Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 83760 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 419(@200wpm)___ 335(@250wpm)___ 279(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83760 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 419(@200wpm)___ 335(@250wpm)___ 279(@300wpm)
“What about Professor Carter?” he says casually, not even looking at me while he focuses on the ash forming on the end of his cigar.
“She’s a colleague and a friend whom I’ve had a casual sexual relationship with,” I state slowly because I don’t lie. I might try to charm, but I don’t lie. Glancing over at their housekeeper, I notice she’s staring at me as she walks by with a load of laundry.
“Brett. This is where Jenners can make his case—”
“It’s not against the rules to date a colleague.” I interrupt because I refuse for someone as inconsequential as Skylar to be the reason I have to fight for this.
“It’s frowned upon, but no, it’s not against the rules, not like a student would be.” He spits out the student part like that would be the end of the world.
I shake my head. All of this is simply laughable and a non-issue. “You have nothing to worry about.” My teeth instinctively clamp down on the end of the cigar as I think about Skylar. I haven’t returned her calls and texts since I’ve been back. I thought I’d made it clear that we were not exclusive, and what we had has run its course, for fuck’s sake.
“Well, you might want to reiterate that to her. Apparently, she’s still holding on to hope, if her interview is any indication,” Richard says dryly.
I nod, setting down my cigar as I think how best to choose my words. This needs to be shut down, but I can’t let him know I’m aggravated. That implies guilt, and I have none. I lean forward, resting my elbows on my knees as my eyes drift around his office. It’s large with dark-wood paneling covering the side wall. His giant wood desk and dark, cherry-stained leather chairs give it that old-money feel. Not my taste, but I don’t have to live here.
“Professor Carter is in another department, but she’s up for tenure herself this year, so…” His meaning is clear.
“I will make sure there’s no confusion,” I grumble. I’m the foremost expert in my field, so having to deal with Skylar, a woman I had sex with maybe a handful of times, is a waste of my time. But I also don’t need her causing problems.
“Excellent. At the end of the semester, if all goes the way it should…” He stands, placing his cigar in his large crystal ashtray. “It’s an honor to shake the hand of the newly minted dean of the whole engineering school at California University.” He holds out his weathered hand to me, and I stand. “Congratulations, son. I see great things for you. Please don’t disappoint.” His voice is strong, but his hand slightly shakes.
Adrenaline rushes to my head as I reach out to clasp his, mine steady and sure. “Thank you, Richard. You have nothing to worry about. I never disappoint.”
ALEXANDREA
Preparing to knock on my sister’s door, I sigh deeply and straighten my shoulders. God, I feel like I’m Anna in Frozen standing outside Elsa’s door. I have to stop myself from humming “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?”
“Just knock,” I whisper and gently tap on her door, fighting the need to bolt.
Nothing.
I put my ear to the door like that will do anything. Jesus, what is she doing? I mean, I haven’t seen her since last night when she breezed past me, not even responding to my cheerful, “Hi, how was your day?”
“Skylar?” I knock a little harder. “You oka—”
“What?” The voice makes me jump back as I almost give in to my need to run. This is, without a doubt, the most uncomfortable week of my life. All my hopes and dreams about moving to beautiful Southern California to attend CAU and bond with my sister are pretty much gone.
The truth is, I’m starting to wonder if she’s not unstable. From the moment I pulled into town with my car stuffed with all my belongings, she’s been, well… a bitch.
“I was wondering if I could maybe get a ride with you this morning since it’s the first day, and I…” Her door swings open as I back up. God, stop cowering. She can’t be all that bad.
When she stands in dark slacks and a cute, ruffled sleeveless white top, her makeup perfect aside from her puffy eyes, I plaster on a big smile. A wave of compassion flows over me. Maybe she’s sad, heartbroken. That’s probably why she’s looking at me like I’m an annoyance. She just got dumped. Yes, she was in a serious relationship and had her heart broken. That would explain this terrible behavior.
I almost reach out to touch her arm, but she snaps, “Why? What’s wrong with your car?” She walks around me, and my nose twitches at her perfume.
“Oh, I… hold on a second.” I turn and sneeze. For some reason, my allergies act up around her.