“What about Stella?" She says it with such venom that I want to laugh. No matter what life throws at my perfect fucking angel, she always stays true to herself.
“Fuck Stella. What you saw wasn't what it looked like, and yes I know that sounds like a cliché but it's true."
“Really, you sure about that Max? From what I saw she was practically dry-fucking you. Is that something you guys do for fun over here?"Jeez, she doesn't stop or listen to anything anyone says. I run my hands through my hair in exasperation before continuing. "When Mal ended up in hospital it brought back some pretty dark memories. The only way I knew how to deal with, it was to close myself away from those close to me. After the way I'd treated you by pushing you away, I thought it was for the best, to keep you safe. I went to the office so I could make sure that you were okay, but from a healthy distance. I didn't want to hurt you anymore than I already had. I guess when Stella turned up, she picked up on the fact that I was down and read into things completely wrong. As soon as she leaned into kiss me, I was pretty shocked at first and the moment my brain registered what was happening I pulled back instantly, and that's when I saw you."
“Why now? You've never bothered to tell me any of this before today. It's pretty fucking easy to pick up the phone or stop by your sister’s house seeing as you knew I was there?"
“I didn't want to hurt you anymore than I already have, Jess. Do you not understand what I’m saying to you?"
“How is telling me going to hurt me more than you already have, Max? That's insane. Instead you've lead me to believe that you and Stella having been laughing at me behind my back. Now that, that hurts more than anything."
“So I did fucking wrong. I told you I'm no good at this shit. The bottom line is; everyone who comes close to me always ends up getting hurt. First there was my mum, then Mal. No fucking way was I prepared to let anything happen to you. I thought it would be best for everyone if you hated me. It's proved fucking good so far, hasn't it?" I can't help the sarcasm that rolls off my tongue. I finally allow my twitching hand to reach out and cup her angelic face. "I don't want you to leave Jess, but this is the only way I can be sure that I can't hurt you again."
Jess
My heads thoroughly mashed. I mean seriously, what the fuck just happened? I sit in front of Melissa, completely flabbergasted and I know that Max is still waiting for me in the car. After that head-fuck of a conversation that we just had, he made it pretty clear that he will be the one taking me back to work. Part of me should be happy right now, knowing that Stella isn't in the picture. Yes, the bitch is still going to be a massive problem but still, knowing she isn't keeping Max warm at night calms me somewhat. A major improvement is that Max has just opened up to me in more ways than I ever thought imaginable and I'm completely at a loss for words. I have a hell of a lot of questions, that's for sure, but for now I think I'll settle for a bloody large strong drink.
“About flipping time girly. What was the hold up?"
“I've just had it confirmed that your brother is an absolute head-fuck."
“Oh, so you guys talked it out, then?" Her eyes shine bright, flickering with hope as she waits for my reply.
“More like he did the talking and I just sat there and listened. Oh, is that one for me?" I ask eying the delicious looking cocktail that she places before me. I subtlety try to change the subject, but Liss is having none of it, fuck my life right now.
“You betcha. Drink up and spill it. Did he finally explain what's going on in that crazy little head of his? What went down with Stella? Please tell me he explained that little predicament to you?"
“Jeez, catch a breath." I toy with the straw and stir my mojito around slowly before I respond to her onslaught of questions. It still feels weird discussing this with Liss. "Yeah, I brought it up. I don't think he would have openly started to discuss it if I hadn't brought it up to begin with, if I’m being honest. I’m still not one hundred percent convinced though. Do they have a history?"
“Who Max and Stella? Are you shitting me? Max never, ever mixes business with pleasure. He's too career driven to do something like that. Well until you anyway."
“Oh, here we go again.” I think to myself.
“Hey, if my brother has opened up to you, then I'm pretty shocked. Max doesn't explain himself to anyone; he's never needed to before. You, my girly, have obviously affected him in more ways than anyone has realised."
“Maybe." Possible hope is flying around in my head that this could have been a misunderstanding after all. "Apparently she picked up on the wrong signals or something."
“What a bitch. I just knew she would try something like this one day, and I've warned Max from the start. I don't like her at all. She's like a fucking leech around him. Does he know you’re staying?"
“No. It didn't cross my mind to tell him. It’s pointless anyway seeing as though he feels it’s for the best, so that he can’t hurt me."
“Absolute bollocks. Ignore that foreign language that men speak. What you need to do, is decide what happens now?"
“I have no idea, why don't you ask him? He's sat waiting in the car to take me back once we're done." I watch in silence as she takes her phone out of her bag and makes a call.
"Max, do me a favour and fuck off. I'll bring her back once we're done. She doesn't need a fucking babysitter." I'm not sure if he says anything back to her, or if he even has the chance to do so, as she hangs up pretty fast. "Sorted, now let's get some food."
Lunch goes by pretty fast and before I know it, butterflies begin to form in my stomach just knowing that Max will be waiting for me back at the office.
“I guess I won't be seeing you at home tonight, then?" The devilish grin that dances on Melissa's face tells me what she thinks I'll be getting up to. She couldn't be any further away from the truth. No way am I just going to go and jump straight back into bed with him. My body aches at the thought, but I need to be strong. This time, I'll be the one calling the shots. Or at least I'll try my goddamn best to.
“Why, where else would I be? Are you kicking me out so soon?" I playfully tease her.
“Not at all, I just thought that maybe you and Max had some making up to do?"
“I don't think so Liss. Wait... Do you and Heath have plans for tonight?" Maybe I am overstaying my welcome. By the sounds of things, these two are walking on egg shells as it is, and I'd hate to intrude. "I don't want to get in the way of your alone time."
“Oh shit. I forgot to call him. No, no, not at all. I just wasn't sure if you were going to abandon me for that stubborn arse brother of mine."
“That isn't going to happen, Liss. I'm pretty happy staying with you. As long as it's still okay, of course?" Melissa breaks out into a fit of giggles, why I'm not so sure."What's so funny?"
“You know that Max isn't going to be okay with that, don't you? Be prepared for him to make a stand when it comes to where you stay, Jess."
“Are you being serious? There’s no bloody way he’s going to be telling me where I can and can’t stay.”
“Hey, I’m just trying to give you a heads up here. He’s completely smitten with you. Come on Jess, does Max look like the type of guy who is going to share you, with anyone?”
I'm surprised to see that Max isn't lurking on the pavement waiting for me like he'd promised. Clearly he does listen to someone. I make a mental note to keep that in mind the next time I need to make him listen, all I need to do is call Liss. When I get back to the office Max isn't anywhere to be seen. Our floor, as usual is empty. I try to feel unaffected by his absence, but a part of me actually couldn't wait to see him and pick up where we left off, earlier. I'm a glutton for bloody punishment.
Dragging my defeated body towards my office I can't help but feel disappointed that he wasn't here waiting for me. Shitting hell, Jess. You told yourself you weren't going to make this easy for him and less than a day of him being back in your life, you're dropping all those walls.
I switch on my monitor as so
on as I'm at my desk. Getting my head stuck into work has worked out okay for me in the past, but somehow I know this time it’s going to be completely different. Max isn't Josh. He's stubborn as hell, but that's what makes him so, him. Max Wild isn't someone you can just forget about. I only wish he was. It would make my life so much easier. Looking down at my keyboard, I see a post-it note on the keys.
Meet me in the spa. I'll be waiting... Max.
Meet him in the spa? Why would he be in the spa? Doesn't he know that we have work to do? I'm really beginning to question his work ethic. I'm not going to go rushing down there, no matter how curious I am. While I wait for some time to pass, god it's agonising making myself wait, but I will hold it out. I’m not going to let him think that all he needs to do is click his fingers and I’ll come running. I decide to check in on Mal. Daisy answers on the third ring and I can hear the football booming in the background.
“Oh Jess dear, we were just about to call you actually.” She sings down the line.
"You were? I thought I'd call to see how the patient is getting on and to see if you needed anything when I finish up work?"
“Oh I wouldn't worry about him dear. He's perfectly fine. He's resting in front of the television as we speak. Anyway, while I have you, we're having a little get together on Friday night. It's more of an official welcome home party for Mal. We'd both love it if you could make it."
“Of course I'll be there. You know I wouldn't miss it for the world. Just let me know the time, oh wait, you'll also need to give me the address, too." I say as I remember that I haven’t been to their new home yet.
“Well Melissa's coming too dear, so she will be able to bring you and it's from 7pm onwards."
“Brilliant. I can't wait to see you both properly and I must say Daisy, I'm a little bit excited to explore your new humble abode."
“It's absolutely perfect. I'll warn you, you might not want to leave once you've been." That’s probably true. Daisy knows that I’m a sucker for a good property.
Deciding that I have made Max wait long enough, I nip to the ladies to freshen up and to check that I look presentable. I feel like a kid again when I was asked out on my first date. Why do I feel so nervous around him? Why can’t I do the right thing and stay away from him? He’s obviously got a pretty good reason for wanting me to go back home, but yet he takes time out of his day to come and see me. Ugh major head fuck.
I see him as soon as I enter the spa. His bright blue eyes glisten from the reflection of the water. His five o'clock shadow makes him look even more ruggedly beautiful than usual. Seriously there are no words that do Max justice, when it comes to describing how beautiful he actually is. I still have no idea why I have been called down here, but I slowly step towards him in the hope of finding out.
“What took you so long?" His voice echoes off the walls and his face is serious, his brows coming together as he silently brews over whatever he's thinking in that sexy mind of his.
“In case you forgot, I actually have work to do while I'm here."
“That can wait. As of now, you can take a break and relax here with me instead."
"I'd much rather finish what I have started." As inviting as it sounds, I'm here to work and I need to remember that.
“You and me both angel." He leans over and reaches for my arm and pulls me close to him. "I've missed you and that smart mouth too goddamn much."
“I'm not sure about this, Max." Hesitantly I pull back to look at him. I told myself I wouldn't be a push over again and I'm going to stand true to my word. One thing keeps filtering to the forefront of my mind though, no matter how much I try to push it back. It's not that he shut me out, I completely understand his reasons for that, even if I don't agree with them. No, the one thing that keeps pulling me back, is Stella. I know he has explained what happened, but to me that doesn't make me feel much better. She's a fucking problem and I think she always will be.
“Aren't I supposed to have a P.A? I'm sure that's what you said? If I had one of those, then I would have someone to arrange my work."
“I believe I did Miss Townsend, but your P.A seems to be a little work shy, so I'll need to talk her into it again or find you a replacement."
“Oh that sounds good, you could get a replacement too and we could share that one." The words are out of my mouth before I can stop them. I can't believe I have just asked him to fire Stella. Oh well, it's what the bitch deserves and it would be pretty fucking amazing to see the smug look being wiped from her face. "What do you say? It's an amazing idea."
“She's harmless, Jess."
“Harmless? Come on. You can't actually believe that? She's been dying to get her claws into you for ages, if not longer, if what I'm told is true."
“Oh Jess, I already explained all of this to you earlier. I can't, and won't fire her. Understood?" His tone takes on a stern edge and I know I'm beginning to push him too far.
“Well maybe you're explaining this to the wrong person, Max. As far as she was concerned this morning, she has already claimed what is rightfully hers. It also didn't skip her attention that I was heading back home, and that obviously couldn't happen soon enough according to her. So tell me, do you expect me to work with that psycho?"
“I'll have a word with her. She has a tendency to see how far she can push someone. Wait… did you just say was? Does that mean you're staying?"
“Until my work here is finished, yes. I'm not a quitter Max. No matter what life throws at me, if I'm in the middle of a project, I'll make sure I finish it." He puts his hand around my neck and pulls me into him and this time, I don't resist. He's far from forgiven, but I think he's worth another chance.
“How about you let me be your project?" He smiles and then his lips are on mine again, searching with a hunger and need so powerful, that I have no choice but to comply.
“I thought if I stayed you would only end up hurting me?”
“I said the people I let in always end up getting hurt because of me, angel. I would never, ever hurt you intentionally.” I allow him to tilt my head back as his lips seek out mine. Max Wild is doing it to me again, and this time I think I’ll flow with it, but keep my eyes peels for any signs of him slipping again.
We spend the rest of the afternoon in spa, completely alone with the facilities closed off to all of the other guests. All I have wanted to do is touch him, feel him against me again like I used too but surprisingly, I remained strong, only allowing him to kiss me. Who knew this girl could have so much willpower? It's been nice to actually spend some time together with it being just the two of us, with no one else around. After the events of the past two weeks I think it's what we both needed. Some downtime without any expectations is definitely a must.
“What are you doing later?" His rustic tone brings me back to the present as we leave the hotel. My hair is still slightly damp and goose bumps prickle my skin from the cold evening air.
“I'm not sure, probably gossiping about life’s little dramas over a bottle of wine."
“Why don't you come back to mine, I'll cook us something nice and we could watch a movie, or something."
“Melissa would eat me alive if I ditched her for you, but I guess you knew that already." Judging by the innocent smile that graces his face, yes he does.
“Jeez, she's really enjoying having you around’ hey?"
“Can you blame her? It can't have been easy growing up being surrounded by guys, she needs a girl to vent to every once in a while, we have these little things called hormones and they can be nasty little shits if we don't let them out. Plus she's a great girl and I enjoy spending time with her. In a way, she feels like my Jen away from home. It's comforting, yet scary how similar they are."
“And an utterly lethal combination for men.”
"I can't believe you didn't go home with Max. Oh girly, he's definitely bitten off more than he can chew with you, hasn't he? It's going to be amazing to watch. So, how was this afternoon?" I know what she's doing, the sneaky Co
w. She's digging for dirt and as much as I like to think of her as a friend, there is no way that I'm discussing personal relations between me and Max with her. No way. I decide to keep it short and sweet instead. "It was pretty productive, I guess."
“Seriously." She slams the palm of her hand down on the table in feigned anger. "That's all you're going to give me. You're one tight arse bitch, Jess Townsend. Do you know that?"
“What do you want to know? I was at work, there’s nothing interesting to tell. You on the other hand are a different ball game. What were you doing? Actually what do you do during the day, anyway?" I've never once seen her work since I've been here. I've never really felt the need to ask, but since she's making a habit of prying into my daily life, I think it's only fair.
“Me? As if you don't know already. I just walk around looking beautiful all day, honey. Oh and I like to shop sometimes too."
“Really? Do you not get bored? Maybe you should get out and socialise some more. Who knows you might even enjoy it."
“That came out completely wrong. I thought you Brits were supposed to love sarcasm? I have a job, I just can't be arsed with it right now, so I decided to take a hiatus.”
“Fair enough." What else can I say to that? She obviously doesn't have the financial worry that most people have and if she's happy, then fair play to her.
“Heath's stopping by later. I hope you don't mind?"
“Will you stop that? Seriously, it's your house, not mine. Who you have come around, is completely up to you."
“Jess, while you're here, it's just as much your home too. Make sure you don’t ever forget that."
Max
I look around before I exit the car and try to collect myself. It's been years since I've been here, and I would have bet my fucking life that I would never have to cross those fucking doors again. Yet here I am, scared shitless once more and completely out of my comfort zone. I never have control when I'm here. It's zapped from me the minute I enter, to the minute I leave and I fucking hate it with a passion. I need to do this. I need to do it for me, for Jess. Fuck I need to do this for us.
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