Page 54 of Kismet

Chapter Eighteen

Stone Philips

Shit. Fucking hell. Goddamnit.

Staring at the chair that was just occupied with who was once my best kept secret, breathing is becoming challenging. I can’t believe he’s here. In Texas. At my school.

How did this happen? And what kind of cosmic bullshit is this?

Bringing my desk phone up to my ear, I dial the number to the only person who can talk me down right now. Thankfully, it only rings twice before a light, feminine voice that’s full of concern answers.

“Stone, what’s wrong? Are you okay?”

“Cash is here.”

“What? Where?”

“He’s at Texas Tech, Mol. He’s the new English professor.”

There’s a shape inhale on the other end. “No, how is that possible? Do you think he found you and came for you?”

“No, I don’t. You should’ve seen him, Molly. Anger and hurt screwed up his face when he saw me.”

“What happened?”

“Janet brought him to meet me. My back was turned when they walked in, but when she introduced him, he spoke, and it was like every inch of my body lit up with recognition. I spun around, and there he was.”

“Wow. This is insane, Stone.”

“Yeah. You’re telling me.”

“Maybe you should talk to him… you know, tell him.”

“No, Molly. That’s not fucking happening. And even if I wanted to, he’s basically my employee now. I can’t cross that line.”

“But you can cross that line with a student?”

“Fuck off, Molly. You know what I mean.”

She sighs heavily. “Well, baby bro. I don’t really know what to tell you. Are you still coming to dinner tonight?”

“You know I am.”

“Okay, well, just get through the day, and we can talk about it tonight. It’ll be okay. Remember to breathe.”

“Okay, thanks, Mol. See you tonight.”

Hanging up, I don’t feel any better. If anything, I feel worse. More panicked. I’m going to have to figure out a way to make this work. We’re both here, not going anywhere, and it’s not fair if I ruin this for him. I’ve already ruined enough for him.

I don’t have long to dwell on any of this, though, because I have several back-to-back meetings that I have to lead and be a part of today. Before I know it, it’s lunchtime and I realize I forgot to bring anything. Pocketing my phone, I push out of my chair and head out of the office.

The school’s cafeteria is the next building over. There won’t be any hot lunch today since school hasn’t officially started, but I can get some stuff out of the vending machine. My phone pings in my pocket while I’m walking. I pull it out and see it’s a work email. I’m busy responding to it and lost in my head, so I don’t even see the person in front of me until I ram right into their back.

“Oh, shoot. I’m so sorry!”

Whipping around to glare at me with his dark, fiery gaze is Cash. Of fucking course it’s him I run into like a jackass. Why would it not be?

He scowls. “It’s fine.”

---