by J. Woods
“Hi, Joel. Listen, I’m really sorry but I wasn’t clear with Roxy when she gave you my phone number. I’m kind of seeing someone right now and the last thing I want to do is lead you on. I’m sorry.” She listened to the disappointment in his voice along with his well wishes before she heard him end the call. Placing the phone back on the table she stared at Max, biting down on her bottom lip to stop the smile from curving at her lips.
“I accept.”
“If you ever apologise to another man for kind of seeing me, you don’t want to know the trouble you will be in.”
“Can you give me a hint?” she asked seductively as she trailed her finger down his chest.
“Witch,” he growled, swiping the table clean of her untouched breakfast. The shatter of the plates was distant as she found herself lying on her back, Max overtop of her demanding everything she had to give. Her legs wrapped around his waist as she tugged at his hair in retaliation to the burning nips he was laying against her lower lip. And with one quick movement, kitchen table sex disappeared. She found herself swept up in his arms as he carried her down the hall to the bedroom.
“Max!” she squealed with laughter. “I have to go to work!”
“Well then, you shouldn’t be causing trouble.” He ripped his sweatpants off her legs and threw them to the side at the same time he pulled her shirt over her head. She was naked before she could blink. “I love you in my clothes.” And for the next hour, Brie found herself in a haze of hard and fast pleasure that turned into lazy, beautiful ecstasy.
“What happened here?” she asked, lying beside him completely sated as her fingers traced the still raw wound on his side. She could see it had been recent, the outline of the now missing stitches still marring his skin.
“Call it a minor disagreement,” he waved away nonchalantly. She looked up at him with a frown.
“When did it happen?” she persisted softly. She could almost hear him weighing the truth in his head.
“Last weekend,” he finally answered.
“Last weekend? Max!”
“I’m fine. Plus, it makes me look more rugged. You don’t like my scars?” he asked with an arrogant pout. She could hear the smile in his voice as she lay her head back down.
“I don’t like knowing you got hurt,” she whispered.
“Well then it’s a good thing you’re here to kiss all my booboos better.” They fell into a thoughtful silence for long moments. Brie wanted to close her eyes and suspend this moment as he ran his fingers through her hair, dragging her deeper into this haze away from reality.
“I need you to take me to my car,” she murmured sleepily while her fingers traced the hard, chiselled chest she lay against.
“No,” he finally answered, wrapping his arms tighter around her.
“I have to go to work,” she persisted before sinking her teeth playfully into his skin.
“Ow! Little minx.” His hand came down across her ass, his warm chuckle following. She forced herself to move away from him, but not before she could get a last pinch into his side. She could feel his eyes on her as she grabbed for the sweatpants he had pulled off her earlier. She turned to give him a sassy look over her shoulder and realized it was the wrong move. Seeing him lying lazily against the bed, proudly naked with his hands behind his head while he stared unabashedly at her made her want to throw away the clothes and forget about the real world. Just for today, and maybe a few after that. But that wasn’t an option so she forced herself to turn back around and pull the t shirt over her head.
***
Max walked her to her door, his arm snaking around her waist and pulling her back to him before slanting his lips over hers in a demanding, unforgettable kiss. “Will I see you later?”
“I don’t know what time I’m going to be finished today. I have a late meeting with a client.” She smoothed away the frown that snapped between his eyebrows.
“Okay, well call me when you get home.”
“I will.” She leaned in and pressed her lips softly against his, sealing her promise. Closing the door she knew a night away from Max, away from the fantasy of yesterday... and this morning, of pretend was probably for the best. She knew it wasn’t all pretend, she believed Max was genuine when he told her he wanted to see her exclusively. But she also knew that he was very easy to fall for. He was arrogant and dominating and charming and sweet. And with one damn smile or twinkle in his eyes, she felt herself drowning in the idea of maybe. She needed some time, some distance to sort things out. She only hoped tonight would give her that, because she didn’t know if she, and she doubted Max, would allow her much more time than that.
Brie walked into her office five minutes late and received a questioning raised eyebrow. “Well isn’t someone positively glowing. Must have been a good weekend.” Brie laughed and walked past without answering Adam’s intrigue or following wink. Closing the door behind her, letting him know silently she wasn’t going to be gossiping about her weekend, she stopped when a cup of tea and a paper bag sat on her desk. Walking around to sit down, she couldn’t stop her grin or the flutter in her belly when she read the note stapled on the outside.
It appears I owe you breakfast...
...you are a ravishing distraction.
Exclusively yours,
M.
Brie covered her mouth to stifle the giggle that she so badly wanted to suppress. At the same time, Adam stuck his head in her office. “Please tell me that is from that tall, sexy drink of water that stormed in here a week ago.”
“You read the note?” she asked her assistant incredulously.
“Of course I read the note,” he waved away. “Well it’s obvious the two of you made up. Did you tell him?”
“Tell him what?” she asked, confused.
“That you’re hopelessly in love with him.”
“What?” she almost squealed. “Adam, it’s not...”
“Please girl, you’re still holding onto that delicious note like it’s a damn lifeline. I mean I don’t blame you, hell I was even considering taking it for myself. You’re probably going to keep it forever, scrapbook it or some shit.”
“You’re such an ass.” She threw the nearest pen at him as she fell back in her chair laughing.
“I’m so very glad you’re happy, Brie.” He started backing out the door with a knowing smirk. “I’m completely jealous, naturally, but you deserve it.”
“You don’t know...” Before she could finish her sentence she found herself staring at her closed office door, lost in complete befuddlement. Her eyes darted from the note evidently still in her hands to the closed door and back again. And just as the spark of knowledge washed over her, she heard her head thump against her desk. “Damn it!”
“Told you!” she heard Adam call from his desk.
***
Max looked at his phone for the millionth time that night, staring at the blank screen that now read 9:30. He was starting to get worried, he hadn’t heard from Brie all day and his high from their morning was quickly fading. He knew with any other woman he would be entering panic mode with his promise of exclusivity, but with Brie, everything was different. She had the ability to make all the crazy, all the bullshit disappear. Max knew when he was with her he lost himself, she pulled him into this fog of desire and passion, and all he wanted was for them to be lost together. Even just thinking about her now, Max felt the bolts of white hot hunger rush through his veins. Adjusting his jeans, the rush of possessiveness washed over him. She was his. Finally. His phone vibrated in his palm. Turning it over he stared at her name and the text message notification. He frowned at the screen before swiping his thumb across the bottom.
Just got home. I’m really tired - going to bed. I’ll call you tomorrow.
Max sighed, knowing exactly what she was doing - it was her MO. She was running. He typed out his message and contemplated before pressing SEND.
Glad you’re home safe and sound, I was starting to worry.
He receiv
ed a response two minutes later.
No need to worry.
He shook his head, knowing what he needed to do. He wasn’t losing her because she had time all day to overanalyze what they were doing.
Brie...
Yes?
...don’t push me away. Not when I was just getting close.
Max waited. He got up and moved to his bedroom. Throwing his phone on his very empty bed, he quickly undressed and climbed under the covers grabbing for the remote. Five minutes later his phone rang. His lips curved up in a half smile as he answered.
“Hi.”
“I’m not. Pushing you away, that is.” Her voice was quiet with exhaustion and determination.
“Good.” There was a moment of silence that stretched between them. “Did you enjoy your breakfast?”
“I loved it,” she said with a sigh. “Thank you.” This time he let her fill the silence. “How was your day?”
“Pretty boring compared to how it started off.” He listened to her soft chuckle. “My bed is pretty empty without you.” He could almost hear her smile on the other side of the phone.
“Ditto.”
“What are you wearing?” he teased. Her giggle turned into a yawn and he resisted the urge to tell her he was coming over, that he would keep her warm and fill her empty bed. “Okay, I’ll let you go to sleep.”
“Alright. We have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow afternoon.”
“I’ll be there. I’ll pick you up from your office.”
“It’s a date,” she said over another yawn. Max smiled as they both remained on the line.
“Hang up the phone, Brie.”
“Okay,” she acquiesced reluctantly. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Sweet dreams, love.”
“Sweet dreams, Max,” she whispered. He heard the signifying click on the other end and fell back against his pillows with a disbelieving laugh.
How the hell was he lying in his bed... alone?
More importantly, why was he okay with it knowing she was safe in hers?
Hell... when had he lost his heart?
The enormity of the last few weeks hit him with a wave of exhaustion. His whole life changed when he found out that Brie’s baby was his. Nothing mattered anymore compared to his woman and their baby. Nothing. He had to tell his family. His mom was going to be ecstatic.
He reached over and grabbed the laptop sitting on his bedside table. Checking first his security monitors to ensure everything was quiet, he pulled up his inbox, reading and responding to the handful of new emails including one from his real estate agent confirming his move in date of next Friday. The last email was from his sister Cameron and with an air of grudging sarcasm she informed him and his brothers of their new secretary Marlea Simon who would be starting next week followed by her resume and background check. Max understood the veiled threat to kiss her ass if they didn’t like it.
Blowing out an exasperated breath, he wasn’t sure where to start his research. He loved kids, but his knowledge on how to take care of a baby was limited. He did have some experience, growing up he had to help out with first his own siblings and then again when his dad married Juliette. But this was different. This was his baby and he wasn’t and eight year old boy anymore. An hour later he was completely enthralled in the tornado of knowledge when he received a new text message from Logan.
New information on the Locos.
Max’s heart sank. Quickly pulling on a pair of sweatpants and a sweatshirt he sent a message back saying he was on his way to the Barn. He had been so preoccupied for the past few days, the Locos were the last thing on his mind. And that was his first mistake.
Pulling up to the Barn he saw the fleet of trucks out front. Everyone had already assembled by the time he walked into the board room. Aiden placed a file in front of him. He flipped it open and looked at the familiar faces on the photos before him as Logan started in the background.
“These are the faces Ashbrook currently has detained. We got word from Ace who’s still working undercover as Vasquez’s security that he has not built up his base and has no plans to. These men are the last of his team as far as we know so as long as we can keep this quiet, the better we have of throwing him off guard. Ace has already told Vasquez that he heard from his men tonight and all is going as planned.” Max took a deep breath and blew it out. They all knew, it didn’t matter what they thought Vasquez was doing. Even if Ace was acting as his eyes and ears, Vasquez always followed one plan - his own. He didn’t trust anyone and he was a sneaky bastard. Logan gave him a meaningful look to which Max nodded. He needed to be alert and aware. “We know he has your apartment address. No one knows about your new place. I suggest if you can move in early, you do that but keep the apartment in your name, some of your stuff there as a ploy.”
“Done. I’ll get started on the security tomorrow morning.” Luke and Nate chimed in with their offer to help and Max knew he had to tell his brothers about Brie. “It’s not just me anymore.”
“What?” Logan turned to him with a frown as Aiden and Luke stared at him with confusion. Nate gave him a reassuring nod.
“I’m with Brie now.”
“Brie? Like Roxy’s friend Brie?” Luke asked.
“Yes.” Max clenched his jaw around the word, hating the skepticism in his brother’s voice.
“Isn’t she pregnant? Like, really pregnant?”
“Watch it,” Max snapped, the cold anger in his tone evident. Luke held up his hands in surrender. He took a deep breath before continuing. “Yes, she’s pregnant. With my baby.” He watched eyes widen with surprise before a contemplative silence fell among them. “Before you say anything, yes I am sure it is my baby. Her and I have discussed everything and we decided we’re going to raise our baby - together.” He couldn’t stop the smile that spread across his face at the thought of Brie and his baby. Surprisingly Aiden was the first to get up and squeeze his shoulder.
“I’m happy for you, Max.”
Logan nodded his acceptance with a smile. “A baby?” he repeated, almost to himself.
“A baby,” Max confirmed with a proud grin. “I love her.” He stopped short, unsure of where that statement came from but knowing it was entirely true all the same. Max had known that seven months ago she was a thief and had stolen a part of his heart so he shouldn’t be all that surprised that she now held the entire thing in the palm of her tiny hand. He had to admit to himself that he’d fallen a little bit in love with Brie Murphy the minute he laid eyes on her. When he plummeted the rest of the way he had no idea.
“That much is obvious. Have you told Mom and Dad yet?”
“Not yet. I was going to tell them tomorrow.”
“Okay well, Brie’s name hasn’t come up in relation to the Locos - they don’t know anything about her or your relationship.”
“Good.” Max would ensure he would stick close to her. He would need to tell her what was going on. And now he had an excuse to share the same bed with her every night. To keep her safe of course.
Chapter Fourteen
Brie pushed through the door and stepped out into the brisk morning air. Bowing her head to look at her watch on her way down the sidewalk she didn’t see the man coming toward her until he bumped into her, almost causing her to fall over.
“Oh! I am so sorry! Are you alright?” He bent down and picked up her discarded purse while she stood with her hand over her heart, trying to catch her breath.
“I am so sorry, sir! I wasn’t paying attention.”
“No, no. My fault entirely. My dear, are you alright?” For a moment Brie wondered at his accent and the way his aged eyes seemed to silently study her. She instantly felt a chill run through her as she noticed his hands gripping her upper arms. Taking a step back she forced a smile to her face.
“I’m fine. Thank you.” She started to move around him when he reached out and grabbed her wrist. She spun around, quickly pulling from his grasp.
“Your purse, my dear.”
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“Oh, of course. Thank you, again.” Brie shook off her sense of unease and with a smile and a nod she bid him adieu and continued on her way. Rubbing her belly, she wondered why the hell she decided to walk to work today. She figured it was in the wake of her falling that she still felt his eyes on her as she walked away. But she wasn’t about to turn around and find out.
Collapsing into her chair she didn’t have time to turn on her computer before Adam walked in with a tea and a directive to be in her boss’ office. For the next three hours she was in and out of meetings, forgetting all about her run in with the stranger and the cold glint in his eyes.
Summoning Adam into her office, they sat down to discuss her new roster of clients and his new expanding role with each contract. In two months she wouldn’t be able to give her clients the attention they deserved and with some persistence and impossible promises, she guaranteed they would be in the best hands of her apprentice. In the midst of his excitement, she heard a knock at her door and with her head buried in the papers in front of her she took a cursory glance at who walked in before she did a double take. Unable to stop the grin that spread across her face, she wanted to roll her eyes at how hopelessly pathetic she was. There in all his rugged glory stood the man that was exclusively hers. With his charming grin, his leather jacket, a pair of jeans and black boots he made the butterflies flutter deep in her belly.
“I’m sorry to interrupt,” he said when he took his eyes away from hers and saw Adam sitting in front of her.
“It’s no interruption,” she assured him. “Adam, we can finish this tomorrow.”