Annie fumbled with the alarm clock to shut it off and then stumbled out of bed. She sighed. Every morning was like Groundhog Day for her. It always started with her tired and rushing around. Today was no different.
She hurriedly dressed and fumbled her way down to the ground floor of her apartment complex and hailed a cab. She was too late to catch the train.
Arriving at the University, she ran as if her feet were on fire. But she didn't quite make it. Guang had just closed the classroom door. She was late. He was quite literally going to murder her right in the hallway for all to see.
Annie hesitantly pecked on the door's window. Guang Xia glanced up from his podium and frowned. She swallowed hard. He glared but walked toward the door.
"What did I tell you last time?" He growled low.
"I know! I'm sorry. Truly I am. What can I do to make it up to you? I'll do anything you want!" Annie pleaded.
Guang was struck speechless as her last sentence echoed through his mind, conjuring up explicit thoughts. Why did she have this effect on him? He wanted—no! He was angry with her! How many times would she arrive late only offering an apology for it?
"Miss Walker! I will not permit you to—" Guang angrily began, but was interrupted when Annie's soft lips crashed into his. He stiffened in anger and shock. How dare she? How utterly—delicious she tasted and how good she felt pressed against him! His mind was conflicted as his anger and righteous indignation battled his aching desire for her. He pushed her into the hallway and against the wall beside his classroom. For a moment he deepened the kiss, but then tore his lips away in frustration.
"This is the last time, do you hear me?" He panted as his hands cupped her face and head. Her eyes grew wide and she nodded. In spite of himself, his thumbs caressed her cheeks.
"Annie, don't do this again." He said softly, referring to her outrageous actions moments ago.
"I'm sorry. Well, I'm not actually sorry that I kissed you, come to think of it. Maybe I should be, but I'm not!" Annie admitted.
He sighed and threw his hands up in frustration. Annie could sajiao better than a native Chinese woman. He wanted to indulge her, but his sternness won out.
"That's enough. You're lucky I don't kick you out of my class. Go sit down and behave yourself!" He scolded. She nodded meekly.
"And see me after class!" He threw over his shoulder as he proceeded her back into the lecture hall. The students whispered and stared at them. Luckily, Xia Guang was able to drag them back into the lesson for the next hour. The end of class came quickly and he dismissed them all.
Annie could feel his gaze burning into her. She meekly approached his podium with her eyes lowered.
"I'm sorry. I know I run late a lot. I promise it's not on purpose!" She insisted.
"Then why does it keep happening?" He pressed.
"I don't know. I always wake up tired and with a bad migraine. Anyway, what's my punishment?" She asked.
He thought for a moment and then remembered what his mother had said. An idea began to form.
"Go to dinner with me Saturday evening." He demanded.
"My punishment is to…go on a date with you?" She asked incredulously.
"I'll explain later," he insisted.
"Fine. Deal."