Page 34 of A Discovery: Love and Other Things

Suddenly, the sound of applause broke out, startling me from my pleasure-filled flirtation. The presentation was done. My hands immediately mimicked those around me, even James’s, which were no longer snaked into my hair. I stared at him as he clapped from his seat, but his face gave away none of the secretive things we had just done in the dark.

About to rise from his seat, he whispered gruffly, “Go to my office.” It wasn’t a request, it was a command.

And just like that, he morphed into Dr. Campbell, proud and always appropriate, as he strode to the stage to shake hands with Dr. Moore.

I slumped back in my seat to recover from the tornado that had just plowed through my body—the tornado named James Campbell.

Chapter 16

“What an interesting lecture!” Isabella gushed as she scanned the notes she had recorded in her notebook for completeness.

“It really was fascinating,” Angela chimed in. “I’m hoping we get a chance to introduce ourselves to Dr. Moore. She seems like such a powerhouse. Her research was so eye-opening.”

“It was good, but I personally would like to meet with her to point out a few findings she forgot to include,” Isabella said.

I rolled my eyes.Typical.Perfect Isabella schooling everyone, including world-renowned researchers.

Felipe joined our circle outside of the auditorium as masses of students and professors filed out of the doors. “Hey, guys.”

Angela patted his shoulder. “Where have you been? We had a seat for you.”

“I couldn’t find the auditorium, and by the time I did, the lights were already off, and filming had started.” His eyes flashed to me. It was quick, but I noticed something in them that I couldn’t quite place. “I saw Dr. Campbell join your row, and all of the other seats were taken, so I stood in the back.”

Crap. Did he see anything?

“You stood for the whole lecture?” Angela asked in disbelief.

My palms grew sweaty as I studied his face, praying that my suspicions were wrong.

“Yeah. It was no big deal. Dr. Moore was interesting enough to distract me from the leg cramps,” he teased. His expression seemed too casual to have noticed Dr. Campbell and me.

Sean nudged my shoulder. “You seemed to be really into her presentation.”

“Huh?” I gaped at him.Was he looking at us, too? Shit!

“I looked over at you and your eyes were shut like you were entranced or something.”

The cackle that broke through my lips startled the group, and even myself. “Yeah, you know. I was just trying to absorb every word.” My excuse was shit, but everyone seemed to buy it.

I was thankful to Felipe for changing the subject. “Should we head over to the dining hall? I think that’s where everyone is mingling.”

Sean clutched his stomach. “Yeah! I hope they have something to eat. I’m starving!”

“Let’s go!” As usual, Isabella strode off first, while the rest of the group followed behind.

All except me. I stayed rooted to the spot.

Angela turned back to me. “You coming, Kitty?”

James had asked me—no,commandedme—to come to his office, and to be honest, I was still so drunk off his antics during the lecture that I wanted to obey.

“I—um—need to use the restroom,” I fibbed.

“Well, don’t take all day. I saw some hot guys in the hall, and they looked like they’re just begging to be jumped.” She waggled her brows excitedly.

“Angela!”

Her only response was a wink before catching up with the group.

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