“Gray?” Melinda says, calling my attention back to her.
“I’m sorry,” I say. “I have texts and calls from Ash. I’m sure the Hydra’s people are on this, but I should call him back and find out what the game plan is for…managing this.”
The picture is humiliating, but I’m more worried for Ash. He wanted to keep my work with him quiet, and that won’t be possible once they identify me.
Melinda waves a hand. “Fine, go. Just keep me in the loop on everything. I need to call the university’s communications office so they’re prepared in case they get inquiries about this, which they will.”
“Yes, of course,” I say. I’m already halfway out her door and dialing Ash. The phone rings twice, then goes to voicemail, and I frown as I pull it away from my ear.
No need to jump to conclusions. He’s probably in a meeting with the PR manager right now. I look at the other two texts he sent.
Ash
Someone took a pic of us the other night. It’s all over the media.
Ash
God damn you look hot in that dress.
My stomach cartwheels at the compliment. I’d almost smile if I wasn’t so horrified by the whole situation.
This is the first I’ve heard from Ash since Saturday night. I spent all yesterday with a knot in my chest, wondering if he regretted kissing me. If he was mad at me for making him stop. If he felt like I rejected him. If I would come to work this morning to find an email from Mr. Kaladin saying he was terminating his contract with me.
I look quickly at the texts from Celena.
Celena
Call me!
Celena
Call me now!
Celena
Why aren’t you calling me??
Celena
Why aren’t you answering your phone?????
I don’t bother listening to the messages. I just lock myself back in my office and call Celena.
“It’s about fucking time!” she says upon answering the phone.
“I was in office hours with students,” I say. “I only just found out about the picture. Melinda called me into her office to ask me if anything was going on with me and Ash.”
There’s a pause. “Can she do that?”
“If there’s enough funding involved, apparently yes.”
“So is it true?”
“Is what true?”
“Is it true you’re dating Ash Gunnarsson? Did you spend the night in his hotel room? Are you pregnant with his love child?” Celena fires off. “Jesus, Gray! Take your pick of the rumors. Are any of them true?”
She can’t see me roll my eyes, but I do it anyway. “You know I would’ve called you if any of them were true,” I say.
