Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 96933 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 485(@200wpm)___ 388(@250wpm)___ 323(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96933 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 485(@200wpm)___ 388(@250wpm)___ 323(@300wpm)
“Elle?”
Heat stings my cheeks as I turn my head and meet his blue gaze. “Yeah?”
An amused smile curls around the corners of his lips. “I asked if you had any questions.”
I shake my head and realize again how close he is. We’re talking a matter of inches. I can see the various flecks of blue and green that make up his irises. It’s disconcerting.
“Nope,” I say lightly, “none.”
His smile widens. “Great. Then you can get started. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask.”
When he takes a step in retreat, the pent-up breath I’d been holding captive in my lungs escapes in a burst of relief.
“I will.”
As he settles behind his desk, returning his focus to the computer monitor, I get to work on the files. The process isn’t complicated. It’s just like he explained. All of the paperwork is clearly marked, making it easy to find the corresponding file in the cabinet. I glance at the neat pile of stacked boxes. I only have an hour before my next class starts. After lunch, I need to head to the theater for a quick meeting. Heathers wrapped up last week, and it’s sad to see the production come to an end.
As I make my way through the box, my thoughts turn to Carson. It’s been difficult not to think about him. It seems like everything finally came together only to fall apart. Even though I didn’t want to take a step back from our relationship, that’s what we both decided was best for the time being. And my brother is the one I have to thank for that.
There’s a part of me that understands his dilemma. He doesn’t want to have a problem with Brayden. Not only are they close friends, they’re roommates and teammates. And our relationship has created a tense situation for him to contend with.
Carson thinks if we give Brayden time to cool down, he’ll gradually come around to the idea of us being together. Honestly, I’m not sure if that will happen. And I’m not willing to wait forever. What I do know is that Brayden only wants the best for me.
Whether he wants to admit it or not, that’s Carson.
I jolt out of my thoughts and nearly yelp when strong hands land on my shoulders.
“How are you doing over here? Any questions?”
I clear my throat, only wanting to shrug off his touch. “Um, nope. It’s all good.”
“Great.” He squeezes me, kneading the tensed muscles. “I was just about to grab a coffee from the conference room. Can I get you something to drink? Coffee? Tea? Water? There’s also a few snacks if you’re hungry.”
“No, I’m good, but thanks for asking.” Air gets wedged in the middle of my throat, making it impossible to breathe.
Silence falls over us as he steps closer. When his warm breath ghosts over the back of my neck, goose bumps scatter across my flesh. His hands drift down the length of my arms to my elbows before traveling back up again.
A chuckle falls from his lips as his voice drops. “You’re so tense. You really need to relax, Elle.”
It’s on the tip of my tongue to blurt out that he’s the reason for my anxiety. Instead, I keep the words locked inside because I’m afraid I’ve misconstrued what’s happening here. He’s never been anything but kind and courteous.
His hands resettle along the nape of my neck as both thumbs press firmly into my shoulder blades before fanning outward. My body goes into a strange paralysis as my heart thumps painfully in my chest. I have no idea how to escape from this uncomfortable situation.
My tongue darts out to moisten parched lips. “Dr. Holloway—”
“Gabe,” he reminds in a husky whisper that twists my insides into knots.
I clear my throat and force out the words. “You’re making me uncomfortable.”
Even though his fingers still, he doesn’t remove them. “Am I?”
“Yes.” I would nod, but I’m terrified to move a single muscle. I don’t want the situation to escalate.
“I’m sorry. I hope you realize that was never my intention.”
Relief rushes through me, suffusing every cell of my body as I wait for him to step away and give me some much-needed space.
One heartbeat passes.
Then another.
And still, he doesn’t move.
I take that back—he steps closer until the hard lines of his body are pressed against my stiffened spine.
“I was under the impression you enjoyed spending time with me. Am I wrong about that?” With his deep voice at my ear, he tugs me even closer until I feel the thickness of his erection digging into my backside.
I squeak out a response “I—”
“Are you uncomfortable because I’m still your professor? In another month or so, that won’t be the case. I like being with you, and it seems like the attraction between us is mutual.”
Oh god.
How did I not see this coming?