Cocky Professor: A Hero Club Novel Read online

  Cocky Professor

  A COCKY HERO CLUB PRODUCTION Novel

  M. A. Lee

  Table of Contents

  Table of Contents

  Introduction

  Copyright

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  About the Series

  About the Author

  Also Written by M.A. Lee

  Acknowledgments

  Extras

  Introduction

  Cocky Professor is a standalone story inspired by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward’s novels. It's published as part of the Cocky Hero Club world, a series of original works, written by various authors, and inspired by Keeland and Ward's New York Times bestselling series.

  Copyright

  Cocky Professor is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  COCKY PROFESSOR: A NOVEL

  Copyright © 2020 by M. A. Lee

  All rights reserved.

  Editing by KP Editing

  Cover Design by Michelle Areaux

  Formatted by KP Designs

  - www.kpdesignshop.com

  The uploading, scanning, and distribution of this book in any form or by any means—including but not limited to electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without the permission of the copyright holder is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized editions of this work, and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

  Prologue

  Four Years Ago

  My uncle Hollis taught me three very valuable lessons in life: Be strong, be resilient, and be independent. It wasn’t until I was an adult, that those lessons truly mattered to me.

  After my drug user mother died and my criminal father left me on Holli’s doorstep as a child, my life took a very unexpected turn. Moving from crack houses to a penthouse, shaped the way the rest of my life would turn out. To be clear, I didn’t just become a rich spoiled brat like most kids I knew and when to school with. I stole, lied, and got myself into trouble with my sassy mouth. But, as time went on, I figured that I didn’t have to put on such a tough guy act. Being me was acceptable and I had a family for once in my life.

  Then, Elodie happened. She became the mom I always wanted and needed, and the force that Hollis desired. Together, we created a strange, but perfectly blended family. When Benson was born, I will admit, I worried that Elodie and Hollis might not want me anymore. I was a teenager and they had this baby that was biologically theirs. But, they loved me the same, if not more. Benson and I became siblings, even though we were technically cousins. What I learned most from my family was that technicalities didn't matter. Love was love and nothing else mattered.

  Now, as I venture off to college, I try to stay true to myself and lead by example. However, Hollis would prefer that I stay home or allow him to put me up in an expensive apartment while I attend college at NYU. But, I want-- no, I need to do this on my own.

  When I told Hollis I wouldn’t be taking his financial support, outside of paying for college itself, he was beyond pissed off at me. But, I could see pride reflected in his eyes, too.

  Now, as we stand outside of my new apartment on the New York University Campus, I take in a deep breath. I had considered living in the dorms, but then decided I wanted more freedom.

  Elodie holds back the tears in her eyes and I know she will break down once they are in the car. Benson is playing it cool, wearing dark sunglasses and pretending like he isn’t sorry to see me go. But, I know otherwise. He and I had a good cry and I promised I would always be there for him. I hug Benson as Elodie watches us. She offers me a quick hug before standing back and giving me and Hollis some space. For so long, it had just been me and Hollis. We were like a mismatched pair of socks. They might not look right together, but somehow, they just worked. Whether I wanted to say it aloud or not, I would miss Hollis.

  “Uncle Holsy, it’s time for me to fly away now,” I say, smirking as I use my nickname for him.

  He huffs and rolls his eyes as he helps me finish unloading the car. I can see his eyes glisten with moisture and it almost breaks my heart a little as I realize he is about to cry, too.

  Pulling me in for a hug, I feel his body shake as he holds back the tears. Like it or not, Hollis became my dad and I love him far more than my own biological father.

  “I am so proud of you for doing this on your own,” he whispers to my ear.

  “Thank you,” I say, holding back my own tears. His strong arms wrap around me and I allow myself to enjoy this moment longer than I should. Hollis has always protected me and being near him I felt safe. Now, I had to find my own safety.

  I pick up my box from the sidewalk and stare up at the apartment building that will be my home for the next four years.

  Fingers crossed I am about to make the real world my bitch.

  Chapter 1

  Hailey

  Present Day

  Her sultry moans kept me up all night.

  Closing my eyes, I groaned as I glanced over at the clock on my bedside table. It was six in the morning and I had barely managed an hour of sleep. This was not at all how I wanted to spend the night before my internship at Morgan Financial Holdings. I was nervous enough after learning the CEO of the company was a cocky bastard who was a tyrant to work for.

  However, as my luck would have it, fate loved to play nasty little tricks on me.

  Fuck my life.

  The day I decided I would figure out life on my own, was the biggest mistake of my life. Looking back now, I should have taken Uncle Holli’s money and I could be waking up in a beautiful penthouse apartment instead of this disaster. But, I don’t ever go running back with my tail between my legs. Never would I admit to my cocky uncle that I make a mistake. He would love telling me, “I told you so,” while writing a check for my new apartment. Nope, not going to happen. I was living my dream-- at least part of it.

  However, nowhere in my dream did I imagine I’d be sharing an apartment with a roommate who seemed to be sleeping her way through New York’s City male population.

  Rolling out of bed, I padded across the cold, wooden floor of my small bedroom and opened the door.

  “What in the hell?” I screamed, as a very naked man stood in front of me.

  “Oh, sorry. I was looking for the bathroom,” he muttered, his strong Australian accent caressing my ears.

  What was it with women falling for these Australian guys? I mean, sure they were sexy with their tan skin, muscles, and sultry accent… Oh hell, who was I kidding? I could totally see what the obsession was.

  The guy smiled like he didn’t almost bump into me fully naked.

  Cringing, I tried to keep my eyes above his waistline, but with his very erect dick waving at me, it was a little difficult to keep my eyes north.

  “Across the hall,” I seethed, pointing to the
door behind him.

  Nodding, he offered a wave before he took his time walking through the other door. I’d be lying if I didn’t catch myself ogling at his perfectly toned ass as he walked away. Not a bad view, but still unwelcome and unexpected. It was definitely too early for this shit.

  “Karma,” I roared, as I clutched the doorframe.

  Sighing, I attempted to reign in my frustration before talking with her. I didn’t even bother feigning shyness anymore. I had seen more naked men in my short time living with Karma than I liked to admit. We had been over this a million times before. When she was finished with her nightly conquests, her male callers were supposed to leave. I had woken up more times than I like to admit with an unfamiliar male sauntering through our apartment. Once, one guy even left with our television.

  Opening the door beside mine, Karma sauntered out with her rainbow-colored hair in disarray. She had that just fucked glow on her face and I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at her.

  “Yes,” she said lazily.

  Pinching the bridge of my nose, I turned to face her. “Karma, we have been over this. The guys are supposed to leave,” I say calmly.

  It must be noted here that Karma is a free spirit. Born to hippies, she lived a life of free love and was always in a great mood. Maybe it was that she was high most of the time, but either way, she always had a smile on her face.

  “I know, Hailey. I’m sorry, but we fell asleep,” she sighs.

  Scowling, I want to throw my arms up in the air, but I think better of it and fist them at my sides.

  “Well, can you maybe set an alarm or something?” I ask, annoyance ringing from my voice.

  “I will try to do better,” she says flatly, and I realize, the conversation is now over.

  Karma doesn’t see a need to argue or talk about things that are of no interest to her. After her ‘friend’ exits the bathroom, I hurry up inside and turn the shower on. I allow the bathroom to fill with a white steam before I step inside the shower.

  This is the only peace and quiet I get during the day and I am going to enjoy my long, and relaxing shower.

  As the water washes over me, I send a silent prayer up to the heavens that I get this paid internship. If anything, I have to get out of this apartment.

  There was always that possibility that I could pack up, admit failure, and go running home to Hollis and Elodie. But, I wasn’t about to do that. I was bound and determined to make it in the city and I was going to do it, terrible roommate and naked men, be damned.

  Chapter 2

  Hailey

  Shit.

  I barely made it to the subway to catch my train. Being distracted by the naked man who was still hanging around my apartment, had caused me to almost be late today.

  Now, looking up at the large building, I took in a deep breath before walking inside the lavish building. Glass doors led me inside and my black heels clicked along with the white marble flooring in the massive foyer.

  Taking the elevator up to the fourteenth floor, I stepped inside the new office of Morgan Financial Holdings. My interview was scheduled with Graham Morgan, the legend himself, and his current secretary, who I would be working closely with. He had branched out and now had offices in upper and lower Manhattan as well as some smaller offices in Brooklyn.

  Truth be told, I had a sinking suspicion that Hollis had a part in getting me this interview, but since neither of us had brought it up, I figured I would keep my mouth shut.

  Once the doors opened, I held my head up high and stepped into the room. I was instantly greeted by a woman at the front desk.

  “Hi, I have an interview with Graham Morgan for the receptionist position,” I said, my voice portraying someone confident and brave. Which at the moment, I was neither.

  The woman who appeared to be in her mid-forties offered a timid smile before waving for me to sit in a seating area to my right.

  I sat in a large white leather chair and took the moment to check over my wardrobe. Opting for a black, knee-length pencil skirt, I paired it with a white blouse and black pumps. With my resume in hand, I felt prepared to tackle this interview.

  If I could land this job, it would be perfect. As a college student at New York University, this job would allow me to work part-time and still have time for school.

  “Hailey, Mr. Morgan is ready to meet with you,” the woman announced.

  Standing, I smoothed out my skirt and followed the lady as she led me down a long hallway toward the offices.

  When I walked inside, I was surprised to see only a woman sitting in the office.

  Seeing my startled expression, she quickly stood and shook my hand. “I apologize, but Mr. Morgan will be unable to attend the interview today. I’m Melinda and I have been his secretary for the last year. However, he has given me permission to conduct the interview as planned.”

  She looked a bit nervous, but I wasn’t about to walk away from this interview now. I desperately needed a job and I didn’t care who interviewed me.

  “That’s fine,” I said, taking the seat across from her.

  The receptionist left us alone and Melinda began sorting through a file folder.

  “So, I see that you are an English major at New York University,” she began, her eyes following my resume.

  “Yes. I am in my senior year and hope to graduate next May,” I state.

  I’m beyond nervous and I hate how unsure I feel about myself right now. All I know about this place is that they handle rich people’s money. To be honest, I didn’t care what they did here, so long as they paid me.

  “Why do you want to work as a secretary here at Morgan Financial Holdings?” Melinda asked, finally looking up and meeting my eyes.

  I sucked in a breath, trying to remember my answer to this question. I had been practicing how to answer interview questions and knew this one would be asked.

  “I believe that the first line of communication for clients should be through a positive and helpful source. I want to be able to help organize the phone calls and make all clients feel welcome,” I say.

  I watch Melinda nod her head and smile in approval. Living with Uncle Hollis, I had learned the lingo of the business world. I had snuck in my fair share of business meetings and eavesdropped on many business conference calls. I knew exactly what these guys wanted to hear in order for me to land my job.

  “That’s great to hear. What this job would entail is to answer phone calls, get coffee or lunch for the investment staff, and assist with paperwork at times,” she instructed me.

  “I would love to help with that,” I gush, hoping she doesn’t hear the bullshit dripping from my voice.

  To my surprise, she is eating up my words. And, somehow, we managed to get through this entire interview without a single mention of my uncle. My pride needs to know that I landed this job on my own, not with the help of my uncle.

  She asks me a few more basic questions and then I am told they will call me with a final answer later this week.

  Feeling confident, I begin digging through my purse to locate my cell phone. I need to call my friend, Lacy. We met in our Women’s Literature Studies course and hit it off immediately. She currently lives on campus in an apartment and our plan is to find an apartment next semester. I’ll text Hollis later. I’m sure he is busy at work right now.

  Scoring this job would put me one step closer to that plan and away from my hoe-bag of a roommate, Karma.

  I was so preoccupied with trying to find my phone, that I didn’t notice the person in my way until it was too late.

  With a rough thud, I crash into what feels like a brick wall. Losing my balance, I stumble back and hear the crack as my heel breaks. Landing on my ass, I feel the pain radiate up through my back as the contents of my purse spill out all around me.

  “Damn,” I hear a gruff voice say.

  I look up and lock eyes with the most amazing blue eyes I have ever seen in my entire life. His sandy blonde hair is slicked back and he smells like va
nilla and spice. I’m so lost in his presence; I don’t hear the words he is saying to me. Shaking my head, I began to scramble to grab everything that had fallen out of my bag.

  I smell the rich aroma of coffee and notice there is a Starbucks coffee spilled all over the floor. Looking up, the man is trying to wipe coffee stains off of his suit. “This is a four thousand dollar suit you just ruined,” he seethed.

  Of course, he had to showcase the amount of his suit. I go to apologize, but the man opens his big mouth and speaks again, arrogance and power radiating off him in waves.

  “Miss, are you drunk?” he asks me, and I stop moving.

  “Wait, what?” I ask, stunned by his question. “Did you just ask me if I was drunk?” I almost shout, grabbing my broken heel as I stand.

  “You just stumbled into me and then fell down,” he states, his icy blue eyes judging me.

  Now he has not only caused me to fall down, but he is now accusing me of being drunk before noon. Who the hell does this guy think he is?

  Shifting my purse up to my shoulder, I spin around and point my finger at this arrogant asshole.

  “First, you have a lot of nerve to say that when you clearly bumped into me. Maybe you should have been looking where you were going. Second, I am not drunk. I was looking for my phone and wasn’t paying attention,” I admitted.

  While I wasn’t looking where I was going, it was clear he wasn’t either.

  “Oh, this phone,” he says, holding up my purple and silver rhinestone covered phone.

  Just the way he dangles my phone in front of my face makes me feel like he thinks he is superior to me.

  I take a moment to fully take him in and I finally notice the designer black suit, leather shoes, and shiny, expensive watch dangling from his wrist. He obviously has wealth and power and little ol’ me is below him.

  Snatching my phone back, I glare at this pompous bastard. He watches me with a smirk and I want nothing more than to reach out and slap that grin off his face. But, I don’t. I have to remind myself that I’m still in the Morgan Financial Holdings building. I can’t let this guy be the reason I don’t get the job.