“Oof, that’s rough,” Paula said, matching his nonchalant tone. “But an easy fix. I’m sure you can slip a sentence diagraming lesson in between Othello and Hamlet readings. I’ve got some worksheets if you need help.”

With her back to Williams, Victoria let a giggle slip. If throwing shade was a sport, then her friend knocked it out of the park. She admired Paula’s quick tongue and verbal sparring skills.

As Kenneth prepared his cup of coffee, he stared between the two of them. “Well don’t let me stop you from doing your job, Ms...”

Paula smiled sweetly. “Paula is fine.” She turned to Victoria. “I’ll see you later to continue our discussion.”

Victoria held her hot container and grinned. “Colliding combustible elements?”

“Exactly,” she said with a wink. As she walked past Kenneth, she gave him a friendly wave. “Have a good one, Mr. Williams.”

Kenneth’s lips puckered in annoyance as Paula sashayed out the door. He turned his attention and ire on Victoria. “Dr. Reese, could I have a quick word with you?”

“What’s on your mind?” Victoria asked, setting her lunch on the counter. She braced herself for a snarky exchange when all she wanted to do was enjoy her crunchy lasagna in peace.

“Your Four-Week Initiative proposal,” he said coolly. Arrogance dripped from his words as his cold gray eyes regarded her. “Specifically, the man you’re working for.”

Though her heart was beating fast, she faced him head on and crossed her arms over her chest. “John Donovan.”

“Right, that man. I perceived something amiss when I saw you last Friday. I do hope I’m not misinterpreting the nature of your relationship...”

Don’t get angry. Hide your shade behind a smile. Be like Paula. “What do you think you perceived, Kenneth?” If he was going to bring this silliness to her doorstep, she was going to make him say it in plain language.

Kenneth shrugged carelessly as he smoothed down his tie. “I don’t wish to tell tales out of school, but it appeared that you two were discussing more than internships.”

Victoria’s jaw clenched. “Did it?”

“I hope this little tendre for the librarian doesn’t cloud your judgement. As academics, we require a certain amount of objectivity when it comes to presenting our findings. By the way, how are your internship findings?”

The mother-effing gall of this man... A quiet storm of fury built in Victoria’s chest. Rage radiated to each limb of her body and pulsed like magma right below her skin. “Kenneth, I find this line of questioning entirely too inappropriate,” she said through her teeth. “My tendres, as you call them, are none of your business and have no bearing on my work at Pembroke University. Would you ask a male colleague these questions?”