CHAPTER ONE

PRESENT DAY

NICOLE

“Did you hear the news?” Becca asks while I finish packing for the trip back to campus this weekend for our five-year college reunion. Switching the phone to my other ear, I brace it against my shoulder as I fold another shirt.

“No, what news?”

“Dr. Hill’s wife cheated on him.”

My phone falls to the floor, clattering against the hardwood, and I scramble to pick it up, swearing I misunderstood. “Excuse me?”

“Professor Hill's wife cheated on him with the men’s basketball coach.”

“Coach Morley?” Sure, he's attractive in that too-lanky, former basketball player kind of way, but he's no Professor Hill with his broad shoulders and piercing brown eyes.

“Yeah, Morley and Mrs. Hill, or whatever her last name's gonna be. I found out from Mrs. Everly after we chatted about the reunion. I guess it happened last year, but their divorce was finalized last month.”

“Oh my god,” I say, sitting on the edge of my mattress in shock.

Why the hell would Cora fuck Coach Morley when she had the best man on campus in love with her? Like capital L-O-V-E. Dr. Hill was completely devoted to her happiness based on everything I saw. Which was a lot because Cora also worked on campus in admissions.

I can't imagine him doing anything to warrant such a betrayal—not that anybody could.

Cheating is a deal breaker for me. If you don't want to be with somebody, you break it off. You don't lie, sneak around behind someone's back, and fuck someone else. I saw the consequences of that in my own family to never wish it on another person.

And while people say there are usually two sides to every story, especially when it comes to relationships, I'm firmly on Professor Hill's side.

Becca continues talking in the background, but at this point, it's just a staticky thrum as my thoughts race.

I feel bad for Professor Hill, but another part of me—a totally inappropriate part—wonders if this weekend isn't meant for bigger things than catching up with old friends.

Because I've always had a secret crush on my professor.

It was a hopeless admiration because I never would have acted on it. He was married and in love, and his loyalty and commitment were what made me adore him so much.

But now he's single.

Free.

Officially divorced.

The ink may have barely dried on the documents, but it's been at least a year since he's been with his wife.

Surely that's enough time to overcome old feelings…

To heal from a cheating spouse…

Right?

Catching my reflection in the bedroom mirror, hope blooms in my cheeks as possibilities swirl around my head. Dr. Hill is single, and so am I.

Suddenly, this weekend has gotten a whole lot more exciting.

If I choose to take a risk and reveal my feelings, who knows what could happen?