Page 16 of Bewitched By the Mountain Man
Thank God. Something normal.
"Hey," I answer, trying to sound casual.
"Girl, you will not believe who I just ran into at the library." Her voice is bright, excited. "Professor Cain. Looking all broody and tortured. It's really adding to his appeal, I'm not gonna lie."
I haven't told Madison that Professor Cain is the man from the club. Not because I don't trust her. But saying it out loud would open a door I’m not ready to walk through.
"Oh really?" I say, feigning disinterest, like the mention of his name doesn’t send a bolt of electricity through me.
"Well, he was walking toward the psych building from the library. Probably working late. I tried to say hi, be friendly, you know? But he totally ignored me and just kept walking. Very mysterious. Very hot." She pauses. "Anyway, wanna get drinks?"
"I can't," I say automatically. "I need to study."
"You're always studying. Come on, one drink."
"Rain check? I really need to get through this chapter."
She sighs dramatically. "Fine. But you owe me. And you've been weird lately. Are you okay?"
"Derek just texted me," I blurt out. "He asked if I was at some kind of sex club. How the hell does he know?"
"What?" Madison's voice pitches up. "Was he there? Did he see you?"
"Derek at a place like that?" I shake my head even though she can't see me.
"Yeah. He's way too vanilla, too boring for something like that."
"Did you happen to tell anyone we went there? Anyone he might know?"
Madison pauses. "No. Absolutely not. Also, who cares? He doesn't have any claim over you anymore."
She's right. Of course she's right.
"I guess I just don't want him knowing my business," I say quietly.
But that's not the whole truth. The real truth is I don't want him, or anyone, knowing about Lachlan. Because if people start asking questions, it could screw everything up. Whatever "everything" even is at this point.
"You're allowed to have a life without Derek," Madison says firmly. "You're allowed to go wherever you want, do whatever you want, fuck whoever you want. He lost that privilege when he broke up with you."
"You're right. Thanks, Mad."
"Always am. Now go study, nerd. Text me later."
We hang up, and I sit there, staring at the wall. Lachlan might be at his office. Right now. Working late. At least, that's what Madison said. He was heading toward the psych building half an hour ago.
I should not go there. I absolutely should not go there.
But my body's already moving, grabbing my coat, shoving my phone in my pocket. I'm out the door before I can talk myself out of it.
The psychology buildingis dark except for one light. Third floor. Corner office.
The temporary office he's using while he fills in for Professor Harlan.
I stand outside in the rain and stare up at that single illuminated window. This is insane. What am I doing?
I should turn around. Go home. Study like I said I would.
But my feet are already carrying me to the door.
