Mr. Donovan dressed casually to this meeting. His faded denim button-down was slightly wrinkled and his sleeves were rolled to the elbow, revealing a brilliant assortment of colorful tattoos snaking down muscular forearms. His olive green pants hugged his trunk-like thighs and tapered at a pair of worn Timberland boots. He was a brunette with strands of blond streaked by the sun. Most of it was gathered in a bun at the back of his head, but some locks framed his face. Something about those locks bothered Victoria. She didn’t know why her fingers itched to smooth them back or pulled the whole bun loose. Perhaps loose hair went better with the well-groomed beard that covered his angular jaw.

“My apologies for being tardy.”

Victoria jumped from her seat and crossed the room. What drove her to be so quick with her greeting, she didn’t quite know. A magnetism drew her to him, made her extend her hand, and look up at him in wonder. “Mr. Donovan.”

His green eyes twinkled with humor as he took her hand in his. A calloused thumb swept over her fingers, sending a shiver up her arm. “It’s nice to meet you,” he said softly.

Victoria reluctantly pulled away and gestured to the chair before her desk. “Please, take a seat and let’s get started.” She was conscious of the way she moved as she made her way behind the large metal desk, back to the safety of her chair. She quieted the swing of her hips as she walked. She noticed he waited until she was seated before taking his own. He looked entirely too large for the chair used for guests and students. Really, he was too large for her small office. His energy flooded every square inch of the room, mingling with her own nervous energy. Yes, he was attractive, but it didn’t have to rattle Victoria like it did. She was still a professional in the face of such blatant handsomeness.

Business first. Jesus, business only. She took a breath and gave him a polite smile. “Traffic delay?” Being passive aggressive was one of her many gifts. She got it from her mother. If she could keep a little haughtiness in her voice, perhaps the words wouldn’t come out so shaky.

John shook his head. “Nope, pretty light out there.”

He didn’t sound like he was going to explain his tardiness. “Right.”

“So you’re Professor Reese...”

Victoria narrowed her eyes, focusing on his face and not his body. The tiny lines at the corners of his eyes became visible every time he smiled. His jaw quirking at an angle as his full lips pursed. He was trying to size her up. Pin her down. The very thought made Victoria squeeze her thighs together. “Were you expecting someone else?” she asked, immediately feeling defensive.