Page 7 of Taming Grumpy Dr. Beast

Jessamine: No way! Congrats, boo! I wish I was in the States. I’d celebrate with you.

Me: Text me when you get back.

Jessamine: Don’t miss me too much.

Me: I’ll do my best. I’m hanging out with Dean and the gang later if you want to say hi.

Jessamine: If I can make the time work, I’ll text you before I call. Sorry to run, but I have to pop off. I’ve got a meeting with a possible sponsor.

Me: Good luck!

Jessamine: {Kiss emoji}

Tonight I’d be celebrating my victory alongside my friends. I couldn’t wait. I looked up at the heavens. My grandfather would be proud.

Chapter Three

Lily

My hands shook as Icrossed the main floor of the library, cursing Dr. Beast under my breath. The name the librarian supplied me with once I was free seemed fitting for such an asshole. Inside I was seething, calling Beast every swear word that came to mind. I’d heard he was a real piece of work, but I’d never met him before our encounter in the basement. And thank goodness for that.

“Oof,” I mumbled as I slammed into a chest made of concrete. Large, firm hands gripped my upper arms.

“Lily, so nice to see you.” The smooth voice rolled over me, causing my stomach to tighten. Not him. I didn’t have time for this.

Why does he always show up everywhere I go?

My gaze moved up to meet his rugged, handsome face with icy blue eyes, a square jaw, and a lock of black hair casually fallen across his forehead. A practiced smile graced his lips.

“Um, yeah, sure, Gavin. Nice to see you, too.” A shiver worked its way through me. I hated how often Gavin found reasons to touch me. It was never anything overtly inappropriate, but it made me uncomfortable just the same. We were in the same doctoral program and this semester Gavin had taken on the role of Teacher’s Assistant for the undergraduate classes. He believed that made him an integral faculty member.

“I’ll pick you up at seven o’clock tonight for dinner.” He let go of me and crossed his arms over his extremely muscular chest. I was pretty sure he did it to show off his body. I had no idea why he was so persistent in his pursuit of me. We had nothing in common beyond seeking the same degree.

I gave him a weak smile as he flashed me one that should have been blinding with how white his teeth were. “I’m sorry, Gavin, but my answer is still no.”

“Come on, Lily. We’d have a great time together.” His grin widened, taking on a predatory gleam as his eyes roamed my body, staring for an inordinately amount of time at my chest.