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“End this. Whatever it is. Now. Before you destroy your life. Again.”
Shame washed over Julian, forcing his gaze away.
Nate clasped his shoulder, anger fading. “Are you in love with him?”
He gave a hollow laugh. “It’s complicated.”
“You complicated it, Jules. Figure this out. Forget you for a moment. This situation could implode this young man’s future before it even begins.”
“I know.”
Nate walked away, each sharp footstep echoing his warnings and landing on Julian like a hammer blow.
How could I let things with Alex go so far?He was risking his career and his reputation.And for what? A few stolen moments of passion and exhilaration?Can I never see him again?The answer to that last question spilled fear into his gut like acid. Still, it was more than that. But would those feelings remain if their indiscretion became public?
With a heavy sigh, Julian pulled out his phone. No new messages glowed on the screen. Suddenly, the silence seemed like an omen instead of agony. Perhaps it was better this way. A clean break. Before anyone got hurt.
Chapter 7
ElectricityhummedthroughAlex’sapartment as he stood in front of the mirror, his fingers combing through his shaggy brown hair. His glasses perched on the edge of the dresser, temporarily forgotten in the whirlwind of thoughts.
“Well, well.” Ethan leaned against the doorframe, his fingers tapping against the wood. He and Alex had shared a two-bedroom, on-campus apartment for the last two years. “Someone’s got a hot date. Does the lucky guy have a brother for me? Or sister. I don’t discriminate.”
Alex straightened the collar of his shirt. “No hot date, sorry. Just… Book Club.”
“Book Club? What the fuck, dude?” Ethan shook his head in disbelief.
“Julian… Professor Everett invited me. They’re readingPride and Prejudice.”
“So, you have a sudden interest in puffy sleeves and ballroom dancing?” Ethan asked. “What’s with the polo? Book Club isn’t a school event. Is Everett hosting at The Crimson Lantern?”
Alex coughed. “Just trying to make a good impression, okay?”
“Dude, you wear hoodies to job interviews.”
“One hoodie. My lucky hoody. And it worked.” Satisfied with his appearance, Alex turned to face his friend, whose expression had shifted from playful to thoughtful. “What?”
Ethan pushed off the doorframe. “You have the hots for Everett.”
Alex’s face burned at the accusation, which he tried to laugh off. “You think he’s hot too.”
“Sure, but it’s the look-don’t-touch quality that makes him hot.” Ethan’s brows shot up before he snorted. “Haven’t you watched enough shitty Lifetime movies to know chasing hottie professors never ends well?”
Alex rolled his eyes. “You think I’ll end up dead in a dumpster?”
“Worse. You’ll end up falling in love.”
“Shut up,” Alex mumbled. “Would that be such a terrible thing?”
“Falling for Everett? Uh, isn’t that some violation of his oath?”
“His professor oath?” Alex asked sarcastically.
“Fine, a middle finger to our code of conduct.” Ethan raised his hands in surrender. “Not to mention he’s—what?—thirty years older than you? Do you have anything in common?”
“I don’t know. We both like to read, I guess?”
“There’s a rock-solid foundation.”
