“Well, I believe you opened a door that I walked into while I was looking at my phone.” My lips lift in a half smile as I try to take the seriousness out of the situation.
He grabs my upper arm, pulling me into his office, where he closes the door. Being this close, my senses are assaulted by all things Henri. His scent. The closeness of his body. The smell of coffee lingering in the air.
“Dove?”
Shit. Maybe I have a concussion?
“It’s nothing.”
“Someone used you as a punching bag.” His gaze narrows. “Was it that fucker you were sitting with yesterday?”
I’m a bit shocked to hear him talking like that. Most professors try to remain… professional. At least, that’s the impression I’ve always gotten.
“Dove.”
His tone is obvious—he’s getting impatient with me, and I shouldn’t anger him. The funny thing is, I’m not scared. Now if my father were here…
“It wasn’t Kyle.”
“If it wasn’tKyle, then who was it?” He says Kyle’s name as if it tastes bitter. Maybe it does.
“It doesn’t matter. I… I shouldn’t have come today.”
“Wait right here. And don’t even think about leaving.”
He leaves the room, closing the door behind him. I stare at my hands, wondering what in the hell is happening. Should I leave while he’s gone? He’s going to want answers. That much is clear. That’s it. I should get my things and get the heck out of here. I’m reaching for my bag when the door opens, and Henri enters, closing the door behind him. My heart pounds as we stare at each other. The urge to run is back, but my gut tells me he would chase. So, I stay as still as I can, almost holding my breath. Praying I’m not making a mistake.
4
Dove
Henri sits on the edge of his desk, facing me. God. Why does he look so yummy like this? His slacks are pulled taunt across his massive thighs. It’s no wonder they don’t rip right down the middle. His arms are crossed, pulling the dark grey shirt against his muscular chest. Right now, he’s working his bottom lip between his fingers as he stares at me.
I want to make a smart-ass comment to take the edge off the mood in the room, but I notice the clock.
“Henri, class was supposed to start ten minutes ago.”
“Class is canceled today.”
“Since when?”
He lets out a small laugh. “Since we ran into each other, and I saw your face. Now, tell me who did this.”
I shake my head. “It doesn’t matter.”
“I beg to fucking differ.”
“If I tell you, then you’ll want to do something about it, right?”
“Damn fucking straight.”
“That’s why I won’t tell you.” I stand. “I’m sorry for bumping into you. For what it’s worth, I was looking forward to today’s lesson.”
“Dove, don’t leave.” He exhales. “Or, if you’re insistent, then come with me.”
“Where?”
“My apartment is nearby. We can go there and talk. Hell, I don’t care if we even watch a movie.”