The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 82

Lavinia froze in place, clutching her backpack and half-crouching in an incredibly awkward posture.

She slowly straightened up and turned to look at him.

Charley Sheffield pulled a dark blue thermal food jar from beneath the podium.

"Your soup." He raised the thermal food jar in his hand.

Lavinia stared at him, wanting to cry. She had become the center of attention on day one.

It would have been fine if she were a top-tier genius, but she was easily the most clueless student in the room.

Under the watchful eyes of the entire class, Charley strode over with his long legs and shoved the thermal food jar into her hands.

"We're getting lunch together. I'm going to make sure you finish this."

Lavinia forced a stiff smile, clutching the jar as she lowered her head and rushed out of the classroom.

Watching her retreat, the corners of Charley's mouth curved upward.

Behind him, the classroom erupted into a frenzy of loud gossip.

***

Charley found a small diner for lunch. They sat across from each other. Without even glancing at the menu, Lavinia glared directly at him and asked, "Why are you teaching here?"

Charley grabbed the pitcher and poured her a drink. "My position was downsized," he said evenly. "I'm taking a gap period. Jimmie Jennings offered to let me teach here so I could at least cover my rent."

Lavinia was stunned. He was unemployed?

No wonder he didn't have to clock in at an office and spent all day lounging in coffee shops. He actually had all the time in the world to meddle in her life.

Suddenly, she felt a bit guilty. She lowered her eyes.

"I've let you buy me so many meals. Until you find a full-time job, I should be the one paying."

She blinked in surprise and sat up, spotting Charley sitting across from her, leaning back in his chair with his eyes closed.

His arms were crossed, his long legs casually stretched out. With his eyes shut, she noticed how incredibly long and curled his lashes were.

Lavinia secretly watched him for a while.

In his sleep, that usual cold edge faded away, making him look much gentler. Like a quiet painting.

Realizing it was almost time for class, she reached out, hesitated for a second, and lightly nudged his arm.

Charley slowly opened his eyes. When he saw her, a soft warmth seeped into his gaze.

"Charley, wait for me to go in first before you come back to class, okay?"

He paused quietly, looking at her before giving a faint, "Mhm."