Page 66 of Kismet

God, that sounded vain.

“Earth to Stone!”

My head whips up and I see Molly staring at me like I’ve grown a second head. “What?!”

“I called your name three times. Dinner is ready.”

“Sorry, long day.”

Chapter Twenty-Three

Cash DeMarco

“Professor DeMarco?”

I lift my gaze from my laptop to the student standing in front of me. “Miss Hunt, how can I help you?”

“I just wanted to make sure you received my assignment? My Canvas was acting up last night, so I wasn’t sure.” She smiles sheepishly at me.

“I did receive it. You’re all good. Thanks for checking.”

Her shoulders relax, as if this was causing her actual distress. “Okay, perfect. Thank you. Have a great weekend.”

“You too. See you Monday.”

Carrie Hunt is one of my top students. She’s shy as hell, but also incredibly smart and on top of her work. She reminds me of myself when I first entered college, except I was never that shy. I’ve always been outgoing. Making friends has always come easily to me. It’s how I fit into a fraternity so well.

I’m finishing sending an email, when my phone pings beside me. Flipping it over, the screen lights up and a text from Stella is waiting for me. Internally, I roll my eyes a little. I’m not looking forward to this four-hour road trip with her to Fort Worth. I never should’ve asked if she wanted to ride together. She’s very nice, but she’s just… a lot, and I’d rather be by myself.The thought of having to maintain conversation with someone, while trapped in a car for hours, seems fucking awful.

Stella: Hey! I’m finished with classes. Ready to head out whenever you are. :)

Me: Cool. I’m finishing up now. I’ll meet you at my car.

Jesus take the fucking wheel. This weekend should be interesting. I shove my laptop into its carrying case and lock up my classroom. It’s a treat that my Fridays are short days. Some professors have full classes every day of the week, including Friday.

It’s a nice, warm day. The sun beams on my face as I step outside of the English building, and make my way toward my car. Dread coils in my gut. I don’t know why I’m being so weird about having to ride with her.

I’ve been in such an off mood for the last few days, and I can’t seem to kick it.

As I approach my car, Stella comes into view. “Hey, Stella. Sorry you had to wait on me.”

“Oh, it’s no worries!” She’s wearing a yellow sundress that comes to right below her knees, with black strappy sandals, and her hair is loosely braided, coming over her right shoulder.She’s way more dressed up than she normally is in the classroom. Who dresses up for a road trip?

I unlock the car, opening the back driver’s side door to put my briefcase, then climb into the front seat. When she slides in, a whiff of her feminine perfume reaches my nose. I set my Spotify on the playlist, before backing out of my spot and heading on my way.

It takes us about four and a half hours to get there. Stella got hungry, and then we had to stop for bathroom breaks along the way. We’re both staying at the Hampton Inn—the university is footing the bill. I’m happy to find that when we check in, we’re on different floors. I’ve about had enough of her chipper self today.

We get into the elevators, and she turns to me. “Want to grab dinner in a little bit?”

“Ah, I’m actually pretty wiped. I’ll probably just order room service and call it a night. I’ll see you in the morning, though?”

Her face falls slightly, and if I wasn’t so exhausted, I would probably feel bad. I wasn’t lying… I will probably just order room service. We reach the fifth floor, which is hers.

“Okay, sure,” she replies with a smile. “Have a great night, Cash.”

“Night!”

When the doors close, and I’m left alone, I let out a deep breath. The elevator takes me three more floors, up to the eighth floor, and I get off, heading to my left. Once I’m in my room, I strip down to my boxers and plop on the bed. I spend the rest of the night watching expensive movies, while eating overpriced room service, before passing out before nine.

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