Read Don't Tell for Free Online

braved the early spring cold snap. It was a very nice office, he thought, pleased. But the desk was worn, pitted and quite bare. He raised an eyebrow at the sight. The rest of the room was filled with books, making the empty desk stand out.
    Caroline crossed the room and adjusted the blinds, cutting the glare of the morning sun. „This is one of the best views on the campus. You’ll be able to see the flower gardens at the school of agriculture in another month.“ She turned and saw his pointed glance at the empty desk. „That was… Dr. Bradford’s. I wasn’t sure if you would have your own, or if you’d want to use his.“ Her hand brushed the worn surface, an unconscious caress. „I have a catalog you can use to order any supplies you want to fill it, if you choose to keep it“
    She raised her eyes to meet his, and he wasn’t certain if she was even aware of the entreaty that filled the blue depths. It was more poignant than the smile from a few minutes before. Dean Whitfield had told him how well Bradford had been loved. It was obvious his secretary held one of the strongest attachments.
    She swallowed and turned her head, but not before he caught the glimpse of sorrow in her eyes. „If you choose… not to keep his tilings, please let me know. There are so many of us who will be happy to take them for you.“
    The hand that brushed the desktop trembled, sending a pulse of compassion -through him. Unfamiliar, the feeling caught him by surprise. He had a desk, one he’d had custom-built to accommodate his height years before, but the very idea of putting more sadness in her eyes was suddenly untenable. „I’d consider it an honor to keep the office as it is, Caroline.“ Her relief was a tangible thing. „I may, however, require some additional furniture.“ He turned and took in the square footage. „I have a footstool. For my leg,“ he added, his brows drawing together slightly. To her credit, she didn’t flinch or look uncomfortable in the least. His opinion of her inched up another notch. „And a computer table.“
    „I’ll take care of it. Are they still in Denver?“
    „No, they’re in my house in Wheaton, about an hour drive from town.“
    Caroline looked up at him, surprised. „You have a house in Chicago already?“
    „My grandmother’s. She left it to me a few years back, but one of my nephews has been living there, keeping the place up. He was offered a job on the East Coast and moved last week. Hearing from Dean Whitfield was… providential.“ He thought of Denver, of the pain of leaving behind what he’d never really had. Coming to Chicago now was providential indeed.
    „Well, fine, if you give me the address, I’ll arrange for the furniture and anything else you want to be moved here.“ She hesitated, those eyes of hers blurting uncertainty. „What else would you like me to do for you today?“
    Max lifted his eyebrows. „I’ve never become chair of a department after its founder died unexpectedly. What would you recommend?“
    He watched her draw a relieved breath. What kind of man had she expected him to be? It was unlikely his reputation could have preceded him this quickly. „Well, I have personnel files and the department budget for you to review“ – she started ticking the items off on her fingers – „and you have to sign payroll today or the natives will revolt. I have your schedule prepared – you have your first class tomorrow morning at nine-thirty. Eli had notes prepared for the whole semester. You can use his or your own, of course. You have meetings set up with your staff beginning at one-thirty today ending at five and a dinner with Dean Whitfield at six. He’ll send a car for you. Then all the student files, of course, and – “
    „Whoa, stop!“ Max held up a hand in mock surrender. „First things first. Is there any way I can get some coffee? I’m still on Denver time.“
    Her dimple returned. „I’ll make us some. How do you take