Total pages in book: 52
Estimated words: 52643 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 263(@200wpm)___ 211(@250wpm)___ 175(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 52643 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 263(@200wpm)___ 211(@250wpm)___ 175(@300wpm)
“I’ve only been your professor for a few weeks, Miss Vaughn,” I say. “If I’m taking too long, maybe you should ask someone else who knows you better.”
“Are you telling me ‘no’?”
“I’m telling you that since you’re not my boss, I’ll get back to you when I have the time.” I take a seat. “Anything else?”
“We’ll see how you feel when my dad calls.”
“Your dad isn’t my boss, either.”
“He’s the reason we have a brand-new state-of-the-art student lounge and the current space that you’re currently enjoying.”
“So, why not ask him to write you a letter?”
She sucks in a breath. “With all due respect, you aren’t going to last long here at Exeter.”
“I’m starting to feel the same way.”
She storms off, nearly bumping into my grandfather.
“Good afternoon, Miss Vaughn,” he says to her. “How are you today?”
“Mr. Donovan needs to be fired as soon as possible, sir.” She huffs. “He doesn’t belong in our esteemed Exeter community.”
He smiles as she disappears. Then he makes sure the door is completely shut.
“Do I want to know what the hell that was about?” he asks.
“Not unless you want a headache.”
“Keep it to yourself, then.” He laughs. “I’ve been meaning to ask you, what the hell is going on between you and Miss Edwards?”
“What?” I sit up. “What do you mean?”
“She’s been accepted to more colleges this week than all our top scholars combined, and she’s actually sharing her success with us.” He smiles. “She’s ahead in all her classes, and although she seems a bit more aloof than usual, the results of this mentorship program are amazing!”
“So, can I assign her to someone else now?”
“No, son.” He rolls his eyes. “Why fix what isn’t broken?”
“It’s beyond broken,” I mutter.
I still can’t stop thinking about her.
“Surely there’s another student I can help on this campus,” I say, “someone who actually needs it.”
“Next year, sure.” He pats my shoulder. “I’m making this an official thing school-wide for the top scholars. I can’t believe we never did this until now. Do you want to know what the other teachers are saying?”
I nod as if I care, letting him ramble on and on.
“Did the rest of your furniture get in yet?” He finally stops talking about school.
“Yeah, finally.”
“I’ll have to come by and see it over tea.”
“By all means, please hesitate to do so.”
“Fine, I’ll go.” He laughs, pointing to the magazine in my hands. “Is that the newest Boston U quarterly?”
“I believe so,” I say. “I’m in the mood for some good fiction writing.”
“I’m beyond hooked on one of the serials in that one,” he says. “It’s called Summer Reign by Autumn Fire. It sounds intriguing, doesn’t it?”
“It sounds like a pen name.”
“It is.” He smiles, then lowers his voice. “It’s by Miss Edwards, but don’t say anything. I need her to get to the end first, and I don’t want the journal to find out before she finishes writing.”
I drop the magazine to the floor.
The following morning
I open the door, ready clear my mind with a run, but Genevieve is sitting on the porch. Dressed in a grey sweatshirt and matching plaid skirt, she stares straight ahead as the wind blows her hair.
She’s still the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, from every fucking angle.
“Good morning.” I clear my throat. “May I help you with something, Miss Edwards?”
She stands up and smiles, turning me on with ease. Rummaging through her bag, she pulls out a small brown gift box.
“I wanted to make sure I gave you this.” She holds it out for me.
“What is it?”
“You’ll have to open it and see.”
“I don’t like surprises.”
She rolls her eyes. “It’s a birthday present. Today’s your birthday, right?”
I blink.
“Don’t feel too special,” she says. “They mentioned it on the boards this morning and it’s customary for first-year teachers to receive a class gift from the senior Exonians. We all pitched in to give you something.”
“I appreciate the tradition.” I take the present from her. “Thank you, Miss Edwards.”
“You’re welcome.” She looks at me like she wants to say more, but she smooths her skirt and walks away.
I wait until she disappears behind the trees before pulling off the wrapping.
Inside are three exclusive editions of books I’ve mentioned in our mentor group, a book I’ve never heard of called Choices, and a five-hundred dollar gift card to a local cafe.
On top is a note in Genevieve’s handwriting.
Happy Birthday.
I took the liberty of highlighting all the best parts in the Choices book to prove I’m right in my choosing theory. I also dog-eared every page because you have yet to correct my ‘F’ grade.
Enjoy!
8
GENEVIEVE
One week later
To follow the rules, or to not follow the rules, that is the question…
I’m scrolling through Cafe Savauge’s latest newsletter, and my palms are twitching with every detail. Tonight, they’re hosting a private event, and the special guests are a group of bestselling indie romance authors.