Stone coughs as my gaze flies to him. How the fuck would she know I’m new to Texas? Unless… is he talking about me to her?!

No. Why would he?

But how else would she know?

“I’m liking it. The university is great, and it’s nice being back in Texas.”

“Oh, are you from here?”

“Dallas, actually. Lived there until I was in middle school.”

“Where’d you live after that?” The smile on her face is genuine, but she’s not as slick as she thinks she is.

“Molly…” Stone warns.

“What? I’m just making conversation.”

“It’s fine,” I reply. “Washington State. I attended Washington State University before moving here.”

Her face lights up, looking between Stone and me. “You know, Stone here used to be a professor there. Small world.”

I look at Stone, whose face is void of any emotion, and I can feel my blood pressure rising, and the need to flee is almost overwhelming. Molly probably means no harm, but fuck, that comment makes my blood boil.

“Yup. That was a long time ago. He left, though.” Turning my back on them, I’m happy to see the bartender has our drinks. I somehow manage to grab all four and speed walk back to the table without spilling anything.

The blood is whooshing in my ears, and it’s definitely too fucking crowded in here. I need to get some air. Smoke. Do something other than be in this bar with him.

“There you are!” Stella says with a smile. “We thought you’d got lost.”

“Sorry, guys. The bar was busy. Hey, I’m gonna go outside and have a smoke real quick. I’ll be back.”

I spin on my heels and beeline for the door without waiting for a response from them. My mind is racing, and so is my fucking pulse. I need air. And to be alone before I freak the fuck out. The warm night breeze hits my face, and I already feel like I can breathe easier. Pulling out a cigarette from the pack, I stick it between my teeth and light it. Inhaling slowly, my muscles relax as my lungs fill.

My head drops back on my shoulders, eyes closed, as I blow the smoke out. What are the fucking odds the first time I come out here, I run into him? Go fucking figure.

Footsteps sound behind me, and before turning around, I just know. I’ve always been able to sense his presence, as if the air around him has a different feel than everyone else. I don’t say anything, and I don’t open my eyes. A lighter flicks beside me. The menthol scent of a cigarette fills my senses, as does the familiar leather smell I’ve come to associate with him.

After what feels like hours, he finally breaks the silence. “Hey.”