“Max. I need to collect my car. It’s only practical.”
“I can have someone drop it off for you.”
She shakes her head, her stubborn independence shining through. “It’s better this way. Then I can drive back to see you tomorrow morning.”
Realization dawns. “You don’t want me to meet your grandmother.” I try to keep the hurt out of my voice.
“I need to talk to her about a couple of things first,” she says carefully.
I pull my brows together as I study her face. “What do you mean?”
“Please don’t ask me. I promise to tell you everything, Max, just…not yet.” Her features are taut with tension.
As much as I want to know what she’s hiding, as much as I want there to be nothing between us, I need to give her the space she needs.
“Whatever you need,” I say softly.
She holds my gaze, and something moves between us. “Thank you. I will tell you.”
A horn sounds, and we both jump.
“The light’s green,” she says, and I press the accelerator, moving the car along the street.
We reach the palace entrance, and the guard waves us through. I drive around to the staff carpark where I climb out to collect Fabiana’s suitcase for her, placing it in her car.
“Thanks, Max, for everything, but especially for driving me to the station when I found out about my nona.”
I pull her against me and brush a kiss across her lips. “Anything,” I say in a murmur against her mouth, wishing we were somewhere private, and I could kiss her how I want to.
She smiles up at me, her eyes soft. “I don’t deserve you.”
I stop her words with my lips. “Don’t say that.”
“It’s the truth. You’re an amazing human being.”
I grin. “Well, now that you mention it…”
She laughs as she bats me playfully on the arm.
“When will I see you tomorrow?” I ask.
“I can come here first thing,” she replies without hesitation. “I’m still the journalist reporting on the real Max. I’ve got a job to do.”
“I’d hope there are some things you’ll keep to yourself, such as what a good kisser I am,” I tease.
She grins. “Oh, I think the world needs to know that. Plus, how good you are at making forts.”
She’s only teasing.
“I’ll miss you.”
“I’ll miss you,” she replies. “As much as I don’t want to, I really must go.” She turns to leave, pulling her keys from her bag. Looking back at me, she says, “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“I’ll clear my schedule. Give my best to your grandmother,” I say as I closeher door over.
She winds down the window and her car shudders as she turns the ignition. “I will.”
Looking up at me, stunning in the late afternoon light, her eyes soft, I can’t resist kissing her one more time. Leaning down, I press my lips against hers, and immediately her hand slides around my neck as she kisses me back.
