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)
“Richard, what time are we talking? I’m not at home.” I kiss her puffy lips and lift her off. She drops into the passenger seat, and I lift my hips to jerk my jeans on.
“One o’clock,” he states as I start the car, bringing my seat forward.
“What am I walking into?” I look over at Alex who is trying to button her pants.
“They just need the world’s expert to deliver the keynote speech, meet with the leaders of the UN and World Bank.” he says, sounding like a proud father.
“You know I spent hours yesterday on a bunch of Zooms going through everything with them.” Running a hand through my hair, I try to get my head in the game.
He chuckles. “Not everyone is a genius, and I don’t need to remind this can’t hurt your chances with the Nobel Committee, they will probably be watching. Keep me posted. I don’t think this will take more than a couple of days, right?”
“I didn’t think I’d have to get on a plane for this, but it’s fine.” I press End on the steering wheel and pull out, driving toward Santa Monica. When I look over at Alex, she’s now dressed and searching inside her purse.
“I need to drop you off. If you left anything at my house, I can give it to you when I get back.”
She nods and brings out her phone. “I think I have everything. Thank you.” By the sound of her voice, she’s clearly uncomfortable, and if I didn’t have to catch a plane in two hours, I could better discuss things. But the reality is, I have a job that requires all my time. I broke the rules last night and today…
“Look, Alexandrea…” My eyes drift over at her and her phone as she types. I look up at the road, then back down at her phone. Is she texting Jordan?
Jordan: WTF
Alex: I’m sorry! I got drunk and took an Uber home.
Jordan: I have your backpack in my room. U want me to bring it to U?
Alex: Yes.
My jaw clenches. I should look at this as a blessing. Clearly, she’s not going to be clingy, but are you fucking kidding? I tighten my grip on the steering wheel, not trusting myself not to grab her phone and toss it out the window. She’s just made this really easy. I enjoyed her, got off several times, and she got to lose her virginity. Now we go back to the fact that I’m the dean, and she’s a student.
“I just came inside you. Do we need to get you a morning-after pill?” Her fingers stop texting as she slowly looks over at me.
“Well, considering you have a plane to catch…” Her voice trails off as she shakes her head and goes back to her phone.
“Alexandrea, I’m not going to ask you twice.” My voice sounds calm even though I’m anything but.
“Relax,” she snaps as she stops texting to turn toward me. “I’m on the pill, Dean Powers.” And it takes everything I have not to ask why. Instead, I continue making my way toward Skylar’s in silence.
This is not how I saw this ending, but everything happens for a reason. Because I’d just keep fucking her. I’m hardly sated.
Yeah, getting on a plane and flying five-thousand miles away is exactly what I need to get my head on straight. Focus on work. All thoughts of Alexandrea will dissipate.
ALEXANDREA
I prop my hand under my chin because if I don’t, I’ll yawn again, and with the anxiety in Jordan’s eyes, I think that would make him lose it. So I clear my throat and reach for my cold coffee, forcing myself not to get up and refill it. He needs my attention more than I need coffee, I remind myself. Straightening my shoulders, I nod supportively.
Jordan is presenting his theory in physics today. I’m trying to keep up, but Jesus, it’s really early for this.
“So what did you think?” He leans forward, and all I can focus on is that he’s getting a zit on his forehead.
“It was amazing. You have nothing to be worried about.” I jump up and walk to the carafes, which have five different flavors of coffee set up in a row. “Do you want more coffee?” I ask as I refill my cup.
“No,” he grumbles, looking at his computer. “Was I able to explain it? Like, do you understand what I was saying?”
Oh shit, this could be tricky. What if he quizzes me? I was in a complete other world for ninety percent of it.
“Do I need to slap you?” I walk back with my steaming cup of joe, hoping I picked the dark roast. I’m kind of smelling a hazelnut flavor.
“You are brilliant. And you’re passionate, and that is what’s going to put you ahead of everyone else.” I sit and cross my legs as Jordan leans back in the chair and beams.