Page 37 of Wrong For Me

“I was just beginning to tell Mr. Malone about the change of plans.” Her face looks way more sympathetic than I ever saw in freshman psych as she studies me. “I’m sure Dr. Cooper’s early leave came as a shock to you.”

“It did,” I say, trying to calm the rapid pace of my thoughts so I can concentrate on my new advisor.Noton Leo. “I’m afraid I still feel a bit flustered.”

She smiles kindly.Smiles. Woah. Wasn’t expecting that from Professor Ice.

“I can imagine. But I don’t want you to worry—this change won’t slow you down or get in the way of your academic progress.”

I’m not quite sure I believe her, but I manage a passable smile.

“The good news is that Dr. Cooper’s early maternity leave means my workload is increasing by quite a bit. The department chair thought it would work nicely for me to have two TAs this semester. And since this is your first year of post-grad, Miss Ransome, it should be beneficial for you to work with Mr. Malone here.”

I try to fight the urge to look over at Leo and fail. Just like at the concert all those weeks ago, his eyes act like a magnet to my gaze. But my breath catches when I take in his expression. He’s glaring at Dr. Hernandez, his jaw clenched tight. Apparently, this is news to him as well.

“Leo completed his master’s degree at the University of Michigan last spring,” she continues “So he has two years of experience as a TA.”

My gaze flicks to him once again. Jesus, what is it about this guy that makes it impossible for me to keep my eyes to myself?

Hernandez goes into an explanation of how she would like us to split the work, but I’m having trouble concentrating. I’m way too aware of him and how close he is. And that pisses me right off. I’ve been working for years for this exact moment yet here I am, letting myself be distracted by aguy, for God’s sake. This is so unlike me.

“I’m sure the two of you will get into a rhythm,” she continues. “But you can feel free to come to me if you have any issues. It may take a few days to get all the kinks worked out.” She glances at her watch. “You should probably get a move on so you’re not late to orientation.”

I stand, ready to get the hell out of this too-small room with Leo Malone, but he remains sitting, arms crossed over his chest. “I’d like to have a word,” he mutters, eyes never leaving the professor.

She raises an eyebrow. “It can’t wait?”

His jaw clenches even harder. “No.”

I hesitate, hovering awkwardly over my chair. As much as I want to run far away, I don’t much trust this scowling, pissed-off version of Leo. He’s clearly upset about this arrangement, and I have to imagine he wants to talk to his advisor with me out of the room so he can tell her that.

He wouldn’t tell her that we hooked-up though, would he? I chew my bottom lip, glancing between the two of them.

Dr. Hernandez must sense my hesitation, because she holds out her hand for me to shake. “Miss Ransome, it was nice to meet you. I’ve looked over your transcripts and had a long talk with the department chair about you. I have no doubt that you’ll be able to do a fine job in this program.”

My cheeks flush at the praise. The department chair talked me up? But before I can feel too giddy about that, I catch sight of Leo’s expression out of the corner of my eye—he somehow looks even more pissed off than before.

“I’ll get out of your way,” I say quickly, grabbing my bag and making a beeline for the door.

“Miss Ransome,” Dr. Hernandez calls before I can escape. “Make sure you find Mr. Malone at the end of orientation so he can show you to your office.”

I blink at her, wondering why Leo would show me to my own office. Then I glance at him and a pit of unease settles in my chest. “Ouroffice?” I squeak out, and she smiles, that spark of amusement back in her eyes.

“You’ll be sharing the space, yes.”

Oh, God. Like it wasn’t bad enough for us to be working together—I’m going to have to sit in an office with him on a daily basis? I’ve seen some of the TA offices, and they sure aren’t spacious. The thought of Leo in a small, enclosed space makes my heart beat faster.

The biggest problem? I’m not sure if the feeling in my chest is from nerves—or from excitement.

* * *

From a seatin the back of the orientation lecture hall, I stare blankly at the screen of my phone, wondering how on earth I’m supposed to answer my cousin’s text.

Will:How’s the day going so far?

Total shitshow,I type, then delete it the same way I did my first two attempts. I have no idea what I’m supposed to tell him.Hey, remember that guy we met in Lake Tahoe? The one I totally ditched you guys to go off and bang all night? Well, you’re never going to believe this!

But I don’t type any of that. This whole thing seems too complicated for me to try and describe through text. Particularly when I’m having a hard time understanding my own feelings.

Seeing Leo here, of all places, was a major shock. A shock that was quickly followed by a surge of anger—why didn’t he call me after our night together? And why in the hell does he think he has the right to act like a scowling dick-head now?I’mthe one who should be mad, here. I’m the one who got treated like an easily forgettable, quick lay.