Coming Soon Follow the continuing story of Gabriel and Julia in the highly anticipated sequel to Gabriel’s Inferno, coming soon from Omnific Publishing. Prologue 20 страница

Chapter 29

Julia awoke the next day to find Gabriel sitting on the edge of the bed, fully dressed and watching her. She yawned slightly and stretched in the rays of sunlight that streamed in from between the blinds. “Good morning. ” She smiled. He leaned over and pulled her into a warm embrace. “I’ve been up and about, but I returned a little while ago to check on you. You’re very peaceful when you sleep. ” He kissed her sweetly, then walked to the closet to retrieve a sweater. Julia rolled onto her stomach and shamelessly ogled him, admiring the way his dress shirt skimmed across his shoulders. From her current vantage point, she could also admire his backside, hugged as it was by his black jeans. Now that’s a damn fine derriè re, she thought. Gabriel peered at her over his shoulder. “What was that? ” “I didn’t say anything. ” His lips pulled inward, as if he were restraining a grin. “Oh, really? ” He walked over and leaned down to whisper in her ear. “I didn’t know that you were an ass girl. ” “Gabriel! ” Somewhat embarrassed at having been caught, she smacked his arm lightly, and they both began to laugh. He caught her around the waist and pulled her onto his lap. “However, I would like to state unequivocally that my ass is quite flattered. ” “Oh really? ” She arched an eyebrow. “Extremely. And he wishes for me to convey his very best greetings and—ah—he looks forward to making your acquaintance in a more personal manner when we’re in Florence. ” Julia shook her head at him and leaned forward, begging for a kiss. She was rewarded with a brief but tender exchange before Gabriel pulled back. He grew serious all of a sudden. “I need to talk to you about a couple of things. ” She chewed at her lip and waited. “Simon has been arrested and there are multiple charges. His father has dispatched the family attorney to save him, and there are rumors of a plea bargain. ” “Really? ” “Apparently, the senator wishes to keep the sordid story out of the news. Scott placed a call to the prosecutor and received his assurance that your case will be given a very high priority. Scott emphasized that all of us would like to see the outcome include prison and not some sort of halfway house or treatment program. But given Simon’s connections, I think prison is unlikely. ” Julia made a mental note to thank Scott for speaking up for her. “What about you? Are you in danger? ” Gabriel grinned. “The Talbot family lawyer made noises about pressing charges. Thankfully, my brother had a short but illuminating conversation with him, pointing out that the press would be very interested in hearing my side of the story, as well as yours. I won’t be charged. Needless to say, everyone involved is now sick of Scott. ” Julia closed her eyes and exhaled slowly. The thought of something happening to Gabriel was painful, especially since she’d brought this trouble to them both. “I need to take a shower and get dressed, ” she said, opening her eyes. Gabriel gave her a heated look and trailed a single finger down the length of her arm. “I would dearly like to shower with you, but I’m afraid such an act would scandalize my relations. ” Julia shivered. “Well, I can’t have you scandalizing your relations, Professor Emerson. ” “Indeed, Miss Mitchell. It would be most shocking. Most shocking. So in the interest of decorum, my very flattered ass and I will forego showering with you. ” He leaned forward, his eyes glowing. “For now. ” She laughed, and he left her to her daily ablutions. When Julia returned to her bedroom after her shower, she found Gabriel hovering in the hallway. “Is something wrong? ” He shook his head. “I wanted to be sure you didn’t trip or something. Where are your crutches? ” “In my room. I’m okay, Gabriel. ” She limped past him. When she found her hairbrush, she began to pull it awkwardly through her long, tangled tresses. “Let me do that. ” Gabriel walked toward her and took the hairbrush from her hand. “You’re going to brush my hair? ” “Why not? ” He pulled out a chair and encouraged her to sit down, and then he stood behind her and slowly began to run his fingers from crown to ends, disentangling her hair manually. Julia closed her eyes. Gabriel continued for a moment or two before bringing his lips to her ear. “Does this please you? ” She hummed at him, her eyes still closed. He chuckled and shook his head. She was so sweet and easy to please. And he wanted to please her, desperately. When all the tangles had been removed, he gently stroked the brush through her hair, working slowly, section by section. Never in her wildest dreams had Julia imagined Gabriel as a hairdresser. But there was something instinctual about the way he touched her, and the feeling of his long fingers coaxing her hair made her skin warm. She could only imagine the joys that awaited her in Florence when she would be able to enjoy all of him. Naked. She crossed her legs quickly. “Am I enticing you, Miss Mitchell? ” his honeyed voice whispered. “No. ” “Then I must not be doing this correctly. ” He restrained a chuckle and slowed his movements through her hair, pressing his lips to the edge of her ear. “Although my true purpose is to make you smile. ” “Why are you so kind to me? ” His fingers stilled. “That’s an extraordinary question to ask your lover. ” “I mean it, Gabriel. Why? ” He moved his fingers through her hair again. “You’ve been kind to me since the first time I met you. Why wouldn’t I be? Don’t you think you deserve to be treated with kindness? ” Julia elected not to pursue her original question further. Despite the fact that she’d been overwrought the night before, she remembered confessing her love to him at the hospital. But her declaration had not been returned. This is enough, she thought. His actions, his kindness, his protection. This is more than enough. I don’t need the words. Julia loved him so much it hurt; she’d always loved him, and her love had burned so brightly that even during her darkest days its luminosity had not died. But Gabriel didn’t seem to return her love. When he’d finished with her hair, he insisted on making her lunch. Afterward, they sat together in the kitchen, making plans for the evening, until the telephone rang and Richard walked in, carrying the cordless phone. “It’s your father, ” he said, handing the phone to Julia. Gabriel intercepted it and covered the mouthpiece with his hand. “You don’t have to talk to him. I’ll take care of it. ” “We’ll have to talk eventually. ” Julia slipped off the bar stool and hobbled on her crutches into the dining room. Richard shook his head at his son. “You can’t get in between Julia and Tom. ” “He hasn’t been much of a father. ” “He’s the only father she has. And she is the light of his life. ” Gabriel’s eyes narrowed. “If he cared for her at all, he would have protected her. ” Richard placed a hand on his shoulder. “Parents make mistakes. And sometimes, it’s easier to place your head in the sand than to admit that your child is in trouble. And that it’s your fault. I know this from personal experience. ” Gabriel pursed his lips but said nothing. Within ten minutes, Julia returned. Despite Richard’s continued presence in the kitchen, Gabriel drew her into a hug and kissed her cheek. “Is everything okay? ” “My dad wants to take me to dinner tonight, ” she blurted. Richard seemed to recognize her admission as his exit cue, so he retreated upstairs to his study. “Do you want to see him? ” “It’s going to be uncomfortable. But I said I would go. ” “Julianne, you don’t have to do anything. I’ll take you to dinner, instead. ” She shook her head. “He’s trying, Gabriel. He’s my father. I have to give him a chance. ” Gabriel shook his head in frustration but elected not to argue with her. At six o’clock sharp, Tom Mitchell appeared on the Clark’s doorstep wearing a tie with a dress shirt and trousers. He tugged at his tie nervously. He wasn’t used to wearing one. But for Julia… Richard quickly welcomed him into the living room and entertained him while they waited for Julia to come downstairs. “Are you sure you want to go? ” Gabriel was reclining on his bed, watching Julia apply lipstick with the use of her compact. “I’m not going to stand up my own father. Besides, Rachel is dragging Richard to see a chick flick, and you’re going out with the guys. I’d end up sitting here all alone. ” Gabriel pushed himself off the bed and walked over to her, wrapping his arms around her waist. “You wouldn’t be alone. You’d be with me. And I do know how to keep a lady entertained. ” He began pressing wet kisses behind her ear to try to persuade her. “You’re stunning, ” he whispered. She blushed. “Thank you. ” “Rachel found you a scarf. ” He fingered the edge of a blue silk Hermè s design that his sister had artfully wrapped around Julia’s neck to conceal her bite mark. “It was Grace’s, ” said Julia softly. “A gift from Richard. ” “Richard liked to spoil her. Especially in Paris. ” “You are very like him. ” She stood on tiptoe to press a kiss to his cheek. “Wait till we arrive in Florence. ” He pulled her close and kissed her passionately before releasing her. “So what will you be doing with the guys? Not a—strip club? ” She looked up at him through her eyelashes, looking a great deal too adorable. Gabriel frowned. “Do you think I’d do that? ” “Isn’t that what boys do on their nights out? ” He caressed her cheek with the back of his hand. “Do you think Rachel would approve of such an excursion? ” “No. ” “And what about me, do you think that’s what I want? ” Julia looked away and didn’t answer. “Why would I go look at other women when the most beautiful woman in the world shares my bed every night? ” he protested, kissing her lightly. “The only woman I want to see naked is you. ” Julia giggled. “What was my question? I can’t remember what I was asking you. ” He smirked. “Good. Come here. ”
***
Later that evening, when the house was dark and everyone had retired, Julia slipped into Gabriel’s room wearing a simple blue nightshirt. He was sitting in bed reading. He was shirtless and wearing his glasses, his knees bent up casually. “Why, hello there. ” He smiled, placing The End of the Affair on his nightstand. “You look lovely. ” She placed her crutches to one side and fingered her nightshirt gratefully. “Thanks for going to my dad’s to pick up my things. ” “You’re welcome. ” He held out his hand, and she crawled into bed next to him. He kissed her before he noticed that she was still wearing Grace’s Hermè s scarf. He tugged on one of the ends of it. “Why are you still wearing this? ” Julia lowered her eyes. “I don’t want you to have to look at my scar. ” He lifted her chin. “You don’t need to hide from me. ” “It’s ugly. I don’t want to remind you. ” He stared deeply into her eyes, searchingly. Then he slowly undid the scarf. He pulled on it so that it gently brushed across the back of her neck and fell into his hand. She felt herself goose-pimple from the sensuous trail of silk across her skin, coupled with Gabriel’s blazing gaze. He placed the scarf on his nightstand and leaned over to press his lips against the mark repeatedly. “We both have scars, Julianne. Mine just aren’t on the skin. ” “I wish we didn’t, ” she whispered. “I wish I was perfect. ” Gabriel shook his head sadly. “Do you like Caravaggio? ” “Very much. His painting of The Sacrifice of Isaac is my favorite. ” He nodded. “I always preferred The Incredulity of St. Thomas. Richard has a copy of it in his study. I was looking at it today. ” “I always thought that painting was—strange. ” “It is strange. Jesus appears to St. Thomas after the resurrection, and Thomas places his finger in the spear wound in Jesus’ side. It’s quite profound. ” Julia did not see the profundity, so she remained quiet. “If you want to wait until your scar disappears, Julianne, you’ll wait forever. Scars never disappear. Caravaggio’s painting made that point clear to me. Scars might heal and we might forget about them in time, but they’re permanent. Not even Jesus lost his scars. ” Gabriel rubbed his hand across his chin thoughtfully. “If I’d troubled myself to stop being selfish, I would have realized that. And I would have treated Grace and my family with greater care. I would have treated you with greater care in September and October. ” He cleared his throat. “I hope that you’ll forgive me for the scars I’ve given you. I know that they’re many. ” Julia crawled into his lap and kissed him forcefully. “You were forgiven a long time ago and for far more than leaving scars. Please, let’s not speak of this again. ” The two almost-lovers shared a quiet moment before Gabriel asked her how her evening went. Julia squirmed. “He cried. ” Gabriel’s eyebrows shot up. Tom Mitchell cried? I don’t believe it. “He described what he found at the house. And when I told him what happened before you rescued me, he cried. I told him about some of the fights and the things he used to say to me. And my Dad cried, right in the middle of a fancy restaurant. ” She shook her head. “We both cried. It was a mess. ” Gabriel pushed her hair out of her face so that he could see her better. “I’m sorry. ” “There were some things I needed to say, and he listened—maybe for the first time in my life. At least he’s trying. That’s a big step already. And when all of that was out of the way, we talked about you. He wanted to know how long we’ve been seeing one another. ” “And what did you say? ” “I said that we hadn’t been seeing one another for very long but that I…liked you. I told him that you’d done a lot for me and that I cared about you. ” “Did you tell him how I feel about you? ” She wore a shy expression. “Well, I left out the part about you wanting to make love to me in Florence, but I said that I thought that you liked me. ” Gabriel frowned. “I like you? Really, Julianne, is that the best you could do? ” She shrugged. “He’s my dad. He doesn’t want to hear the sentimental stuff. He wants to know if you’re still doing drugs and getting into fights. And if you’re monogamous with me. ” Gabriel winced. She hugged him tightly. “Of course, I told him that you were a model citizen and that you treated me like a princess. That I don’t deserve you. ” “Well, that’s a lie. ” He kissed her forehead. “I don’t deserve you. ” “Nonsense. ” They kissed softly for a moment or two, and Gabriel took off his glasses and placed them on top of his book. He turned out the light and spooned her blissfully. Just as they were drifting off to sleep, Julia whispered, “I love you. ” When he didn’t respond, she assumed he was already dreaming. She sighed quietly and closed her eyes, snuggling backward against his chest. A strong arm flexed across her waist, pulling her tighter still. She heard him inhale deeply and pause. “Julianne Mitchell, I love you too. ”

Chapter 30

Julia awoke the next morning to the feel of something warm pressed close to her heart and a gentle breeze of breath across her neck. Upon closer inspection, she realized that Gabriel’s large hand was cupping her right breast as they spooned together. She giggled and shifted against his grasp. He growled at her sudden movement. “Good morning, Gabriel. ” “Morning, beautiful. ” His lips found her cheek and kissed it. “I take it you…slept well. ” “Very well. And you? ” “Well, thank you. ” “Does this bother you? ” His hand caressed her gently through her nightshirt. “No. It feels good. ” She rolled over to face him. He slid his hand to the small of her back so he could pull her into a deep kiss. “Julianne. ” He brushed a few wisps of hair out of her eyes. “There’s something I would like to say to you. ” Her brow furrowed. He traced a single finger across her eyebrows, smoothing out the worry lines. “Don’t frown. It’s something nice. I think. ” She looked up at him expectantly. His eyes were large and dark and serious. “I love you. ” She blinked twice and a smile slowly crept across her face. “I love you too. I thought I was hearing things when you said it last night. ” He kissed her tenderly. “I wasn’t sure you heard me, either. ” “You know, you said it to me before. ” “When? ” “The night I rescued you from Christa. I put you to bed, and you called me Beatrice. You said that you loved me. ” He swallowed noisily. “Julianne, I’m sorry it took me so long to say it properly. ” She wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her forehead against the stubble on his chin. “Thank you. ” “No, darling. I should be thanking you. I’ve—never felt this way before. It makes me realize how much time I’ve wasted. ” Gabriel’s eyes grew sad. Julia kissed him softly. “We both had a lot of growing up to do. It’s better this way. ” “I regret the way I treated those other women. And that I wasted my time with them. You know that, don’t you? ” “I regret being with him. But there’s nothing either of us can do about it now except be happy that we found each other. ” “I wish we could spend the day in bed. ” His voice was suddenly wistful. She laughed. “I think that would shock and scandalize your relations. ” “Most likely. Damn them. ” They both laughed until their laughter morphed into passionate kisses. She was the first to retreat. “Can I ask you something? ” Gabriel’s jaw set. “Of course. ” Don’t be too inquisitive this morning, Julianne. I can’t tell you everything in Richard’s house. “What kind of lingerie do you like on a woman? ” Gabriel’s jaw immediately relaxed and his lips curled into a wicked smile. “You’re asking this because—you’re doing a survey? ” He chuckled, taking her hand in his and pressing his lips against her knuckles. She looked down at their conjoined hands. “I would like to go shopping before our trip. I was wondering what you—liked. ” He gave her a heated look, heavy with desire. “Julianne, I am a man. If I were to tell you what lingerie I prefer, it would be no lingerie. ” He lifted her chin so that he could see her eyes. “You’re very beautiful. When I think of being with you, I think of taking my time to admire your beauty—your face, your shoulders, your breasts, every part of you. Cream and pink and soft curves for my body to worship. ” He pushed her gently so that she was on her back and he was kneeling on either side of her hips. “I want you to wear something that would make you feel comfortable and beautiful, because that’s how I want you to feel when we’re together. ” He captured her mouth and kissed her intently. When he pulled back she eyed him impishly. “As comfortable as a Lululemon yoga outfit? ” He seemed puzzled. “I don’t know what lou lemons are, but provided they make you comfortable, I’m sure I wouldn’t object. ” She arched her neck so that she could rub the tips of their noses together. “You’re lovely, you know that? But I was serious when I asked you. I want to choose something you’ll like. ” “I’ll like anything provided you are the one wearing it. ” He kissed her again, and this time he allowed himself the luxury of lowering his naked chest so that it was close to but not touching hers. Heat and electricity jumped between their skin, and soon Julia was breathless. “Color? ” She gasped. “Style preference? ” Now he was chuckling, and stroking her cheek as it flushed beneath his fingers. “Well, not black or red. ” “I thought those were the standard colors. They’re supposed to be seductive. ” He moved to the side so he could whisper in her ear. “You have already seduced me. I am enticed and tantalized and very, very excited. ” Now the room grew warm, and she forgot what her next question was supposed to be. Finally, she remembered. “So no black or red. Any favorite colors? ” “You’re stubborn, aren’t you? I think you would look nice in light colors—white, pink, blue. I suppose I could say I envisioned you in something classic, with your hair cascading down your shoulders. But this isn’t about me, this is about you. And I think you should choose. ” He grinned. “Of course, I might decide to purchase an item or two for you while we’re there. But for our first time, it’s all about what you want. What makes you feel special and sexy and cherished. That’s what I want because I love you. ” “I love you too. ” She smiled up at him, and he thought his heart would melt. She took his face in her hand, running a thumb across his angular jaw, and he closed his eyes and leaned into her touch. When he opened his eyes, they were clear, bright, and very hungry. She had to look away. “I need to get ready. What time do we have to leave for Philadelphia? ” He began to kiss across her collarbone from one shoulder to another. “After—kiss—breakfast—kiss. Our flight is around dinnertime—kiss—and we have to be at the airport early. ” Double kiss. She kissed him once more and disappeared on her crutches into the hallway. Downstairs, Richard was a whirling dervish of activity, making and serving Sunday breakfast for his hungry family. Scott was eating everything that wasn’t nailed down or claimed by anyone else, and Rachel and Aaron were poring over pictures of Philadelphia wedding reception venues on Aaron’s Blackberry. “There they are. ” Rachel greeted her brother and her best friend when they entered the kitchen. “I need to give this back to you, ” Julia whispered as she began to undo the scarf she had knotted around her neck. “Keep it. Mom would have wanted you to have it. ” Julia pressed her friend into a grateful hug. Once again she was thankful for her generosity, and also for Grace, whose generous presence never seemed far away. “You look happy this morning. ” Scott poured Julia a glass of orange juice as she sat down. “I am. I really am. ” “Make sure he treats you right, ” he whispered, his expression serious. “He has changed, Scott. He…loves me. ” She spoke in a low voice so no one else could hear. Scott gazed at her in surprise. “I’ll be damned, ” he muttered. He shifted his weight uncomfortably, changing the subject. “Simon was supposed to have a bail hearing yesterday. His lawyer was trying to have him released. ” He looked at Julia cautiously. “I haven’t been able to find out what happened. ” It took a moment for his words to register, but when they did, she was seized with anxiety. She knocked her orange juice over accidentally, turning her breakfast into a sticky, juice soaked disaster. She blinked rapidly as she tried to regain her composure, trying to mop up her latest mess, cursing herself for being such a bundle of nerves. Gabriel has to be tired of watching me drop things. I am such an idiot. Before she could stand to her feet, a hand appeared in front of her face. Julia looked up into a pair of concerned sapphire eyes. Gabriel moved his hand slightly, encouraging her to take it. He pulled her into his side and seated her on a different bar stool, kissing her forehead quickly. “You’re safe now, ” he whispered. “I won’t let him near you. ” For good measure, Gabriel rubbed her arms up and down comfortingly. While Richard prepared another waffle, Gabriel picked up her ruined breakfast and headed to the sink. “I’ll do that. Sit with your girl. ” Scott’s voice was low and gruff at Gabriel’s elbow. “And I’m sorry. ” No one noticed the subtle exchange between the two brothers—the prodigal son and the son of constancy. Their eyes met and a look of understanding and perhaps even forgiveness passed between them. Gabriel nodded gratefully and took a seat by Julia, wrapping his arm around her waist and murmuring soothing words in her ear until she stopped shaking. He had to get her out of Selinsgrove. As they drove away, Julia closed her eyes and breathed a sigh of relief. It had been an emotional morning. Saying good-bye to her adoptive family was always difficult. And saying good-bye to her father after the weekend’s events was exhausting. “Are you sorry to leave? ” Gabriel reached over to stroke her cheek. She opened her eyes. “Part of me didn’t want to leave. Part of me couldn’t wait to put everything behind me. ” “I feel the same way. ” “What did my dad say to you when he shook your hand? ” Gabriel shifted in his seat. “He thanked me. He said he knew you could have been hurt a lot worse. ” Gabriel threaded his long fingers through Julia’s, pulling her hand to his lips so that he could kiss it. “He asked me to keep an eye on his little girl. He said you were everything to him. ” That made a tear run down Julia’s cheek. She wiped it away and looked out the window. Things with her father had certainly changed. On the flight back to Toronto, Julia cuddled up to Gabriel, eschewing her homework to rest her head on his shoulder. “I need to make arrangements for our trip, ” he said, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “When will we leave? ” “I’d planned on leaving as soon as classes were over on Friday. But if you’re coming, I’ll need to wait until after Katherine turns in your grade. My lecture is on December tenth. Could we leave on the eighth? ” “I think so. I have to submit essays on Friday, and Katherine is expecting a draft of part of my thesis then too. I’m assuming she’ll submit my grades within a few days, so I could probably leave on the eighth. When were you planning on coming back? ” Gabriel moved his arm so that it was wrapped around her and she was resting her head against his shoulder. “Rachel is adamant about having everyone home for Christmas. That includes you. So we would have to leave Italy on the twenty-third or the twenty-fourth and bypass Toronto for Philadelphia. Unless you’d rather spend Christmas in Italy, with me. ” Julia laughed. “Not at the risk of incurring the wrath of Rachel. And my dad is expecting me, even though he knows I can’t stay at his house. ” She shivered involuntarily. Gabriel squeezed her. “Then you can stay with me. We’ll reserve a room at a hotel. I’m not sleeping across the hall from you ever again. ” She blushed at his remark and smiled. “We’ll have two weeks to enjoy Florence. Or we can travel to Venice and Rome, if you wish. We could rent a villa in Umbria. I know of a place near Todi that’s very beautiful. I’d like to show it to you. ” “As long as I’m with you, my love, I don’t care where we are. ” His lips tightened momentarily. “Bless you for that, ” he murmured. “Rachel is scheduling the wedding for late August, provided the venue they want is available. I wonder why she wants to wait so long. ” Julia was fishing to see if Gabriel had any information. He shrugged. “Knowing Rachel, she’ll need months to make sure the proper people are notified and the wedding is featured on CNN. ” They both chuckled. “I think Rachel wants to start a family soon, ” said Julia. “I wonder what Aaron thinks of that. ” “He loves her. He wants to marry her. He’s probably excited at the thought of the love of his life carrying his child. ” He paused for a moment, turning to face her. “Julianne, does it trouble you that I can’t…? ” “Not really, at least not right now. I want to finish my master’s, then work on my doctorate. I’d like to teach. ” She shrugged. “Perhaps this is the benefit of dating a younger woman. ” Gabriel snorted. “You make me sound antique. You realize that when you’re thirty you will probably change your mind, if not sooner. And when that happens…” She frowned and shook her head. “What do you expect me to say—that I don’t want you? I’m not going to say that. I love you, Gabriel, all of you. Please don’t push me away when we’ve finally gotten close. ” She closed her eyes. “It hurts. ” “Forgive me, ” he whispered, kissing the back of her hand. She accepted his apology and tried to relax, weary from the day’s emotions. Gabriel rubbed at his eyes so that he could think. But he soon realized that he needed space and time away from her in order to do that. I won’t need to push you away when I tell you about Paulina…
***
The first week of December was the last week of classes. It was a quiet week, for the most part. Gabriel and Julia dutifully kept their distance from one another. Every evening he prepared his lecture for the Uffizi Gallery in his spacious condominium while she worked tirelessly on her essays and her thesis in her tiny hobbit hole. They texted one another mercilessly: Darling, I miss you.
Come over? Love, G Julia smiled at the screen of her iPhone in such a way that even the iPhone blushed. Then she typed her reply: G, I miss you too.
I’m finishing an essay for this
crazy Dante seminar I’m taking.
I’ll probably be up all night.
The professor is hot but demanding.
I love you, Julia She turned her attention back to her laptop as she continued editing her essay for Katherine. Within a few minutes, her iPhone was chirping again: Darling, You’re in luck—
I am a Dante specialist.
Why don’t you bring your essay over here
and I will help you with it…all night…
Love, G
P. S. How hot? Julia giggled at his message and hit reply: Dearest Dante Specialist,
My professor is hot like fire,
scotch bonnet peppers, and chicken vindaloo.
I know what your all-nighter
would include—and it wouldn’t be
finishing my essay.
Rain check for Friday?
Love, Your Julia. XO Julia stared at her iPhone waiting for another text message. But it didn’t come until she was in the bathroom: Darling Julia,
That’s pretty hot.
Your rejection of my invitation
has reduced me to a sea of loneliness,
which I will now chase away
with a shot of Scotch and
two chapters of Graham Greene.
Your X and O almost make up for it.
I Love You, G.
P. S. You are hot like the sun
but far more lovely. Julia smiled to herself and sent back a brief message, telling him how much she loved him. Then she spent the rest of her evening working. They finally met in person at his last seminar on Wednesday, which was made all the more interesting by Christa Peterson’s conspicuous behavior. She was quiet. She was still dressed fashionably, in an aubergine-colored cashmere sweater-dress that clung tantalizingly to her chest and derriè re. Her makeup was flawless, her hair long and impeccably groomed. But her expression was sour, and she didn’t take notes. Her arms remained crossed defensively across her ample breasts. When Professor Emerson asked a question that she knew, she refused to raise her hand. When he looked over the rims of his glasses to see if he could coax her into participating, she scowled and looked away. Were it not for the fact that his mind was on Dante’s Paradiso, he might have grown uneasy. But he didn’t. Christa was conspicuous not only in her silence but in her blatant hostility toward Julia, for whom she reserved the vilest of glares. “What crawled up her butt? ” Julia whispered to Paul as soon as the class was over. He snickered. “Maybe she finally realized Emerson will never pass her dissertation proposal so she’s contemplating a career change. There’s a strip club on Yonge Street that’s looking to hire. She might have what it takes to work there. Or not. ” Now it was Julia’s turn to snicker. “By the way, I like your scarf. Very French. ” Paul grinned at her good-naturedly. “A gift from the boyfriend? ” “No. My best friend back home. ” “Well, it looks nice on you. ” Julia smiled at him, and they both packed up their books and walked home through the delicately cascading snow, telling (slightly edited) stories about their separate Thanksgivings.