The Dreams We Share
Chapter 6 The University Professor
They met the next morning for a light breakfast. Allie had requested that she just have some croissants, fruit and tea. Her stomach had a few butterflies, and she didn't think she could take a full Gustave meal.
They had had a fun evening. Gustave had actually joined them and they had a good time hearing Allie's colorful stories about life in Hope Valley.
Allie put her things in the beautiful leather satchel that Lucas had gifted her for her graduation. It was a deep caramel color and he had had her initials engraved on it. She had never had such an elegant present. She took it from the chair in the foyer as they prepared to leave. Someone would be meeting her at the main entrance of the school at 9:00.
"You all ready? Lucas asked as he smiled at her.
"As ready as I can be," she relied straightening her back and heading out the door he held open for her.
He ensured she was safely turned over to a woman who worked in the administration offices and then left to go find a newspaper and a cup of tea. He had a couple of hours until he was to pick her up.
Lucas was to meet Allie just inside the administration building at 4:00. He was a few moments early, but decided to go on in. She was already there; she was speaking with a tall slender woman in a striking emerald green suit. "This must be the professor," he thought to himself. She had her back to him as she spoke with Allie who suddenly noticed him and waved as he approached them.
"Lucas, let me introduce you to Professor MacKenna."
The woman turned and looked up at him. He had to clench his jaw in place to keep it from dropping open. She was beautiful… not ordinary beautiful... she was a fantasy. Those sea green eyes looked into his, their gazes held as they both reached out to shake hands. Hers was warm in his as he found his voice despite the tingle he felt run up his arm.
"Lucas Bouchard, it is a pleasure to meet you Professor," he said as he shook her hand and then released it after what he thought was an appropriate length of time. He wasn't sure of much at the moment.
"Arawyn MacKenna, it is indeed a pleasure. Allie has told me of your kindness in letting her stay with you."
He saw now that her eyes were actually sea green with highlights of blue. Her hair was a striking color, like burning embers, a rich orange red. She wore it up, but soft curls surrounded her face. She had a creamy complexion, not with the palor that red heads often have, but she did have a very light dusting of freckles across her nose. They would go unnoticed except that she was only a step away from him. Her voice was rich in tone with a slight Irish lilt; he thought he heard music. A sea nymph he thought to himself, and he was sunk.
Allie interrupted his thoughts, "Professor MacKenna, gave me a wonderful tour of the University, Lucas. The library is so beautiful and majestic. You would love it." She then turned to the woman and told her, "Lucas donated the building for our library in Hope Valley and he purchased or donated most of the books there; some from his very own collection."
The professor turned to him and smiled softly; she could see that he was a bit embarrassed by the praise and she thought she could see a slight blush. "Very generous of you to be sure. Every town needs a library, I am sure you will agree."
"Thank you, and I do indeed agree. The children helped to prepare the building and stock the shelves. It was a team effort," Lucas told her.
"Lucas even built some shelves," Allie told her.
Now, he did blush; he remembered the discussion with Allie about his construction efforts and the fact that he should be using dowels.
She found it quite charming and sweet. He was tall and impressive in build and wore a three piece suit that obviously had been tailored for him as it fit impeccably. His eyes were mesmerizing… deep pools of brown with a hint of green. He had perfect skin, unlike that of most men, and a well-groomed beard that gave him a distinguished look. And he had the most impressive head of hair she had ever seen. It was deep brown and thick and glossy with a deep wave to his right side. She momentarily found herself wanting to reach out and touch it. Instead, she reached into her pocket and took out her watch and noted the time. She had an appointment with the Chancellor at 4:30 and still needed to stop by her office to pick up some papers.
"I am so sorry to cut this short, but I have a meeting with the Chancellor and must go now if I am to be on time."
"Well, we will take our leave," Lucas told her. "Thank you so much for showing Allie the facilities and speaking with her about your programs."
"It was a delight; we are always happy to welcome promising students to our university," she told him. She turned to Allie and took a hand in one of hers and covered it with the other, "let me know if you have any questions. You have my card so feel free to contact me."
Allie nodded vigorously, "thank you for everything."
The professor gave them each a nod and turned to walk across the courtyard. His eyes followed her as he tried to keep his senses as he watched her walk, admiring the long shapely legs that showed below her skirt. She wore the latest fashion with the hem just a few inches below her knees.
"Lucas? Lucas!, did you hear me?"
He shook his head to exit his trance and turned his attention to her. "Excuse me, what did you say?"
"I asked if we could stop nearby for tea, my stomach is grumbling."
"Of course. You didn't eat much this morning. There is a place just a couple of blocks from here; we can walk."
