Page 14 of Dirty Shots

“Anya!” Eric said in surprise, coming to a halt in front of them, his gaze also darting between her and Justin, probably wondering who Justin was.

“Oh, hello,” she said, flustered. “How are you?”

“I’m good, thank you. I had a meeting a couple of blocks over.”

Anya glanced at her brother’s friend and realized she wasn’t going to get away without introducing them. She just hoped Justin wouldn’t ask too many questions. “I’m sorry, Justin, this is Mr. Rutherford.” She thought of something and latched onto it. “He’s one of the lecturers at school.”

Justin lifted his chin in acknowledgement. “And this is Justin,” she introduced to Eric. “A friend of my brother.”

“Right.”

The tension almost crackled between them, an awkward situation everyone seemed keen to escape from.

“Well,” she said. “I’ll let you get on with your day.”

He gave a slow nod, his brows drawing together, a line appearing between them. “It was nice seeing you again.”

“You too.” She gave him an awkward smile over her shoulder as she almost dragged Justin away.

She exhaled a sigh of relief as she increased the distance between them, though she wasn’t able to ignore the uncomfortable feeling in her stomach, anxiety prickling her skin.

Had she imagined the hurt and confusion in his eyes when he’d seen her with Justin, and then how she’s introduced him as no more than her lecturer? His reaction confused her. Did he want her? Did it make him jealous to see her with Justin? Then why hadn’t he tried to touch her? Was he so focused on being a professional that he wouldn’t give in to his desires?

She didn’t know, but she didn’t think she’d imagined the friction between them.

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