Page 21 of Don’t Open Your Eyes

He smiled. “Kinda. But the attendings aren’t as mean. And nothing is happening in the on-call rooms, sadly.”

They all laughed.

“Enough about me; Randy tells me you’ve got one more semester to graduate. Have you thought about what you want to do?”

“Something in marketing, digital strategy.”

“Any specific industry?”

“I like to change things up. I’ll try to get a job with an agency that represents a variety of clients.”

“She’s brilliant. Any company would be lucky to have her,” Randy said.

She shook her head. “Thanks, but you don’t know anything about my marketing acumen—only that I can ace my film exams.”

“I can tell these things,” he insisted.

“I think I’ll take off and give you guys some privacy,” James said. “Have fun. Hope to see you again, Annabelle.”

“Bye.” James’s last remark made her wonder if Randy had a parade of women coming in and out. Why would he have to hope he’d see her again? After he left, she decided to be up-front.

“Did you tell James that we’ve been seeing each other, or does he think this is our first date or something?”

He gave her a puzzled look. “Why?”

“I’m curious why he’d say he hoped to see me again. Wouldn’t he kind of figure I’d be around?”

Randy got up and walked over to her, putting his hands on her shoulders. “Of course. He knows I’m nuts about you. I’m sure he didn’t mean anything by it. And besides, you’re the first girl I’ve had over here since I moved in.”

She suddenly felt foolish. She’d never behaved so insecurely with anyone before. She thought the university rule archaic and stupid, but she had to admit that there was a power dynamic inherent in it that favored the professor. For the past two months, she’d allowed Randy to set the pace and call the shots. Despite knowing there was a reason he’d kept her a secret, it made her feel tawdry.

“Yeah, okay, you’re right. I’m just glad we don’t have to hide it anymore.”

“Me too. Dinner’s gonna be ready in about forty-five minutes. How about an appetizer?” He kissed Annabelle deeply, moving his hand to her breast and lightly caressing her. Her stomach fluttered with butterflies, and she leaned into him. He took her hand and they walked to the staircase. But before they could ascend, the doorbell rang. She straightened up, trying to regain her composure.

“Expecting someone?”

“Nope. Hold the thought.”

She waited by the staircase as he went to open the door. Her stomach dropped when she saw that it was another girl from her class, Darla, or Darlene, she couldn’t remember. But she’d noticed her—with her jet-black hair, short skirts, and killer body. What the hell was she doing here?

Randy seemed surprised to see her. “Darlene, what are you doing here?”

Darlene looked past him to Annabelle, and her smile was replaced by a frown. “Class is over, so I thought you might be able to come out and play. You said there are no rules against it now, but I can see you’ve already found someone else to play with.”

“I’m sorry if I gave you the wrong impression, but…” Randy’s words trailed off and he blew out a breath.

Darlene narrowed her eyes, staring at Annabelle for a long moment. “No worries. My bad. Have fun. Guess you’re the teacher’s pet.” She turned and stomped down the sidewalk. Randy shut the door and walked back to Annabelle.

“I’m sorry. I don’t know what that was about.”

“What did she mean about your telling her there were no rules now? Did something happen between the two of you?”

His face turned red, and he looked at the floor. “Look, I’m an idiot, okay? She hit on me at the beginning of the semester. I was in my office grading papers, and she came in. She asked me out, and I told her it wasn’t allowed.”

Annabelle could see there was more he wasn’t telling her. “And?” she pressed.

“And she kissed me.”