Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 92702 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 464(@200wpm)___ 371(@250wpm)___ 309(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92702 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 464(@200wpm)___ 371(@250wpm)___ 309(@300wpm)
She manages to suppress it quickly, coughing to cover up the rest. “You know, in certain circles, that could be considered a bribe.”
“And how many buildings up at Harvard just happened to be named after third and fourth-generation students currently enrolled? It happens all the time. This might not be Harvard, but don’t you deserve some nice, new facilities?” I glance around, lifting an eyebrow. “Or perhaps a new administration building. With bigger offices.”
She purses her lips. “All right, I get your point. And maybe we can work something out, but that’s not up to me to decide.”
“But surely, you can make a note somewhere that my wife pledges to make up all of the coursework she missed. Even if she has to work through the winter break. Would that be possible?”
“Well…”
“Aw, come on, Catherine. Between you and me, we both know strings can be pulled. We both understand how these things really work. There are always two sets of standards, two sets of rules.” I offer a sly smirk. “And there are ways around all of them. If you know what I mean. I think you do.”
She blushes again. “I guess if she promised to have all of the work made-up before the start of the next semester, and if she attends all of her classes going forward, I don’t see any reason an exception can’t be made.”
“See? I knew when I looked at you that I was looking at a sensible person with no interest in penalizing Alicia for a whirlwind romance.” I sit back, beaming at my bride, who looks like she sat on a thumbtack and is trying to cover.
“Very well. You’ve convinced me, Mr. De Luca.” She looks to Alicia, grinning conspiratorially. “And now I understand how he convinced you to run off and marry him at the drop of a hat. A very smooth talker.”
“One of my many qualities. But I doubt you want to go into the private details of my life.” She chuckles when I wink, so I plunge ahead. “Oh, now that I’m thinking about it, I’ll need you to add me as the primary contact on Alicia’s file.”
“What?” Alicia whispers. “I don’t think they do that… babe.”
Catherine’s warm, open attitude turns frigid. “Exactly why would you want me to do that?”
“So I can be sure she’s staying on the straight and narrow, of course. I want to make sure we’re all working together, and she’s living up to her end of the bargain we’re making today.” I take Alicia’s chin in my hand, pretending to be playful for the sake of our audience. “Besides, if there are any financial issues or any problems, I want to be sure I’m made aware of it immediately. I know if you look at the file, you’ll see she’s been through some hardship before. That part of her life is over, but I’m sure you can understand how reticent she is over the idea of ever visiting the financial aid offices again. I would much rather take that off her hands.”
I glance at the advisor, who’s frowning. “And between the two of us, she has a tendency to take too many things on her shoulders. She’s accustomed to handling everything on her own, having been alone for so long. It’s admirable, but I hate thinking of her struggling in silence when I could so easily help.”
“That’s very sweet of you.” She’s warming up again, that chilliness thawing.
“What do you say? Could you be a good girl and do it for me?”
Her cheeks flush, and she bites her lip. “I mean…”
“Come on, now. It’s simple. I know you can make it work. Especially if it means sitting in an actual office one day,” I add, and I’m barely able to bite back a satisfied smile at the open interest that flashes across her face. “I could make that happen, Catherine—if you’re a good girl and make this happen.”
She looks to Alicia, who’s fallen silent and still. “Is this what you want?”
If she knows what’s good for her, it is. “It would be nice not having to worry about things anymore. Like my husband said, I’ve been on my own for a long time. It’s a relief knowing he wants to help me take care of things. I can focus on my coursework now.”
“See? Really, in the end, this is in everyone’s best interest.” I turn the full charm on the woman in front of me, who is practically putty in my hands now. If it wouldn’t go directly against the loving picture I’ve tried to concoct, I’d offer to take her to dinner to sweeten the deal. I’m sure it’s been a while since she’s had a date with anyone but her cats.
“All right,” she finally relents. “I’ll put you down as the contact person where your wife is concerned.”