Page 72 of Coming Clean
“Holding hands with you.Being out in public with you. I know it wasn’t the same as metelling the guys I served with or anyone else who might shun me,but—”
“No,” Jeremy interruptedhim. “It was a big deal, and I was honored.”
“You know what made me stopbeing afraid?” Connor asked.
Jeremy studied him tiltinghis head in a way that made his hair flop into his eyes.“What?”
Connor toyed with one ofthose errant locks. “So soft,” he murmured.
“Tell me why you held myhand.” Jeremy’s quiet plea was more than he couldresist.
“There was a guy looking atyou like he wanted you more than ice cream.”
Jeremy laughed.“Really?”
“Yes. That’s what gave meto courage to take your hand. I didn’t let go because I likedit.”
Jeremy kissed Connorgently. “I liked it too.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
A few days after thatamazing night with Connor, Jeremy’s phone rang as he was headingout to the coffee shop he’d been using like an office. He didn’trecognize the number but something made him answeranyway.
“May I speak to Dr.Parks?”
Jeremy was wary. Mostcallers used his first name unless they wanted money. “This ishe.”
“Dr. Parks, this is MelindaBraithwaite from Claxton University.”
Oh fuck. Claxton was theuniversity where he’d applied for a position, and Dr. Braithwaitewas the department head. “Good morning.”
“Indeed it is. I have thepleasure of offering you the assistant professorship.”
“You do? Oh, wow. Thankyou.” Jeremy had to sit down. He couldn’t believe how lucky he was.Yet he also felt vaguely ill, because as amazing as it was toreceive an offer, he didn’t want the job. For all that Claxton wasa step (or five) up the academic ladder from Wentworth, he doubtedthe students would be much more enthusiastic or the work any morerewarding. A few months ago, he was as desperate for a chance toescape, but now…
“You’re very welcome. Wewere quite impressed with you when you visited.”
“I’m so glad to hear that.”Wow. He’d had the impression that Dr. Braithwaite wasn’t easy toimpress.
“I’ll be sending you anofficial offer letter and a packet of information today. We’rehappy to answer any questions you might have.”
“Thank you.”Stall her. “I’llbe watching for the information. I’m sure I’ll have some questionsonce I’ve read it.” Like “how much willyou resent me turning it down?” Theacademic world was nothing if not petty.
“Wonderful. Hopefully wewill be working together soon.”
“Yes, thank youagain.”
Jeremy hung up. What waswrong with him? Dr. Braithwaite was warm and charming, so much morepersonable than Dr. Buxton, his current department chair. Claxtonwas an excellent school, and if he turned this offer down he’dprobably never get another one as good. But his heart wasn’t init.
Your heart is withConnor.
He did not want to admithow true that was, but it wasn’t the only reason he didn’t want thejob. Claxton was in Milwaukee. He hated the cold like he hatedasparagus, and he’d rather eat a live worm than a stalk ofasparagus.
He needed to call David andtalk it over. Usually, he knew exactly what David would advise, butnot this time.
You also need to callConnor.
Jeremy’s breakfast formed aheavy clump in his stomach. No way could he tell Connor he might bemoving, not when things were just getting really good forthem.
