because Brian didn’t like how I looked drunk.

I took a shot and winced as it stung my throat.

Ruby laughed.

“Atta girl,” she said, nudging me with her shoulder.

The last time I had a drink was when I was with my father on the farm. We would often drink together during our evening chores.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do…” I said, staring down at my hands. “I can’t go home, and all of my things are there.”

“Don’t even worry about that, Tessa. You know you can live with me. I’ll swing by your place in the morning and get your stuff. You don’t have to worry about a thing.”

I was thankful to have her at that moment.

My heart ached so much at the thought of Brian’s betrayal. It was obvious now that it was never me that he wanted.

I had done everything for him.

I went to the brunches with his friends, I wore the clothing he liked, and I ate the foods he suggested. I worked out daily so I would be fit enough for him. I even took the classes he wanted me to take.

I completely changed myself for him and it was for nothing.

But now I realize he was just trying to turn me into her.

“You keep drinking, I’m going to get you a guy,” Ruby said as I took the second shot.

“Ruby, no…I—”

It was too late; she was already gone.

I sighed just as the bartender placed a couple more shots in front of me. She must have ordered them before she left.

My head was already whirling from the other two, but I took another shot anyways.

Soon, a platinum credit card was placed on the bar countertop, causing me to freeze. My eyes trailed up until they met the same eyes I couldn’t get out of my head.

It was the man from outside.

Ruby must have noticed our encounter after all and found him somewhere in the bar.

He worked here as a callboy.

“Put her drinks on that card,” he said to the bartender in a firm tone like he was the one in charge.

He kept his eyes locked on mine, even when he spoke to the bartender. It was as if I was hooked in a trance.

“You didn’t have to do that,” I found myself saying.

“Gave me an excuse to talk to you.”

His voice was much deeper than I imagined.

“You wanted to talk to me?” I asked, my heart racing in my chest.

Before he could answer, the bartender returned with his card and receipt.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a $50 bill, slapping it on the counter as a tip to the bartender.

I took the last shot of tequila and slid off the barstool.

“Let’s just get out of here,” I said to him, trying not to fall over.

“Where would you like to go?”

“The hotel,” I said to him, furrowing my brows together.

He must have been new to this callboy stuff.

“And why would you want to go to a hotel?” His tone was low and incredibly sexy; it sent a warmth throughout my body.

“To obviously have sex.”

What was wrong with him?

His eyes had darkened and maybe my eyes were deceiving me, but they almost looked red. He stood back and scanned my body for only a moment before that ravenous look returned to his eyes.

“If that’s what you wish,” he said as he offered me his hand.

Taking his hand, I went with him outside, not seeing Ruby in sight. I made a mental note to send her a text later.

Parked nearby was a black Bentley that he walked towards. I paused once he reached the car and opened the passenger side.

After a pause, I finally slid into the passenger side of the car, and we had to drive for about 20 minutes until we reached an incredibly expensive-looking Villa.

“This isn’t a hotel,” I pointed out. “It looks more like a resort.”

He smirked and got out of the car.

“Hotels are disgusting, and I’d prefer to have sex at my home,” he said as he went toward the main entrance.

“You live here?” I gasped, scrambling out of the car.

He didn’t bother responding.

Once we got inside, I was amazed by how huge and gorgeous the Villa was.

“Do you have a restroom I can use?” I asked. “I’d like to wash up beforehand.”

He motioned down the hallway.

“Down that hall to the right,” he said as he took my coat.

I nodded my thanks to him and made my way to the bathroom. I just needed a minute to gather my thoughts. I was still incredibly dizzy from the alcohol and his looks were so intimidating.

It’s been a while since I’ve been with anyone other than Brian and I didn’t want to make a fool out of myself.

I didn’t realize callboys made so much money that they could afford luxurious houses and cars like that.

I should probably text Ruby and let her know that I made it here safely and expect me back at her place late. But just as I pulled my phone out of my pocket, the bathroom door swung open, and he was leaning against the frame.

Swinging around to face him, I swallowed a lump that had formed in my throat. He gave me a devilishly sexy grin and I couldn’t help but want him even more in that moment.

“I can smell you from outside the door,” he breathed hungrily.

I had no idea what that meant, but it definitely turned me on.

He rushed toward me, wrapping his arms around my waist, he lifted me onto the sink, kissing me so deeply that he took my breath away.

The sink turned on and I felt the water soaking into the back of my blouse and dripping onto the counter.

I wrapped my legs around him and pressed myself further into him, allowing his kiss to deepen and his tongue to explore my mouth.

He finally pulled away from me and I saw that his eyes had turned red. I wasn’t afraid though; in fact, I was mesmerized by him.

“Are you sure you want to do this?” He asked in a husky whisper. “We’ve only just met.”

I looked him over for a moment longer.

I wasn’t sure if it was the alcohol that gave me this boost of confidence, or because he made me incredibly hot for him, but I answered his question by taking off my shirt and throwing it to the ground.

His eyes grew even redder; it was surreal, but he began to kiss my neck without hesitation, sending goosebumps across my body.

I felt a little stinging at first, but then, on top of the alcohol, there was a new layer of beautiful dizziness.

#

Misunderstanding

Tessa’s POV

I just had a one-night stand… with a callboy.

I woke up and telling by the faint sunlight that beamed through the window shades, it was morning.

My entire body tingled at the memory of last night. It was certainly incredible, and I can’t remember the last time I’ve been touched like that. This man definitely knew what he was doing last night.

At least I’m not crying over Brian; as painful as his betrayal was, I feel like I could actually move on from him. Maybe the best way to get over somebody really is to get under someone new.

My face reddened at the very thought.

Sitting up in bed, I frowned at my surroundings.

This was obviously the master bedroom with the king-sized bed. It was a vast space, however, it was veiled and gauzy. The curtains dimmed the natural lighting from outside, making it almost dreary.

I felt a slight sting in my neck, making me reach my hand towards my neck and feel a small swollen patch. I quickly slid out of bed and dressed in my jeans and hoodie before making my way to the bathroom.

My face grew warm as I remembered how passionate we were on that sink.

I looked at the ground and saw that the crystal soap dish was cleaned.

Looking at the mark on my neck and frowned when I saw that it was a bite mark.

As fun, as last night was, that callboy certainly left his impression on my body. However, it was strange that it didn’t hurt last night when he did this. I remember him licking and nibbling on my neck, but I remembered it feeling good.

It wasn’t until this morning that it started hurting. It was also red and a little swollen like a bug bite.

“Ouch,” I muttered to myself with dismay written all over my face.

I left the bathroom and stood in this man’s bedroom. I didn’t like how dark it was in here and I wondered where exactly I was. I went to his window to open the curtains; as the sunlight started seeping through and I got a glimpse of what looked like a garden, a pair of hands pulled the curtains shut.

I quickly turned around to see the callboy staring down at me. He was frowning and I noticed that his eyes were no longer red.

Maybe they were never red; it could have been my drunken brain playing tricks on me. That was the only thing that really made sense.

He stood only inches from me, and he stared down my body until his eyes landed on my lips. My heart was thudding violently against my chest and for a moment, I worried that he could hear it.

I hadn’t realized I was holding my breath until he took a step away from me.

“Join me downstairs for some breakfast,” he said, reaching his hand out for me to take.

I stared at it questionably for a moment before taking it.

I allowed him to guide me out of his bedroom and down a long and wide set of spiral stairs. I was in awe of how big his home was and incredibly confused as to how he was able to afford such a luxurious home on a callboy’s wage.

We went into a dining room area, and I saw the large wooden table with a couple of plates of delicious-looking food, orange juice, and coffee.

As soon as I saw the food, my stomach instantly growled.

“I wasn’t sure what you liked to eat or drink for breakfast, so I made an assortment of things,” he said pulling out a chair for me to sit.

He was certainly a charming callboy. I had to give Ruby some credit for choosing such an elegant guy.

“It’s perfect,” I said as I sat down.

He sat across from me and stared at me for a moment as I started eating. Then, he slowly started to eat as well.

“I hope you slept well,” he said to me.

It was such a casual opening statement that it caught me off guard.

“Yes, your bed is incredibly comfortable,” I answered.

It was like he didn’t know what to say in response to that, so he just looked at me quizzingly. I could tell he was trying hard, but what he was trying to do was unclear to me.

“And your home is very beautiful,” I added. “How were able to afford something like this on your salary?”

As soon as I asked that question, I regretted it.

I felt it to be incredibly rude to ask about one’s financial situation, but I couldn’t take the question back once it’s been spoken.

“A lot of the money I have is due to the investments I’ve made,” he answers casually. “I just recently moved here.”

So, I was right about him being new to this callboy stuff. I wondered how many other women he’s had while he was here and how I ranked in comparison to them. But I quickly brushed that thought out of my mind, not wanting to think about it.

“Your service has been incredible,” I said to him, meeting his eyes.

He furrowed his brows at me.

It was at that moment I realized how rude I was being; I didn’t even know his name.

“I’m sorry,” I said quickly. “I never got your name.”

“Joseph,” he answered.

He had the same name as Joseph Evergreen; how strange.

“I’m Tessa,” I said in return, and I wondered if he even cared what my name was or if I was just another customer to him.

Which reminded me.

I grabbed my purse.

“I’m not sure how much she already gave you, but let me give you a tip—”

“Why would you give me money?” He asked, just as I pulled a 20 out of my purse.

I rose my gaze up to his.

“For your performance…”

“My performance?”

“Yes—” I went on to say, but then I paused when I saw just how confused he truly was. “Do you know what we were last night?”

Realization soon flashed through his eyes, and he ran his fingers through his dark mass of hair.

“I’m sorry, I know having sex on the first day we meet is fast. But we can get to know each other quickly and I can try my best to be a good enough boyfriend to you…”

I nearly choked on my coffee.

“Boyfriend?!” I gasped, staring up at him.

What was he talking about?

“Yes,” he answered. “I would never just toss you aside after having sex with you.”

“Isn’t that your job?”

That confused look returned to him.

“I’m not sure I understand what you mean,” he said, eyeing me carefully.

“Can you excuse me for a moment,” I said, grabbing my phone from my purse. “I should probably tell my friend where I am.”

I felt his eyes on the back of my head as I scurried out of the dining room. As I stared at my phone screen, I frowned when I saw that Ruby had called me at least three times last night.

“Tessa! Where have you been? I’ve been worried sick about you last night. You just disappeared,” she went on to say as soon as I called her.

“I’m sorry; I went with that callboy you ordered me—”

“What? Tessa, what are you talking about? I never ordered you a callboy.”

#