Page 1 of Professor

ChapterOne

Kellan

I don’t havetime for a meeting with the dean today. I check my watch and let out a long sigh. The last thing I want to do is put my research away when I’m so close to a breakthrough, but considering he signs my checks, I’d better not be late. I grab my jacket and keys, locking the lab behind me as I bound the steps of Burnell Hall and make my way across campus.

The soft breath of spring kisses my skin as I high-tail it past the student union. The scent of lilac fills the air. Where did winter go? I’ve spent so much time in the lab that I’ve barely noticed the change in season.

But it’s all for the greater good.

Carrington Hall houses the dean’s office, a gothic-style building with gargoyles perched on the rooftop. With a few minutes to spare, I make my way up the stairs toward the administrative offices, trying to calm my mind. Why the man would interrupt me when he knows how important this project is—not only for my name but for the university’s—is beyond me. I breathe away the disdain and rap my knuckles against Dean Toddman’s door.

Inside, he greets me with a hearty handshake. “Kellan, how are you?”

Annoyed, I think. “Fine, Roger. You?”

“Never better.” His bowtie sits askew. “Sit, please.”

I do as he says. “I’ve got to tell you, Roger, I'm in the middle of a major discovery. I’m on the brink of the exact chemical composition—“

“Oh.” He waves his hand through the air. “You know I like to be surprised. Don’t ruin it.” I grit my teeth, knowing that if I could explain to him what I’m working on, he’d send me back to the lab and cut this mystery meeting short. He clasps his hands in front of his chest, leaning back in his chair. “I bet you’re wondering why I called you in here.”

I force a smile. “Indeed I am.”

“A grad student that I feel has immense potential is in need of a research project for her dissertation, and since you're the only one I feel she could actually learn from, I’ve assigned her to work with you in the lab.”

“What?” I try to speak but have no words. “Now?”

“No better time than the present.” The dean’s gap-toothed smile sends a surge of rage through me. I lean forward in my seat, trying to keep my cool.

“But I…I can’t.”

His eyes widen. “I understand this may seem like a slight inconvenience—”

“A slight inconvenience?”

“—But, it’s a done deal. Ms. Dawes will report to you immediately. Starting today.”

Again, I open my mouth to speak, but a knock interrupts my thoughts. Without waiting for an invitation, the door opens.

“I’m so sorry I’m late. The bus broke down.” A tall, curvy brunette closes the door behind her. Her chestnut curls are pulled into a low ponytail. When she turns to face me, even her glasses can’t hide her crystal blue eyes. She presses her lips together and quickly averts her gaze.

“It’s alright, Rebecca.” The dean gestures to the chair next to me.

The gorgeous grad student takes a seat. God, I thought the trees smelled good, but they’re nothing compared to Rebecca's musky, amber scent. Her eyes flicker to mine and immediately shift back toward the dean.

“Rebecca, this is Dr. Jameson. He’ll be assisting you with your research. He’s the best in the department.”

“I know.” Her voice, while soft, holds power. “I’m grateful for the opportunity.”

I audibly scoff. How the hell am I supposed to get anything done with a grad student shackled to my side? Not to mention the fact that she’s so goddamn beautiful, I won’t be able to take my eyes off her. This is bad. This isverybad.

“With all due respect Dean, this isn’t going to work.” I can feel Rebecca’s giant eyes flick in my direction. “No offense.” I can barely look at her.

“None taken.” There’s no mistaking her sarcasm.

“I’m afraid, Kellan—Dr. Jameson.” Dean Toddman rests his hands on his desk. “Looks like it’s up to the both of you to make it work. My decision is final. Rebecca is the brightest student in the department, and you’re the best and most qualified professor. It’s a match made in Astrophysical heaven.”

Rebecca opens her full mouth. But the dean, as always, has the last word. “That’s all. Tomorrow, Rebecca, you’ll report to Burnell Hall and to Dr. Jameson directly.”

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