Page 150 of The Chase

“Love you too, Princess. Oh, and by the way, I looked into that matter you’d asked about while I was waiting for your call. I didn’t do it before, because…well, because your mom said it would be enabling your craziness.”

“Dad!”

“Her words, not mine. Blame Mom.”

“But you looked into what?” I prompt.

He answers with, “West Yorkshire.”

I wrinkle my nose. “West Yorkshire?”

“That’s where the fellow you’re overly interested in hails from. Leeds, West Yorkshire. England.”

My gaze flies to Richmond, who’s walking ahead of us. He’s actually British? I can’t even.

“Thanks for telling me,” I say glumly. “Love you.”

When we reach the front door, Richmond stops me from exiting by saying, “Summer, a word?”

Sum-ah. Dammit. I hate being wrong.

“I’ll wait in the car,” Nora says.

I nod. “I’ll only be a minute.” I wait until she’s out of earshot before crossing my arms. “What do you want?”

“To apologize.” There’s genuine remorse in his eyes. “I’ve been behaving like a bit of a wanker, haven’t I?”

“Just a bit,” I say flatly.

“I must confess—I went into our relationship with a hefty bias.”

“You think?”

He gives me a look. “May I continue?”

“Sorry.”

“I didn’t grow up with money, Summer. I worked myselfto the bone in order to attend university, as I wasn’t offered a scholarship. Over the years, I suppose I developed resentment toward people like you, the ones who come from wealthy families that can pull strings for them. I didn’t get into my first choice uni. Nobody called in a favor for me.” He hangs his head. “I’m sorry for my behavior. And I’m especially sorry because you tried to warn me about Professor Laurie. You tried to tell me how uncomfortable he made you, and I dismissed those concerns.”

“Yes. You did.” I can feel the disapproval radiating from my pores.

“And you have no idea how deeply I regret that. It’s ghastly enough, what Ms. Ridgeway endured tonight. But if something had happened to you because I’d ignored your claims?” He shudders. “I’m terribly sorry.”

I exhale. “It’s done now. And I hope that in the future, if a student comes to you with these kinds of concerns, you actually heed them.”

“I will. I promise. And I also promise to be a little friendlier during our meetings.” He chuckles dryly. “But please, don’t expect me to transform into a warm and fuzzy creature overnight. I am British, after all.”

34

FITZ

I’VE BEEN REDUCED TO A BASKET CASE BY THE TIMEI HEARthe key turn in the lock. It’s nearly midnight. I left the party the moment Summer called to tell me what happened to Nora and that they were on their way to see the dean. I would’ve hopped in my car and met her there, but she insisted I stay home. Something about too many cooks in the kitchen.

Apparently, her father attended the meeting via speakerphone, which is a relief. I feel better knowing someone close to Summer was there to support her.

Now I dive off the couch and take her in my arms before she can even shut the front door. “I’m so glad you’re back,” I groan. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” she assures me.

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