Maximilian stepped in until Catherine could feel the heat of him; the steady, contained, and overwhelming heat.
He leaned closer.
She retreated a step, then another, until her back met the wall, clutching her chest.
His palm came up beside her neck, bracing against it…caged her in.
Catherine looked up.
His face was inches from hers. His presence filled the air, pressed into her senses, stole her breath. If she wanted to slip away, she probably could.
But she didn't.
A soft, traitorous flutter sparked in her chest.
This felt… romantic.
Dangerously so.
But…
She placed her palm flat against his chest before he could lean any closer.
"You cannot kiss your way out of this question, Professor," she said, steady despite the quickening of her pulse.
Maximilian's gaze didn't waver. His lips curved.
"Meanie," he murmured, dipping closer, voice teasing against her mouth. "Meanie mouse…"
