James

James ended the conversation just as Thomas came down the hallway carrying suitcases. “What’s this?”

“A friend of Ms. Healy’s came with her luggage.”

“A friend?” James growled.

Thomas’ eyebrows popped up at his tone. “Yes, a Mr. Paul Westmore, I believe.”

“What? How the hell did he get passed security?”

Frowning now, Thomas studied him. “If I’m not mistaken,” he said cautiously, “you alerted them that someone would be bringing her things.”

“And they just open the gate for any scoundrel carrying a bag?”

Thomas opened his mouth to reply, but James was already halfway down the stairs before the words came out.

He couldn’t blame the man for being a little perplexed by his behavior. He was usually so calm and clearheaded. But that was before she walked into his life, and turned everything upside-down.

As he reached the foot of the stairs, he heard Paul say, “But come on, I could take you with me right now. You know your dad wouldn’t mind if you were with me.”

Son of a bitch.

James stormed over to the door. “For your trouble.” He stuck some cash into Paul’s hand and slammed the door in his face.

Katherine’ eyes were wide with shock. “Oh my God. What the fuck?” she yelled and reached for the door handle.

“Uh-uh,” James stepped in front of the door, and folded his arms over his chest. “Not happening.”

“I can’t believe you just did that. He was being nice. Went out of his way to bring me my things.”

“Out of his way? Ha!” James laughed, “Are you blind?”

“And what exactly is that supposed to mean?” With her hands on her hips, her chin raised, she stared at him with a look of warning in her eyes.

He ignored it. “He was here to get into your pant, and you apparently wanted to make it easy for him by not wearing any.”

Katherine gasped. “You have got some nerve,” she started, but James wasn’t done.

“I should probably alert security to expect hordes of guys coming by for their regular booty call,” he bit out. Now he was done.

He closed his eyes. Oh, he was so done. He had gone too far, stepped way over the line. He sucked in a deep breath before he dared to look back at Katherine, knowing she would be angry and insulted, but it was worse.

Never had anyone looked at him with such disappointment in their eyes. He felt like he had been punched in the gut. “Oh God, Katherine, I’m so fucking sorry. I didn’t mean that…”

“What? That you think I’m the campus slut?” Okay, she wasn’t just disappointed, she was also furious.

“No, I didn’t—”

She cut him off, “You judgmental son of a bitch. Hordes of guys? For your information, I’m a virgin.” She blurted and then blushed so profusely that he knew she was telling the truth.

He stared at her, speechless. For one, how on earth was that even possible? she was so fucking gorgeous, guys must be falling all over themselves to be with her, and with her reputation…Jesus Christ, he was a judgmental son of a bitch. “Shit.”

Katherine dragged a hand down her face. “Why do you care anyway?”

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that, I just…”

“What?” she narrowed her eyes on him. “Are you…are you jealous?”

Well, yes, but he couldn’t admit that, so he just ground his teeth and clenched his hands at his sides.

“James?” she said softly.

“You wouldn’t understand,” he said taking a step backwards.

“No, I understand. You’re scared.” She turned on her heel and left him by the door.

He wanted to follow her upstairs, but he didn’t. Instead he ordered Thomas to bring the car around and he left for work.

Fifteen minutes into the drive, he still hadn’t made any progress getting her off his mind.

She’d been so angry with him, and rightly so. He been a complete ass.

Would she call Paul to apologize? Maybe tell him the coast was clear and he could come back?

James clenched his fists so tight his knuckles turned white.

“Thomas, turn around, I need to get back to the house.”