Love Uncharted

by Berinn Rae

  Alex calmly looked up from the Vogue magazine she was reading. “Something wrong?”

  “I have just been guilted into teaching this term. Not fair. Not fair at all.”

  JJ stood and paced using what little room she had in her office. “Okay, it’s not going to be as bad as I think it will be,” she said, talking more to herself than her houseguests. She chewed on her lower lip as she furrowed her eyebrows. Oh, God, it couldn’t be!

  “I just have to go on campus, teach, hold short — ” JJ stopped in mid-stride, whirled around at what seemed like lightning speed, and looked Alex in the face. Shaking both index fingers at her, emphasized, “ … and I mean short … office hours. Then I’m home.” She continued her pacing. “And all the while I’ll pray that I don’t even get a glimpse of Kenn Cooper.”

  Just thinking about seeing him again brought up the memory of … sensual discovery? Not again, she inwardly moaned. She recalled sitting next to him at Nan’s where, just for a brief moment, she thought he could quite possibly be the most sensual man alive.

  The sudden appearance of this thought frightened her. When did she start thinking of him as sexy or sensuous? Her mind quickly offered a counter argument. Of course, she felt that the moment she had seen him standing casually and leafing through a book. Perhaps she felt an attraction even before she actually bumped into him. If she were honest with herself, she felt something sensual just standing next to him. Okay, she admittedly stole a glance at him before their accidental physical contact.

  JJ stopped pacing. “Aghh!” Blake and Alex looked up at her and then at each other, exchanging smiles.

  Alex deliberately set her Vogue magazine aside. “What’s wrong?” she asked innocently.

  “Nothing. Nothing at all. I’m going to take a cold shower. I’ll be back.” She left the room, shutting the door behind her.

  Chapter 18

  Memories flooded JJ as she wended her way across the quad of University of Northern Ohio toward Mundain Hall, the home of the history department. The tree-lined quad, the old stately buildings imposingly sprinkled around the green expanse, and the traffic of students swiftly changing classes and lugging the ubiquitous backpacks created a flashback to her graduate days. And then there were the squirrels — both brown and black — that dotted and dodged the quad, resembling windup toys sprung too tightly. They reminded her of the times she shared her outdoor lunch with them.

  Not only had JJ earned her doctorate here, but she had also taught here for several years. In many ways it had been home and would probably always have a place in her heart.

  Not that her graduate years were easy. Quite the contrary. They were fraught with conflict. But then, JJ did nothing less than challenge the standard interpretation of historical inquiry. A long-held tenet of the discipline maintained that no historian who expected to be taken seriously would research conspiratorial rumors that inevitably became the fallout of national and international events.

  JJ delved headfirst into the details of many of the popular conspiracies circulating on the Internet. Then she added a dimension that caught the eye of Chare. She interpreted them through description and documentation of the temperament of the nation. By taking a snapshot of the country’s emotional state, she was able to show how and why the conspiracy theory began, as well as gauge the legitimacy of it. It was only in this way, she argued to her mentors and professors, that the charges of conspiracy could be understood.

  For a graduate student, it was not only a creative stance to take, but a brave one as well. Had she not had the backing of the chair, she might have been tossed out of the program within weeks of being accepted. Instead, she not only convinced her advisors of the value of the research, but she turned that research into a book — a book that was well respected in academic circles and still sparked controversy.

  The most amazing part to JJ was that the book became immensely popular with the public at large. Soon just about every college and university in the nation wanted JJ to be part of its history faculty.So why did she stay at a relatively unknown school? Because of the Chair. His professional support and personal kindness meant more to JJ than she could even express. And that was why she found herself here again.

  Keep telling yourself that, kiddo. You’re not doing it because you’re the least bit curious about the extent of the chemistry you think Kenn Cooper and you may have. No, not at all. Don’t acknowledge your femininity, your sexual needs, and your ultimate need to be loved for who you are. Nope. None of that played a role in the decision.

  Lost in thought, JJ didn’t notice a couple coming her way.

  The three of them collided. “I’m so sorry,” the woman said. “We should have been paying closer attention to where we were going.”

  “Well, I wasn’t watching where I was going either,” JJ said.

  “Ma’am,” the man began, “do you happen to know … ”

  Then the two suddenly looked horrified as they peered over their shades. They looked at each other and sprinted away.

  “Such odd behavior,” JJ said aloud. But then you don’t see students dressed like that every day, she thought, noticing their hippie look. Not retro, but hippie. She turned to give them one last look. At the same moment they turned around to catch one last glimpse of her.

  “There’s something I recognize about them,” she said. “But I just can’t put my finger on it. I wonder if I know them from somewhere. They remind me of …”

  It was JJ’s turn to look shocked and horrified. Then she relaxed. “No, it couldn’t be,” she assured herself, “it just couldn’t be them.”

  • • •

  “The first class is in Room 134, right down the hall here, but you know where that is,” Deb told her. “And I’ve put the syllabus Dr. Kalinger had planned to use in there already. You should feel right at home. One of the texts is your book.” Deb paused. “When you’re done with classes, I’ll show you to your office. I think you’ll like it.”

  Thanking Deb, JJ headed for her first class, chuckling. This would be different. She had never used her own book as an assigned reading before.

  She walked into Room 134 – and saw him.

  “This is my classroom,” JJ protested, ignoring the students to focus on him.

  “No, this is a team-taught course. And you cannot be my partner. It’s just not possible,” Kenn fired back.

  “But Deb just gave me this room number and said nothing about team teaching. Whose harebrained scheme was this, anyway?”

  “It was my harebrained scheme,” Tom Chare said from the doorway. The sound of the voice caused both the professors to pivot quickly. “And I do believe it’s a brilliant harebrained scheme.” The chair apparently enjoyed the silence that followed. “I see you two have met. I’m confident you two are destined to make an incredibly powerful impact on the young minds in this room.” His voice was calm and clear. Again he paused for dramatic effect.

  “Now, suck it up and get on with the teaching.” And with that he disappeared.

  JJ and Kenn exchanged looks. Kenn was the first to speak. “You’re J. Jordan St. Clair? But how can that be? I always thought he was a … ”

  “Male, right?”

  “Well, yeah.”

  JJ knew she should be furious. And maybe later she might be. But somehow that seemed unimportant right now. Sure, the astonished look on his face gave her a smug satisfaction, but she suddenly felt sorry for the man.

  “Hey,” she nudged him and a little spark went through her. Damn. Mistake to touch him, feeling his sexual essence. Make mental note to keep a distance. “Look, we’ve got an audience,” she said loudly. The class laughed.

  “I’m Professor St. Clair, but you’ve probably already figured that one out. And this is Professor Cooper. We’ll be your historical guides for this course.”

  “You’re not Dr. St. Clair,” one student called out. “You’re JJ Sprightly, the romance writer. I’ve read all your books.” Several other students agreed. Her presence
caused a stir of excitement among many of the female students.

  JJ blushed, actually somewhat flustered. This was new for her. Last time she taught, she hadn’t been a published novelist.

  Kenn deftly jumped in sensing the need to pilot the class toward the topic of history. “True. She is. But prior to that she established herself as a reputable, accomplished historian. So when you go to open your text for this class later on tonight, you know it won’t be boring. But I’ll give you one hint. When it comes to the Marilyn Monroe-JFK conspiracy theory, don’t expect a happily–ever–after ending.”

  Again the class laughed. Kenn had said the perfect words to put everyone, especially JJ, at ease. And she was grateful.

  “Now, let’s get down to business, shall we? We’ve got a lot of ground to cover. Because some people,” he took a step away from JJ and with a flourish pointed to her, “see conspiracies lurking behind every event.”

  JJ curtsied flamboyantly. “It’s true,” she told the class, then giving Kenn a sincere and enthusiastic smile, continued, “I may not agree 100 percent with some of them …”

  “Excuse me, professors.” The pair whirled around. It was Chare again. “I have two more late registering additions to your class.” Behind him stood two figures that looked as if they just emerged from a recently unearthed time capsule from the 1960s. A man wearing dark sunglasses, a tie-dyed T-shirt, and bell-bottom blue jeans stepped forward. His nearly black hair was tightly curled and bobbed energetically about his face as he talked. “Peace, man!” he said as he flashed two fingers in the V formation. “Right on!” His hand then formed a clenched, raised fist.

  Next to him stood a woman dressed in a beaded peasant dress and wearing a necklace in the shape of a peace sign. Her hair was tied in pigtails. “Gone with the wind,” she said. Her partner nudged her. “That’s ‘go with the flow,’” he coached.

  JJ’s jaw dropped, her eyes widened, and she felt her teeth clench. They were the couple that had bumped into her on the quad. And now that she got a closer look at them, she realized her first instinct about them was right.

  She caught Blake by the arm as the character hurriedly tried to get past her. “What are you two doing here?” she whispered through her clenched teeth.

  “Dr. Chare is most certainly a man of his word. He’s paying our tuition this term as a thank you for our part in getting you to teach.” The young Brit ran to take a seat in the auditorium-style classroom. Alex hurriedly followed.

  “You two are in big trouble,” JJ said as they tried to hide in their seats. She sounded more like a mom than she had intended. “And take off that ridiculous wig.”

  “I can’t, Dr. JJ,” Blake said, pausing for dramatic effect. “This ridiculous wig is my own hair.”

  “I gave him a home permanent late last night to celebrate our first day of school.”

  “Oh, my Lord.”

  The rest of the class, which had been mesmerized watching this unorthodox scene, immediately burst into laughter. Even Kenn, who had tried hard to remain in the shadows throughout, roared.

  JJ looked around her. The class was out of control, laughing hysterically. All she wanted was to get through the session and get as far away from Kenn as possible. Her co-instructor finally composed himself and attempted to steer the class back on track.

  The two presented the syllabus, then immediately dug into the material. They discovered a natural cadence in their teaching styles, using humor to highlight fundamental differences in their individual interpretations. JJ naturally and purposely led the class toward a conspiratorial view, while Kenn interjected his objection and sound historical evidence with impeccable timing. The result was an entertaining and educational glimpse into a seldom-studied segment of history. Then with perfect rhythm, the pair wrapped up the session and reviewed the reading assignment for the next session. Just as they finished, the class broke out in applause. Both professors looked astonished.

  “Bravo! Bravo!” came the voice from the door. It was Chare.

  Chapter 19

  “Oh my goodness! Oh my goodness!” JJ whirled around in a full circle in her new office, like a little girl showing off a new skirt.

  “It’s the same office I had when I taught here before. How did the chair arrange that?”

  She tossed her briefcase on one of the two receiving chairs and sat behind her large oak desk.

  Nothing had changed. The large old bookcase still stood across from the desk — her desk, at least temporarily. It held no books at the moment; she made a silent vow to change that soon. She looked toward the large windows, pleased with the view of the old majestic maple tree spreading its branches. Yes, the chair had taken good care of her.

  She even had the same chair. “I loved this chair!” It was one of those great chairs that had arms and swirled around and around. She swiveled in it like a child, spinning around and forgetting about her now-living characters, forgetting about Kenn. And it was a good feeling.

  “Knock knock,” Kenn said as he peered into JJ’s office. He stood there for a moment, a faint smile forming gradually and changing into a wide boyish grin. “I see you enjoy a good chair,” he said with a twinkle in his deep brown eyes. “May I come in for a moment?”

  JJ stopped spinning. “You caught me,” she said. Instead of being irritated at Kenn’s apparent amusement, she grinned back. “Some kids never grow up,” she confessed. “Sit down, please.” Did she just invite him to sit and make himself comfortable? The man she vowed she would have no contact with while she taught? Now, she knew the exact definition of flummoxed. She was feeling it at that very moment.

  Kenn sat in the chair across from her desk, crossed his legs at the knees, and appeared to make himself quite comfortable, as if they had been lifelong friends. JJ was amused by how quickly he settled into the seat.

  “You seemed to recognize our last-minute students. The two ‘time travelers’? They certainly are a colorful pair.”

  “Yes, they are … if you only knew how colorful they can be.”

  “I can imagine.”

  “Oh, no you can’t. I assure you.”

  “Just out of curiosity, how do you know them?”

  The question sounded innocent enough, yet JJ wondered if she was about to be judged guiltily by association.

  “They’re two characters …” She stopped abruptly. She realized how insane that would sound to tell the truth.

  “Yes, they are certainly characters. I agree. I think Blake — Is that his name? — will become a very active and vocal student.”

  “That wouldn’t surprise me in the least,” she said softly. Even though she wanted to avoid the question, she knew she had to explain the relationship somehow. So she resorted to the cousins–from–Kansas cover.

  “That’s not the real reason I popped in on you though. I’d like to … uhm … ” Kenn stumbled over his words. In her few encounters with him he always seemed to be at ease making conversation — and certainly not shy about speaking his mind. JJ could tell he suddenly became physically uncomfortable as he uncrossed his legs and squirmed in the chair like a schoolboy waiting to see the principal.

  “Oh, darn it. There’s no other way to say it … I’m sorry.”

  He paused, leaving JJ to wonder momentarily what he was sorry for.

  “When I first met you, I really did judge you by your appearance and your profession. I didn’t think a woman as good looking as you who wrote romance novels would be interested in history, let alone be a professor.”

  JJ’s cheeks grew hot with embarrassment. She wasn’t sure how to answer him. She just heard him say she was good looking. Imagine that! And he admitted she was bright.

  It had been a long time since any man had given her a compliment — especially someone as engaging as Kennedy Cooper. Did she just call him engaging? She gave herself a mental slap. I can’t think of him like that.

  “I’m looking forward to seeing what the next session brings to our class,” he said. JJ got the fee
ling he was stalling, that he had something else on his mind other than the class. She could tell by the way he was looking into her eyes. No one had looked at her like that since her husband died. While she realized she couldn’t compare Kenn to Geoff, this man had a boyish charisma all his own she had been ignoring — possibly even denying — until now.

  “I was wondering if — ” he continued. But his cell phone rang. He looked quickly at it and groaned.

  “Someone you’d prefer not to talk to?”

  “My mother,” he said, wincing.

  “You know you can’t ignore Mom.”

  Kenn sighed deeply and answered the call. JJ noticed he sat straighter in his chair, using perfect posture when talking with his mother.

  “Hi, Mom.”

  “Kenn, I have bad news. Sofie Addelmyer just got engaged to some accountant from Wilmington, Delaware. I know you’re heartbroken, dear, but — ”

  “Mom, I’m kind of busy here — ”

  “But there’s hope, sweetheart. I just ran into little Mary Margaret O’Mally’s mom at a fundraiser. And she isn’t dating … ”

  The volume on the phone was loud enough for JJ to hear her.

  “Mom. No. Please. I can’t talk right now. I’m having a conversation with my new teaching partner. Her name is JJ Sprightly … Mom, are you there?” Then he addressed JJ, “She’s never speechless.”

  “I heard that!”

  “I thought you left me.”

  “You couldn’t be so lucky. But for a moment I thought you said you were with JJ Sprightly.”

  “I did.”

  “Not the JJ Sprightly?”

  “How do you know JJ Sprightly?”

  “Well, personally, I don’t. But my book club has just finished her latest novel, Love’s Revenge.”

  JJ enjoyed Kenn’s bewilderment. “Uhm, I don’t know. Let me ask her.” He moved forward so he was sitting on the edge of the chair. He held the cell phone away from his ear so his mom could hear and asked, “Is Love’s Revenge your latest book?”