Chapter 22

Estel joined Michael for breakfast in his study the following day, her demeanor calm and professional despite the barriers she had built the night before to protect herself from him. She was adamant that he would never again be able to breach her walls, and her aloofness toward him was designed to serve as a stipulation for their future interactions.

When she realized that Michael's attitude was similar to hers, she felt uneasy about it. There were no warm, lazy, amused stares now, no teasing familiarity, nothing but harsh professionalism and attention on the job that left her feeling strangely empty and a bit despondent.

"Here's the first chapter," Michael remarked, setting the pages on a small table he had apparently brought in after she'd left his presence the night before. "And a red pencil," he added in a distant, dry tone, indicating that he fully expected her to use it extensively. "I'll be at the typewriter working on the next one if you have any questions."

Did Michael only