Perilous Assurance

  ******

  "And that was the last slide of Fallingwater." Mattie cut off the projector and turned on the lights. "I've enjoyed this session so much. If you ever get a chance to travel to Mill Run, Pennsylvania, please do so. It's well worth the trip." She glanced at her watch, then smiled at her students. "That's all we have time for today. Please scan the notes I've given you on the now famous quote, Less is More, and we'll discuss its implications on modern architecture on Monday."

  Mattie organized her notes as her class filed out, and she lifted her head and stared at the doorway and her heart skipped a beat as a familiar silhouette came into focus. She paused and watched him as he walked into her classroom, looking handsome in his jeans and short sleeved blue and white plaid polo shirt, now that it was late March and the weather had spurts of a promise of spring. She'd been counting the days until the weekend arrived and she'd see him. His two-year mark was only a month away now, and she knew things would change in some fashion with his move back to Plattsburgh.

  "Were you eavesdropping again?" she laughed up at him as he smiled broadly, but she could see the subtle difference in his eyes.

  "You caught me." He raised his brows at her, and looked back quickly towards the door before giving her a quick kiss. "I remember our trip to Fallingwater somewhat differently, though...particularly that first night in the camper."

  "Hmm...some things I just have to keep to myself," she tilted her head at him and smiled. "But, now that you mention it...that was a very interesting night."

  "I agree..." he smiled down at her, his dark eyes bright. "I vote for a..."

  "Oh, Professor Shaw, may I speak to you for a moment about my grades?"

  Mattie looked over at the door, and saw one of her students peering hesitantly into the classroom.

  "Of course, Mary, come in."

  "I'll see you later," Clay whispered, winking at her. "Dinner out?" She raised her brows in agreement, and he turned and nodded to her student as he strode toward the door.

  She watched him for a moment as he left, and a feeling of impending change, of losing control seized her heart. Something was different, something was going on in his mind that had nothing to do with her, and she couldn't shake the feeling of dread. She shook the thoughts out of her head and motioned for her student to take a seat as she sat back down at her desk.