Page 67 of Tempt

I took the job to help Andy, but I want to help Daniel.

He’s utterly devoted to his kid, his family, in a way my parents weren’t.

Plus, no matter how long his day, he always checks in with me at the end to see how I’m doing. He keeps my favorite drinks and snacks stocked. He even ordered a bunch of new craft supplies and games when I mentioned how much Andy and I had been using them.

I thought I could forget all of that while we were grinding on the couch, but evidently, I can’t.

If I convince him he deserves another chance at living…

It’s worth a try.

I pull open the email from student housing and send off a reply.

19

DANIEL

“Do you have a second to talk about tenure?” My admin assistant whom I share with three other faculty sticks her head into my office.

“As long as it’s not two seconds. I’m teaching in half an hour and the person marking my midterms entered the grades backwards.”

She walks in, files tucked under her arm, and leans against my visitors’ chair. From the expression on her face, I can tell it’s not good news.

“They need to move up the timing of your tenure meeting.”

My laugh is an incredulous bark. “That’s not possible.”

My future is riding on this.

I’ve compiled references, am finalizing a paper, and trying to get this grant for my students done at the same time.

“It’s done. I just wanted to explain why the meeting popped up in your calendar two weeks earlier.” She glances toward the door, then back. “The chair of the committee is leaving early for Christmas vacation.”

“Of course he is.” I rise from my chair and pace the back wall.

He’s probably heading to some Caribbean island.

All of us have to jump for his schedule.

“I’m sorry.” She grimaces.

“It’s not your fault.” The assistants keep this place running as smoothly as possible, with little help and occasionally even less gratitude from faculty.

“It gets better after tenure,” she says, then smiles.

The door clicks closed after her.

I roll up my sleeves and pace another few lengths before stopping at my desk. On the corner, my favorite photo stares back at me. Andy, and my wife.

I reach for it. Soak in their smiling faces.

Then glance down at my bare arm.

The tattoo is gone, but what it marked was only the beginning.

This month has been a roller coaster.

It felt so good having Kat under me. Her fingers tugging on my hair. Her body creating wicked friction with mine.

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