by Nicole James
“She’s deaf,” Liam informed her and began signing to Malee. She apologizes and wants to know if you’re okay.
Malee nodded, but she was holding her hand tucked to her waist and there were tears in her eyes.
Max knelt before her and reached for her hand. “Liam, tell her I want to see her hand.”
Liam signed the words, knowing that was not in the list of phrases he’d taught Max.
She shook her head.
Max looked directly into her eyes and mouthed, please.
Reluctantly she let him pull her hand free and held it out. It trembled with pain and was bright red.
His eyes lifted to her. I’ll fix it. I promise. Okay?
She nodded, a tear rolling down her face.
Max rolled back her long sleeves. The burn appeared to be only the back of her hand and wrist. “We need to get this tended to. Tell her to come to the shop, and I’ll take care of her, Liam.”
Liam signed and pointed across the street.
“Maybe she should go to the hospital,” Steffy suggested nervously. “I’m so sorry.”
There were fresh fruits and vegetables scattered around their feet, and Max realized, with a glance at the bag, that Malee had just come from the Asian grocer. He stood and pulled her toward the curb, ordering Liam, “Get her things and bring them, okay?”
“Yeah, sure thing.”
Max led Malee across the street and up into Brothers Ink, but she pulled back. He could tell by one look at her face, that besides the pain, she was very nervous about being in the shop.
It’s okay, he signed.
She shook her head, but he ignored her, knowing time was of the essence. He pulled her to the back, led her into the room they used for piercings and straight to the sink. He turned on the cool water and put her hand under it.
She tried to pull it out, but he held it firm, trying to sign with the other hand. It will help.
Liam stuck his head in the door. “She okay?”
“Tell her she has to keep her hand under the cool water for twenty minutes.”
Liam signed to her, and she nodded. He set her bag of groceries down on the padded table. “I’ll get her some Ibuprofen.
When they were alone again, Max grabbed a tissue and wiped Malee’s tears. He nodded to the water running over her hand and signed, Better?
She nodded and slowly said, “I wasn’t looking.”
Max grinned and shook his head, mouthing, nope.
That had a smile pulling at the corner of her mouth.
He lifted his chin to the grocery bag. Shopping?
She nodded. “Every Tuesday and Friday morning.”
Max nodded, thinking he’d start making it a point to be standing outside twice a week, just to get to watch her walk past.
Her sorrowful eyes met his. “I’m sorry about what my brother said to you.”
Liam came back in with a small bottle of water and two caplets in his palm. He held them out to her. She popped the pills on her tongue and then took the bottle, swallowing them down.
Max motioned for her to drink more, so she turned the bottle up again with a roll of her eyes.
“Tell her I saw that,” he said to Liam.
Liam chuckled and signed it to her.
That got him a smile and another eye roll.
Max waved his finger in front of her face, teasing her that she’d better not do that again.
Liam signed something to her that had Malee laughing. Max didn’t know what it was, but he assumed it was some joke about him. He didn’t mind, for once. As long as it distracted her from the pain, she could laugh at him all day.
Liam glanced at his watch. “I think that’s been long enough.”
Max nodded and turned off the faucet.
She reached for a paper towel from the dispenser, but he grabbed it out of her hand and tossed it aside. Before she could respond, he grabbed her waist and in one quick motion he hefted her up onto the padded table.
Her eyes got big.
“Tell her it’s better to air dry,” Max said.
Liam signed the explanation to her.
She sat facing him, her legs dangling as he rolled over a stool and sat in front of her, then gently took her hand in his, examining it. Lifting his eyes to hers, he swore he could get lost in those beautiful soulful depths. He winked. “Tell her she’ll be okay, but to keep it uncovered and not to put any ointment on it.”
Liam signed to her, and then asked Max, “Anything else you want me to tell her, Dr. Max?”
“I’ve got it from here, smartass.” He twisted to give Liam a look that told him to give him the room. Liam took the hint with a grin and closed the door quietly as he left. Max signed to her.
I’ve missed you.
“Me, too.” She took note of the fact he was no longer using the alphabet to sign. “You’re learning sign language?”
He nodded. I’ve been practicing some phrases.
She seemed pleased and pointed to herself in question.
Yes, for you.
Her face brightened.
I want to see you again. Can you meet me?
“I don’t know.”
Please.
“Maybe.”
I wish you had a cell phone so I could text you. Maybe I’ll buy you one.
Her eyes got big, and she shook her head. “It wouldn’t be right to accept it.”
Can you come here to the shop, just to talk sometimes?
She shook her head. “The restaurant is down the street. Someone might see me.”
He was tempted to ask her to come in the back door, but even as he thought it, it sounded wrong. She didn’t deserve to be relegated to coming in a back door like she wasn’t worthy of the front. After the gym closes, could you meet me there?
She bit her lower lip and hell if he didn’t want to kiss it. “Maybe. If I can sneak out.”
What time?
“I don’t know.” She searched his eyes. “How will I know if you’re there?”
I’ll leave the outside light on, the one over the red door. If it’s on, I’m there.
She nodded. “Okay. I’ll try.”
If the light’s not on, don’t come. I don’t want you wandering the streets. It’s not safe.
“Okay. I can see the door from my room.”
How will I know you’re coming?
“I’ll put a small lamp in the window.”
He nodded, happiness flooding through him for the first time in a week.
“I better go. They’ll wonder what’s taking so long.”
He nodded, the smile fading. Then before she could hop down off the table, he stood, planting both his hands on either side of her hips, leaned in, and kissed her. She was only surprised for a second, before her mouth opened under his, and he swept inside, and it was just as sweet as he remembered. He pulled back a fraction to search her eyes.
She grinned, reached up, and tugged the bottom of his beard, pulling him back to her mouth for another kiss.
Max kept his hands locked in place on that padded vinyl. Determined not to scare her by doing what he wanted—which was to wrap his fists in her hair and pull her body flush against his, pushing his hips between her knees to spread them wide. It all flashed through his mind, every move he wanted to make, and his fingers curled into the padding in absolute control of the urge, fighting it back with every ounce of willpower.
He broke away, his breathing heavy, and pressed his forehead to hers. She was breathing hard, too. Her delicate uninjured hand came up to cup his beard-covered cheek.
“I should go, Max.”
He straightened and helped her down, but paused to sign. Tonight.
She nodded, grabbed her bag, and walked out.
He stood in the room, knowing if he followed her to the door, he wouldn’t be able to resist hauling her back into his arms for one more kiss.
He’d see her tonight. He could wait that long.
Chapter Nine
Three days later—
; Max walked into Thai Garden along with Liam, whom he hadn’t had to coerce too much into accompanying him; just the offer of buying him lunch had done the trick.
Max had never been in the place before; they’d always ordered delivery. A hostess station was in front with a middle-aged woman that had to be Malee’s mother. She was attractive for her age, her hair pulled up in a bun. She gave them a slight bow.
“Two?”
“Yes, ma’am,” Max replied.
She grabbed two menus and led them to a booth against the wall near the kitchen door. The red vinyl creaked as he slid his big body in.
“Your waitress will be right with you.” The woman smiled and departed.
Max took a moment to survey the place as he picked up the menu she’d set before him. It was dim, the front windows tinted against the bright sun. A large golden Buddha sat on a pedestal against the back wall, flanked by bamboo plants. There were a few booths along each sidewall and about a half-dozen tables in the middle of the room. The place was not packed, but they did good business.
His eyes found Malee. She was across the room, busing a table, her hair braided down her back. She wore a white double-breasted restaurant shirt with the sleeves rolled to her elbows.
Max knew he should stay away, that it was risky coming here—where her family was, where her father and brother were—but he couldn’t help himself. He couldn’t wait any longer. For three nights, he’d gone to the gym and left the light on above the door. And for three nights, no lamp had shown in her window.
Max knew he couldn’t speak to her here, not where anyone could see, but he had a plan.
Their waitress appeared at the table, setting down two glasses of water. Max studied the girl and knew in a moment she was Malee’s sister—the same girl he’d seen walking with her. The resemblance was undeniable.
She took in the tattoos running up their arms, then her gaze lifted to the Brothers Ink logo on their black T-shirts, and her eyes got big. She maintained her demeanor, though, pulling her order pad out.
“What would you like today?”
Liam scanned the menu. “I’ll have the Pad Thai and an order of spring rolls.”
Max’s eyes strayed back to Malee while the waitress was waiting on Liam. He saw her turn, her eyes sweeping the restaurant, probably searching for other empty tables that needed busing. They landed on him, and her mouth dropped open, and damned if she didn’t almost drop the gray bin full of dishes she was holding.
“And for you, sir?” The waitress addressed him, drawing his attention and forcing him to break eye contact with Malee, but not before the girl noticed and glanced over her shoulder. When she looked back to pin him with her eyes, she knew who he’d been looking at.
“I’ll have the same.” He handed the menu to her, wanting to get rid of her. He waited until she left, his head twisting to make sure she was through the kitchen door before he turned back to search out Malee. He didn’t have far to look; she was heading for the kitchen herself, passing right by him. He only had a moment.
He reached out and touched her arm, halting her in her steps. Her eyes flashed to his, and she darted a look around the room. He slipped a note from his pocket and held it out near her hand.
Her fingers extended, just enough to grab onto it, and then she disappeared through the same swinging door.
“Smooth.”
Max turned back to see Liam grinning. “Shut up.”
“You see the look the waitress gave us?”
“Yup. I don’t think they think too highly of where we work.”
“Or maybe she was fascinated by our beautiful ink,” Liam suggested with a waggle of his brows.
“Did that look say ‘fascinated’ to you?”
Liam chuckled. “Nope. You and this girl, it’s starting to feel like Romeo and Juliet. So which ones are we, the Capulets or the Montagues?”
“Hell if I know. I flunked all that literature crap in high school.”
***
Malee set the bin on the stainless steel counter next to the dishwashing machine. She clutched the folded note to her chest, and her eyes slid closed. She was terrified and excited at the same time as to what might be written on it. He’d come, here to her restaurant, and he’d done it just to pass her this note. She’d almost dropped the bin of dishes when she’d turned around and spotted him across the room. Her heart had plunged to her stomach. But she couldn’t deny the thrill that seeing him again gave her.
She’d wanted to meet him, but she couldn’t slip out that first night, and then with every night that went by, she was sure he’d eventually give up on her.
A tug on her sleeve had her eyes popping open. Shoving the note in her hip pocket, unread, she turned to see her sister signing to her frantically.
Did you see who came in for lunch?
Malee nodded.
Is he one of them?
Yes.
Which one?
The one with his back to the kitchen door.
Did he come to see you?
She pulled the note out. He gave me this.
Lawan pulled her by the arm into the broom closet, quietly closing the door and flipping on the light.
What does it say?
I haven’t read it yet.
Well, read it. I won’t tell anyone what it says. Hurry.
Reluctantly Malee pulled the paper from her pocket and carefully unfolded it.
Malee,
Meet me tonight.
I’ll be at the gym after it closes.
I’ll leave the light on above the front door for as long as I’m there.
I need to see you.
Please come.
Max
Lawan read it over Malee’s shoulder, then looked at her and signed, Will you go?
Malee sucked her lips into her mouth. Did she dare?
Her sister persisted. Do you want to see him?
Malee wanted to see Max more than anything, but she’d been afraid. Finally, she nodded.
Lawan brushed a stray tendril back from Malee’s face and tilted her chin up to meet her gaze. Malee saw her sister’s eyes had glazed over. Then Lawan smiled and hugged her. When she pulled back, she signed, Do you want me to walk you there?
Malee shook her head.
Okay, but I’m going to watch out the window and make sure you get there okay.
Malee laughed and rolled her eyes.
Her sister’s look grew serious again. He better be good to you.
Malee gave her another quick hug and peeked out the closet door. No one was watching, so she quickly motioned Lawan to follow her.
Lawan put her arm out, stopping Malee. Do you want me to slip him your answer when I bring them the check?
Malee’s eyes lit up and she nodded.
Lawan pulled a pen from her pocket and held it out to Malee, who snatched it and grabbed a paper napkin with the Thai Garden logo on it. She scribbled on it and tucked it into Lawan’s apron pocket.
***
Max’s knee bounced up and down. The plates on the table were empty, their lunch consumed, and all they needed was the check. He hadn’t seen Malee come back out to the dining room since he’d passed her that note, and now he was worried that perhaps he’d overstepped. Maybe he’d built their relationship up in his head to be more than it really was. Perhaps she wasn’t as interested in him as he was in her. He leaned his forearms on the table, his fingers interlaced.
The water glasses trembled with the rapid movement of his leg under the table.
“Dude, quit it,” Liam said. “You’re nervous as a cat.”
The kitchen door swung open, and Max twisted his head to glance over his shoulder. Their waitress exited, her eyes on them, but before the door swung back he could see Malee standing in the kitchen. Their gazes locked for a split-second before his view of her was cut off. He tried to read her expression, but it was just too damn quick.
“May I get you anything else, gentlemen?” the waitress asked.
Li
am answered for them. “No thanks, darlin’. Just the check.”
She put it face down on the table and then her eyes connected with Max’s as she pulled something from her pocket and held it out to him.
He slowly reached out and took it, and she walked back into the kitchen. His gaze followed her as the door that was all that separated him from Malee swung open again. This time she wasn’t standing there.
He glanced back at the folded napkin the girl had slipped him. He opened it.
Yes, I’ll come.
Wait for me.
He felt the fist constricting his heart ease, and he grinned.
“I take it she said yes.”
Max lifted his eyes to Liam’s teasing ones as he shoved the napkin in the breast pocket of his T-shirt. “Yup. Let’s go.”
They stood. Liam grabbed the check. “I got this one. You leave the tip.”
Max dug in the hip pocket of his jeans and pulled out several folded bills. He plucked a twenty from among them and tossed it on the table. Malee’s sister deserved it for delivering the note that had just made his day.
Chapter Ten
Max waited outside the gym, his hands thrust into his pockets, his shoulders hunched against the cold. He had a thermal shirt on under his short-sleeved black Brothers Ink T-shirt and a quilted flannel shirt over that, but he still felt the bite of the October night.
He could wait inside, out of the brisk wind, but he wanted to watch for Malee. It was almost eleven. He’d left the shop early tonight, purposefully scheduling his last appointment early enough to cut out by nine. That gave him enough time to come lock up the gym for Pops.
He glanced down the street. He’d give her until midnight before he gave up on her coming tonight. It was possible she wouldn’t be able to sneak away, even if she’d wanted to, even if she’d said she would.
He leaned a shoulder against the corner of the doorway, his eyes on the distant darkness, and asked himself if he was crazy for trying to pursue this girl. On one hand he felt the deck was stacked against them. They came from two different worlds and, apparently, her family didn’t approve of him. Being an O’Rourke in this town still held a trace of the old prejudices they’d come up against most of their lives. To some they were still the no-good hooligans half the town thought they were growing up—the disrespectable, disreputable bad boys who ran “that tattoo place”.