that. The street was getting busier and busier with men working. “I wondered, because you’re very serious-minded about your endeavors. My half brother didn’t possess such critical skills.”
She relaxed at that explanation.
“Thankfully, I did continue to work. Imagine what my circumstances would be if I hadn’t. Perhaps I’d be living at Rand House with you.” She smiled ruefully. “My finances, I suppose, are … an inappropriate topic of conversation. I apologize.”
“There’s no need,” Christian answered, not taking his eyes off her. Her passion made her entire face glow with an invigorating excitement that was contagious.
“Here we are.” She unlatched her satchel, then pulled out a ribbon with a key attached. “The owner already gave me the key.”
He held out his hand. “May I?”
With a wry smile, she examined him as if he might be poisonous before slowly placing the key in his palm.
As he unlocked the door, he said, “Rest assured, I don’t attack innocent bystanders, at least not after breakfast.”
She waggled her eyebrows slightly. “I can’t vouch for myself.”
“You haven’t broken your fast?”
“I’ve had a full breakfast. However, I might still attack.”
“You’re a vicious one.” Christian opened the door with an exaggerated flourish. “My lady”—he leaned close—“I need you too much, so I will take the risk of your bite.”
She narrowed her eyes playfully. “I’ve discovered that all is fair when dealing with someone who underestimates you.”
“I would never underestimate you, but I appreciate the warning.” A deep laugh rumbled in his chest. She was delightfully sharp-tongued today.
“I’m glad we understand one another,” she playfully mocked, then walked in with an elegant ease that marked her as a lady. “Follow me.”
He’d follow her anywhere right now. If he had his druthers, they’d spend the entire day together, meandering the city streets and eating from the street vendors. Perhaps she’d show him the markets where she bought her trims and odd pieces of furniture. It sounded like heaven.
Katherine stopped in the middle of the floor and turned in a slow circle. A gorgeous smile lit her face. “It’s perfect, don’t you think?”
For an instant, he thought they were looking at two different things. Dreary was the only way to define the space, but the excitement in her voice was irresistible. “Define perfect.”
She shook her head. “You’re not seeing the potential.”
The main room was huge with several offices in the back. Windows on one side of the room were coated with a film of grime, but the sunlight filtered through, highlighting the dust that coated the floor. Several pieces of lumber and a few discarded desks were stacked against the other wall. “With the battalion of servants I’ve recently hired, I could send over a crew. They’d have the place clean and everything set up within a day.”
“Exactly.” Without waiting, Kat strode to the back of the building. She pushed the latch on a windowed door, then entered. “This is the main office. I thought your head foreman could use this.”
The room was pitch black, but he followed. He took two steps then stopped when something, much like a ghost’s hand, brushed across his face.
Katherine wrestled with something. Within a few moments, the room was flooded in light. A lit candle sat on the desk next to a flint box. She turned around, then stared at him as if he had two heads. “You’re … you’re wearing a cobweb.”
“That’s what I felt. I thought perhaps the place was haunted.” He chuckled as he tried to wipe his face.
“Allow me.” Kat pulled a handkerchief from her pocket and came to his side. “You look like…”
He bent until they were eye to eye, his gaze locked with hers. “A gothic creature? A monster from the marsh?”
A hint of pink tinted her cheeks, and for the first time that he could ever recall, she seemed flustered. “I might suggest a beast from the bog.”
“You know me so well.” He laughed.
“I need to touch your face,” she said softly.
“Please,” he murmured.
The fingers of one hand swept across his cheek with the tenderest of touches as she gently brushed the other side of his face with the handkerchief. Without thought, he placed his palm over her hand, stopping her movement. He closed his eyes and concentrated on the warmth and silkiness of her palm.
“What’s wrong?” Her voice trembled slightly.
“Nothing.” The urge to kiss her grew nigh unbearable. “And everything.”
They both grew closer until an inch separated them. Before he could ask if he could kiss her, Kat made the decision for them. With a slow deliberate