‘Sure, I can stay. Andy and Dan are opening up today. We could take the dogs out, if you like. We might even bump into Katy out there.’
‘Really? I had something else in mind. We should make the most of this unexpected opportunity, don’t you think? It’s been far too long.’
I laughed, taking a step backwards from his embrace. My body was willing, but my head was all over the place, full of thoughts of Katy and then…Sasha. Where had that come from? And why now, when I could have been cosying up to Max instead? ‘Oh, I meant to ask you. How did it go with Sasha the other day?’
‘Sasha?’ Max was clearly as puzzled. ‘Yeah, yeah, it was fine.’ He pulled me closer again.
‘Good,’ I said, brightly, breathing in his scent, trying not to be distracted by his proximity. As easy as that would be, now I’d bitten the bullet and dared to mention Sasha, I really wanted to get to the bottom of her recent visit.
‘Soooo,’ I hung on to that vowel just long enough to convince Max I wasn’t that interested in Sasha really, I was just being polite in asking. ‘What was it she wanted then?’
‘Um…’ Max was having trouble focussing on my question, as his eyes concentrated intently on my face. ‘What did she want? Advice. She’s thinking of moving, so we were talking about property prices, renting, that kind of thing.’
‘Ah right.’ It made sense now. Sort of. Max held a huge portfolio of properties. He would definitely know about that sort of thing.
‘But why are we talking about Sasha, when all I’m interested in right now is you and me and…’ He stroked his finger around my jawline, down my neck, and along my collarbone, and in that instance all thoughts of Sasha, and Katy, drifted from my mind. His kisses, sweet and attentive, unlocked within me the memory of his touch, every nerve cell in my body responding in warm anticipation. ‘Come on, let’s go upstairs,’ said Max, taking my hand and leading me out through the kitchen door into the magnificent galleried hallway. He closed the door to the kitchen behind him. The dogs would be happy mooching around in there, before no doubt collapsing in a heap in the plethora of soft and squishy beds in the utility room.
Walking up the grand sweeping staircase, the splendour of Max’s house always took me by surprise. The high ceilings, the oak woodwork throughout, the central glittering chandelier and the many original and bold pieces of modern artwork on the walls lent an opulent yet classy look. Could Katy really be so unmoved by the gorgeousness of these surroundings or was that all part of her teenage bravado?
Upstairs, our hands interlinked, Max led the way into the master bedroom, closing the door with his foot behind him. He took my face in his hands, his dark eyes full of hungry intent.
‘Oh Max, do you think we should?’ I said. ‘What if Katy comes back?’
‘You worry too much. We’ll hear her if she comes back. Besides, we have no reason to be tiptoeing around. This is my house. We can do what we want to do,’ he said, clearly amused. ‘And we can be quick,’ he said, his eyes challenging me seductively, ‘if that’s what you’d prefer?’
His kisses silenced any lingering doubts I may have had as my body gave in to his assured touch. Quick. Slow. With a burning anticipation running through my veins, either way was absolutely fine with me. To be alone again with Max in the strong hold of his arms was wonderful. He was right, it had been far too long and now he was clearly in a hurry. His hands slipped beneath my top and he lifted off my sweatshirt up over my head, unclasping my bra with an expert one-handed manoeuvre and allowing it to slip off my shoulders. Quickly he took off his own shirt and pulled my naked chest to his, the sensation of my skin upon his sending ripples of delight along the entire length of my body. I never felt self-conscious in front of Max; his adoring gaze always took me to another place, somewhere where I was the most gorgeous, beautiful and enticing woman in existence, and his adoration only fuelled my own desire further.
Under his watchful gaze, I undid the button to my jeans and wriggled out of them while Max dealt with his own trousers, discarding them with a flourish to one side, which made me giggle. In nothing but his boxer shorts, Max’s strong and powerful physique was clear to see. My toes curled in almost unbearable anticipation.
‘Come here,’ he said, grabbing me by the hand and pulling me towards him again. Laughing, we fell back on to the sumptuous queen-sized bed, our limbs entangling, our hands greedily exploring each other’s bodies. My breasts immediately responded to Max’s gentle, yet tantalising touch, my entire being wanting more of him. No man had ever made me feel the way Max did. Our physical attraction couldn’t be denied, but it was much more than that. A connection, something that touched me at the very core of my being. A strength of feeling that scared me with its intensity.
Our lovemaking was tender and urgent and needy, and in the heat of the moment, I didn’t want it to end, I wanted to be lost in that place forever. Just me and Max. Afterwards, totally spent and satisfied, we lay together, legs and arms flung haphazardly over each other, before Max rolled onto his back pulling me into his side, his breathing heavy and steady and reassuring in my ear.
‘I wish it could always be like this. You, here with me.’
I twisted round, lifting myself up on to my elbows to see his thoughtful expression. ‘Yes,’ I sighed, ‘it’s so good when we’re together.’ And then my toes curled again, this time with embarrassment, realising how awkward I’d sounded. I found it hard to articulate exactly how I felt to Max, as if saying the words aloud might damage what we had in some way. Not that Max seemed bothered. He was observing me closely, a warm and knowing smile on his lips as his fingers played with my hair. It wasn’t that I had any doubts about my feelings for him. They grew deeper with every moment I spent in his company. Just that the very core of me felt vulnerable and exposed, as though Max held the power to tear at my insides and rip them apart.
‘I meant what I said about us seeing each other more. We should do that. Make time for each other. I get withdrawal symptoms if I don’t get to see you for a few days, Ellie.’ Those words in conjunction with his fingertips running down the length of my arm made me shiver inside. ‘Is that what you want too?’
‘Yes, I do, Max. Really I do.’
‘Good, let’s make it happen then. I’ve realised recently that I don’t need to keep putting in the same ridiculous hours I’ve always done. I’ve got a great team of people around me. People I can rely on. I’ve always pooh-poohed the idea of a work/life balance, but I can actually see it makes a lot of sense now. I need to take a step backwards from the business. And I suppose with Katy here, now might be the ideal opportunity to start on that, and of course that means I get to spend more time with you.’
‘Well, it sounds like a great idea, Max, but I’m having trouble imagining this new relaxed and laid-back Max Golding,’ I said, laughing.
‘You have such little faith in me, Ellie Browne.’
‘Well you have to admit you’re a bit of a control freak. I give you about two weeks at the most before you’re back in the thick of it.’
‘You reckon, huh? We’ll see,’ he said, tapping me gently on the nose. ‘Really though, I’ve enjoyed being part of the community here in Little Leyton and getting involved in village life. I’ve never had that before, that sense of responsibility and duty to my neighbours and friends. Being part of something beyond myself and my work, it’s given me an appreciation of what’s important in life.’
‘Or maybe you’re just becoming a boring old fart, Max. Have you considered that?’ I teased.
‘Oi!’ he said, pinning my wrists above my head and tickling me under my arms. ‘Less of the old and boring please.’
‘Stop it,’ I said, giggling and wriggling beneath him. ‘Some of us have work to do today. We can’t all decide to take such a relaxed attitude towards our businesses. I do have a pub to run you know.’
Laughing, Max jumped up and offered me a hand, pulling me up on my feet. ‘Come on.’
A few moments later, down in the
kitchen, we were saying our goodbyes, wrapped in an embrace, when the back door opened and Katy wandered in. Judging by the disapproving look on her face, I wasn’t convinced that the Little Leyton air had done much to improve her mood.
Her gaze ran up and down our bodies, and I took a step sidewards, feeling as though I was the teenager, caught out by my mother.
‘How long have you two being going out then?’
‘Um…’ Max was doing some mental maths, but clearly not getting anywhere. He looked at me and shrugged helplessly.
‘Since Christmas, properly,’ I said, helping him out.
‘Oh not long then? You were with Sasha ages, weren’t you?’
‘Yes, although I’m not sure what that has to do with anything,’ said Max, putting a proprietary arm around my shoulder.
Katy shrugged, her gaze flickering over in my direction. I suspected she might be the new membership secretary of the Sasha Fan Club, but I wasn’t going to rise to the bait. As Max had intimated, Sasha was history and I was very much of the here and now. Rise above it, Ellie. Just rise above it.
‘I’m going into town later, Katy,’ I said. ‘Do you want me to pick up some things for you. Or you could come with me if you fancied a trip out.’
Her brow furrowed as though she might actually be considering my offer, before shaking her head. ‘No, you’re all right,’ she said, turning to walk out the kitchen. Clearly, I had some way to go until Katy joined my fan club too.
Seven
‘Hello you…’
I’d just dashed upstairs to my bedroom to get changed when my mobile bleeped. Already today I’d popped into town to do some banking, opened up the pub, given a briefing to Dan and Josie who were covering the lunchtime shift and now I had three persistent dogs, Digby, Amber and Rosie waiting for me downstairs, bothering me for a walk. Now, definitely wasn’t the time to be distracted by Max, not when he was using that tone of voice, I knew exactly what it meant…
A few days had passed since meeting Katy for the first time at the manor house and I’d been desperate to know how she and Max were getting on, although I’d shown exceptional restraint by not asking. I’d wanted to give them some time alone together so they could get to know each other better and build on their relationship. The self-control it had taken not to send Max a dozen text messages asking for hourly updates had been pretty amazing and the self-control it had taken not to go round and see him had been even greater. So my heart lifted hearing his warm voice now. His low, smooth tones filtered down the line, caressing my ear and everything else too. Even from a distance he was able to do funny things to my insides.
‘Hi,’ I said, giving my misbehaving body a very stern talking-to. ‘How are you?’
‘I’m good, thank you. Much better now I’m talking to you. I have a big Ellie-shaped hole in my heart right now.’
‘Oh Max,’ I suppressed a smile, while cringing inwardly at the same time. Thank goodness, he couldn’t see me blushing. ‘Do stop with the soppy stuff, you know how much I hate it.’ Although actually I was enjoying it much more than I was letting on.
‘It’s true though. What am I supposed to say? I’m missing you, Ellie. Everything about you. The sight of you, the feel of you, the taste of… ’
‘Where are you then?’ I interrupted, putting a stop to that particular train of thought.
‘In Dublin. I called into the pub on my way to the airport but you weren’t around. It’s just a flying visit. Back home tomorrow.’
‘Right, so much for you cutting down on the business trips then?’ I teased him.
‘Yes, well I couldn’t really get out of this one. It’s a favour for a friend. I’m looking at a hotel development for him, and he’s got a meeting with the bank tomorrow. You know, I really used to enjoy all the travelling I did for business, but it just doesn’t hold the same appeal anymore. Your fault, Ellie Browne. All I want these days is to be in Little Leyton with you and the dogs and a good bottle of claret.’ I could hear the longing in his voice. I recognised it because I was feeling the same way too, but I didn’t want to say anything, not wanting him to feel any worse than he already did. Instead, I tried changing the subject.
‘And Katy?’ I offered.
‘Hmm, well, that’s another matter entirely.’
‘How’s it been going?’ I asked, unable to hold back my curiosity any longer.
‘Not great,’ said Max. ‘It’s difficult to get anything out of her. She seems lost in her own head most of the time. Anything I suggest, like going out for a walk or getting the bus into town, is met with a roll of her eyes. To be honest with you, I’m at a loss as to what to do with her.’
‘Right. And you think jumping on a plane and disappearing to another country is going to help. Honestly Max!’ I said, chiding him gently.
‘Hey Ellie, don’t have a go at me. It’s an overnight stay, that’s all. She’ll be fine. She might appreciate some time to herself. And she’s got the dogs to look after. Besides, she keeps telling me how grown up she is.’
‘Well perhaps I’ll pop down to see her. Check everything’s okay. I was about to take the dogs out, so we can always go that way.’
‘Sorry, Ells, I should have mentioned it, but it was all a bit last minute. Katy will be fine.’ There was a discernible pause where I heard his mind working. ‘She will, won’t she?’
‘Of course she will,’ I said, more to placate Max. I hated the idea of Katy being alone in that big house, especially in the frame of mind she was in. ‘She’s a sensible girl. And as you say it’s not for long.’ I wasn’t sure if I was trying to convince Max or myself.
‘Exactly. She can’t get in to too much trouble in twenty-four hours, can she?’ He paused, sighing. ‘Christ, another twenty-four hours until I see you again. Have you any idea what that does to me?’
Good job we weren’t Skyping or else Max would have seen me squirming on the spot, my face flushing a fetching shade of pink, and generally coming over all unnecessary. I fanned my face with my hands and picked up the mug of coffee I’d made myself earlier, taking a sip. ‘Well I’m very pleased to hear it’s not a case of out of sight, out of mind.’
‘Never. How could it be? Although…’ There it was again, the low and seductive drawl. ‘It might help if you were to remind me exactly what it is I’m missing.’
I looked at my watch again. If I didn’t get a move on soon…
‘Lovely as it is chatting with you, Max,’ I laughed, ‘I really need to get on.’
‘Oh, you’re not going to leave me like this. You heartless woman. Go on, Ellie, make me happy, tell me… what are you wearing?’ His voice was full of delicious mischief.
‘Ha ha, absolutely not, Max. You’re terrible, do you know that. I have to go.’
‘A little black dress, stockings, high heels? Feel free to fill in the details for me, Ellie.’
‘Sorry to disappoint, but I’m actually wearing jeans and a sweatshirt.’
‘Your trouble is you have no imagination, but that doesn’t matter, because I have enough for both of us. And in my mind’s eye right now, you’re looking pretty damn sexy.’
Looking at myself in the mirror of the wardrobe, I surveyed my reflection searching for the woman who might fit that description. Nope. I stood sideways on, my rounded tummy popping over the fabric of my waistline. I breathed in. Perfect. Ha, well not even close, but still I was happy enough with my curves and so it seemed was Max. Reaching up, I pulled my hair tight behind my ears and secured it tightly into a scrunchie.
‘And I bet,’ continued Max, who was clearly warming to his theme, ‘underneath those jeans you have on some of that lovely, lacy, barely there underwear that I’ve had the pleasure of meeting before. Tell me it’s true, Ellie?’
‘’Fraid not,’ I said, my body reacting to Max’s words despite what my head was telling me. ‘Today is very much a big knickers and heavy-duty sports bra day, both in a fetching shade of beige. Sad, but true.’
‘Hmm, well you kn
ow me. I’m not a difficult man to please. The beige two-piece on you, I suspect, would be a very tempting proposition.’
‘Well I’m afraid you’re not going to get a chance to find out, not with you being in Dublin and me being in Little Leyton. What a shame! Now, Max, I really have to go.’ I said, pulling open a drawer in search of the hoodie I’d come looking for.
‘I hate not being able to see you or to reach out and feel you, Ellie.’ His voice, low and full of longing, lingered over my name. ‘If I was there I’d want to run my hands over your body, to kiss your sweet mouth, to savour the taste of you and…’
‘Max!’
‘Wouldn’t you like that too, Ellie?’
‘Yes, yes, I would. But, it’s going to have to wait,’ I said, finding a resolve from somewhere.
‘Oh no! Really, Ellie Browne, you are no fun whatsoever.’
I laughed, almost revelling in the frustration of his words. Oh, the power I held over him could definitely go to my head.
‘What about tomorrow then,’ he pressed, ‘when I get home, because we definitely have unfinished business? Don’t you think?
‘Goodbye Max.’
‘Oh, Ellie. Just one thing before you go.’ Now his tone was more serious.
‘Yes Max?’
‘Have I told you lately that I love you?’
‘Oh Max!’ His words took me by surprise, a warmth spreading through my body. ‘Please tell me, you’re not going to burst into song?’ I said, aware of the distance between us and trying to lighten the tone again.
‘I could do if you wanted me to. But I mean it, Ellie.’ A pause, and then, ‘I love you.’
Those three little words. I’d heard them uttered from Max’s lips before. The first time he’d had far too much to drink for me to take him seriously. The second time I wasn’t sure I’d heard him properly. And this time the words were caught in an echo down the telephone line, playing over in my head. I love you.
Summer at the Dog & Duck Page 6