When my gaze lands on Stone again, I swear I see regret or guilt flash through his eyes, but it’s gone before I can be sure. “Cash, I—”

“Don’t worry, teach. I didn’t know you were here. I didn’t follow you here. I had no fucking clue. If I did, I wouldn’t have come.”

He looks annoyingly good. Five years has done him kindly. His black hair is styled back, out of his face, and his facial hair is still thick and black. He’s wearing an impeccable navy-blue suit that’s more than likely tailored to fit his tall, chiseled body perfectly, and his tie is a rich maroon that somehow makes his brown eyes look sharper.

“Of course not,” he rasps. His voice both feeding my starving soul and ripping out my heart simultaneously. How can this man still have such a pull on me after all these years? “That’s not what I was going to say. I was going to say, I just got back to work. I had no idea you were coming.”

“So Janet said.”

His hands are clasped on top of his fancy ass desk. “When did you get in?”

“I got into town Saturday. Today’s my first day.”

He swallows harshly, my gaze zeroing in on his Adam’s apple as it bobs, and I hate myself for it.

“Well, uh, how have you been?”

“You know, can we not with the pathetic small talk? If there is something you need to go over with me professionally, by all means, please do. But as for the small talk, I’d rather not.”

Clearing his throat, he nods his head curtly once. “No, of course. I understand. I assume Janet has already given you the tour and showed you where your class will be?”

“She did.”

“And you filled out all the paperwork with her already?”

“Yes, sir.” Immediately, I regret the ‘sir.’ The memory of me calling him that while on my knees seems to dawn on him at the exact moment as it does me. His eyes quickly avert my gaze.

“Alright. Well, that’s all I would’ve needed to go over with you today, anyway. So, you’re excused. Classes begin next Monday, but feel free to use this time to get your room ready, or whatever you need to do to prepare. I’m here if there’re any issues… or Janet, if you’d prefer.”

“Thank you, Dean Philips.” Standing, I make my way to the door, but before I can reach for the handle, he clears his throat.

“Oh, and uh, Cash?”

Without turning to face him, I respond. “Yes?”

“Congratulations on the job. Janet’s right… we’re happy to have you.”