Free Holiday Affair by Annie Seaton

the memory of their night together filled her thoughts. Lissy swallowed back the tears as she rummaged in her handbag for a rarely used compact, and then patted a little bit of natural beige powder onto her flushed cheeks. She drank a big glass of water from the cooler in the corner of her office and she felt a semblance of control return. She picked up her laptop and headed upstairs to the faculty administration offices.
    Nancy, Professor Andrews’ secretary, ushered her in, with a huge smile.
    “Lovely tan, Melissa. Did you have a nice break?” After a brief conversation, she entered the large office and joined Professor Andrews and Nick at a casual low table in the corner.
    “Professor Richards has carried out extensive research in the Pacific over the past two years, and we are proud to be associated with his final research paper.
    Dr. McIntyre, I want you to put your work aside for the rest of the semester and assist the professor with the final research and writing of the report. Your previous research will lead into his perfectly. I anticipate that the paper will acknowledge you as a co-author and that will look magnificent on your curriculum vitae. As you know, there is another associate professorship coming up later this year and you would be well placed to apply, as co-author of a report of this importance.”
    Nick sat quietly as Professor Andrews outlined the project to Lissy. He was polite and considerate and showed a keen interest in her previous research, asking several pertinent questions. Lissy stood to leave.
    “Thank you, Professor Andrews, that is a wonderful offer and I will give it serious thought,” she said. It was a golden opportunity to advance her academic career. To be an associate professor by thirty would be amazing.
    “Dr. McIntyre, you have misunderstood. It is a fait accompli,” replied Professor Andrews. “One of our new research assistants took over your project while you were on holiday. I have placed Professor Richards in the office next to yours and I expect you to start work together immediately. I am sorry if that inconveniences you.” He looked over his glasses at her, not looking the least bit sorry, more confused at her reluctance to take this opportunity.
    “I have also cancelled all leave for the rest of the semester as we are under funding pressure to get all of our research papers finalized by then.” Lissy looked at Nick, who was sitting there quietly and turned to Professor Andrews.
    “I would be delighted to work with Professor Richards, sir. I am sure we will forge a productive partnership.” Professor Andrews indicated he had another meeting to attend and as they left his office, Nick turned to Lissy.
    “Can I see you in your office, Dr. McIntyre?”
    “Certainly, give me ten minutes,” she said, her face expressionless, as they entered the corridor together.
    …
    A short time later, Nick tapped lightly on Lissy’s office door, unsure of the welcome he would receive. The damn woman confused him no end. Seeing her at his family home, obviously cozy with Tom, had given him a tight knot in his stomach.
    He had felt her sadness so strongly when they had dinner on the Island, and had no regrets about spending the night with her.He’d felt like an utter louse leaving her all rosy and sweetly asleep, but the strong attraction he felt to her had frightened him and he decided he was not going to risk his heart again . If he’d known he was going to see her again…
    He ran his hand through his hair, still not used to the short haircut his mother had given him last night. He had gone to the farm on his motorcycle after Lissy had closed the door on him, hoping the ride would clear his head.
    “Dominic, you look like a bum.” Tessa tapped his head with the clippers. “You need to look like a professor.” He enjoyed sitting in front of the fire as his mother cut his hair and caught him up on all the family news.
    “What about Tomas, Mama? Is this a serious