I'm walking back from the library Friday afternoon when Liam appears. Not by chance. He's waiting, leaning against a tree near the path I always take, arms crossed, face hard.
I see him and consider turning around, taking a different route. But I'm tired of avoiding him, so I keep walking.
"Avery."
I don't stop. He pushes off the tree and falls into step beside me.
"We need to talk."
"No, we don't."
"Yes. We do." His voice is tight, controlled. "I saw you yesterday, coming out of my father's office."
My stomach drops, but I keep my expression neutral. "So? I have a research project with him."
"At 11 AM? When he doesn't have office hours?"
"He made time for me. That's what professors do."
"Bullshit." He grabs my arm, not hard, but firm enough to stop me. "I know what you're doing."
I yank my arm free. "Don't touch me."
"Then talk to me."
"There's nothing to talk about."
