“True, but I never endorsed him. The Wickham and Willoughby types may be fun for a bit, but they are no good for your heart.”
“Or overall health, apparently.” I blow out a long breath. “I didn’t know Garrett did that.”
She shrugs. “I don’t think he realized I’d spotted him doing it, but I’m not surprised. He always has your back, which is why I am both unworried about him being your running guide and also terrified. While I know Garrett would never hurt you, it doesn’t mean you may not still get hurt by him.”
Deep in my bones, I know she’s right. Garrett would never intentionally hurt me. At least, not in the way other men have. It doesn’t mean I can’t still have my heart broken. Not by him, but due to this crush. It’s why it’s called a crush, because unrequited feelings have the power to break us into a million pieces like a boot coming down on a glass. I know this better than anyone.
“Just take care of yourself,” she murmurs.
“I will. I promise.” My mouth ticks up. “You’re a good friend, Catherine. I’m lucky to have you in my life.”
She clicks her tongue. “Could you mention that to the hiring panel before my interview next week?”
“Hiring panel?” My eyes go wide. “Did you get an interview?”
“Yep.” She stands and shimmies.
“What!” I jump up, rounding the desk to hug her. “Look at you, Ms. Future Associate Professor!”
Since getting her doctorate three years ago, Catherine has been an adjunct at Pemberly and at two nearby community colleges. Academia is notorious for its difficulty to land adjunct positions, let alone full-time gigs like the associate professor one my bestie is up for.
“I have to get the job first.”
“Details.” I swat the air. “Do you want to do a mock interview this weekend? I do a mean stuffy male English professor impression”—I pitch my voice low— “Dr. Flores-O’Brien, how will your literary badassery translate to the classroom?”
She snorts. “God, you sound like Dr. Reynolds.Neverdo that again!”
“What?You don’t find it sexy?” Batting my eyes, I prolong her torture with my terrible impression.
“I need a new best friend,” she groans.
After finalizing plans for the weekend with Catherine, I get back to the flow of my day. One analysis of campus ramps, two hours of data mining for the grant application, and three student evaluations later, I start to pack up for the day. The day’s busyness keeps my brain from wandering to anxious places—like my first training session with Garrett.
With each tick of the clock closer to four-thirty, the knot in my stomach pulls tighter. It’s the first time since I agreed to a second chance on this friendship that I am seeing him. Between that and the worry about tripping him or falling on my face tonight, my nerves tingle with worry.
“Jenny, luv, heading out?”
I halt upon hearing Miles’s silky English accent slinking into my office alcove. “Yep,” I say briskly, plucking up the bag with my workout clothes and sneakers for me to change into.
“Pity. It’s been days since I’ve seen you.”
Six to be exact, but who’s counting? There’s been nothing from him since his lone text, hoping I got home safe after he ditched me for Kayla. No calls or texts to check in with me about Anker. Something—thanks to Catherine—I know he’s aware of. Adding to the reasons why a crush on him was a huge mistake. One I don’t want to repeat.
“Perhaps you’d like to keep me company instead. We can grab a quick bite before my evening class.”
Mouth drawn into a firm line, I tug my bag onto my shoulder before unfolding my cane. “I’m headed out. MaybeKaylacan keep you company.”
“Kayla…” he makes a dismissive noise. “She’s at some Women in Academia function.” He leans on the front of my desk.
“And you’re not going with her?” I round my desk.
“Those things are dreadful. Not to mention it’s only for women in academia, which I am not.” Head tilted, he huffs a breathy laugh. “Areyoujealous?”
“No.”
It’s a half-truth. As aware as I am that Miles Calloway isn’t the man for me, the dregs of my dying crush twinges in my chest. For the last ten months, this man has occupied so many of myromantic daydreams. He doesn’t deserve my attention, but still, he has it. I’m a work in progress, after all.
“Someone is a terrible liar… Jealous looks good on you.” He reaches over and brushes a lock of my hair behind my ear. “Kayla and I are just friends.”
