Page 15 of Because of Dylan

“I wouldn't try me if I were you.” His gaze is so cold I have to hold back a shiver.

I don't have a chance to respond as Tommy comes back then.

“What’s going on? You’re leaving now?” Tommy asks, oblivious to the tension.

Professor Dick’s demeanor does a one-eighty. He leans against the wood, smiles and wraps an arm around his brother, tucking him into his chest. The smile transforms his face and illuminates the entire space around me.

I'm unsettled by the warmth and love in that smile. It tugs at something in my heart I thought was long dead. And for the briefest of moments, I'm filled with envy and jealousy that anyone could be loved that much when I never was. But as quick as the feeling comes over me, I kick it to the curb.

Self-pity never helped anyone. I have never allowed myself to feel sorry for the life I had, and I'm not about to start now. Especially not because of him. Professor Dick can kiss my ass. I will not be intimidated into losing one of the few good things in my life.

The professor squeezes Tommy’s shoulder. “Ready to go? They're about to close. I'll drop you off at your dorm.”

Tommy looks at his brother. “You sure? That's out of your way.”

Before either of them can say anything, I speak up. “I can drive Tommy. His dorm is right next to mine.”

Tommy smiles. The professor glares at me.

“That's okay. I wouldn't want to impose.” Professor Dick tries to gain the upper hand.

“Oh, it's no trouble at all, professor. I've taken Tommy home many times before. It won't be the first time.” I give him my sweetest smile. “Or the last.” I blink twice, feigning complete innocence.

Tommy laughs, still unaware of the silent battle he's in between. God bless his naïve little heart.

“You can call him Dylan. Professor makes him sound like an old guy, and he's only twenty-eight.”

Dylan stiffens, as if even that bit of information about him is something he prefers to keep a secret.

“Twenty-eight? Isn’t that young to be a professor?” He looks his age. I don’t even know why I’m asking this.

“Right?” Tommy socks his brother on the arm. “Overachiever. He took college classes all through high school, graduated college at twenty, started his PhD while working as a TA, and then became Assistant Professor. He’s done with the PhD now and got his tenure in record time. He’s the youngest Associate Professor at Riggins.”

Professor Dick looks down, color tints his cheeks. “Tommy.” The single word an admonition. “She’s not interested in my bio.”

I am. I’m very interested in his bio. “Impressive, professor. Or should I say … Dylan?” His name sounds strange on my lips.

He stares and says nothing.

“I promise to take excellent care of Tommy. He'll be in expert hands.” I show him my hands and wiggle my fingers at him.

Gus comes in then and calls out his five-minute warning. The last couple of people sitting around get up to settle their tab, and Dylan has no other option but to relent. Either that or make an ass of himself. Which I bet he's not in the habit of doing.

The way the professor looks at me tells me there will be hell to pay for my little stunt. Of that, I'm sure. I'm kind of looking forward to it. What does that say about me?

Chapter Seven

I’m an asshole.What the fuck is wrong with me?

Chapter Eight

I should behappy right now. Halloween is my favorite holiday. But here I am at this party. Sans Tommy. Bet his brother said something to him. Fuck the professor and his ethics bullshit. Where's the ethics in judging someone you don't even know?

Asshole.

Dick.

Of all the people on campus, why did Tommy have to be related to him?

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