“I gotta go, Gloria.”
“Sure thing. I’ll be in touch!”
When I shut the phone down, I looked up and locked eyes with my TA as he came down the final few stairs and walked on to the platform. I licked my lips and stared him down.
He opened his backpack and took out his laptop. “You’re here early,” he said. I could almost smell the defiance on him.
“I am,” I stated the unnecessary.
“I wanted to talk to you anyway.”
“Would this be about being overworked?”
“I’m not overworked. I mean, yes, it’s a lot after Jeff quit, but it’s not about that.” Some of the bravado he’d shown only seconds before dissipated.
I wanted to see if he’d man up without exposing that Addison had told me the truth behind his request. “Then what is it about?” I challenged.
“I wanted to ask if it would be okay for Addison Tomms to help me with a manuscript.”
“Then why didn’t you instead of sneaking around behind my back?” I blurted.
“You’re one to talk. Why didn’t you tell me you were working on a book with her?”
I saw red. Addison was supposed to keep that a secret. My back stiffened, and my demeanor cooled. “Because it’s not your concern.”
“It’s not my concern that you think a student under me is better than me?”
“Don’t be immature. Obviously, she’s a good student… so were you. Your styles are different.”
“Is that all that’s different?”
“Careful, kid.” My tone was low and menacing. “I saw you in the lobby with her earlier. It was her, wasn’t it? You seemed awfully cozy to be accusing me of inappropriate behavior.”
“I was just comforting her. She was upset. She was telling me she couldn’t help me with my manuscript because hers wasn’t good enough to get published. I know that can’t be true.”
I stood back and shoved one hand into the pocket of my slacks. “Did she hear from an agent or publisher?” Inside I was furious, my blood boiling. Something was going on that didn’t add up. Surely, Luke had it all wrong, but either way, she ignored my calls and spilled her guts to this… boy? Had she share something we swore to keep just between us?
Involuntarily, I felt my lower jaw jut out. I was beyond pissed, and I could barely contain it.
“Finally, something we can agree on,” I spat, flinging open my briefcase and pulling out the class notes I had prepared on my laptop that I proceeded to hook up to the multi-media projector.
“Did you sabotage her with that agent of yours?”
“You tell me since you seem to know everything,” I said dryly. “But if I were you, I’d choose your words carefully.”
“Look, Professor, I respect you, but this girl is gifted. Something had to have happened. She’s heartbroken.”
“I’ll take it under advisement.” My mind was reeling. Everything was perfect when I left her the night before, and Gloria had just affirmed that her book had been pitched to a couple of publishers. “I’ll confer with Miss Tomms later, but I’ll reiterate, it’s none of your business. Now, get your shit ready for class,” I demanded. My eyes flashed up to scan the room. Her usual seat was empty, though Michelle and the others who sat near her were there, waiting. “And next time you want to ask me something, have the balls to do it yourself.”
“Yes, sir. I’m sorry.”
“And grade her papers, but that’s it. Got it?”
I wanted to punch him. I wanted to scream that she was mine and he should keep his prick in his pants or face the consequences. As it was, it was time for class, and I had no choice but to remain cool on the outside… when inside, I was on fucking fire.
I felt betrayed, confused, and… hurt. So goddamned hurt. How could she tell him? Why didn’t she come to me if Gloria had rejected her manuscript?
A new wave of fury filled me. I’d deal with Gloria later, but Addison was my first priority.
“Class take your seats. I have notes on plotting and conflict building that we’ll go over today. Make sure to pay attention because the remainder of the semester will be working up your own novel, so take copious notes. You have a month to get three chapters written. Three chapters that will make or break your book.”
Luke leaned in. “This isn’t on my syllabus,” he said, using his hand to cover the microphone on the podium.
“Change of plans. Adapt. I’ll be speaking to the dean about taking a month off to finish my own book. You wanted to work on yours, then work on it with this class. I’ll take a look at it when I get back.”
“These kids… they want to work with you, not me.”
“Well, life sucks sometimes. You don’t always get what you want, and it’s better to learn early.”
I used my hand to shoo him away from the microphone and touched my laptop to bring up the first slide and begin my class. The sooner I got this fucking thing over with, the better. Where was Addison, and what the hell was going on?
“There are seven plot points you must have to create an engaging novel. They are the Back Story, the Catalyst, the Big Event, the Midpoint, the Crisis, the Climax, and the Realization. You can write a story without some of these, but it won’t be one your readers will want to read.”
I looked out at the stunned faces, some of them exuberant, but most seemed terrified. “I can see some of you celebrating this moment and others bemoaning it. But you’re about to earn your grades, good or bad. If you didn’t take this class to be real writers, well… tough shit! Life sucks… until you write a book. Sometimes, it sucks even then. Get used to it.”
I tried to go to class, but after Luke thought he had to come to my rescue and confront Jax, I couldn’t bear it. Instead, I went to the library where I felt like I was hiding out. I was intent on just telling Luke I couldn’t assist in the writing of his novel because I was writing my own, but when I tried, my emotions got the better of me.
I had rationalized Gloria’s deal, and it made sense, so why was I so freaking emotional over it. I’d broken down in front of him, and then, it was impossible not to tell him.
“Michaels is working with you in secret? You could have told me before, instead of making an ass out of me,” he riled. “How could you let me go on and on like that, when all the while he was helping you? What’s he getting out of this?” he demanded.
My stomach felt sick, and my heart started to thrum. I’d just exposed my relationship with Jax… the one thing I promised not to do. “How dare you! Dr. Michaels thought I was a good writer and when he found out I was writing a novel, he wanted to look it over. That’s all!” I frantically did my best to try to cover. Jax was right, I didn’t owe Luke anything, and now everything had gone off of the rails.
His lips thinned, and he shook his head, a look of hatred coming over his face. “Yeah, right. A guy like him doesn’t do anything for nothing. I thought you were better than that, Addy.” He huffed out his disgust before he stood and stormed into the auditorium to confront the subject of our conversation.
“Luke, please wait!” I’d called after him; pleading, but he only scowled at me over his shoulder. I grabbed my book bag and followed, but when he disappeared behind the big wooden double doors, I didn’t have the heart to follow. I couldn’t watch; I couldn’t see my relationship with Jax destroyed right before my eyes.
“Oh, God,” I moaned, putting my head down on the desk. My moment of reckoning was coming, and I dreaded it. Jax would never understand, would he?
The phone inside my backpack started to ring, the ringtone of Heart’s Barracuda telling me it was Gloria. I quickly dug the phone out and answered.
“Hi, Gloria.”
“Hi, there. Stella has the contract at the reception desk of my office. Can you pop over and sign it? I can get you a job pretty quickly if you do.”
“It’s just about the ghostwriting thing?”
“Yes, just the typical legalese. Just our firm’s standard agreement with your name added
. Not a big deal, but I can’t move on it until it’s inked.”
“Does it cover your agency representing me for my own book?” I asked. My hand smoothed down the black knit of my yoga pants.
“That will come, soon enough. I promise, but I need to get this one in the can. Can you make it over? If not, I can messenger it to you.”
I hesitated briefly. I knew I should speak to Jax about it, but it might add fuel to the fire, and the last thing he needed was more distractions or more conflict with his agency. In a split second I made the decision.
A meeting with Gloria would give me a valid excuse for not being in class today, depending on what Luke told him. Shit. I was screwed where Jax was concerned either way, and I wasn’t sure if he’d understand, but I’d rather beg forgiveness than ask permission; after all, I wanted him to see me as a woman, his equal and not his student, and I’d be getting paid to write.
Jax’s class dismissed in thirty minutes, and I realized he’d be calling me right after, demanding, confrontational, maybe unforgiving. My heart rose to my throat.
“I’ll come there,” I said before I could change my mind.
Rushing through campus along College Walk toward Broadway I almost stopped three times, second-guessing my decision.
I stopped for the fourth time, but this time, reversed my direction. I had to speak to Jax. I’d never feel secure in what I was doing until I passed it by him, and even though he would be upset that I shared too much with Luke, I had to hope he’d understand.
My feet moved one in front of the other more and more confidently. I ignored the cold weather and the chill the wind created as it sliced through my leggings and fitted jacket. Finally, I made it across campus and to the faculty building that housed Jax’s office. I sat, waiting in one of the wooden chairs in the hall outside his office. The wooden door was shut, and the frosted glass dark indicating no lights were on inside.
I fully expected him to text or call when his class ended, but he didn’t, and the minutes dragged on. My apprehension began to grow again as the hallways filled with students who were making their way between classes or to meet with their faculty advisors.
I hunched over my knees, resting my elbows there as I clasped my hands together. I stood and started to pace back and forth in front of the bench, leaving my book bag sitting there.
About to check my phone again, he appeared at the top of the antique stairwell. I sucked in my breath and waited. He was reading pink message notes he must have collected from the faculty lounge. A frown dropped his masculine brow, his face as handsome as ever.
Tears pricked the back of my eyes, and my throat tightened. I could only pray that I hadn’t ruined everything. I blinked back the tears and lifted my eyes to his approaching form, but this time, his deep blue eyes locked with mine. His expression softened, and he nodded toward his office as he passed me.
He systematically and unhurried, unlocked the door, opening it, and waited for me to precede him inside. I did so without speaking, and he flipped on the lights and closed the door behind him.
He didn’t seem angry, but I still felt like hell. I put a hand to my face as I felt it flush. I swallowed hard at the lump in my throat.
“Take a seat, Addison.” His voice, while still deep and sensuous was measured.
I sank into one of the wooden chairs in front of his desk, remembering the first time I’d been in this room filled with awe of him, and how he’d confessed his desire to work with me, and just… his desire for me. Now it seemed like a million years away. There was a distance that I hated, one that I’d created.
Tears flooded my eyes and dripped down my cheeks. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have confided in Luke, but after you left me last night, Gloria called.”
He paused, contemplating his words. He nodded then went to sit on the edge of his desk, crossing his arms across his chest. “Luke mentioned it,” he said softly, his eyes studying me. My heart broke. He was right in front of me but felt like he was a million miles away.
“I never intended to tell him about my book, but I started crying when I tried to tell him that I couldn’t help with his. I mean, how could I when I couldn’t even get mine published? Everything sort of just spilled out.”
“Everything?” he questioned.
I shook my head adamantly. “Not everything. Just that you were helping me connect with your agent and with a few edits.”
Jax nodded again. “Did she tell you it wasn’t good or that she just hasn’t gotten to it?”
“She said she didn’t have time to read the entire thing. She offered to sign me as a ghostwriter so at least I could earn some money until she can work on it.”
Jax pushed away from the desk. “No.”
“Why?” I shrugged.
“Because you’re too good to write under someone else’s name, Addison, and you’ll kick yourself in the ass when it sells millions of copies. I hope you’re not considering it.”
“She said it would get my foot in the door with a few publishers before graduation, and I could make some money.”
“You don’t need money.” He was doing it again; staring out the window with his back to me. “I can take care of you.”
I stood. “I know you would, and I love you for it, but I need to do this on my own. At least, mostly.” I brushed the tears away. “Try to understand.”
He turned and closed the space between us. I needed to touch him, and I reached out and laid a hand on his chest. “I understand, but please don’t ghostwrite. I know how to make her work on your book. Your book.” His hand came up to cover mine warmly and he bent to kiss my mouth so softly it hurt. It was poignant and tender, my heart exploded. His thumb brushed away an errant tear. When his lips lifted from mine, they hovered as his forehead touched mine. I closed my eyes. “Trust me.” Our breaths mingled and I sucked his in. I loved him so much. I should have known he’d center me, protect me, and know what to do.
“She wants you to finish yours.”
He nodded. “Yes. I’d drop her like a rock, but getting a new agent is messy, and she’s a vindictive bitch. I can take it, but let’s just get you published and then we’ll both walk.”
“Okay,” I agreed, sliding my arms around his waist. He pulled me close to his chest in a tight hug. I’d never felt so safe.
He rubbed my back and buried his face in my hair. “I just spoke to the dean and she’s agreed to let me take a month off. I’m going to my cabin in the Smokey’s to finish my book.”
I pulled back to look into his beautiful face. “What?”
“I’ll go bang it out. Sadly, I have to leave my biggest distraction behind.” He smiled and bent to kiss me again softly, his lips teasing mine, brushing and coaxing them open with the tip of his tongue. “You have to finish this semester, but I want you to come and join me for Christmas.”
My heart filled with love and joy. I slid my hands up his chest around his neck. I had to stand on tiptoe to reach his mouth. His arms tightened and lifted me off of the ground and my hands threaded in the hair at his nape. “I’d love to. I’ll miss you until then.”
“I know, me too. The class assignment is to start a novel. Just turn in your first three chapters and concentrate on your other classes while I’m gone. Luke won’t question it, and I’ll be working with him via the university website.”
It occurred to me that I hadn’t been without him even one day since the beginning of the semester and I couldn’t help the twinge of sadness I already felt at the prospect of not seeing him. “Can I help him, then?”
“Hmmm,” he teased. “With his novel?”
“Uh huh.”
“Novel yes, out of his pants, into yours, not a chance.”
“I’d never let anyone else touch me.”
He bent and kissed me hungrily, our lips and mouths feasting on each other’s. It was a glorious dance of giving and taking. He was delicious and I wanted him.
It felt wonderful to be all wrapped up in his strong arms. This man
was home to me and I loved him so much it hurt. My heart shattered into a million pieces, its shards ripping through my chest. It was a delicious mixture of euphoria and pain and I couldn’t get close enough as new tears squeezed from the corners of my closed eyes.
When our kiss finally broke, Jax set me back down on the floor but kept his arms tight around my body. “So, you love me, huh?” A slow, sensual smile lifted the corners of his mouth and dimples appeared in both cheeks.
I smiled through my tears and hugged him tighter. I nodded against his chest and I felt his lips come down on the top of my head. His solid body against mine always brought mine to life, stirring a passion that only he inspired, but more than anything, I wanted to be held close, to feel his heart next to mine, to know he was mine. Forever. “I do.”
His hand stroked the back of my hair and tilted my face up to his. “I love you, too, Addison. I’ve never said that to anyone until you.”
My mouth dropped open in a small, joyous gasp. “I love you, so much…Professor Panty-melter,” I teased, happily.
Jax laughed out loud. “Hey, now.”
“Oh, come on! You knew everyone refers to you that way.”
“You’re the only one who has first-hand knowledge, though.”
I sobered for a moment. “Gloria said you have taken young writers under your wing before me.”
Jax’s mouth hardened as anger flashed across his mouth. “She’s lying, Addison. She’s nothing more than a manipulative bitch.”
“She wants you for herself.”
“So?” Jax dismissed. “Does this feel like it’s normal for me? I’ve never risked everything on a relationship before. Isn’t it obvious?”
I touched his cheek, the tip of my finger just tracing where his dimple lived. I nodded, my eyes meeting his and not wavering. “Yes.”
“I want this to work and not just for a semester, or a year. It will all work out and we’ll have our own happily ever after. Only your panties melting from now on, I promise.” He smiled against my lips as I let out a giggle.
“What more could a girl ask for?”
SMUT UNIVERSITY: A sexy novella serial, Part Three Page 6