Page 69 of For the Love of Lilah
“You were supposed to let me take care of you.”
She tried to jerk her hand free, but he held firm. “You did, didn’t you? Whether I wanted you to or not. You came rushing out like a crazy man, jumping on a maniac with a knife and nearly—” She broke off, struggling for composure while he only sat watching her with those patient eyes. “You saved my life,” she said more calmly.
“Then we’re even, aren’t we?” She shrugged and went back to watching the sky. “The oddest thing happened during those last few minutes I was fighting with Hawkins. I felt myself slipping, losing ground. Then I felt something else, something incredibly strong. I’d say it was simple adrenaline, but it didn’t come from me. It was something—other,” he said, studying her profile. “I suppose you could call it a force. And I knew that I wasn’t meant to lose, that there were reasons I couldn’t. I guess I’ll always wonder if that force, if that feeling came from you, or from Bianca.”
Her lips curved as she looked back at him. “Why, Professor, how illogical.”
He didn’t smile. “I was coming to your room, to make you listen to me, when I saw you go into the garden. Normally I would consider it only right—or logical—to back off and give you time to recover after what’s happened. But things change, Lilah. You’re going to listen now.”
For a moment she leaned her brow on the cool glass. Then she nodded. “All right, you’re entitled. But first I’d like to say that I know I was angry earlier—about the book. It was the wrong reaction—”
“No, it wasn’t. You trusted me with a great deal, and I didn’t trust you. I was afraid you’d be kind.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Writing’s something I’ve wanted to do most of my life, but I... well, I’m not used to taking risks.”
She had to laugh and, going with instinct, leaned over to kiss the bandage on his arm. “Max, what a thing to say now of all times.”
“I haven’t been used to taking risks,” he corrected. “I thought if I told you about the book and got up the courage to show you a few pages, you’d see it as a pipe dream and be kind.”
“It’s stupid to be so insecure about something you have such talent for.” Then she sighed. “And it was stupid for me to take it so personally. Take it from someone who isn’t particularly kind. It’s going to be a wonderful book, Max. Something you can be very proud of.”
He cupped a hand behind her neck. “Let’s see if you say that after I make you read several hundred more pages.” He leaned toward her, touched his lips gently to hers. But when he started to deepen the kiss, she jumped up.
“I’ll give you the first critique when it’s published.” Nerves humming, she began to pace.
“What is it, Lilah?”
“Nothing. So much has happened.” She took a deep breath before she turned, smile firmly in place. “The promotion. I was so involved with myself before that I didn’t even congratulate you.”
“I wasn’t keeping it from you.”
“Max, let’s not go over all of that again. The important thing is it’s a wonderful honor. I think we should have a party to celebrate before you go.”
A smile ghosted around his mouth. “Do you?”
“Of course. It isn’t every day you get made head of your department. The next thing you know, you’ll be dean. It’s only a matter of time. And then—”
“Lilah, sit down. Please.”
“All right.” She clung to the desperate gaiety. “We’ll have Aunt Coco bake a cake, and—”
“You’re happy about the offer then?” he interrupted.
“I’m very proud of you,” she said, and brushed the hair from his brow. “I like knowing that the powers that be appreciate how valuable you are.”
“And you want me to accept?”
Her brows drew together. “Of course. How could you refuse? This is a wonderful opportunity for you, something you’ve worked for and earned.”
“That’s a pity.” He shook his head and leaned back, still watching her. “I’ve already declined.”
“You did what?”
“I declined, with appreciation. It’s one of the reasons I never mentioned the whole business to you. I didn’t see it as an issue.”
“I don’t understand. A career opportunity like this isn’t something you casually turn aside.”
