Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 83760 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 419(@200wpm)___ 335(@250wpm)___ 279(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83760 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 419(@200wpm)___ 335(@250wpm)___ 279(@300wpm)
I stay inside her while our breathing returns, holding one of her legs up as she slides the other to the floor. She’s blinking back tears, and I lean forward to lick and kiss her eyes, her lips. What the fuck is happening to me?
She was not supposed to happen, but for the life of me, I can’t let her go.
BRETT
“Brett.” Richard waves at me when I enter the giant ballroom of the Beverly Hills Hotel for yet another fundraiser I couldn’t give two fucks about. Nodding, I turn right, heading toward the bar before I have to start schmoozing, which up until a month ago, I enjoyed.
Now, I’m distracted with Alexandrea and work, so listening to a bunch of rich suck-ups talk about how great I am means nothing.
“Double bourbon straight up.” I nod at the bartender.
“Make that two.”
I glance over at my brother’s grinning face.
“Nice of you to make it,” Jett says.
“I had an overseas conference call that ran late.” When I reach into my suit slacks for a twenty to tip, Jett beats me to it.
“Thank you.” Taking my drink, I down it in two gulps. “Another.” I motion to the bartender as I take Jett’s. He can have the other one since he looks so happy.
He raises a dark brow at me. “Ah, it’s that kind of a night.” Laughing, he orders us another.
“What’d I miss?” My eyes scan the room and land on Richard slowly making his way over, his head bent as he listens to something Skylar is saying. I grind my teeth.
“Christ,” I hiss as the muscles in my back of my neck tighten.
“Brett, Jett.” Richard approaches, along with Skylar who smiles at my brother and me.
“I have big news. Let me get Jenners over here.” Richard turns, motioning to a group of colleagues to come over.
Picking up my drink, I down the bourbon; it goes down so smooth, I barely feel the sting.
“Take it easy,” Jett mumbles as he smiles at the ever-growing group.
“So, we all know I’m retiring.” Richard puts his hand on my shoulder. “I’m happy to announce that I will be leaving next week.”
I look up from my drink. He grins.
“I’m thinking we announce it officially on Friday morning. Have the students and faculty attend so they can see their new head dean.”
“The board approved this?” Jenners interrupts him, his face turning an almost purple with his jealousy.
“Dean Jenners.” Skylar laughs loudly, as if he just told a hilarious joke. Jett turns back to the bartender, motioning for two more.
“Is everything all right?” I turn to Richard. The entitled elitists swarming the gaudy gold and silver ballroom were already getting on my nerves. A server stops by, carrying what looks like tiny Gorgonzola and caramelized onion tarts.
“Brett, I feel lighter than I’ve felt in years. Diane has already booked our first cruise, and we’re leaving in two weeks.” He grabs a tart and a napkin.
“All of you need to have one of these. Here.” He hands his to Skylar who stands smiling and nodding like she’s a politician’s wife.
“Jenners, Michael, try one.” Richard motions to them. Each reluctantly takes one from the server. Even he must feel the bad vibe from us. He turns and offers Jett and me one.
“No, thank you.” I bring the whiskey to my lips as Michael, professor in the History Department, holds his hand out to me.
“Well… this is news.” He smiles. “I mean, your groundbreaking grid project, and the Nobel nomination.” He nods, his voice projecting over Miles Davis, and I can’t help but grin at his pathetic attempt at ass-kissing.
“Thanks, Michael. I’m as surprised as you all are. Richard, I thought you were waiting until the end of the semester.”
“Why wait? You’ve been vetted and approved. Diane is ready to travel, and quite frankly, so am I. My kids and grandchildren are going to join us in Greece.” Richard pops the whole tart into his mouth. He does look more relaxed than I’ve seen him in years.
“It’s wonderful. I’m so happy for you, Brett,” Skylar gushes, putting her hand on my forearm. I look down at it, wondering how I was able to stomach her, much less put my dick in her.
“Agreed. You need anything, I’m your man…” Michael keeps on ass-kissing. I completely tune it out, along with all the other sucking up around me as my gaze shifts over his shoulder.
Jordan’s dad David, and I’m assuming his wife, are heading this way. This ought to be interesting. Considering the mood I’m in, it’s a good thing Jett’s standing next to me.
My mind goes to Alex and her beautiful face, and I blink. Shit is getting complicated, and lines have been blurred. Fuck that, they’ve been full-on railroaded over, and with Richard leaving next week…
“I hear we have a new head dean. Congratulations.” David Staple pats Richard’s shoulder so as to maneuver his way in.