CHAPTER 18

Corinne followed her father into the Faculty of Law department, discreetly attempting to pat her hair into place on the off chance that she might run into Will. When Papa had told her after their visit to the museum that he needed to drop by his office for a few minutes, her heart had nearly stopped beating. What were the chances that Will would be there?

To her amazement, he was waiting by her father’s door as though expecting them.

“Hello, sir. Good afternoon, Corinne.” A flush graced Will’s cheeks.

Papa turned to her. “I hope you don’t mind, honey, but I asked Will to show you around campus. I thought you might enjoy it more with someone closer to your own age. And Will can give you an unbiased opinion of the institution.” He winked at Will.

Corinne clasped her hands together, uncertain whether she should be ecstatic or suspicious at this turn of events. Was Papa trying to use Will to persuade her to his way of thinking?

In any event, it didn’t matter. She was being given the opportunity to spend one-on-one time with Will, and she didn’t care the reason.

“I don’t mind at all, Papa,” she said, smiling.

Even though Will had been at her graduation party, she hadn’t had much chance to talk to him since the roller-skating debacle. She hoped that since he was such a gentleman, he wouldn’t bring up the incident again.

“Good. And maybe afterward the three of us can dine at Chez Marie’s.”

Will took a step back, shaking his head. “That’s not necessary, sir.”

Corinne’s spirits plummeted. Didn’t he want to eat with her in one of the city’s finest restaurants? It was the closest thing they’d get to an actual date.

“Don’t turn down an offer like that, son. It may not happen again.” Papa gave Will a long look, one that seemed to have more meaning than she could fathom. He looked at his pocket watch. “By then it will likely be closer to the dinner hour anyway.”

“Please join us, Will.” She held her breath, waiting for his response.

At last he nodded. “Thank you. I’d be honored.”

Two hours later, after walking up and down the stairs in many different buildings, Corinne’s shoes had begun to pinch her toes. If Will hadn’t been her guide, she would have put a halt to this tour long ago.

Corinne slowed her steps as they crossed one of the university’s lawns. “If you don’t mind, could we go somewhere to sit for a while? My feet could use the rest.”

“Of course. I should have thought of that sooner.” Will guided her over to a bench under a tree and sat down beside her, leaving far too much room between them.

“Don’t apologize. I’ve enjoyed our time together.” She hoped he’d understand her meaning—not that she’d enjoyed the tour exactly, but rather his company.

“So, did any of the courses interest you?” Will splayed his hands flat over his thighs as if unsure what to do with them.

“Not especially.” She leaned closer, near enough to catch the scent of his soap. “Can I tell you something?”

His breath seemed to catch in his throat, but he nodded. “Of course. You can tell me anything.”

“I have no desire to attend university. But Papa seems to have his heart set on it for some reason.”

“I see.” Will studied her quietly. “Then what do you want for your future, Corinne?”

Her heart gave a strange little quiver. What if she answered him with the bare, unadulterated truth? Would he get up and race off? Better to soften her response. “You won’t laugh?”

“Of course not.” His green eyes were solemn. Trustworthy.

She drew in a breath. “After school finished, I was hoping to get the job as my father’s secretary. But then he gave it to Emma.”

Will’s brows rose. “Did you tell your father that you wanted the job?”

“Not directly. But I hinted many times.” She smoothed her skirt over her knees. “I thought he understood and was holding it open for me.”

“I didn’t know you could type.” Will seemed to be having a hard time keeping his lips from twitching.

“I can’t. But I’m sure I could learn. I picked up the piano fairly quickly.”

He laughed, and his gaze held a glint of admiration. “I believe you could do anything you set your mind to. Although I never thought you’d be interested in office work.”

She lowered her gaze to her lap. “I want to do something meaningful. And what better way than to help my father?” She peeked up at him. “I told him this morning that I also want to join his campaign team. Help him win the election.”

Real approval shone in Will’s eyes. “You would surely be an asset. I’d be happy to mention it to him again if you think it would help.”

“Really? That would be wonderful.” She beamed at him.

He swallowed and looked away.

Several seconds of silence passed. A few students walked by on the path toward the street.

“Can I tell you something in confidence?” Will said at last.

“Certainly.” Corinne’s breath tangled in her lungs. Was he at last ready to declare his feelings?

He leaned closer. “I’m very fond of Emmaline, but I don’t think she’s cut out to be a secretary. She’s wasted more paper than anyone in the whole department.”

Corinne covered her mouth to stifle a giggle. “Really?”

“It’s true. If it weren’t for her relation to your father, I’m certain he would have fired her long ago.” He unbuttoned his jacket and let it fall open. “You might consider taking a few typing lessons in the event that the position becomes vacant again.”

“That’s a great idea, though I wonder if Papa will allow it. He may think it beneath me.”

“Would he have to know exactly what course you’re taking?”

“Why, Mr. Munroe, I didn’t realize how devious you could be.”

He laughed out loud. “I’ve had my share of practice in getting around a domineering parent.”

“Then you understand my dilemma.”

“All too well, Corinne.” He cleared his throat and rose. “I need to get my bag from the office before we meet your father. Do you want to wait here or come with me?”

“I think my feet have sufficiently recovered.” She held out a hand.

Slowly he took it and helped her to her feet. But he didn’t release her right away. “I want you to know, Corinne,” he said softly, “that I hold you in the highest regard. And if I could relive that moment at the roller rink over again, I would never have pushed you away.” He raised her hand to his lips.

His mouth warmed her skin, and her heart leaped in her chest.

“I think very highly of you too, Will.” She looked into his eyes, praying he would pull her into his arms now and kiss her. “In fact, I’ve been hoping you might ask me out.” Her mouth went dry. She chewed her bottom lip, praying she hadn’t gone too far.

He let out a sigh. “Believe me, if I were in a position to court you, I would do so without hesitation. But being your father’s protégé, along with my studies and all my responsibilities at home, I’m afraid it’s not feasible right now.”

Her heightened spirits plummeted. “But I don’t care about any of that, Will.”

He gave a sad smile. “You deserve a man who can give you the world, Corinne. Not one with so many obligations weighing him down.”

She fought for some logical argument to persuade him to her way of thinking. But nothing came to mind. Other than “I love you,” which she doubted would sway him.

“Come on,” he said. “We don’t want to keep your father waiting.”

They made a quick trip up to the law office. Corinne waited by Emma’s desk while Will went to his area in the back. Resentment burned inside her as she ran her hand over the smooth desktop and rolled a pen between her fingers. This should be her spot. Her work area. Now more than ever, Corinne needed to have a job here so she could see Will on a daily basis. Surely then he would realize that the obstacles he mentioned weren’t really obstacles at all.

She picked up a bottle of ink and twirled it absently. What she needed was a way to make Emma’s departure happen sooner rather than later. Quietly, she opened the top drawer a few inches. Inside were some handwritten documents, as well as several typed pages.

Her throat tightened. Before she could let her conscience overrule her, she unscrewed the cap and tipped the ink out. It pooled in a dark puddle, soaking into the papers. She pushed the drawer closed just as Will approached.

“Ready?” she asked brightly.

“Sure am. I hope I don’t look too out of place at this restaurant. I’ve never been anywhere so fancy before.”

“Don’t worry.” She looped her arm through his. “I’ll make sure you feel right at home.”