Julian (Trinity Academy 4)

“I’m aware.”

Surprise flickers across his face. “How the hell do you manage to know everything?”

“I’m all-knowing,” I joke, then continue on a more serious note, “I ran into Jamie last night and checked on her this morning. I’m sure she’ll be fine.”

She gave me enough attitude to convince me of that.

Mason stares at me, and when I see the question on his face, I quickly add, “I was at Trinity to play the cello. Don’t even think of whatever you’re thinking now.”

“Think what?” he asks, the corner of his mouth lifting in a smirk.

“Mace, she’s practically a kid. I have zero interest.”

“Yeah?”

He keeps staring at me until I shake my head. “I ran into her. She needed help, so I made sure she got to her suite safely. That’s all there was to it.”

“I didn’t say there was more to it,” he says as he lets out a chuckle.

He leans a little forward, a resolute look settling on his face. I’m well aware of how intimidating most people find Mason when he gets serious, but having known him all his life, it doesn’t affect me in the slightest.

“You should start dating again, Julian. It’s time for you to move on.”

“It’s not because of Jen that I don’t date,” I explain, knowing if I don’t say something, he won’t stop. “I just haven’t met anyone who piques my interest.”

“Jennifer was practically perfect,” Mason boasts, drawing a chuckle from me.

“She was,” I agree.

“And Jamie?”

“What about her?” I ask, not happy he’s brought her up again.

“It might be my imagination, but I could swear I felt some tension between the two of you during dinner on Sunday.”

“Definitely your imagination,” I say, hoping no one else picked up on any vibes between Jamie and me.

“Hmm.” Mason leans back in his chair, a slight smile resting on his face. “She’s beautiful and comes from a good family. No one would blame you if you were interested in her.”

“Mace, what’s with the third-degree about the girl?” I ask, needing to kill the seed before it grows any further.

“I just want to see you happy.”

“Not with some kid. She’s eight years younger than me,” I state.

“So, you did the calculation already,” he jokes. “Stephanie is twelve years younger than your father.”

Surprised, I ask, “Have they made their relationship public?”

He lets out a burst of laughter. “No, of course not. But anyone can see they only have eyes for each other.” Mason begins to gather all his files, and as he gets up, he says, “Age is only a number. You’re both adults. If you like the girl, go for it.”

“I don’t like her. She annoys me,” I say with finality, needing to lay this subject to rest.

As Mason walks to the door, he adds, “Kingsley used to annoy the hell out of me as well, now look at us.”

“Go back to work, Mason,” I call after him, shaking my head.

Who would’ve thought I’d have a heart to heart with Mason about women?Chapter 9JamieAfter the bout of food poisoning, I’m feeling much better. I get ready for a date with Layla, Kingsley, and Lee, happy that I’ll be spending some time with them.

When I’m ready, I head up to the top floor. Knocking on their door, I’m surprised when a guy opens for me.

“Oh, hey. Is Layla or Kingsley here?”

He steps to the side. “Yes, let me call them. Come in.” He begins to walk away, then stops and awkwardly turns back to me. “I’m Preston Culpepper.”

“Nice to meet you.” I reach out a hand to him, knowing that if he’s sharing a suite with the girls, he must be important to Trinity Academy in some way. I’ve been learning about how the hierarchy works around here, seeing as students treat me with caution because I have a suite in The Hope Diamond building. When Preston takes my hand, I add, “I’m Jamie Truman.”

Pulling his hand away from mine, he walks toward one of the rooms and knocking on the door, says, “Kingsley, Jamie is here.”

“I’ll be right out,” she calls from inside.

Turning back to me, Preston gestures to the sofa. “Take a seat while you wait.”

“Thanks.” Before he can head back to his own room, I say, “You share the penthouse with Layla and Kingsley, so I assume you know Falcon, Mason, and Lake.”

Preston takes a seat across from me. “Oh yes, I’m their assistant.”

“Oh, cool, then you’ll know who my family is. That’s a relief, not having to explain it again.”

Preston lets out a chuckle, relaxing a little. “Yes, I know.” He gestures in the air. “The way things work at Trinity is intimidating at first, and it doesn’t help that everyone wants to know everything about you. No such thing as privacy here.”

I laugh because it’s so true. “It’s a different way of life. I come from a small town, so I’m not used to the world of the rich and famous.”