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Sam

I’m wearing my most promising skirt and blazer, dressed professionally as I can afford. I look smart. I look like a capable teaching assistant. I must convince Professor Steven Frazier that I’m worth his time.

Because I need this job.

Keeping my fingers crossed, I hope this interview goes well and that I’ll land my first real teaching job. I applied immediately when the teaching assistant slot opened at the Franklin School of Law.

A few days later, I received a call from Professor Frazier. He’s the department chair and one of the most respected lawyers in the state.Teaching wasn’t my first choice, but it beats making lattes for eight bucks an hour.

Strolling into Franklin Hall, I lose my balance when a group of students push open the doors, moving toward me.

The girls laugh and roll their eyes in my direction as if I were the one who inconvenienced them.

I use the wall next to me for support. I’m not used to wearing heels, and my feet are killing me.

“Samantha,” a deep, manly voice says from behind me. “Or do you prefer Sam now?”

His voice sends a shiver down my spine, and I know without looking who it belongs to. Tucker Kane .

I would know his voice anywhere.

Ignoring him, I walk faster, creating distance between us when a classroom empties into the hall. I can’t deal with him today of all days. Not when I’m about to interview for the most important position of my college career.

“You never answered my messages,” Tucker says. “I don’t like being ignored… or taken advantage of.”

I snort, shooting him a pointed look. “Well, that makes two of us.”

Even though I played it off when he said he didn’t want more than sex, I thought he’d at least want to see me again. It was stupid, a foolish mistake made by a girl with a crush. I don’t know what I expected of him, but I wanted something. A sign he even remembered me.

I so eagerly gave him my virginity instead of treating it as something of value. After I handed it over, I realized I wanted my first time to be special. With someone special. Instead, I got a hard fuck in a frat house from the biggest manwhore on campus.

He’d moved on to the next girl within days, his victims discarded one after the other. Because that’s what rich, entitled womanizers do with women. They use and dispose of them like trash. At least, they do, in my experience. And I want nothing more than to get rid of Tucker fucking Kane.

“Go away, Tucker.”

“Not until you explain why you’re ignoring me.”

I tilt my head back and laugh.

Fucking prick asshole .

“I don’t owe you a thing. If you’ll excuse me, I’m on my way to an interview.”

“You look good,” he says, and my inner bitch softens. I turn my head briefly to see him staring at me. “Good luck with your interview, Sam.”

And then he does something unexpected. He walks away, giving up much faster than I had expected. I should feel relieved. Instead, I’m disappointed.

Did I want him to fight me? Make a scene? No, not at all. He’s the last person I need in my life. I have enough shit to deal with.

When I find Professor Frazier’s office, his secretary ushers me inside and announces, “Samantha Marchand is here,” as I step inside.

Professor Frazier looks up from his computer, a delighted smile on his withered face. “Perfect timing. I was finishing my latest article for the law review.” He points at a chair in front of his desk. “Have a seat, Samantha.”

I wipe my sweaty hands down the front of my skirt and sit in the chair across from him. He lifts a piece of paper from his desk and briefly studies it before peeking at me from beneath his dark lashes.

“I see you’re the assistant editor at The Strickland Gazette .”

I fold my hands on my lap and sit up straight. “Yes, sir. I’ve worked at the paper since freshman year. Writing is a passion of mine.”

“Your grades reflect that.” He smiles and then drops my resume on top of a pile of neatly stacked papers, most likely the resumes of my competition. “A double major in law and journalism. And straight A’s in both. Very impressive, Samantha.”

“Thank you, sir,” I choke out.

He takes a sip from his coffee cup and sets it down. “I’ll be honest with you… Many qualified candidates applied for this job. After reviewing the other students’ resumes, you’re my top choice.”

I smile so brightly my cheeks hurt, but his change in expression causes me to worry, the smile slowly slipping from my lips.

“This class is part fact, part subjective. I need to see how you would grade an assignment before I decide.”

“That’s fair.” I choke back the bile rising from my stomach and force a smile. “I’m up for the challenge.”

He rests his elbows on his desk and leans forward, his gaze intense. An awkward silence passes through the room. Then, he opens his desk drawer and shoves a manila folder across the desk in front of me.

“You have until the end of the week. Drop it off with my secretary after you’re finished. I’ll make my decision next Monday.”

Assuming the interview is over, I stand and extend my hand for him to shake. “Thank you for the opportunity.”

He flashes a closed-mouth smile, his fingers stroking my hand. “Good luck, Samantha.”