Scarlet love

Chapter 3 - Growing Close

A gentle pop echoed across the office as Maxwell cracked his knuckles, rubbing gritty eyes tired from concentrating on paper piles longer than deemed healthy. Another late night slugging through proposals and quarterly reports, caffeine keeping him hovering at his mahogany desk even as the city sang its lullabies outside long ago.

A soft rap sounded at the door, accompanied by the most welcome scent of steaming liquid. "You seemed as if you could use this," a soothing tone remarked, a mug of fresh brew lowering onto papers strewn before him. Maxwell glanced up with a sigh of thanks, meeting Avery's knowing smile as she began tidying scattered documents into neat stacks.

"I don't know what I'd do without you wrangling this chaotic mess, truly." He shook his head ruefully, leaning back in his chair as warm fingers wrapped around his drink. Rich roasted hazelnut notes danced across his tongue like a dream, waking sluggish senses.

"Then it seems your father selected his assistant well in ensuring your well-being alongside success," Avery remarked, taking a seat across from him as Maxwell indulged in a long, satisfied gulp. Setting the mug down, his gaze lingered upon hers thoughtfully, warmth blooming within at her caring nature extending far beyond duty.

In the fortnight since their unexpected dance, polite smiles had gradually softened into comfortable camaraderie during chance encounters at the office. Lingering stares held deeper meaning now as they navigated professional facades, secrecy nurturing a blossoming bond beneath surface pleasantries. A part of Maxwell ached to shed labels and take Avery's hand freely without scrutiny, yet responsibilities anchored them to propriety's rails.

And so their rapport cautiously evolved through brief meetings for coffee or walks amongst towering skyscrapers on lunch hours, easing toward intimacy one guarded step at a time. Quiet solace radiated from Avery's verdant eyes, soothing frayed nerves with her patience and calm head held high against defaming office gossip. Entranced, Maxwell found himself seeking her company more with each passing day.

Stifling a wide yawn behind a hand, Avery rose regretfully to take her leave as moonlight claimed dominion beyond glass walls. "I should leave you to finish in peace without distracting chatter. Do try to get some rest soon, Maxwell."

Her tender tone wrapped around his heart like a balm, reluctant to part ways yet again so shortly after reuniting. On impulse, he stood and circled the desk, halting her retreat with a light touch upon her elbow. "Join me for dinner tomorrow, if your schedule permits. Fresh air and company may do us both good after being cooped up indoors for too long."

Avery searched his eyes, hesitation warring with longing within her stoic mask. Dropping her gaze with a soft sigh, she replied gently, "You know as well as I that such an outing could invite the wrong impressions, however innocent our intentions. Gossip spreads rapidly within these walls."

Maxwell released her arm regretfully, disappointment sinking cold fangs into his ribs. Of course, propriety must come before heedless wants, yet depriving themselves of solace seemed a bitter remedy indeed. Opening his mouth to make amends, Avery preempted further argument with a raised hand.

"However, a brief walk along the waterfront during tomorrow's lunch may prove...refreshing. Discretion and a distance kept between us should diffuse rumors whilst allowing conversation in pleasant surroundings." Her lips quirked upward cautiously, a tentative ray of hope seeping through storm clouds dimming his mood moments before.

His chest swelled at the compromise, joy stealing warmth back into tired limbs. "I look forward to it greatly, Avery. Thank you." With a tender smile and nod, she took her leave, filling the lonely penthouse with promises of star-strewn evenings ahead. As Maxwell committed the final touches to his neglected workload under moonbeams, anticipation became his newest muse painting vivid dreams of tomorrow's blessed reprieve at her side.