His eyes slid to her as the thought seared through his brain. She hadn’t given him any new indications that she was interested other than her teasing interactions, but he had caught her looking his way a few times. Her face was turned out the window currently, watching the scenery pass by, and he wondered what was going on in her head. He hadn’t been this curious about a woman since Sarah. Ah, but there was the rub. What if Sarah got better? Shouldn’t he try to make it work with her since he knew about Peyton now? He had no business developing feelings for Alyssa. There was just too much muck in the middle.
She flashed him a small smile as they pulled into his garage. The desire to ask her to stay pounded in his head. They could have some alone time after Peyton went down for a nap, but fear of her answer kept his mouth shut. He was afraid she would say no, which would crush him, but even more afraid she would say yes, showing she felt something for him too. How awkward this felt. Maxwell Banks had never second guessed himself when it came to women, yet here he was waffling like a school boy.
Peyton was nearly half asleep as he unstrapped her from the car seat. She felt like a ton of bricks as he carried her inside.
As he laid her in the bed, her eyes fluttered open. “Will you keep me?”
The question caught him off guard as he tucked Peyton into bed. “What do you mean?”
“I mean if my mom dies. Will you keep me or will you send me to foster care?”
His heart broke a little that such a tiny creature was worried about such big issues. “Peyton, I didn’t think I wanted kids, but I honestly can’t imagine my life without you in it now.”
“Thanks, Max.”
Max, it was like a slap in the face. He shouldn’t expect her to call him Dad or Daddy; it had only been a week but hearing her call him Max didn’t sit well either. He leaned in and kissed her forehead before exiting her room and returning to the living room.
“What’s the matter?” Alyssa asked as he entered.
Max shook his head. He almost didn’t want to say the statement aloud, but Alyssa’s face softened his resolve, and the words began to spill out. “She called me Max. I know it’s still early, but... I don’t know, is it crazy that I want her to call me Dad?” His hand ran across his forehead as he said the word, a gesture he hadn’t done in ages.
“No, I don’t think it’s crazy. Knowing you have a child—your own flesh and bone—does crazy things to you, but,” she laid her hand on his arm, “she doesn’t see that yet. She needs to know that you’ll take care of her and protect her before she’ll feel safe enough to open up her heart.”
His eyes dropped from her emerald gaze to the pale hand on his arm. Could she feel the heat that was radiating up his arm at her touch? As his eyes moved back up, they stopped on her perfect lips. Full and pink, he longed to know what they would feel like pressed against his. Her lips parted slightly as she noticed his focus. That would normally be his cue, but he wanted to be sure. He flicked his eyes back to hers and a jumble of emotions poured out of them. He could sense her desire, but also her confusion and trepidation.
Suddenly, the warmth receded from his arm. She had pulled her hand away. “Well, I guess I should be going.”
“Are you leaving already?” His heart constricted at the thought.
“Do I have a reason to stay?”
Her words opened the door for him to make his move, but suddenly his throat was dry. He never lost his cool around women, so why was he finding himself tongue tied now? He took a step toward her. His hands wanted to reach out to touch her, but an invisible barrier kept them glued to his side. Still, the closeness caused her to take a breath.
“I’d like you to stay.” His voice was low and throaty. He cleared his throat as he took another small step toward her. The unseen heat building between them billowed over him.
“Max, I… ”
The hesitation was evident in her eyes, and it killed him.
“I know you know about my reputation, but having Peyton and meeting you... I feel different.”
Her head shook slowly, but not as if she was saying no, more like as if she was trying to convince herself.
“Will you give me a chance to show you at least?” This time his hand did reach out and cup her face. She leaned into his hand, and he couldn’t fight the feelings any longer. He pulled her close and touched her lips ever so slightly with his own. It was more breath and expectation than actual kiss, but it was enough to send a shock through his lips and a tremor through Alyssa’s body.
Her eyes snapped open, and she pulled back. “Max, I don’t know if I can do this.”
“Alyssa, if you can promise to at least give me a shot, I’ll do my best to show you a different Max.”
Her lip pulled into her mouth as her teeth bit down on it. It was the cutest gesture he had ever seen, but his heart thudded in his chest as he waited for her answer.
“The nanny, Helen, she sees it. There’s something here, Alyssa.”
“I... I will think about it, Max. I’ll call you later.”
As Alyssa hurried out of his house again, Max sighed and leaned his head back. He’d have to come up with some way to win her over.
Alyssa didn’t stop moving until she was at her car, but as she fumbled for her keys, she nearly dropped them; her hands were shaking so badly. Once inside, she grasped the steering wheel to try to calm herself before driving. Why had she run again? She had wanted him to kiss her; she had liked him kissing her. Was that the problem? Was it that she liked it too much?
When her heart had slowed its rhythm down, she inserted the keys and started the engine. Though music played on the radio, she could hardly hear it, her thoughts were spinning a mile a minute. Was it possible he could have changed that quickly? He did seem different, but was it different enough?
“Lord, I need your guidance here. I know I’m developing feelings, but are they misplaced? He isn’t a believer yet, but I feel like his heart was opening today. Please guide me in your will.” Saying the words out loud was like putting aloe on a burn–it soothed and calmed her nerves, and while she didn’t get an immediate answer, she knew that God would answer in his own time. She just had to try to listen.
Chapter 11
“You missed another great party, man.” Justin leaned against the door to Max’s office, his arms crossed over his chest. “It was phenomenal.”
“That’s great, Justin, but I just don’t see parties in my future right now.” Or ever again. “I had a good weekend too. I spent the time with Peyton and Alyssa.” He smiled as he remembered their first kiss. He wished it had lasted longer, but her response to it at least gave him hope that she felt something too.
“Yeah, Alyssa. She’s hot, man. I can see why you dig her, but do you really want to get tied down right now? I mean you are in the prime of your life!” Justin sauntered in and plopped down in the chair across from Max’s desk, stretching out his long legs and folding his arms behind his head. “There were so many beauties there on Saturday.”
“There’s something nice about seeing the same woman more than once though,” Max replied. He shouldn’t have to, but he felt the need to defend his actions. He and Justin traveled the same circles together, but now a distance was growing between them.
“I don’t know about that, but I’d like to see what this woman offers that has you so intrigued. How about a double date on Friday? I’m sure I can scrounge up someone.”
The proposition would have been one he jumped on a few weeks ago, but now the thought sent a feeling of dread through Maxwell. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea. We aren’t even dating yet.” Though I’m trying. “Just more like getting to know each other.”
“That will be perfect then because I won’t be dating the woman I bring either. Come on, just a dinner or a movie or something.”
“I’ll ask her,” Max said, “but I can’t promise anything.”
He contemplated the call to Alyssa the rest of the day but could never seem to find the right words
. However, as he pulled into his driveway, he was surprised to find her car parked in front of his house.
He pulled out his phone, but there had been no missed calls. What is she doing here?
The sound of laughter greeted him as he entered the house, and as he placed his mug on the bar, he spied Helen, Alyssa, and Peyton in the living room. Alyssa was tickling Peyton on the floor and all three were giggling.
Peyton noticed him first and struggled to her feet. “Max.” A smile of sheer delight lit up her face and she ran to him. He bent down to hug her, enjoying the sensation of her happiness to see him. “Aunt Lyssa is here. She’s playing tickle monster.” Peyton wiggled her fingers at Max to demonstrate.
“I see that,” he said, laughing. “You guys look like you’re having fun.” His eyes caught Alyssa’s gaze before she dropped her eyes to the floor.
“Can she stay for dinner, please?”
Max could think of nothing he would like more. “It’s up to Alyssa. It’s perfectly fine with me. Helen, you are welcome to stay too.” Though he hoped she would say no, it would have been rude not to invite her.
“Oh no, dearie. I have my grandbabies coming over tonight. I best be getting home to them, but I put a Shepherd’s pie in the oven. It ought to be enough to feed three.” She winked at Max as she gathered her things. “See you tomorrow, Peyton. Thanks for the visit, Alyssa.”
“You’re welcome,” Alyssa said, rising from the floor.
“Well, would you like to stay for dinner?” Max asked again.
Alyssa opened her mouth, but before she could utter a word, Peyton grabbed her hand. “Please, Aunt Lyssa?”
“How do you say no to that?” she asked, laughing. “Okay, I’ll stay.”
“Good. Why don’t you grab some plates and I’ll get the pie out of the oven?” Max asked. He grabbed two pot holders and opened the oven. The smell of meat, vegetables, and potatoes wafted out. Reaching in with the potholders, he grabbed the sides of the casserole dish and pulled it out. White wisps of steam rose into the air as he carried it to the table and set it in the middle.
Alyssa had already placed three plates on the table and filled glasses–milk for Peyton and iced tea for Max and herself. She helped push Peyton in before taking her own seat. Max sat last.
“Will you join us for prayer this time?” Alyssa asked.
“Sure.” Max was surprised when, instead of clasping her hands together as before, she reached out and took ahold of his hand. He smiled at her before following suit and taking Peyton’s hand. It still felt odd to close his eyes, but he enjoyed the warmth of Alyssa’s hand as the darkness took over.
“Lord, thank you for this food and for the many blessings that you have given us. Help us to keep our eyes on you in everything we do. Amen.”
Peyton echoed the amen, and Max scooped Shepherd’s Pie onto everyone’s plate.
After dinner, Peyton tugged his arm, dragging him into the living room.
“Can we watch a movie, Max, please?”
Max looked to Alyssa who shrugged as if to say she had nowhere to be. She took one edge of the couch and Peyton crawled up beside her, leaving the other end free for Max. He flicked on Moana, Peyton’s current favorite movie of the hour, and claimed his seat.
Though Peyton sat in between them, Max could feel Alyssa’s presence just a foot away. Her perfume drifted in the air, igniting his senses. He longed to reach over and clasp her hand again, but he had no idea what Alyssa would do and there was Peyton to consider.
By the time the movie ended, Peyton was almost asleep on Alyssa’s lap.
“Come on, Peyton. Let’s get you into bed,” Max said as he scooped her up. “Can you stay a moment?” he asked Alyssa. “There is something I want to ask you.”
“Uh, sure,” she answered, her voice filled with curiosity.
“Great, I’ll be right back.” He carried Peyton to her bedroom, changing her quickly into pajamas and laying her in bed. As she was almost asleep, he decided to skip the story and the prayer, but placed a kiss on her head and smoothed her hair back before leaving the room.
Alyssa was still on the couch when he returned though she rose as he entered.
“So, what’s up?”
“My friend Justin, the one you met at the office, he wants to get together, kind of like a double date this Friday.”
Alyssa sucked in her breath and looked away. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”
“I know he’s not your cup of tea, but he’s been my friend for years, and he’s trying. He said he wants to get to know you better. Just one night, please?” Max took a step toward her as he finished the plea.
“I...” Alyssa bit her bottom lip as she thought. “Okay, one night, but if it’s awful, we never do it again, agreed?”
“Agreed,” Max said with a laugh.
Alyssa smiled, and silence descended. Her eyes stared into Max’s and, heart racing, he took another step toward her. When she didn’t move, he took that as a sign and cupped her face. Her chest moved ever so slightly with her breath and he leaned down, placing his lips on hers.
Her arms wrapped around his neck, and the kiss deepened, but as he pulled her closer, she pushed him away, breaking the contact.
“I have to go. Thank you for a wonderful night, and I’ll see you Friday.”
As she dashed away again, Max wondered if she would ever stop running from their attraction.
Chapter 12
Max grabbed the flowers from his passenger seat after parking the car at Alyssa’s apartment. Even though Alyssa had agreed to this date, he wondered if this double date idea was a good one.
He had found himself drifting further away from Justin, and he worried that Justin would remind Alyssa of his past. Max had been working hard to show Alyssa how much he had changed, but it was too late to change his mind now and cancel the date.
After a quick knock on the door, it swung open, but it was not Alyssa’s face on the other side. A pretty blond with a nose ring greeted him.
“You must be Max. I’m Roxy, Alyssa’s roommate.”
Max shook the proffered hand as he wondered why Alyssa had never mentioned a roommate. “Nice to meet you, Roxy.”
Her eyes traveled up and down his body, and she raised an eyebrow at him. The very gesture made Max feel more like an item being appraised than like a man, and he vowed never again to perform it on a woman.
“Thank you, Roxy,” Alyssa said as she appeared behind the blond. She was dressed in a dark green top and slacks which brought out the natural green in her eyes and made her skin appear paler than it was. The effect was almost mystical.
“You look beautiful.” The words slipped out before Max could reel them back in, and Alyssa blushed.
“Thanks, you look good too.”
“Ah, aren’t you guys cute?”
Roxy’s obnoxious intrusion broke the spell of their locked gazes, and Max pasted a smile on his face to hide his annoyance. “Here, these are for you.” He handed Alyssa the bouquet of red and white carnations he had picked up on his way.
“Thank you,” she said, accepting them. “Roxy, will you put these in some water for me?” She handed the flowers off and pulled the door shut behind her. “I’m sorry about her. She’s a little abrasive sometimes.”
“Don’t worry, Justin is the same way.”
“Yeah, I remember meeting him. I have to say, I’m a little nervous about a double date with him.”
Max stopped and took her hands. “Can I be honest? I am too. Justin has been my friend for years, but he represents a lot of the old Max. I’ve felt us separating as I’ve tried to put that guy behind me, but it would be rude to stand them up.”
“I guess you’re right,” Alyssa said, shrugging. “Besides, what is the worst that could happen?”
An hour later, Alyssa found herself wishing she had never made that statement. Max had been trying his best to keep Justin in check, but he kept trying to bring up escapades from their past. Even worse, he didn
’t appear to be interested in the woman beside him as his eyes followed every woman who walked past them.
“Hey remember that time when—”
“You know, I think we’ll skip dessert,” Max said, interrupting him. “In fact, Alyssa has a final tomorrow, so I should get her home.” He removed his wallet and placed a hundred-dollar bill on the table. “That should cover our part of the bill. You ready?”
Alyssa smiled at him. Though she didn’t approve of the lie, she was immensely relieved to be leaving Justin’s company.
“It was nice to meet you,” she said to Justin’s date, “and nice to see you again.” The last five words she had to force out as she’d rather watch paint dry than go out with Justin again.
Max grabbed her hand as they exited the restaurant, and she squeezed it. She might still have some concerns about his past, but his present was showing definite promise.
“I really do want dessert,” he said as they stepped into the warm summer air. “Care to accompany me to a local bakery?”
“Of course,” she said, adopting his formal vocabulary. “I would be delighted.”
He placed her hand on the crook of his arm and escorted her up the sidewalk and over a few blocks to a small pastry shop housed in between a clothing store and a used book shop. The Sweeter Side was stenciled in white on the glass door, and a small pink awning hung above the doorway. As he opened the door, a small bell jingled, announcing their arrival.
Delicate glass tables with white chairs dotted the inside of the shop, which was painted a pastel pink. A glass showcase spanned the wall just in front of them, ending at the cash register.
“How did you ever find this place?” Somehow, she couldn’t picture the old Maxwell Banks ever stepping foot in this pretty shop.
“Actually, I know the owner.”
Images of a woman from Maxwell’s past flooded Alyssa’s mind, but she was not prepared for the plump, mousy brunette that appeared behind the counter. The woman was pretty, but not the type of woman she could ever see Maxwell with.
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