Bruce had always been well-liked at the university. Smart, polite, and respected, he fit in perfectly.
Everyone saw him as the kind of man who belonged in a place like this.
Amber knew him better than most. They had worked together on several research projects. She had seen his sharp mind in action and admired his calm, professional energy.
That's why it hit her hard when she saw the way he looked at Austin.
His eyes were warm. Focused. Like he truly admired her.
Amber didn't have feelings for Bruce.
But seeing him that genuinely impressed by Austin made something tighten in her chest.
To her, Austin was supposed to be the outsider. The one still trying to prove herself.
Not the woman standing there so confident, so composed. Like she actually belonged.
And the
