“James, the university is not going to like this. Is this a fling, you know, just something to keep under wraps for a few weeks?”
I sit back in the chair and glance at the red-haired barista cleaning up a spilled cup of coffee. I look at the mother with her three kids sitting in the booth over in the corner of the coffeehouse. I look at the elderly man reading his paper. I seem to look at everything except at Paul because the answer to that question will reveal exactly how I feel about Paige. Thinking about it outside my heart scares the fuck out of me because I’ve never wanted a woman so bad.
When I return my focus to him, realization dawns on his face.
“No. Not for me,” I finally answer.
“Okay.” He nods, looking more tense. “Then it seems there’s quite a bit you need to think about.”
“Yeah.”
He’s right. There’s a lot I have to think about.
If I’m not careful, I’m going to lose my job, but Paige has unlocked a part of me I didn’t know existed.
I won’t lie to myself. I know I more than care about her. I think I lost my heart to her with that first kiss years ago.
Now I think I’m falling for her.
* * *
Thank God, I’m done. The day has finally come to a close.
I sigh and pack up my files as the last student leaves the hall.
Tuesdays are always long because my last class finishes at eight. It’s a three-hour long Equity and Trusts lecture and seminar combined. That’s my least favorite subject to teach. And the fact that it’s a sophomore year class too makes it longer.
This is the year when the students seem to be more switched on with questions. It’s different from freshman year when people are testing out the classes. Nobody takes this class unless if they want to be here. Truthfully, it’s the kind of class that should be done first thing in the morning or in the middle of the day. And there should be more structure around learning the subject. It was one of the subjects I was hoping to have a look at restructuring if I got the promotion.
Most students who take this class want to specialize in wills and inheritance law. I always thought there could be more things done to enhance learning and practical work for students who are interested.
It’s thoughts like that, that probably make me more suited for my father’s offer. I’m thinking too far ahead to the work world, where students can get more practical training when maybe some people feel that might be too much at this stage.
The door creaks open, and I turn to it, stifling a groan when I see Kevin coming in with his pompous ass looking me over like he has something on me.
“Kevin, how nice to see you,” I say, allowing sarcasm to lace through my tone. I could never hold back my true feelings when it comes to this fucker. Neither can he.
“Cut the shit Marchesi, you and I both know you aren’t happy to see me,” he muses.
“No, I’m not. And since you and I never catch up for small talk and shit, I’m going to ask you what you want before you waste my time.”
“Smart mouth,” he says, looking me up and down like I’m shit he just stepped in. “Anybody else would at least pretend respect based on who I am. Not you though. You’re the prick who doesn’t care because he has money.”
That’s where he’s wrong. His assumption of me is simply that, an assumption. If I didn’t care about my job, I wouldn’t be keeping my girl a secret.
My girl…
Fuck. I really have lost my damn mind. I’m thinking of her as mine. In my mind, I’ve been calling her my girl all along, so I’m already at the stage of trouble when it means do or die.
My feelings, however, are the least of my worries. This prick would only be here sneering in my face for a reason.
“What do you want, Kevin?” I ask.
“To make a point. You seem awfully close with that student of yours. Dark-haired girl with the big tits. I believe her name is Paige St. Claire.”
I ball my fists and try my best to keep my cool. He notices the shift in my mood, though, and smiles.
“She’s my student. I‘d appreciate it if you didn’t talk about her that way.”