Page 19 of Wanting the Winger

I force myself to swallow, my heart pounding as I hold his gaze.“It’s not like that for some people.”

“Not for people who settle.And I don’t?—”

The shrill ring of an alarm stops him.I look away, sorting through my bag to find my phone, which is sounding with my seven fifty a.m.pulling out of the driveway on weekdays for the labalarm.

“I have to go.”

I grab my bag and water bottle and leave, my breathing still erratic as I get into my car.

It’s the Bash effect.He could recite a dictionary and I’d react this way.I’d die of mortification if anyone knew I still feel this way about him.

I take a deep breath as I fasten my seat belt, switching my mind into research mode.That’s why I’m here.If my research keeps going the way it has been, it’s going to open professional doors for me.

This is my life.My career.I can’t get sidetracked by my childhood crush.

“Encouraging results so far, Miss Morris.”Professor Tom Carr eyes me over the rim of his glasses.“Keep me apprised.”

I nod.“Of course.Thanks for looking it over.”

“Anytime.I wish I had more time to work with you on this, but filling in teaching these summer classes changed my plans.”

Our plan was to work side by side in the lab for a full month, but then one of his colleagues was injured in a car accident and he unexpectedly had to teach three summer classes.So now I’m in charge of the project and he assigned two grad student interns to assist me.

“I think we’re in a good place with it,” I say.“We’re actually a little bit ahead of schedule.”

“Glad to hear it.”

I stand up to leave his office, stopping when he says, “Before you go, are you available to sit in with my TA on September 1?My wife and I are traveling that day for a wedding.”

It’s all I can do not to jump up and down with excitement.I’ve idolized Professor Carr since I started reading about his research in high school.He’s a trailblazer in studying the connections between the microbiome and mental health, and he’s open about his passion for it.He has a daughter who has depression, and he wants to help her and everyone else who battles it.

“I’d be honored to do that, of course.”

He smiles.“Excellent.I’d like you to lecture in all three classes that day and include an overview of your current project for the advanced microbiology course.”

“Absolutely.Thanks for asking me.”

He nods, cueing the end of the conversation.I take my phone from my pocket to text Claire, my best friend, to tell her my good news.She’s in London, so there are lags in our communication, but we text daily.

I have a waiting text from Suki.

Suki: Hi!Reminder that it’s fondue night!6 pm, come dip all the things in melted cheese and chocolate with us.

I smile at my phone, texting her back that I’ll be there.She’s been so welcoming to me.At the cookout, she did everything she could to smooth over the tension Bash caused.

And tomorrow night is trivia with the Smartinis.Without Suki and her friends inviting me into their group, I’d just be working late at the lab or doomscrolling on my phone over takeout at Bash’s house.

I know I’m quirky and nerdy.I’ve never been ashamed of who I am.It’s unusual, though, for a group as clever and funny as Suki and her friends to get me the way they seem to.I wish I had friends like them back home in Columbus.

I’m going to soak up every minute with them I can this summer.

I close my eyes,shamelessly moaning as I get my first taste of Harry’s cheese fondue.It’s creamy and slightly savory, pairing perfectly with the cube of toasted bread I dipped in it.

“That’s life changing,” I say.

Harry grins and puts his palms together beneath his chin, nodding.“Thank you, my dear.”

Mara has a bowl of cheese fondue, her breads and meats submerged in the melted cheese.True to his trim body, Dex has a plate of raw veggies and just one chunk of bread with a little fondue on it.

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