Page 24 of Tempting the President

“It’s not just a crush, isn’t it? You actually think you’re in love, aren’t you?”

My gasp has the few other patrons glancing in our direction, and George now looks like it’s her dearest wish to melt into nothing.

“Professor, your voice!”

“But I’m right, aren’t I?”

“I...I...”

—feel suddenly protective, that’s what.

And so I find myself crossing my arms over my chest. “Who is it, really? Something must be wrong with him if you’re not willing—”

George’s eyes widen. “Mr. Steele!”

I whirl around in shock...and find myself staring at empty space because George has totally pranked me, grrr.

George only grins when I turn back to her with a glower. “I guess I’m not the only one denying about being in love—”

“Oh, please.”

“I really don’t see what you have anything against Mr. Steele,” George says, her fingers flying over the espresso machine buttons without even looking.

“I never said I have anything against him.”

“Then why—”

“We just know each other because of Annie. It’s all professional between us.”

George only looks at me like I’ve lost my mind, her gaze briefly sliding to what I realize too late is probably a faint mark on my neck from our last “professional” encounter.

“He took the time to ask me about your preference for coffee,” George points out. “Your favorite pastry. Your reading habits. Does that sound ‘professional’ to you?”

“It’s called doing a background check. Billionaires like him do it all the time. He just wants to make sure his sister isn’t exposed to unwanted influences.”

“He also asked if you ever came here with another man.”

He did?

No, wait, stop it, Jayne.

You’re not supposed to care because you’re not in love with him.

“I really think he’s into you, Prof.”

“No, he’s not.”

“Yes, he is.”

“Why do you sound so sure?”

“Because he just said so.”

George points to someone behind my back as she speaks, but this just has me rolling my eyes.

“Very funny, George.”

Does she really think she can make me fall for the same trick again?