“I’m not sure I can make it. I may need a nap after what we just did.”
Gabriel grinned wolfishly. “I’ll call you anyway. And if you’d rather stay in, that’s fine. I’ll detach myself as soon as I can.”
He began cleaning and tidying the desk, placing the letter opener in the center, almost as if it were a souvenir. He looped his tie over his neck but didn’t bother tightening it. “Maybe you and I can visit the pool toni
ght. Or the spa.”
“That would be nice.”
At that moment, a knock sounded at the door. “Professor Emerson?”
Gabriel stilled. “Yes?”
“You’re wanted upstairs, sir,” the male voice called. “Eleanor Michaels from the BBC is looking for you.”
“I’ll be right there.” Gabriel gave Julia a look of consternation.
She covered her mouth to smother a laugh.
“You go,” she whispered. “I’ll wait until the coast is clear, and then I’ll lock the door behind me.”
“Fine.” He rolled his eyes heavenward and shook his head.
She groomed him quickly—straightening his tie, adjusting his suit jacket, and smoothing his hair. She took a tissue and wiped his face clean of lipstick.
He turned around in a circle, extending his arms wide. “Am I presentable?”
“Delectable.” She sighed longingly. “The BBC will love you.”
“I love only you.” He kissed her firmly and retrieved his briefcase and garment bag. Then he slipped into the corridor, careful to only open the office door a crack.
Julia waited until the footsteps receded. And then she collapsed in a chair, fanning herself with both hands.
Chapter Twenty-Six
A few days later
Harvard University
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Come in.” Cecilia Marinelli’s lightly accented voice responded to Julia’s knock.
Julia opened the door and stuck her head inside the office. “Hi, Cecilia. Do you have a minute?”
On seeing Julia, Cecilia’s expression shifted. She nodded stiffly and gestured to Julia to enter.
Julia was puzzled by her reaction. She stood awkwardly, until Cecilia finally invited her to sit down.
Cecilia was petite, with bright blue eyes and short dark hair. She was from Italy, originally, and had arrived at Harvard the same year as Julia.
“I thought you were on maternity leave.” Cecilia removed her glasses and set them on her desk. She did not smile.
“I am. I was hoping I could talk to you for a minute.” Julia clasped her hands in her lap, feeling nervous.
“I heard the news, of course. The administration is touting Gabriel as one of its most important alumni. Congratulations on the Sage Lectureship.” Cecilia’s tone didn’t match her words.
“Thank you. He’s very excited.”