Chapter 19

Spotting the silvery strands in Damon's hair, Alexia felt a swell of emotion that words couldn't touch. Her greeting came out earnest and quiet.

A gentle smile broke across Damon's face, his eyes gleaming as memories came rushing back.

Alexia had always stood out as his brightest student.Years ago,learning she'd walked away from biology for marriage had left him simmering with disappointment.

Family mattered most to Alexia-sometimes to the point of obsession. That much, no one dared challenge.

That same devotion, however, left her wide open to disappointment.

With a light squeeze to her shoulder, Damon gave her a welcoming pat. "Glad to see you again. Let's eat."

He'd gone all out, ordering a spread of her favorites.Tasting the familiar díshes, Alexia felt a gentle warmth seep into her chest.

Not once had the Jenkins family shown this kind of care for her likes or dislikes. Funny-her old professor remembered better than any of them ever had.

Ada and Nolan settled quietly into their seats. They concentrated on their food, wisely steering clear of the exchange.

Breaking the comfortable silence, Damon leaned forward. "You wouldn't believe the excitement in Afoross these days. Conferences, research breakthroughs, new contracts-our institute just landed a series of major projects. All of them trace back to that thesis you published back in the day."

Alexia's fork paused midway, surprise freezing her hand. "That's a big compliment. Sounds like a lot on your plate, though."

A sharp snort escaped Damon. "Another reason I need you back in the lab. These aren't just any projects.What we're doing is about to shake up the whole field.It's a technologícal revolution, and you could be at the center of it."

Yet even his enthusiasm failed to move Alexia. She nibbled her food, unhurried. "I've been out of the biotech loop. At best,I could do a few guest lectures.That's all I'm willing to promise."

Finance had swallowed her life for two years now.

Saving the Jenkins family, salvaging their reputation -those had consumed every waking thought. Science belonged to another version of herself.

With a dramatic sigh, Damon tossed up his hands."You're downplaying your talent again! If you hadn't married that useless man, you'd be a leader in the field by now. Instead of wasting time in that joke of a marriage, you could have been making breakthroughs.You deserve better-good riddance to him."

Ada chimed in with a grin, "That's right! With Roger out of the picture, maybe you'll finally spot a decent guy. Prof. Ellis, you must know some decent bachelors. Maybe set her up?"

Damon chuckled, eyes twinkling. "Actually, I might.But only if she's willing to put herself back out there."

Alexia shook her head,putting an end to that line of talk. "Not interested. I have other things on my mind."

An eager gleam appeared in Damon's eyes. "Does that mean you're ready to come back to work?"

Caught beneath the weight of their eager stares,Alexia let out a resigned breath. "Alright. I'll come to work."

Delight danced in the professor's eyes as he snapped his fingers, barely able to contain his excitement."That's settled, then. By next month at the latest,I want your paperwork done and your position official.Nolan, fetch the contract."

Without hesitation, Nolan reached over, unzipped his backpack, and produced a folder. He slid it and a pen smoothly across the table to Alexia.

Those graceful, deliberate movements gave Alexia the unsettling sense that this had all been arranged well in advance.

No sooner had she touched the pen than Damon leaned back with his coffee, his tone breezy. "And if you ever find yourself wanting to date again, maybe give Waylon a try."

Her grip faltered, pen nearly scrawling across the page."What?"

Damon's eyes glimmered with mischief. "Come on,you know what I'm talking about. I know you and Waylon have history. If he wasn't still holding out hope, would he have funneled all those prestigious research grants into our department? I've heard the gossip. It's obvious who he's hoping to impress."

The shock left Alexia frozen, a tangle of emotion knotting in her chest.

Had Waylon really been quietly involved in her life all this time?

Disbelief flashed across Ada's face. "You're kidding.That doesn't sound like him Waylon at all!"

With an indifferent shrug, Damon brushed it off."That's for you to worry about. Either way, the deal with the government's already in ink."

After the meal, Alexia and Ada made their way out together.

Damon stretched out on the couch, tossing a look Nolan's way. "So, what's it like meeting Alexia in person?"

Sliding the signed contract into his backpack, Nolan replied, "She's even more striking in real life than in the pictures."

A laugh erupted from Damon. "No surprise there.When she was still on campus, half the students were smitten. It's no wonder Waylon..." He stopped himself,then spoke with extra weight. "Things get messy at Afoross University. Keep an eye on her. Make sure nothing happens."

Nolan tugged his cap further down, his bag slung over one shoulder. "Relax. I won't let anyone mess with her."

Ada navigated the car through city traffic, taking Alexia home.

While they waited at a red light, Ada glanced over and caught Alexia typing rapidly on her phone. "Who's got your attention?"