and honest. And I can’t think any god is more small-minded than a human.”
“So you quietly wear the necklaces in hopes you can get your students to think.” His approving smile sent a wave of warmth through her. “Do you have one you prefer?”
“Nope. I wouldn’t want any deity to feel left out.” She patted the necklaces. “I tend to swear by all the gods—or the generic ‘all-that-is’.”
A crease appeared in his cheek. “Generic, hmm. I like it.”
Noticing the professor, Queenie broke off her argument. “Well, hello.” The woman was totally unfazed at where she’d seen Finn the last time.
Valerie smothered a laugh. “Queenie, have you met Dr. Finn Blackwood. He’s in the history department. Finn, this is Dr. Queenie Gundersen—English.”
“Good to meet you, Queenie.”
Before Queenie could reply, another professor pulled out a chair and sat down. After greeting the women, Pohl turned to Finn. “Blackwood, I wanted to see you. Heard a couple of students discussing your lecture on the Battle of the Somme. Do you think the Brit commanders were incompetent?”
As the two talked military history, Valerie noticed Queenie watching Finn. Turning her gaze to Valerie, the redhead waggled her eyebrows before returning to her argument with Paul.
Crazy woman.
The sound of Finn’s deep voice and easy conversation sent an odd unrest tap dancing through Valerie.
Trying to ignore the feeling, she unwrapped her dessert and took a bite of the sweet date-filled cookie. Mmm. The citrusy-fennel taste of cardamom brought back memories of childhood holidays.
Finn glanced at her dessert, and his steel-gray brows lifted. “Is that kleicha?”
“Good eye. Yes, I make it when I need a sweet treat.”
The longing look he gave her cookie made her regret she hadn’t brought more. With a smile, she handed him half.
“Generous woman.” He popped it into his mouth. “Mmm, this is excellent. I used to buy these all the time when I was stationed in Baghdad, especially on their holidays.”
“Stationed?”
“In the army.”
Well, that explained the military-straight shoulders and air of command. Add in being a Dom, and it was no wonder he exuded authority.
She tapped a finger on her half of the kleicha. “I grew up in the Middle East. No matter how old I was or in what country, every housekeeper wanted to teach me to make their traditional foods.” Kitchens were happy places where she’d been liked for who she was. Really, it was surprising she hadn’t grown up to be a cook.
“Since my talents don’t extend to much more than simple meals,” Finn said, “I won’t ask for the recipe. But if you ever have extras…”
She laughed. “I’ll remember.”
His smile lightened his eyes. “We’ll have to compare notes on our travels. I bet you saw an entirely different world than I did.”
In every city, she’d run with the local children in neighborhoods and the bazaars, been scolded by housekeepers, and turned brown from the sun and dirt. In many ways, she’d enjoyed a wonderful childhood. “Probably so. I’d enjoy talking about it.”
About the Middle East or probably anything at all. He was intelligent, articulate, and had an interesting sense of humor.
And hard hands, too.
As he held her gaze, she felt her body soften, warm.
A glint appeared in his eyes.
“Valerie, girl.” Queenie waved her hand to catch Valerie’s attention. “You were going to tell me how the self-defense class went.”
Disappointed—and relieved at the interruption, Valerie turned. “It didn’t. The students were all young and energetic and far above my skill level. But I did pick up pepper spray, so if it happens again, then—”
“If what happens again?” Finn asked in a dark voice.
“Nothing. Only a minor alterca—”
“Some skeezoid where she jogs wanted money,” Queenie interrupted, “and wouldn’t back off until a couple of male joggers helped her.”
The protective anger in Finn’s hard face made her stomach quiver.
“It wasn’t that serious,” Valerie said.
“Were you frightened?” he asked in a level voice and saw the answer in her face. “Then, yes, it was that serious.”
“I bought pepper spray.”
He nodded. “Good choice. But if he’s too close or the wind is against you, pepper spray won’t help. You need the ability to get free of an attacker, if nothing else.”
Well, damn. “I understand.”
“Perhaps—”
“Pardon, Blackwood,” Pohl called. “But, if you have the time, let’s see if admin will go for an addition to the schedule.”
“Of course.” Finn rose and bent to say quietly to her, “It was good to talk to you, and I hope to see you soon. Here or elsewhere.”
His smile left no doubt of what he meant. He wanted her to