“Thanks.” I waved as I turned on a fan, and sat down in front of it. The crowd had died down, and only a few people were out front loading their cars. It would stay slow now with just the occasional customer until around lunchtime. People tended to stop by on their lunch breaks and then it would pick up again in the evening during the evening commute.
“You’re welcome.” Max smiled at me as he rubbed his hair again. He was dressed in a white t-shirt and worn blue jeans with a pair of scuffed boots. The hat atop is head had seen better days, but it seemed to be a favorite. Every time I’ve seen him out working, he’s been wearing it. It was navy at one time, I think. Now it’s a gray color, and has a permanent sweat stain around the band.
“So, why were you coming here this morning?” I watched him pace around the small space.
“What?” He stopped and removed his hat.
“When you came with the melons, you said you had to run an errand and you were coming here anyway.” I gestured around with my hands.
“Right.” He nodded as his bottom lip twisted between his teeth. “An errand.” He chuckled. Was Max nervous? I watched him glance around before he turned his hat backwards and moved closer. “I almost forgot why I came here.” His eyes danced with mischief. “You’re a little distracting.”
“Really?” I grinned at him as he moved even closer. “So why are you here, Max?” I tipped my head to look up at him. He was so close now that our chests were almost touching. He smelled of sweat and soap, and I couldn’t help but want to be closer. I needed to be closer. After our date and those kisses, all I wanted to do was get lost in him.
“I needed to bring you something,” he murmured before he dipped his head, and pressed his lips to mine. I pushed up on my tiptoes and wrapped my arms around his neck, causing my entire body to press into his. A growl tore from his lips as his arms moved around my waist to hold me in place. The kiss seemed to go on forever, and when he finally started to pull back, I found myself following him to keep our contact from breaking. “I’ve been dying to do that since I got here today,” he murmured. “These shorts are killing me, Hails.” He slid his palm down my side, and stopped at the fringe of my shorts.
“Don’t let me stop you,” I flirted back. I liked this side of Max, the side that seemed to finally understand that I wanted this, needed this.
“I have to stop,” he grumbled.
“Not yet, you don’t,” I murmured as I pressed into him once again, and fused our mouths. I traced the seam of his lips, and as he opened, I threaded my fingers through the hair at his nape. I tugged gently, and he groaned again. I could feel his erection growing as it pressed into my belly, and my body heated impossibly more. His head tipped to the side as his tongue dueled with mine. If it hadn’t been for his phone ringing, I may have jumped him right there.
“Grrr.” He tore his lips from mine. “Hello?” He took a deep breath, and held his finger up to signal ‘just a minute’. “Yeah, I’m coming.” He rolled his eyes and I started to giggle. I couldn’t help it, and the frustration on his face made me laugh even harder. “I said I’m coming!” he barked before disconnecting the call, and shoving his phone in his pocket.
“Guess you have to go.” I pouted.
“Yep. Micha needs help with the corn. The back field is ready to harvest.” He shook his head.
“You be a good boy and get your chores done, and I’ll reward you tomorrow night.” I licked my lips as my eyes scanned down his body. He was still worked up, and in obvious discomfort.
“Don’t look at me like that, Hails,” he warned. “I’m trying to be good here.” His hands fisted at his sides as he closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
I stepped closer once again and whispered, “Maybe I don’t want you to be good. I’ve had twenty-six years of you being good. I want you to be bad for a change.” I pressed a kiss to the side of his neck right under his ear. He grunted as a whispered curse slipped from his lips, and he turned to rush out of the stand. I couldn’t help but admire the way his worn jeans fit, and wondered if I’d finally get to make some of those fantasies I had all those years ago come true. Saturday night I would watch Maxwell Stanton come undone.
ooooooooo
Max
Holy shit was I in trouble. I half stumbled, half walked back to where I’d parked the tractor when I dropped off the melons. Hailey was like a different person today. It was almost as if I’d unlocked something in her when I kissed her the other night, and now she was on a mission. When I told her on our date that we needed to slow down, I had no idea that she was really as ready as she seemed to be today. She seemed to know what she wanted, and she wasn’t going to let me put the brakes on anymore. Fuck! I was so gonna lose this battle.
I made my way back to the barn to park, and found Micha leaning against a support post. “Thought you were working?” I grumbled.
“I was. I decided to come in here and wait for you.” He pushed off the post and stood. “Where’ve you been?”
I rolled my eyes as I brushed past him. “At the stand making your delivery.”
“Something wrong?” Micha laughed.
“Nope, not at all. Brit was asking about you.” I went into the supply room to look for work gloves. “Seems like you made quite the impression.”
“I’m good like that.” He chuckled as he followed me.
“She didn’t even buy anything because you weren’t there,” I huffed. I lifted the lid of the tool box in the corner and dug out my old work gloves. “Do you want my help, or not?” I brushed passed him and started walking in the direction of the field.
“We can take the tractor,” he yelled from somewhere behind me.
“I need to walk.” I waved him off. The truth was, I needed to exhaust myself today or I was never gonna get any sleep. Hailey already plagued my dreams, and now she’d added to the fantasies.
It only took a few seconds, but I soon heard Micha’s footsteps pounding behind me. “What’s going on with you and Hailey?”
“That’s not your business.” I shot him a warning glare.
“Un huh.” He laughed. “So, you aren’t messing around then? She turn you down, or something?”
“I’m warning you, little brother.” I glared at him. Micha was always in my business, and he seemed to have the sick need to push me wherever Hailey was concerned.
“So, let me see if I can get this straight.” He tapped his chin as he jogged along beside me. I was walking as fast as I could, and he was determined to keep up, even if it meant running slightly. Not much had changed in that aspect since we were kids. “You have been in love with your best friend for most of your life. You finally had the balls to ask her out, and do something about it, and now you’re scared to go all in. Am I close?” He reached for my forearm and tried to halt me.
“Micha.” I stared at him. He had no idea how close he was to being right. What happens if Hailey and I did sleep together? What if we built it up in our heads to be more than it actually was? What if she never is able to give me her whole heart because Jared still has it?
“She loves you, you dummy.” Micha shook his head. “I swear for a smart guy, you can be really dumb sometimes.”
My eyes flashed up to meet his, and he just stood there staring at me. “What?”
“You’re worried that you’re always gonna come in second. It’s written all over your face.” He pointed at me. “Tell me I’m wrong.”
“You’re wrong.” I shoved him hard enough that he stumbled backwards. He was right, but as the older brother I had to keep him in his place. He always was able to read me better than anyone, and right now he was just hitting a little too close to home.
“Get over yourself, and just do it. Tell her you love her. Lay it all out for her, and then do it. Prove to her that you’re the one she was always supposed to be with. If she breaks your heart, then at least you know you did everything you could.” He stepped back to avoid another shove as I glared at him. “Hey, the best rewards come
from the biggest risks, just sayin’.’” He turned and began walking toward the crew in the field nearby.
I knew I needed to get out there, but I also needed to let what he just said sink in. Micha was always spouting advice. It had become a family joke at one time, but I had to admit that when it came to Hailey and me, he was always spot on. My brother may have been a pain in my ass for most of my life, but I loved him for it.
Chapter 23
Hailey
Tonight was the night, and so far, everything was going to plan. Nora had been in a good mood all day, and I’d been able to clean the apartment and get all the items I needed from the grocery store. I was making lasagna, which used to be one of Max’s favorites. When we were kids it was the only meal that would get him to come inside without an argument. Any other time, he’d argue with his mom until she finally gave up. We’d stay outside playing until dark, or the mosquitos chased us indoors.
I’d called Mrs. Stanton today to get her recipe. I was hoping to surprise him, but I’d settle for not burning dinner. I’m not a terrible cook, but Jared used to tease me about how many times I’d order pizza each week. Not all recipes are easy, and most days I was feeling adventurous. I’d find something that neither of us had ever heard of, and attempt it. I stopped counting the number of times we ate something like cereal for dinner. Inevitably, I’d burn or scorch something. Ever tasted scorched milk? Yeah, I don’t want to do that ever again.
At around six, Max knocked on my door. He was always right on time whenever he said he was coming over. Nora was bouncing in her jumper with Baby Einstein on in the background. It usually kept her happy when I was busy.
I brushed my hands down the apron I was wearing as I rounded the corner to open the door. I’d meant to put on something nicer, but the shorts and tank I was wearing were going to have to do. I rose up on my toes to look through the peephole, and then almost swallowed my tongue. I sucked in a deep breath and blew it out as I released the lock, and pulled open the door. Max was standing there in a pair of khaki shorts and a black V-neck tee shirt that fit him like a glove. He was wearing leather flip flops, a first for him that I knew of, and his hair was still damp from a shower.
“Hey,” I smiled as I stepped back. “Dinner’s almost ready.” I swept my arm out, signaling him to come in.
“Great. I’m starving.” He laughed as he came in and leaned down, pressing a kiss to my cheek. “Smells delicious.”
“Thanks. I thought you might like it.” I grinned as I closed the door behind him and then turned to head back to the kitchen.
“Hey, sweet girl,” Max cooed as he turned in the opposite direction and squatted down in front of Nora. She giggled as she bounced in her seat, her little legs flailing under her. “You’re happy to see me too, huh?” He tickled one of her feet before moving to sit on the floor beside her. “What are we watching tonight?”
Tears came to my eyes as I watched this man have a one-sided conversation with my daughter. She wasn’t even his, but you never would have known this. He’s one of the only people other than my family who don’t treat her like she’s broken. Jared will always be her father, but she shouldn’t have to suffer the loss of him.
“What’s Mommy cooking?” He glanced over his shoulder in my direction as I pretended not to be eavesdropping. Nora babbled a little and Max nodded his head like he understood. It was that moment that the timer on the oven decided to go off, signaling that dinner was ready.
“All right you two; time to eat,” I called as I carried the lasagna over to the table.
Max stood and swung his eyes between Nora and myself. “What about the squirt?”
“She already ate.” I brushed him off. “She’ll be crashing soon. Just let her watch her shows.” I laughed as I rolled my eyes. She was less than five feet from us, and in the same room. If she needed me, it wouldn’t be a problem.
“Are you sure? I can hold her.” He furrowed his brows.
“I’m sure. Come eat while it’s hot.” I pulled out a chair and sat down.
Max shrugged and came over to the table. “Is that lasagna?” His lips curved into a smile.
“Yep.” I grinned.
“You know that’s my favorite, right?” He licked his lips as he sat down. He scooped out a serving for me, and then moved the pan in front of his spot at the table.
“Don’t hate me if it tastes bad. I used a new recipe.” I cringed as his eyes snapped up to meet mine.
“You know if you were that worried, you could have asked my mom for hers.” His head tipped to the side.
“I did.” I pointed to the pan.
“This is Mom’s? And you think it’s gonna be bad?” His eyes bugged out. “First of all, I could never hate you, no matter what. Second, it’s lasagna.”
“Well, tell me how it is.” I pointed to his fork. He chuckled as he scooped up a bite and held it in front of his mouth. As the steam rose off of it, he blew gently. After a few seconds, he slipped it into his mouth. As he chewed, his eyes fluttered closed and a groan slipped out. “That good, huh?” I laughed.
“So good,” he mumbled as he scooped another bite up. “Better than Mom’s.” He moaned around the next bite. “But if you tell her that I’ll have to punish you.” He pointed his fork at me.
“I might tell her then.” I chewed on my lip as I watched his mouth work.
“Stop looking at me like that, Hails. I’m starving, and this is really good, and I really don’t want to stop yet,” he growled.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I batted my eyes innocently.
“Yes, you do,” he muttered.
Deciding to give him a break, I changed the subject, and we talked about work. This went on until Max deemed himself full. He’d had three helpings, and was still eyeing the pan on the table. “You wanna take that home with you?” I pointed at it. “You seem to be ready to fight me for it.”
“I love leftovers, but I was thinking maybe we could eat it for lunch tomorrow.” He slowly stood and made his way around the table. “Why don’t you go take care of Nora, and I’ll clean up?”
“You don’t have to do that. I invited you here.” I glanced over at where my daughter was barely awake, bouncing every few seconds and nodding off in between.
“I know that. I want to.” He pulled me up, and then turned me to face Nora. After pushing me toward her by the shoulders, he started picking up our dishes and carrying them into the kitchen.
“Thanks,” I called as I lifted Nora into my arms. “Hey, sweet girl. Let’s get you to bed,” I whispered as I kissed her cheek, and snuggled her in my arms. She curled up, and nuzzled me as her little arms wrapped around my neck. “I’ll be back in a minute,” I whisper shouted to Max as I turned to head toward Nora’s room.
After tucking her into her crib, I turned on her nightlight, and then pulled the door to a crack. She’s been sleeping through the night for a while now, but I still worry about not hearing her if she wakes up.
When I came back out into the living room, Max was drying his hands on a towel. “Thanks.” I smiled. “I could have done that, though.”
“It’s not a problem. You had enough to worry about. Plus, you fed me.” He smirked. He stepped closer to me and wrapped his arms around my waist pulling me close to him. I leaned into his chest, and breathed in his cologne. He smelled woodsy, and totally Max. “Wanna watch one of the movies I brought?” he whispered right beside my ear, causing me to shiver slightly.
“Sure.” It was muffled from where I was leaning against him. When I glanced up at him, he was grinning at me. “What?” I asked, confused.
“You’ll see.” He stepped back, breaking our contact and then moved around me toward the couch. “Get the lights. I’ll get it started.”
I watched him as he popped open a DVD box, and then moved to squat in front of my entertainment center. As he pushed it into the DVD player, I flipped the light switch off. When I turned toward the couch, Max was lounging almost in the middl
e. His feet were up on the table in front of him, and one arm was on the back. “Come here.” He patted the spot beside him.
“What is this?” I pointed at the screen as I shuffled over to the couch. As I sat down beside him, I heard the opening credits and a smile curved on my face. “I can’t believe you still have this.” I laughed as I leaned back, effectively putting myself right against Max’s side.
“Didn’t you hear? It’s a classic.” He laughed as the opening scene to Friday the 13th began to unfold. We’d seen this together in the theater and I’d made a point to tell him that I’d never watch it again. I hated scary movies, but Max loved them. When it was released on DVD, Max bought it as a gift for me. The day he gave it to me, I chucked it as hard as I could back in his direction. He swore that I’d regret not taking it. Now, it all seemed kinda silly, but it’s nice having a piece of my childhood back.
“You are full of surprises, Maxwell.” I crossed my arms over my chest as I attempted to look stern.
“You’re going to go there?” He cocked one brow as his lips thinned. Max knew that if I was calling him by his full name that I meant business.
“All’s fair.” I smirked right back at him.
“Well then, we are definitely watching this entire thing.” His arm slipped off the back of the couch and pulled me into his side.
“You are so getting it later,” I muttered.
“I’m counting on it,” he mumbled, causing every fiber in my body to take notice. Was he really going to go past kissing?
The longer we sat there, the harder it was. Part of me was working extra hard to ignore the movie. It didn’t scare me anymore, but I didn’t feel like having my nerves rubbed raw. “You really are jumpy, ya know?” he whispered into my ear.
“Am not,” I huffed.
“Are too.” He leaned in so close his lips were brushing my ear.
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