“No. It’s not about college, damn it. This is about our future together.”

Her mouth dropped open, her green eyes like jewels blinking back at me. “Stop it, Ryan,” she snapped after a long, silent moment. Reaching behind her, she opened the door and got out of the car. Unable to stand the physical distance she was putting between us, I jumped out after her and followed as she stomped toward the little pond.

“Stop what?” I yelled, causing her to halt in her tracks.

Nova turned to face me, her hands on her hips, her breaths coming in angry pants that caused her tits to bounce and my mouth to water. “Stop giving me hope when I know there is none. I’ve tried so hard not to let what I feel bleed over into our friendship. But it’s impossible. I can’t pretend anymore. And now…” Her voice drifted off as she lowered her gaze to the ground. “I’m not a robot, okay? As much as I wish I could flip a switch and turn it off, I can’t. I’m only human.”

Were we even having the same conversation?

Not a single word that had left her mouth made sense to me, but the tears I could see glittering in her eyes made my knees weak. “What’s impossible? Tell me, and I’ll make it possible, Nova. Just say it, and it’s yours.”

She closed her eyes. “You—”

My phone ringing from my pants pocket cut her off, and her mouth snapped shut. Cursing, I pulled out the phone and sent the caller to voice mail without looking at the screen. But no sooner did the noise stop than it started again.

Annoyed, I flipped it over and nearly growled when I saw it was my personal assistant. Wondering what she’d fucked up this time, I answered. “What now?”

“M-M-Mr. Vitucci, s-sir,” CeCe stuttered at my sharp tone. “Th-there was a…”

“Spit it out already!” I bit out, impatient to get this over with so I could get back to Nova and more important matters.

“There was a break-in at the office, sir. Th-the cops are here and waiting to speak with you.”

“What was stolen?” I demanded.

“That is unclear at the moment. But both your office and my own were turned upside down.” Her voice still held a quiver, but she seemed more confident in speaking by the second. “Security is showing the cops the video feed right now.”

“Who the fuck called the cops to begin with?” Any theft would be handled in-house. The cops were worthless and would only put their noses in shit that was none of their business.

“I-I did, s-sir. I…I th-thought—”

“You didn’t think, period, CeCe,” I bit out. “We will discuss this when I return.”

“Y-yes, sir,” she muttered meekly. “What should I do in regard to the police?”

“I’m on my way. Tell them I will meet them at the police station tomorrow morning. Get their information and tell them to get the fuck out of my building.” I hung up even as she stuttered out another affirmative.