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as a horse. At six foot six, he towered over most men, including Malik, which is why he’d always managed to put the fear of God into him as a youth.
    â€œAndrew just dropped by to discuss the upcoming ‘Feed the Homeless’ event before we were interrupted,” Malik said, eyeing Theresa.
    â€œWell, if you weren’t acting like such a horse’s behind,” Theresa retorted, “I wouldn’t have had to interrupt you.”
    â€œWhat’s going on?” Andrew looked at his two former colleagues.
    â€œThere’s a volunteer that is not suited for the center,”Malik responded. He had no problem discussing the situation with his mentor. He valued Andrew’s opinion. Because of him, he’d taken an interest in community service.
    â€œDoes he or she have a criminal background or health issues?” Andrew inquired.
    â€œWell…not that I know of.” Malik had no real cause to disapprove of Peyton Sawyer, other than that she was a tease.
    â€œShe’s a great candidate,” Theresa spoke up and closed the door behind her. “She’s a professor at NYU and has encouraged many of her students to volunteer at the center. They’re in orientation right now.”
    â€œSo your beef is personal?” Andrew asked.
    â€œShe turned him down for a date,” Theresa revealed.
    Andrew turned to Malik. “So she damaged your ego. Is that it?”
    â€œBefore she knew who I was, she insulted me. Peyton Sawyer probably thought I was a lowly bohemian, and beneath her, a college-educated professor. I don’t want that kind of person at the center. The people here need help. I won’t have her making them feel inferior.”
    â€œDon’t you think you might be overreacting a tad?” Andrew asked. He’d known Malik for years and this wouldn’t be the first time he’d seen his protégé’s quick temper. “You do recall your behavior a few months ago with Quentin, don’t you? Why don’t you go talk to the woman—you know? See what she’s truly about before you leap to judgment. I think you could stand to learn a lesson from the past.”
    Trust Andrew to be so rational, so logical. Malik supposed that’s why he looked up to him. Andrew had been the only father figure he had ever had. His biological father had skipped town shortly after he wasborn, leaving his mother to raise him on her own. That’s until she hooked up with his stepfather Joe Johnson. Did growing up in Joe’s shadow give him his fiery temper?
    â€œFine, I’ll talk to her,” Malik conceded, “but I make no guarantees.”
    â€œThat’s all I ask,” Theresa said, and then winked at Andrew.
    Â 
    NYU was Malik and Sage’s old stomping grounds. He loved the carnival-like atmosphere of Washington Square Park, with the dog-walkers, skateboarders, musicians and chess players. He’d called ahead to find out Peyton Sawyer’s next class time and headed straight there. Class hadn’t yet started, so Malik was able to blend in with the other one hundred or so students waiting to hear her lecture.
    Malik was surprised when Peyton arrived in a short black skirt that revealed a generous amount of leg, and a sleeveless blue knit top that showed off her buff arms. Instead of prim and proper in tweeds and a button-down shirt, like most NYU professors. Malik was sure all the young men in the room were salivating just as he was.
    Malik was mesmerized as he watched Peyton lecture for the next hour, and not just because of her sheer beauty, but more so because she showed a genuine passion for her work. He rarely saw that kind of enthusiasm. Her students’ response and the discussion were a clear indication of how much she stimulated their minds. Malik was impressed.
    â€œYour first paper will be due in two weeks. In a few days, my assistant will have the lecture notes online.”
    Malik waited until after