Page 90 of A Legal Affair

“Devon has a sleepover tonight, so we’re leaving tomorrow afternoon should you decide to accompany us.” When Caleb said nothing, she took the hint and changed the subject. “How’s your article coming along?”

“Almost finished,” he replied, walking back over to his desk and dropping into the chair. “Just hammering out the conclusion.”

“That’s wonderful, Caleb. Just think how much faster you could have gotten it done if you hadn’t spent so much time daydreaming, like you were doing a minute ago.” When his only response was a noncommittal grunt, Shara shook her head at him. “I swear, Caleb, you haven’t been yourself since the semester began.”

He gave her a sardonic look. “Which was all of, what, two weeks ago?”

“Don’t be a smartass,” she sniped. “You know exactly what I’m talking about. You’ve been broody and preoccupied lately. If you’re not careful, it’s going to start affecting your teaching.”

“I’ll take it under advisement,” Caleb said evenly. He wasn’t in the mood for a lecture. He was fully aware of the frustrating dilemma he faced. He didn’t need Shara, or anyone else, pouring fuel on the fire.

Her amber eyes turned flinty. “I’m just looking out for you, as any good friend would.”

“So you keep reminding me,” Caleb muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger. “Look, Shara, this really isn’t a good?—”

“I saw Daniela Moreau in the library,” she told him, a vicious gleam in her eyes. “She was sitting at a table surrounded by a group of fawning boys. She was clearly enjoying the attention; I even heard her give one of them her number and social media handles.” Shara paused, gauging Caleb’s reaction to this bit of news. “Are you absolutely certain this young woman is worth risking your career over?”

Caleb regarded her in cool, measured silence. “This is really beneath you, Shara.”

She looked offended, nostrils flaring. “What’re you trying to say?”

“I’m saying cut the mean-girl bullshit,” he growled. “I’m not interested in petty gossip or your pathetic attempts to make me jealous. You’ve made it perfectly clear that you don’t like Daniela Moreau, and you’re concerned for my well-being. While I appreciate your concern, I seriously suggest you rethink your approach moving forward. I’m a grown fucking man, and I can take care of myself.”

The color leached out of Shara’s face. She seemed to realize she’d made a mistake trying to bait him. “Caleb, I didn’t?—”

He cut her off. “I need to get back to work. Have a nice weekend, and give my best to Devon.”

She blinked a few times, then rose stiffly from the chair. Instead of leaving, she stood staring down at him, nostrils flaring with righteous anger. “No one enjoys watching a trainwreck, Caleb. I think you’re making the biggest mistake of your life. If you won’t come to your senses, maybe someone should force your hand.”

Caleb went very still, his eyes narrowing to an ice-cold stare. “Are youthreateningme, Shara?”

Her lips tightened, her chin lifting defiantly.

He leaned forward very slowly, his voice pitched low and menacing. “Think carefully before you say another word.”

Her throat bobbed in a hard swallow. She held his stare, her lips and chin now trembling.

“Leave,” Caleb snarled.

Her eyes flashed with fury. She slapped the desk impotently, then spun on her heel and marched to the door, nearly colliding with Evander, who stepped back quickly to avoid getting run over.

“Whoa, where’s the fi?—”

Shara stomped out of the room without a backward glance.

Evander frowned after her, then looked at Caleb with a raised brow. “What wasthatabout?”

“Nothing,” Caleb bit out.

“Could’ve fooled me.” Evander flashed a crooked grin as he approached. “You two have a lovers’ quarrel?”

Caleb just glared at him.

Evander laughed and perched his hip on a corner of Caleb’s desk, his arms folded across his chest. “Seriously though, man. Why was Shara so pissed?”

“Don’t worry about it,” Caleb grumbled, thinking,What the hell just happened? Did Shara just threaten to get me fired? Could she really be that spiteful?

Evander cocked his head to one side, studying him through narrowed eyes.