Well, he was also her friend. Or had he said he wasn’t?
Caroline forced herself to focus on the story she’d been going over.
And then… butterflies swarmed her chest.
Glancing up, she confirmed what she already knew. He’d come back into the room. With his sleeves rolled up and wearing his spectacles, he appeared more impressive than the loftiest duke.
Caroline exhaled a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding and met his stare. Was she crazy to think he could speak to her with nothing more than his eyes?
“About this story…” He held a familiar piece of paper in one hand. Her story. “We needn’t print it. It isn’t necessary.”
“You disapprove?” Before she could defend it, he was shaking his head.
“No. That’s not it at all. It’s good. Probably one of your best. But if anyone were to get wind of who this unsuspecting debutante was… I just don’t want you to risk it. Dankworth no longer poses a threat.”
She had written both subjects anonymously. But wait… “What do you mean? Dankworth is no longer a threat…?”
Maxwell looked down at his feet and then back up. “Suffice it to say he’s no longer a resident of England. He’ll likely never see the article. And unfortunately, I’m afraid it wouldn’t bother him if he did.”
“You think I wrote it to punish him?”
“Why else would you risk your reputation?” He touched a thumb to his lower lip, studying her. And then his eyes flared as he realized her motivation. “It is a warning?”
“Yes.” Caroline hated the heat she felt in her neck. “I was foolish. Other young ladies needn’t make the same mistake.” She stared at the article she’d been trying to read, not wanting to talk about it, and was surprised when he lowered himself into the chair beside her.
“Caroline. I don’t know if I want to kiss you or strangle you.” Exasperation sounded in his voice, but when she met his gaze, she had no doubt it was an affectionate kind.
Kiss me then. But she would never say it out loud.
He glanced around and, without warning, leaned forward and kissed her.
It was too quick, and nothing like last night, but they weren’t alone in a romantic garden setting.
Which, in an ironic sort of way, lent more meaning to this kiss. Because it was daylight. And they were in their place of work.
“Matilda needs some maintenance, so I’ll be in the press room if you need me.” Another hurried kiss. “Don’t work too hard.”
“I won’t.” She wasn’t sure that was possible.
He turned and left as abruptly as he’d arrived. It was something she was learning about him. If there was something to be done, he got right to it. He wasn’t all that different from Reed, and Caroline couldn’t help but respect that.
He’d bought the paper and upgraded the equipment in less than one year. All with no disruptions in distribution—errors notwithstanding.
Now it seemed that he hadn’t wasted any time dealing with the man who’d attempted to force himself on her.
A smile danced on her mouth as she went back to her reading. Because he might not be able to offer for her, but he liked her.
And he’d kissed her again.
Twice.
OFF-LIMITS
Max tightened the screw he’d replaced and wiped his arm across his brow.
He hadn’t intended to kiss her again. In fact, he’d arrived at the office quite determined not to.
And then he’d read her article, a story that put her own reputation on the line purely for the benefit of others, and he couldn’t help himself. The more he knew her, the better he liked her.
