"Nah, we'll be fine, we’ll order takeout or something. Why don't you get off? Give yourself a break for a change?"
He's like a little boy when he talks to her. The love in his eyes is pretty damn evident and it makes me warm inside. He might like to think he’s some big arrogant, selfish arsehole; but really he cares a lot about the people close to him.
"Such a good man, and thoughtful too." She looks directly at me and winks. "It was lovely to meet you Jess. I'll be back in the morning."
"I think she likes you." I look up and search Max's face. He looks relaxed and happy and it’s great to see.
"Of course she does. I'm pretty fucking awesome, didn’t you know?." I reach out and pull his face to mine, parting my lips to welcome his. Oh I have missed this, even though it's only been a few hours. I have missed this much more than I would like to admit.
"Sorry I was so long."
"It's okay. You didn't miss much really, other than me lying naked in your bed for most of the day. Maybe next time you'll remember that and come back quicker."
A growl grumbles deep in his chest. "I'm pretty sure I could put you back there, but with me by your side pleasuring every inch of you until you're begging me to stop."
Now he's talking my kind of language. "Well, what did you get up to today? I think I slept for most of it." I'm still I'm two minds whether I should tell him about Stella's more than colourful arrival. Maybe if I did, it would be one way to gage his reaction to see what kind of history they share. Oh what the hell, he'll find out soon enough and when he does I want him to hear the true story from me before that psycho, crazed bitch can make me out to be some money grabbing whore.
"A woman stopped by while you were out." I pop a grape from the fruit bowl on the counter into my mouth, as I wait for his reply.
"Oh yeah?" His tone is pretty even so I can't be sure if he was expecting her or not.
"Her name was Stella, I think."
"What did she want? I meant to call her before actually." Oh he did? Fuck, what if she actually does live here, as a roomie or something? He's still looking at me like I'm the only woman that he has really seen and it eases my nerves slightly.
"She didn't really say." I'm too chicken to tell him exactly what happened. Maybe he'd throw me out just like I did her. As long as I don't have to cross paths with her while I'm here, I'll be a happy lady.
"I'm glad you're here, angel. It feels... Nice."
He's going to destroy my heart so bad. How can I not fall for him when he makes me feel this good? When he says things like this, that make me feel wanted? His one liners give me hope that we could have anything if we really wanted it. These words won't dry my tears when I'm an emotional wreck and doing a big ugly cry into my pillow back home.
"There's me thinking you weren't a romantic?"
"I'm not Jess, I don't know how to be. I've never done this before. It's an unknown territory for me. Caring about someone isn't how I was programmed to be. Thinking of myself and satisfying my needs only? Now that I can ace hands down, but keeping hold of something special? That's the hard part, especially when I have never experienced it before."
He makes my heart swell without him even realising it. "Don't you see? Everything that you do for me is romantic. You always make sure that I'm okay, checking if I need anything. You ace that. It doesn't always have to be chocolates and flowers Max. Showing that you care is half of the battle. The rest will flow easily, trust me.
MAX
I check my watch and its six thirty. I have been pacing the living room floor for the past thirty minutes trying to keep my cool. On the inside I feel nothing but panic, my palms are clammy and sweaty and my heart is having a party in my chest. Why the fuck did I agree to dinner with Melissa when Jess is here. I have never brought a woman home before and Liss knows just as much, so to see someone here is going to open up a whole can of questions from her. At least Heath will be here, which might take some pressure off slightly.
My main concern is that Liss will automatically assume that Jess is someone that I have met and assume that she will be forgotten about in the morning, just like the rest of them. Melissa is aware that I have no desire to settle down, but Jess? That perfect piece of heaven has decided to come into my life and break all of the rules. I pour myself a Jack Daniels on the rocks and try to calm myself down.
What the fuck is happening to me? Jeez, I have to keep reminding myself that we're only having dinner. Anyone would think I was about to propose. I can't help but laugh at the thought as it enters my mind. This is beyond crazy. I neck my drink back and pour another, willing it to take the edge off my anxiety and close off my thoughts, even if it's just for a little while.
I can't do it. Fuck, I can't do this. The more I think about it, the more I realise I'll only end up breaking that precious little heart and then she will see me, the real me. A heartless, selfish bastard. I don't think I would be able to watch her heart being crushed and destroyed. Even more so when I know that it will be my doing that causes it. I should have listened to her when she told me this wouldn't work, but my male pride and dick got the better of me.
"You've really set yourself up for a fall this time Wild." I think to myself.
My breath catches in my throat as she walks into the room. She looks fucking gorgeous and I'm getting hard just looking at her as she walks towards me. Her hair is down loose, flowing around her shoulders framing that beautiful face. Her dress is long and casual, yet it hugs her in all the right places and draws attention to those perfect fucking curves of hers. Her breasts are showing just a little, giving a hint of the perfect flesh beneath the fabric. No one else is going to know how beautiful that flesh really is, except me.
I want this woman stood in front of me, like I have never wanted a woman before. Yet I can't give myself to her the way she will eventually want me too. I won't allow myself to hold her back from the future that she deserves. I thought that this, me and Jess would be fun and remain fun while she is here, but I'm getting more and more attached to her and it's confusing the fucking hell out of me.
"Hey, you okay?" Stepping towards me she reaches up and gently licks the whiskey that is still present on my lips.
"Mmm, you taste good." What is she trying to do to me?
My hand instinctively cups her arse and I pull her body into mine to align with me. "I'm fine. I'll be glad when everyone has gone and I can take this fucking dress off that is separating me from you. Why did I agree to this? It's pure fucking torture."
JESS
Something is off. I don't know what's wrong with Max, but he's been acting strange since I went to get ready. I asked him if he was okay, he said he was fine, but something is definitely bothering him. He's starting to hold back from me and I don't like it one little bit. I hope it isn't me being here that’s suddenly caused him to go on the defensive. He's made it pretty clear that he likes his space and here I am invading his privacy. All he needs to do is let me know and I can happily stay somewhere else.
We sit in silence for the next half an hour or so and to say I feel slightly awkward is an understatement. I try to make conversation with him again; maybe I can take him out of his dark mood when the doorbell booms through the house again. I don't think I will ever get used to the sound of that thing. Max moves faster than I have ever seen him to get to the door. Who is this girl and has she caused the sudden change in him?
I wait patiently for them to come out onto the terrace. It feels like a lifetime waiting for them; maybe I should have followed him inside. I see the girl first, who I assume is Melissa. She's beautiful, and I mean no airbrush needed, complete and utter perfection. She's about my height, maybe a tiny bit taller with a killer hourglass figure; which is complemented by the tight jumpsuit she is wearing. Her hair is a rich chocolate brown that matches her eyes.
"Hey." She walks over to me and leans in, placing a kiss on my cheek. "I'm Melissa. I love your dress."
"Thanks." I say, a little lost for words. Surely
if this was one of Max's conquests, she wouldn't be this nice to me? Maybe she's under the impression that I'm here discussing work, which is what I actually should be doing.
Max chooses this moment to walk back onto the terrace, with a worried expression on his face, his eyes flicking back and forth between me and Melissa. Behind him stands another man. He's quite broad and muscular with a serious looking face. I'd say he is quite attractive but he scares the fucking shit out of me. I stand as he approaches me, why I don't know, but I'd look pretty stupid if I suddenly sat down again. I’m clumsy at the best of times, but when I’m around people that I don’t know, I’m a pissing liability.
"So you're Jess?" Before I know it, I'm lifted up off my feet and spun around in a friendly embrace.
"Put here the fuck down, Heath." Max warns and I find myself on my feet again in an instant.
"He's a prick like this full time, hey?"
I have no idea what I am supposed to say to this intimidating man stood before me so I remain quiet. I notice Melissa and Heath exchanging looks and I'm not sure that I like it. It makes me feel slightly uncomfortable.
"Now that we have had the pleasantries, let's sort the food. I'm fucking starving." Max places his hand at the base of my back. Tingles shoot all around my body at the contact.
We sit on the terrace, eating the pizza that's just been delivered. I sit next to Max and I can feel the tension that's radiating from his body. I try my best to keep a calm face. I don't what him to know that I am upset, but I can't help my glum mood. I want wine, chocolate and my own bed for the first time since I arrived here. I decide to enjoy the evening as best as I can and I'll find out what his problem is later.
"So you're the brain box behind Stanton's then?" I look over to Melissa, wondering how she knows about Stanton's. I suppose if she's a close friend of Max's then it wouldn't be a secret about the company that is helping out on the renovation.
"I wouldn't say I was the brain box, more like an employee who gets the perks of being able to travel over here." She's quite sweet. She doesn't have to make conversation, but she seems genuinely interested in what I do.
"Let me tell you, it was a nightmare keeping an eye on things while Max was away. Never again." She says on a dramatic sigh to express her point. Max and Heath laugh at her while picking up there beers in unison. "Honestly Heath, how bad was it? I'm amazed I haven't suffered a major breakout because of the stress."
Now there's a girl after my own heart. Melissa and Jen would get on like a house on fire. Max startles me as he circles my thigh under the table.
"Ignore the drama queen. Clearly the hard working gene was only passed on to me."
"Oh. So you two are related?" Seriously when will I stop with the dumb questions?
"Yeah, unfortunately. Max here is my arrogant arse of big brother, but I'm guessing you have already experienced the arrogant and obnoxious side of him that he displays so well."
I smile at him a little before I reply. "I'm just glad that it's not only reserved for me, otherwise I might be slightly offended. So are you all related then?" I ask looking at Heath. The way he has been looking at Melissa all night, I seriously hope not.
"Fuck no." He bellows. "I can just about cope with him how he is now. If I'd had to have grown up with that, he wouldn't be fucking here to tell the tale."
Now that everyone has gotten to know each other a little better, I can feel the tension ease from Max. Heath doesn't look as intimidating as he first did, he's still slightly scary though, but I feel a bit more comfortable talking to him at least, and Melissa reminds me so much of Jen that I get a sense of home. I decide to take the plates through to make myself useful, or should I say to earn my keep. I don't want these people thinking badly of me.
I sense Max before I feel him press up against me on the kitchen counter.
"Hey." He whispers.
"Hey yourself. Everything okay?" I ask unsure how he will react. I hope he's back to his fun loving self. "You seemed a little off before."
"I know. I'm sorry. It all just got a little too much for me and I guess I didn't know how to deal with it. Forgive me?"
"Deal with what? You need to talk to me so that I can understand Max. As awesome as I am, I can't read what's going on up there unless you tell me."
"All this is new to me, Jess. Melissa has never been here when I've had someone over. That's because no one ever comes here, that's my rule. If I want a good night, then I'll have one with no strings attached. They get what they want and so do I, nothing else. Shit, I shouldn't be saying this to you."
"No, go on. I'd rather know what you're thinking."
He takes a deep breath and continues, "I panicked when I suddenly realised that she might think of you as a one night thing and that she'd be pretty shitty with you. That thought alone had me filled with such a fucking rage inside. That's when I realised that I don't want any of that anymore. I want you and only you, Jess."
I just stand here and look at him. How am I supposed to reply to that? I just don’t have the words.
"Fuck, I told you I wasn't good with this shit."
"I'd say you were." I kiss him hungrily and with such a passion, so desperate for him to know I feel the same, but I can't allow myself to say those words. Not yet anyway. "There's me thinking it was because I was getting in your way."
"Baby, you couldn't get in the way even if you tried."
"I guess it's been a crazy day for both of us. Your sister’s pretty awesome by the way."
"Come and tell me that in a few days once you have had enough of her. Why's it been a crazy day for you?"
"Well it's not often I have to deal with some crazy psycho, storming through your house claiming to live here."
"What." I see his brain working overtime in his head as he grasps what I have just said. "You mean Stella, right?" Maybe I shouldn't have brought it up again. Maybe I should have left it from earlier but now that I have alcohol in my system, there's just no stopping me.
"Yeah, the very same. She was knocking for a little while as I hadn't been up long. When I eventually opened the door, she came storming in demanding to know what I was doing in her house when you weren’t around. I'm not going to lie Max. I was pretty taken aback, especially when I recognised her voice from the phone call back at my place last week." He looks gobsmacked as he listens to what I am telling him.
"You know that she doesn't live here, right? Never has and most definitely never will."
"Oh, I'm more than aware of that. I don't think she liked it when I called her up on it. I hope you don't mind, but I may have slammed the door in her face."
"Jess. I'm so fucking sorry. I had no idea she would do something like that. It was probably the shock of seeing someone else other than Martha here while I'm out. This is what I didn't want to happen with Liss. Fuck, they're so used to me being private and not bothering with relationships that they assume anyone I have a bit of fun with will never be at my house as I don't keep them around long enough. Fuck. Let me speak to her. What did she want?"
"Her man, by the sounds of it. I don't suppose you know who he is, do you?" I try to make light of the situation that I have just suddenly dropped us in.
"Watch yourself, Jess. Just because we have guests, it doesn't stop me from doing what I want to you, when I want to, where I want to." Those words right there have the power to allow me to forget the queen bitch that came raining on my parade this afternoon. Instead I am reminded of everything he makes me feel, the pleasure that he can wreak on my body at any given time.
MAX
"She's pretty fucking hot, man."
Fucking Heath. If carries on telling me how bang-worthy Jess is, I'll end up wiping that daft arse grin right of his face with a few missing teeth as a reminder. He knows how easily he is winding me up, so he continues to goad me further.
"I bet she's awesome in the sack, hey?" He says, slugging back the remainder of his beer.
"I'm warning you Heath, back the fuck off. She isn'
t like the rest of them. I can't explain it, she's just... different." Wow. Am I actually discussing pussy shit with my best friend?
"I knew it. I said as much to Liss. You son of a bitch. You've finally gone and fallen for someone. If I'm honest, I thought there was no hope left for you, man."
He isn't the only one. Today I actually realised how much I want Jess in my life. A protective need so fucking strong consumes me whenever I think about her. It's still scaring the shit out of me, entering the unknown with nothing but my feelings to guide me. I'm terrified of losing her, petrified that I will push her away unintentionally. I need to rein in my moods and get them under control. Like she said, she can't read my mind. I need to be honest with her and talk to her, but how the fuck do I do that, when I have no idea where to start? If Liss and Heath think I missed the looks that were passing between them earlier, then they have clearly misjudged me. It won't be long before Melissa starts harping on and goading me for details. I hope she doesn't want to start talking chick shit with me.
"Leave it out, Heath. We're just seeing how it goes. No expectations."
"Bullshit." He spits, almost chocking as he starts on another beer. "You've fucked her more than once and she's staying in your house. Don't try and tell me that there's nothing there.
I run my hands through my hair at the desperation that I feel. "I'm not having this conversation with you man. I've known her over a week; it isn’t a fucking marriage proposal."
"That's not what I'm saying. But you getting worked up like this isn't exactly a convincing argument. All I'm saying is she obviously makes you happy. It's written all over your fucking face when she enters the room. I've never seen you like this. It's pretty cool to watch."
Down Under Complete Trilogy Box Set Page 17