Page 19 of When I Found You

“Something wrong?” I come alongside her and nudge her toward the car where Cyril is waiting.

“No.” Kate shakes her head almost a bit too quickly but smiles when she sees my driver.

“I’m glad to see you’ve recovered, ma’am.” Cyril tips his hat to her before shifting his attention to me. “Good morning, Mr. Maxwell.”

“Kate, this is my driver Cyril.”

“Nice to meet you.” She shakes his hand.

Cyril reacts slowly, dumbfounded at her reaction. “Likewise.” He grins. “If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”

“When I asked you to swing by Grant and pick up my suit at the cleaners, you told me you’re a driver, not a manservant.” I shove my hands in my pockets and stare pointedly at my driver.

Cyril shrugs. “You’re not a beautiful woman recovering from an injury, are you?”

Kate chuckles before climbing into the backseat of the car.

Pride and indignance rear their heads in unison at his snappy retort. “Careful, Cyril, or you’ll be hard pressed to find another gig in the city once I fire you.” I climb into the car behind her.

The driver scoffs. “Whatever you say, sir.” The door closes, firmly punctuating his statement.

“I like him.” Kate smiles.

I study her bright expression. This is the first time I’ve seen her smile. My heart stirs at the way her eyes crinkle at the corners and her grin reveals a small dimple in her right cheek.

“Well, don’t. He’s impertinent.” I straighten my tie and face forward as the car turns into traffic.

Kate leans closer, her breath brushing against my ear. “You won’t really fire him, will you?”

The teasing floral scent of her soap sinks into my brain, and the caress of her breath creates a riot of desperation shooting through me like fireworks over the bay. My fist clenches to keep from reaching for her.

I shrug a shoulder noncommittally, not trusting myself to face her or even respond.

She leans back against the seat and stares out the window. The ride to the office continues in silence. It takes me that long to reign my unruly thoughts into some semblance of cohesion.

Once we arrive at the office, the world around me clicks into synchronization. A calm settles over me, even with Kate, a factor of the unknown, by my side.

Gladys looks up from the typewriter when I open the door. Her smile faulters for a moment at the sight of Kate.

“Good morning, Mr. Maxwell.” She abandons the typewriter and rises to her feet.

“Gladys, this is Kate. She’ll be working as my temporary assistant for a few weeks until we find a permanent replacement.” I keep the conversation simple and unfettered with details. “Would you please show her around and give her an idea of how we do things around here?”

“Of course, Mr. Maxwell,” Gladys replies with a sincere smile. “Welcome, Kate.”

“I’ll be in my office preparing for my nine-thirty. Please hold all my calls.” With a parting glance at Kate, I turn and barricade myself inside my office. I don’t know what I was thinking bringing her to work with me. How the hell am I going to concentrate knowing she’s running loose in my business where I found her snooping on New Year’s Day?

I pinch the bridge of my nose. Doesn’t matter. There’s a reasonable explanation. When her memory returns, I’ll ask her. Until then, there’s nothing I can do except keep a close eye on her.

I hang up my jacket on the coat rack and pause. She mentioned her old, oversized coat belonged to her father. Is this a sign of her memory returning?

Bolstered by hope, I sit behind my desk and prepare for the upcoming meeting. As much as I want her to recover and move on, I can’t ignore the pinch of regret at the thought of her leaving. Shaking my head, I focus on the papers before me and not on the woman who’s fallen directly into my path and aroused these unnecessary desires.

Chapter Nine

Katherine

Being productive gives me life. Seriously. Ever since I lost my job in November, compounded by Mom’s death shortly after, and then jackass breaking up with me right before Christmas, I’ve been adrift. Today, I feel like my life has purpose again, and that alone gives me hope.

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