Kristi stared at Mai with new eyes and Mai lifted her chin just a fraction, as if she knew the wheels were turning in Kristi’s mind. “Yeah, I did. I’m doing a story on criminology. I’d like to interview you, get some of your credentials and background, then tie it all in to what you’re teaching here at All Saints. How what you discuss in the classroom could be applied to real police work. In the field kind of stuff. I was hoping for an interview with you, then maybe with a local detective, maybe even Kristi’s dad since he’s pretty famous and has helped with some cases on the campus.”

Kristi inwardly groaned. No wonder Mai had been buddying up to her. So much for true friendship.

Jay nodded. “I think I can help you.”

Mai smiled brightly at him and said, “Anytime. You name it.”

So Kristi was supposed to believe that Mai had just stumbled onto Jay here? Or had she seen his truck, watched him come in with Kristi last night, and decided to force an encounter this morning?

“I’ll have to check my schedule and get back to you,” Jay said. “I still have your number on my voice mail.”

“Oh. Sure.” Mai couldn’t hide her disappointment as her gaze slid to Bruno. “Your dog?” she asked Jay.

“Uh-huh.”

“He’s cute.” She lowered herself to one knee and scratched Bruno behind his big floppy ears.

Jay said, “Don’t tell him that. He thinks he looks fierce.”

Mai laughed and Kristi wondered if she’d ever take the hint and leave. “Okay, well…look, I’ll catch up with you later, Kristi.” Then she flashed a girlish smile at Jay. “Nice to meet you, Professor McKnight.”

Kristi said, “See ya,” as she pulled the door shut. She then gazed disgustedly at man and dog. “I distinctly remember telling you not to answer.”

“Embarrassed of me?”

“No…yes…Oh, I don’t know,” she admitted. “Look, I just don’t want it spread around campus that I sleep with my professors, okay?” She pushed her hair out of her eyes.

He nodded, but she could tell he wasn’t taking her seriously. “Your secret is safe with me.”

“It’s not you I’m worried about,” she pointed out, padding into the kitchen and opening the cupboard, though she knew she was out of coffee. “And admit it, you got off on opening the door.”

“Bristly this morning, aren’t we?”

“‘We’ had a short night. Remember?”

He came up behind her and circled her waist with his arms. “Vividly. And it was a great night,” he reminded her, his breath ruffling her hair.