Ivory Tower Read Free Page B

grabbed them back before I was even aware of what I was doing.
    He growled hungrily as he banded his arms around me and I returned the gesture, pulling him hard against me.  Lifting me in his arms, he drew me into the bedroom, grumbling not very convincingly, “You’re going to make me late for class.”
    “Borrow someone else’s notes.”  I pulled his face down to mine to take what I wanted— for once.  It felt incredible.
    ****
      My hand went for the phone for the twentieth time that afternoon.  I had memorized the search consultant’s phone number, but I still wasn’t sure what tack I was going to take when he answered.  Would I plant seeds of doubt about the current  short list ,  push my own virtues, or both?  It was going behind the Provost’s back to make direct contact with the search firm, but I had no choice.  Things weren’t exactly going great for my cause so far.
      Before I could dial the number—or chicken out for the twentieth time—I was interrupted by Professor Maxwell’s voice booming down the hallway. 
      “How’s Professor Gray today?”
      Damn .  If he’d reached Professor Gray’s office, he was too close for comfort.  I still couldn’t believe we had whittled down the candidate list so quickly to the final five, and judging by Professor Maxwell’s exuberance, there was a good chance he already knew he was one of the chosen ones— probably the chosen one at the end of the day.  Pulling my door shut, I heaved my arms into my jacket, tactically covering my face with the hood as I passed Professor Gray’s door.   When I reached Melissa’s office, I barged in, closing her door firmly behind me.
      “Avoiding the candidate again?” Melissa smirked from across her desk.  As usual, her hair was perfect and she was dressed like a model in a smart burgundy pantsuit.    “Fear not, my sweet,” she continued, “that particular train has already departed this station.”
      I sighed, leaning against her desk.  “So what was on today’s platform?”
      “Oh, you know, the usual.”  Melissa began to gather her things, scooping her spiffy new tablet PC into her designer briefcase.  “Peace on earth, goodwill to all men…”
      “And women?”
      “Probably saving that for the next campaign.”
    As Melissa brushed past me to open the door, I grabbed her elbow to hold her back.  “You are going to be nice tonight?” It was going to be our first double date and I was a little nervous, despite being pretty sure of Pete.  Melissa would be the wild card.  She could be a little judgmental at times, despite her best intentions.
    “Who, moi ?” Melissa batted her lashes and brushed my hand aside.
    “Oh, never mind.”   
      I had chosen the bowling alley for my best friend’s first close encounter with my new boyfriend, who was running late, as it happened.  While bowling attracted a heightened risk of being spotted by students, it was also pretty neutral turf.  The lights flashed and the music  blared as Melissa, her husband Rob, and I finished up a practice game.  Melissa tapped me on the shoulder with a raised eyebrow indicating a figure hurrying toward us.  My heart sped up when I spotted him.  He always had that effect on me, even after a solid month of dating.  Clad in his trademark jeans and sports jacket, he made his way toward us and scooped me up into a tight bear hug, followed by a long possessive kiss.  Melissa narrowed her eyes.  I knew she disliked  overly-public displays of affection—  at least when they weren’t directed at her. 
    Before I could make the introductions, Rob strode forward, hand outstretched.  “You must be Pete.  I’m Rob, and this is my better half, Melissa.” 
    Pete clasped Rob’s hand and turned to Melissa, smiling.  “Pleased to meet you both.  Evie has told me so much about you.”
      “All of it lies I’m sure.” There was a definite frisson in Melissa’s tone.  “So you’re in