Just then Bruno's phone buzzed on his desk, breaking the silence.

He glanced at it, then looked back at Beauty.

"Excuse me for a moment," he murmured softly, stepping aside to take the call, tissue still on his nose.

Beauty, still feeling the lingering warmth of their closeness, tried to refocus herself. Then, she couldn't help but notice the way Bruno's voice softened as he answered the phone.

"Hey," he greeted, his tone gentle and affectionate in a way Beauty had ...