Max

by Terry Bolryder

  “You?” Jackie asked, raising an eyebrow.

  “Hey, believe it or not, I’ve been working a lot,” she said. “I need some time to relax. Get my drink on.”

  Jackie pursed her lips at that, knowing she’d be on babysitter duty for the night. When Tasha drank, she went all out.

  “Don’t worry,” she said. “I won’t go crazy.”

  “I’ll be there for you,” Jackie said. “And if you can’t drive home, we can stay with Max tonight. He gave me a key.”

  “Girl!” Tasha let out a squeal, reaching for the key Jackie was holding. “This boy moves fast! I like him.”

  Jackie simply nodded and took the key back, wondering what her friend would think of Max in person.

  His stoic demeanor, his constant glare at everyone but her—and even her sometimes.

  Still, Tasha wasn’t one to judge on appearances, so maybe everything would be fine.

  As long as she didn’t go crazy when she saw all the hot men inside Club Crimson.

  “Where’s Lionel today?” Benny asked, looking disappointed when Max appeared without the kitten at his side. “If I’m going to lend you one of my cameras, I deserve to see that little fluff ball once in a while.”

  “You’re welcome to come over,” Max said gruffly, taking a seat on a stool. “Well, actually, maybe not since Jackie might be there.”

  “She your lady now?”

  Max let out a huff, though he supposed there was no point in denying it since he’d already made it official himself. “Yes.”

  “Nice,” Benny said, slapping his leg as he sat on a stool next to Max. “I’m glad you’re giving it a try with a human.”

  “Not sure how it’s going to go,” Max said glumly, leaning over the bar. It was easier to have a hopeful outlook about it when she was around him because something about her made him forget she was even human.

  But now that he was in the very club where he’d watched countless women go from shifter to shifter, his doubts were resurfacing.

  As well as thoughts of Pride Island and the bitterness that accompanied it.

  “You’re never going to be with a lion,” Benny said softly, putting an arm around his friend.

  Max shook him off and glared at him fiercely. “You think I don’t know that?” He shook his head. “I’m just not sure things with a human can work out.”

  “But you like her?” Benny’s hazel eyes were hopeful. Max wondered how he always kept such a good attitude, given how grim his prognosis was.

  “Yes.”

  “Then that’s all that matters,” Benny said. “Life is too short not to spend it with people who make you happy. It’s worth a little risk.”

  “Tell that to yourself and ask out Harley,” Max muttered under his breath, though he knew Benny would never listen to him.

  “What was that?”

  “Nothing,” Max said, thumping the counter. “Anyway, Jackie might be bringing a friend by. If they come in tonight, can you keep an eye on them?”

  Benny cocked his head, making his dark hair catch the afternoon light. “Of course. Or I can take the door if you want to check on them.”

  Max nodded. “Sometimes I wish I didn’t work at Club Crimson.”

  “Why?”

  “Because every time Jackie comes to see me, she ends up going inside with a bunch of men who have basically evolved to attract women.”

  Benny let out a deep laugh. “You really have fallen, haven’t you? Not so cocky about shifters who mate humans now, are you?”

  “Don’t rub it in,” Max said. “I just hope she can get onboard with how I’m feeling. From what I’ve seen, human women don’t want to commit.”

  “That’s not true,” Benny said, spinning on his stool so his back was to the bar. He splayed his burly arms over the counter behind him and leaned back. “You just see the ones here that are coming to have fun. They aren’t looking for something serious. Not at first. It’s a good way for our species to intermingle without things getting too intense.” Benny cocked his head. “You want me ask Harley to keep an eye on them?”

  Max looked around. “She hasn’t been around much, has she?”

  Benny looked abashed. “I mean, I told her she doesn’t need to be around the bar so much. She’s not a shifter. The club isn’t for her.”

  “Maybe she wants to mate a shifter,” Max said frankly, causing Benny to let out a growl. “Maybe she wants to mate you.”

  Benny’s face was impassive. “It doesn’t matter. She’s better off in her world. With a human.”

  “You could protect her better.”

  “In the human world, there isn’t as much to be protected from,” Benny said. “She’s safer there.”

  “Ha, that’s where you’re wrong,” Max said. “There’s tons to be worried about. Robbery, rape, assault with a deadly weapon.” He ticked them off on his hands and was gratified to see Benny paling like sour milk.

  “Maybe I should call her,” Benny said. “Maybe the bar is safer. You’re right.”

  Max grinned as Benny took off for his office in the back. He and Harley had an on-and-off-again friendship bordering on something much bigger, and Harley was a part owner in the club.

  Anyone could see the way she looked at Benny, like the sun rose and set in his eyes. But he was complicated, and Max understood why he was hesitant, even if Max thought Harley was one of the few loyal humans and Benny should just go ahead.

  “I’ll see you tonight,” Benny called back to him. “If I see your lady friend, I’ll talk to her. Make sure she knows she can check in. I’ll have Harley come in to keep an extra eye on things as well.”

  Max smirked as Benny disappeared to the back room, presumably to beg his best friend to show.

  Benny really had no right to ride his ass about trust issues as long as he kept a beautiful girl that was in love with him right beside him, refusing to see he was the only one she could want.

  Chapter 12

  “It’s kinda… dumpy?” Tasha looked doubtful as she pulled up in front of Club Crimson. “There’s a good line, though.”

  “It’s not dumpy,” Jackie said with a laugh, slapping her friend playfully on the arm. “It’s just in a bit of a weird area.”

  “Yeah,” Tasha said as they parked. “Very industrial. Still, there’s a hell of a line, so I guess it must be pretty good inside.”

  Jackie smiled as she got out of the car and stretched her legs, already nervous at the thought of seeing Max again. “I think I can get us past the line.”

  “Awesome,” Tasha said. “Because I need to get my drink on.”

  “Just promise me you’ll take it easy,” Jackie said. “I don’t want Max to be nervous.”

  “Max. Even his name is hot,” Tasha said. “Now let’s head over to the line and you can point him out.”

  They walked to the front of the club, and Jackie felt a bit nervous about Max seeing her. Tasha had insisted on going out for new clothes, and she’d helped Jackie pick out an outfit that was nothing like she would normally wear.

  She had on tight, dark skinny jeans tucked into red high heels, plus a red lacy cami underneath a black leather jacket. Tasha was wearing a tight pink sweater over black jeans with little motorcycle boots. Jackie’s hair was curly and wild, clipped back from her face. She’d done clean, simple makeup. A swipe of red on her lips, a bit of mascara.

  Tasha liked her makeup bordering on clownish, but in a sexy way, with blue eyeshadow and hot-pink lips that she somehow pulled off with her crazy hair. She looked gorgeous, and as she made her way to the front of the line, she clearly knew it.

  Jackie wished she had that kind of confidence.

  “So you must be Max,” Tasha said, cocking one hip and staring him down as she stood in front of the doorway. She put out a hand for him to shake. “Nice to meet you. I’m Jackie’s best friend. You’d better be good to her, or I’ll kill you.”

  Max looked nonplussed as he shook Tasha’s hand, but then he looked over her shoulde
r at Jackie and his face went slack.

  Jackie felt her stomach leap as he stepped to the side so he could get a better look.

  There was unmistakable hunger in his eyes as he looked her over, and Tasha suppressed a giggle by his side.

  “Damn, what I wouldn’t give for a man to look at me like that.”

  Max gave her a puzzled look but just waited for Jackie to walk over to him. When she got there, he put a hand on her lower back, making her skin sizzle.

  Then, to the shock of everyone in the line, he leaned down to kiss her.

  It wasn’t gentle like his other kisses. It was raw, dominant, possessive. Unmistakably an obvious attempt to stake his claim.

  And given his size and overall bearing, she was pretty sure it would be effective. Besides, who would be after her anyway?

  He pulled back from her, resting his nose on her hair for moment as if enjoying her scent.

  “Wow,” Tasha said, fanning her face as she came up alongside him. “Not that I’m not enjoying this, but shouldn’t you be watching the door?”

  Max’s head snapped up as he saw several women sneak in behind him. He muttered something before he headed over to pull them back out.

  As Jackie and Tasha walked past him into the club, Jackie saw Max look over and mouth, “Be careful.”

  “I will,” she said for his ears only.

  “Oh God,” Tasha said. “Where do they make them like that? Hot, protective, tall. A jaw that could cut through metal. And that hair. Gorgeous. What I wouldn’t do to get my hands on it. Not that I know what I could do. It’s perfection.” She nodded to herself as they took a seat at the bar. “No stylist should touch it. Ever.”

  Jackie agreed, taking a last look at Max before the door swung shut. His hair was down tonight and tousled from whipping in the wind. He looked gorgeous.

  “What can I get you?” A pretty woman with flaming red curls and bright-green eyes was behind the bar tonight.

  “Where’s Benny?” Jackie asked, looking around.

  The woman cocked her head, not looking pleased by the question. “He’s around here. Why?”

  “Oh, I met him the other night,” Jackie said. “I’m with… I mean…” She wasn’t sure if Max had told his friends anything.

  “Oh,” the woman said, looking relieved for a moment, the color coming back to her freckled face. “You’re Max’s woman.”

  “That’s an odd way of putting it,” Tasha said, frowning.

  Maybe it was, but Jackie sort of liked it. “Yeah. I guess so.”

  “Lucky girl,” the bartender said. “I’m Harley, by the way.” She stuck out a hand, and Tasha and Jackie shook it in turn. “I’m one of the owners. Me and Benny go back a long time.”

  “Do you know Lock?” Jackie asked. “He isn’t in tonight, is he?”

  Harley gave her an odd look, then grinned. “No, why?”

  Jackie gave a little shudder. “He just weirds me out a bit. That’s all.”

  Harley gave her a look of approval. “Good for you. Most women are disappointed when Lock isn’t here, even though he has the morals of a sea slug. No, that isn’t fair to sea slugs.” She put her hand under her chin. “Can’t think of anything dirty enough. Anyway, I’m glad you went for Max instead.”

  “Well, it wasn’t on purpose. I don’t think I could have approached a guy like that on my own.”

  “Right, Lionel. That little kitten,” Harley said. “So cute. If he ever needs a second home, I volunteer.”

  Jackie smiled, already really liking Harley. It made sense since she also really liked Benny. “Got it.”

  Tasha squirmed impatiently on her stool. “So, Harley, what do you recommend to loosen up so we can get out on that dance floor?”

  Harley grinned. “I’ve got just the thing.”

  As she moved to prepare drinks, Jackie looked at Tasha nervously.

  “So what do you think about the place?”

  Tasha turned around on her stool to take it all in. “Oh my God, am I in heaven?”

  Jackie blinked, looking around the club where people were dancing under flashing lights. Huge, hulking men everywhere, just like before. Women of all shapes and sizes looking like they were enjoying themselves.

  “Here,” Harley said. “My take on a Fireball. That should get your juices flowing.”

  “They already are,” Tasha said, looking out at the dance floor. “I don’t even know where to start.”

  “Just throw that back and enjoy the music,” Harley said, placing identical drinks in front of her and Jackie. “I’m sure you’ll find the right guy.”

  “I’ll just stay right here,” Jackie said. “I don’t feel like dancing much.”

  “Nonsense,” Tasha said. “You at least have to dance with me.” She threw her drink back and waited for Jackie to down hers. Jackie winced as it burned all the way down, then sent Harley a reluctant look as Tasha pulled her out onto the floor.

  The alcohol was just enough to give her a pleasant buzz as Tasha got them to the center of the floor and began to writhe sexily.

  Jackie felt awkward, not really knowing how to dance. But she let Tasha take her hands and flirt with her, knowing it was one of her top tactics for getting men to approach.

  Once Tasha found a man she liked, Jackie could head back to the bar and hang out with Harley.

  Sure enough, when the current song ended, a pop number that was easy to dance to, a man shadowed them, tapping Tasha on the shoulder. His tanned skin, dark hair, and blue eyes were exactly Tasha’s type, and Jackie grinned at her friend as she motioned for her to go with him.

  The man twirled a smiling Tasha under his arm as they moved to another spot on the floor.

  Jackie grinned as she started to leave the dance floor but stopped when she felt a hand on her arm.

  “Dance with me?”

  She looked up to see a tall man, not as tall as Max, looking down at her. He had messy, dark-blond hair and a kind demeanor. He seemed like a nice person, and she hated to turn him down, but…

  “Sorry, I’m here with someone,” she said, pulling her arm away.

  He let her go instantly. “My bad,” he said. “Let me know if you change your mind.” Then, with a wink, he was off to another girl.

  Jackie let out a sigh of relief and walked to a table at the back of the dance floor since she didn’t feel like going all the way to the bar. She sat, watching Tasha with her new boy toy and enjoying her warm buzz.

  But then a shadow came in front of her, blocking her view.

  “Want to dance?” The deep voice belonged to a tall man wearing green flannel that matched his eyes. His hair was a reddish auburn, and he was gorgeous, like the rest of the men in the club.

  “Um, no thank you,” she said. “I’m just going to sit this one out.”

  He put a hand over hers, pulling her out of her seat as he gave her a playful smile. “Come on. It’s just a dance. Even Max would have to allow it.”

  “What?” How did he know?

  “I saw you talking to him earlier. Kissing him, I mean. There’s gotta be something special about you if that lion wants you.”

  “That what?”

  The man blinked. “Sorry, I’m a bit drunk. I mean, he does have a mane, though.”

  She laughed, deciding that was a good enough explanation. “I don’t know.”

  “It’s just a dance,” he said. “Come on.” He began to move side to side with the rhythm. “We don’t even have to touch.”

  She pressed her lips together and sent a look at the door just in time to see Max closing it. “I suppose one dance is fine.” She was new to this whole dating exclusively thing, and surely Max didn’t expect her to be in a club and turn everyone down.

  Though, she hadn’t thought about it in advance because she hadn’t thought anyone would ask her.

  “God, you’re beautiful,” her dance partner said, moving in closer to put his hands on her waist.

  She pushed back against him. “I’d better go.
”

  He let her, rolling his eyes as he pushed back into the crowd.

  She was just about to leave the dance floor when yet another flannel-covered chest moved in front of her.

  “Oh, for Pete’s sake—”

  “Want to dance?”

  She looked up at the familiar voice to see Benny standing there, his hazel eyes twinkling playfully.

  “Oh, it’s you.”

  “I was sent to extract you from any suitors,” Benny said, shoving his hands in his pockets. “Gotta keep my bouncer happy, after all. Shall we?” He looked at the dance floor.

  She nodded, trusting Benny implicitly as they went back onto the floor.

  She danced across from him, trying not to think about the fact that Max was checking in on her. As fun as it was to be here with Tasha, now that she was having fun with a guy and clearly enjoying herself, Jackie just sort of wanted to be home.

  As she swayed to the music, letting it move her body and take her worries away, she caught Harley staring at them, her face slightly stricken as she watched Benny.

  Jackie frowned and took a step back. “I don’t want to intrude.” She looked over at Harley.

  “You aren’t,” Benny said, taking a step forward. “Harley and I are friends, and she knows you’re with Max.”

  “But maybe she wants to be dancing with you,” Jackie said softly. “Have you asked her before?”

  “Tons of times,” Benny said. Then he rubbed the back of his neck, squinting. “At least I think so. I mean… maybe? Huh.” He bit his lower lip. “I’m not sure. It’s complicated.”

  “Well, I like Harley, and I don’t want to be taking her man,” Jackie said. “Even when you’re just helping Max out.” She shook her head. “You should go talk to her. Even if you are just friends, you could ask her to dance.”

  Benny looked hesitant about the matter.

  “Anyway, I’m going to find my friend Tasha,” Jackie said. “So I’ll talk to you later.” She smiled at him. “Thanks for the dance.”