“I was there earlier. I couldn’t concentrate.” He began rubbing circles onto her back, pleased as hell when she sighed, relaxing further. “Any idea why that might be?”
She shook her head, causing a wave of hair to fall forward and shield them further from prying eyes. “I couldn’t begin to imagine.”
Jonah let that pass without comment, merely sending her a wink. He ordered a scotch from the waitress and, to his surprise, Caroline asked for the same. Although at this point nothing she did should surprise him. “Should I assume, since you were working on a story tonight, that Preston’s has found a way to turn things around without the merger?” He didn’t like seeing the shadow that crossed her face. “What is it?”
For a moment, it looked like she might change the subject. He cursed himself for bringing up the elephant in the room, but it couldn’t be helped. It lay between them like a line in the sand. But when she finally answered him, it wasn’t what he’d been expecting. “My father… He told me this morning he’s retiring…and leaving me the magazine.”
Jesus, such responsibility. Not that he and Caroline were too far apart in age, but as fresh as she looked, Jonah had always thought of her as much younger. Still, he didn’t even have to stretch his imagination to picture her commanding a boardroom. Oddly, it just made him want to smile like an idiot. “Why does that make you unhappy?” And how can I fix it?
Caroline took a deep breath. “This morning, I was just focused on saving us from bankruptcy. This is a whole new level. Even if we manage to pull through…” She trailed off.
“Asher’s idea can save the magazine,” Jonah said carefully, knowing they were getting into uncomfortable territory and wanting to avoid it at all costs.
Her eyes met his, then quickly flitted away. “Yes.”
It went unspoken that she was unwilling to go that route. Her opinion hadn’t changed one iota since the meeting he’d attended. I can’t fix anything for her. I’m part of the problem. Jonah ignored the sting in the vicinity of his chest. “So what is your alternative?”
She met his gaze, determination coupled with a touch of excitement shining in her eyes. “I’m going to blow the roof off the biggest story of the year.”
For a moment, Jonah couldn’t breathe. Her confidence and energy practically hummed between them, filling him with a pride he had no right to feel. Or did he? Despite their differences, their connection was a tangible thing, thickening the air around them. He knew she felt it, could see the pulse racing in her neck, her shortness of breath.
“Do you believe me?” Her gaze was locked on his mouth.
“Anyone would be a fool not to.” Jonah let his hand coast up her neck to disappear into the wealth of her hair. When he began massaging the back of her head with methodical fingers, her eyelids drooped on a quiet moan. “You’re going to be a force, Caroline. The magazine will only get bigger and better. You have the ability to accomplish it in your little finger.”
“What if it hurts my relationship with Oliver?” she whispered, laying her head down on his shoulder, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “He’s the oldest…been there longer. It should have been him.”
Jonah understood now. He pulled her closer, as if it were possible with her curled around him. “It might be hard at first, but you’ll make it right somehow. You won’t rest until you do.”
They sat quietly for a while, letting the smooth, smoky sounds of the music drift over them. When Caroline spoke again, her voice was so quiet that he could barely hear her. “Jonah, you should hate me. I kind of wish you would.” She sat up, and Jonah immediately missed her head tucked against his neck. “How can you sit here and pep-talk me when I had the power to help your case with the article and didn’t? When I continue to push you away because of who you are?”
The misery on her face softened the blow of her words. He kissed the frown off her forehead. “Maybe I don’t think your heart is in it.”
“It is,” she insisted. “It has to be.”
“Possibly.” Jonah rubbed their lips together, tugged her top one with his teeth. “But you still want me. If it makes me weak to hope you keep breaking down and coming back, so be it.” He drew her into a kiss before she could respond, sinking his tongue into her mouth to memorize her taste. Knowing they were safe in their dark corner, he cupped her breast, savoring her whimper when he teased her nipple through the fabric. On his lap, she began to circle her bottom, in what he suspected was an unconscious move. Jonah released her mouth but stayed close. “I haven’t spent nearly enough time with my mouth on your breasts, baby. I’m sorry for that.”