"That's my girl." Jen beams at me and leans in for a hug. "I hate seeing you like that. It's just not you princess. You've always took the world by the balls, and that's how it should always be."
I walk into Joe's and see George waiting for me at the bar, cocktails in hand. "Come on Jen, you've got to be kidding me, right. It's not even afternoon yet. Plus, is this place even licenced?"
"Calm down princess, they're mock-tails. We don't want you passing out on your special day, do we?" George chuckles at me. Seeing a fully grown man that’s built like a bloody shithouse jumping up and down in excitement is highly amusing and I can’t help but giggle at him.
"You two are fucking crazy, but if it makes you both happy..."
"Turning Max gay would make me happy princess, but I'll just have to admire him from afar until he comes to his senses."
"Piss off. That hunk of a man is mine, and mine alone. Keep your claws off Matthews."
"Oh, fine keep him. I'm not a fan of sloppy seconds anyway." Oh the bitch. It's a bloody good job that I love him. "Where is he anyway? I thought he'd be here to help you celebrate."
"He doesn't know, and that's the way it's staying, okay?" I say quite sternly.
"What do you mean he doesn't know?"
"George, he's a guy. He isn't going to do all this chick shit. I’m sure a guy like Max has much more important stuff to entertain himself with."
"You tryna say I'm a chick?" He pouts, whole holding his hand to his chest pretending to be hurt.
"You my love, are one of the best chicks a girl could have, aside from Jen of course."
We spend most of the day sipping George's very own mock-tails and I have to admit, they’re pretty bloody good. I especially love his mojito one. It tastes like just the real thing.
"So, what's been happening in the world of Jess since we saw you last?" He says while passing me another drink.
"Ha, you really don't have enough time to listen to me harping on about my day to day adventures."
"Shoot, we'll give it a try, won't we, Jen?"
"Uh, huh." She replies while messing with her phone. Surely she can leave Luke alone for half an hour, she's never bloody off the thing.
"Well, do you want the good news, or the weird news first?"
"Weird news is always fun." I really should have expected that answer from these two. Weird is their definition.
"I finally got to see my mum." As soon as I have said it aloud, I have both of their attention instantly. Jen puts her phone down on the table and George looks like a fucking gold fish with his mouth opening and closing.
"When did this happen?"
"Thursday. After all the constant calls and not getting anywhere fast and what with her refusing to speak to me each time, I decided to take matters into my own hands and I drove up there. I'd decided that I'd wait all day if I had too. Surprisingly, she decided to see me not too long after my arrival."
"So what happened? Is she okay? Actually scrap that, are you okay?"
"I’m fine and she's really good, actually. She looks and acts like a completely different person. We managed to talk and sort a few things out. Stuff that should have been sorted out a long time ago."
"As long as you tread carefully, princess. We don't want to see you used as a punching bag again. You deserve better than that."
I love my friends and I love that they support me. After everything my mum has put me through, they could have said or reacted much worse.
"So what's the good news?"
"Yeah that. You guys might not see it as good news though." I pout at them both. I’ve really got no idea how they’re going to take this. But I can’t keep it from them.
"That means we'll hate it, whatever it is." Jen elbows George and he nods in agreement.
"Well, nothing's been decided just yet, and I don't even know if I'm going to do it, but Mal has asked me to take over at Stanton's."
"Finally." George shouts while Jen slaps her hand down on the table and says "I fucking knew it. I told you, didn't I George?"
"You sure did."
"That's great news Jess. It’s about time and fucking well deserved too, but why won't we like it? All we want is the best for you, you know that."
"I want what's best for you guys too, but if I take this opportunity it means that I'll only be here for six months at a time."
I look at my closest friends and wait on their response. I don't know if I expected them to be happy or sad, but when I look at them I see nothing and the silence is killing me. Finally after what feels like forever, Jen is the first to speak.
"But at least you'll be here though. Six months is fine, and as for the other six months, George and I can come and visit. You'll see that much of us that you'll be throwing us straight on a plane back."
"I don't think that could ever happen." I laugh and I'm thankful that I have such amazing friends who support me no matter what I decide to do. I really did hit gold with these two.
"So what are your plans for later?” Jen asks, while George brings another round of mock-tails over. I really need to know how he's making these alcohol free dreams. Maybe if I ask him nicely, he'll let me in on his secret.
"I've got absolutely no idea. I'll probably get a takeaway or something. Hey, do you guys want to come round? George, maybe you can bring this date that you keep disappearing with."
"I would princess, but we've already made plans. Sorry." He blows me a kiss, a look of regret on his face.
"Me too, but at least you get a whole night with Max, uninterrupted." Hang on a minute, weren’t these two the ones who demanded that I need to celebrate my special day? I guess she has a point about a night of uninterrupted fun with the main man in my life though. At the mention of his name, my mind automatically wanders to him and all the delightful things that he does to me. I wonder what he's doing at mine all by himself? No doubt he's relaxing and taking life easy. Oh, I can't wait to get home and join him.
Jess
"Did you have fun, princess?" Jen asks as we pull up outside my house.
"Do you know what? I did. I had an amazing time, but then again I always do with you two."
"What did I tell you? All you need to do is allow yourself to have a little fun and you'll be back to normal in no time."
"Yeah, I guess you’re right."
"I fucking know I'm right, princess. I'm super proud of you too. I'm made up with your new promotion, and it's only fair that all your hard work has been noticed."
"You know I've not agreed yet don't you? Shit, I've not even spoken to Mal about it yet. Just keep that zipped." I say while pointing to her lips. The last thing I want is for it to get around our small town before Mal has told the staff or any of the clients. That’s just asking for trouble.
"You’re secrets safe with me, doll." She winks. "Anyway, I might see you later if you’re lucky."
What? I thought she said she already had plans? God this woman is so confusing. She's so goddamn indecisive; I’m surprised she hasn’t given me whiplash over the years. "I thought you were busy?"
"I am, but that could change at any time. Plus, you know how Luke likes to get out and see his home slice."
"Well, I guess I'll see you later or tomorrow at some time, then? Go and confuse someone else. I'm not losing my mind just yet you know."
"Love you princess."
"Love you too."
I make a dash for it out of her car as the rain comes down hard around me. I hear her beep the horn as she drives off but I don't turn around, desperate to get through the front door and out of the rain, into the arms of my man.
My heart stops as soon as I open the door and a floral scent takes over my nose. As I look down, I see a trail of red and white rose petals scattered all over the floor, leading down the hallway. What is he up to now? I think to myself.
"Hello, Max?" I shout while stepping around the roses that are lay at my feet. I slowly put one foot in front of the other, while my heart beats rapidly in my chest. My self-co
nfessed anti-romantic is slipping once again and a smile creeps on to my lips as I see more rose petals leading off into the kitchen.
"Hey." He says as I enter the kitchen. I couldn't take my eyes away from him even if I wanted to. It's not every day that you see a hot hunk of a man stood in your kitchen in nothing but a cooking apron. I have to fight back the laugh that tries to escape me and I almost choke in the process.
"Someone's been busy. What've you been cooking?" I ask, while biting down on my bottom lip. This really is a sight that I never expected to see from Max.
"Dinner awaits." He steps away from the unit to reveal a couple of pizza takeout boxes and some wine. I also notice a few tea lights lining the kitchen window. "Please, sit down."
"What is this?" I ask, well and truly confused. I’m completely thrown away by his gesture. If he’s done this to cheer me up then it’s bloody worked and I can’t wipe the goofy smile from my face.
"It's dinner, what does it look like?" His eyebrow is raised as if he's weighing up my reaction.
"I erm, I like your outfit Mr Wild. I'd definitely call it service with a smile."
"Do you fancy the barbeque, spicy chicken or a bit of both?" My stomach growls; suddenly reminding me of how much I've been neglecting it recently.
"I'll have a bit of both please." I kick my flats off and sit down at the island ready to stuff my face. As soon as Max has filled my plate, he then sits next to me and fills his up too.
"So, did you have fun with Jen?"
"Yeah, it was good. We went to Joe’s and drank some pretty amazing mock-tails."
"Mock what?"
I wait a little, until I have finished swallowing the bit of pizza that’s in my mouth before I answer him. "Please tell me that you know what mock-tails are, Max."
He answers me with a shrug of his shoulders. "Seriously Max, you really need to get out more. They're fake cocktails. Same flavour, or as close as the real thing, just without the alcohol."
"I don't drink those chick drinks. I'm a beer kinda guy, angel."
"Well to make up for your ignorance, next time we go out, you'll be having a cocktail or too."
"Oh yeah?" His arm snakes around my waist as he pulls me in close to him. His solid, muscly arms squeezing me slightly. I turn to look at him and my chest skips a few beats from the pure beauty of him. As his lips press against mine, I can't hold back any longer and deep down, I know that I don’t want to either. He's too much, and my body can't resist the constant pull towards him. My tongue reaches out to claim his and in one swift moment, I'm hoisted up and placed in his lap. I wrap my legs tightly around his waist and I can feel the solid hard length of him press against me through his thin apron.
"I’ve missed you angel." He mumbles against my neck and goose bumps begin to spread across my body from the soft vibrations from his voice.
"I was only gone for a few hours." I laugh, but even for me it felt like much longer.
"Seconds without you are too long. I don't think I'll ever get used to you Jess, you completely consume me."
"Then that's you and me both." I whisper into him. I feel his hands seductively begin to roam around my body, gentle at first and then gradually building up to a more faster, and firmer pace. My back arches involuntary as he pulls the straps down from shoulders, exposing my body to him, welcoming his to touch.
"You're fucking perfect. Every fucking inch of you." He moans just as his mouth closes over my nipple, the heat of his breath and slight flick of his tongue causes me to buckle under his touch and an unashamed moan leaves my lips. My hips begin to rock bath and forth over him, but it's no good as my leggings and his apron are in the bloody way. With one hand fisting his hair, I slowly work my other hand down his body, tracing the hard outline of his biceps, then across and leading down to his toned torso, but he suddenly stops my hand from moving down any further.
"No yet." He moans. Max stands up with me still in his arms and swipes the boxes to the other side of the island in one fluid motion. I don't say anything, instead I just watch him as anticipation runs through my body and my eyes stay firmly transfixed on him the whole time. The cold pierces my skin as he gently lays me down on top of the surface. Shit, it’s fucking cold. His lips connect with my skin as he sucks, nips and kisses his way down my abdomen, slowly tantalizing my every nerve, while delicately removing my leggings.
All too suddenly his lips break contact with my skin and I feel a sudden emptiness consume me. Eager to feel him close to me again, I try to wrap my legs around him, but it's no good. Instead he smiles wickedly at me, and he rips my knickers away from my body in one quick tug. As soon as they are off, he throws them to the floor to join my leggings, on the floor.
I'm lay here, spread out completely bare for him to see and all he can do is stand and look at me. Touch me goddamn it. I inwardly moan, thinking if I shout it in my head loud enough, then he'll hear me and give me what I want.
"Max." I plead. But again he doesn't say anything. Instead, he slowly steps closer to me and places himself between my thighs. Finally, some contact, but it’s not enough. He bends a little as he nestles his head between my thighs, his tongue gently roaming across my skin. Licking and nipping everywhere but where I need him to be. It’s killing me and he fucking knows it too. "Max." I say again, but this time it comes out on a scream of delight as his tongue lunges deep inside of me. I feel myself tightening around him instantly as I get close, but he doesn't stop his delicious assault on me and it's pure bliss. As the pleasure only intensifies, I try to wriggle free, but he clamps my hips firmly in place his hands. Everything around me goes hazy as I erupt around him. Max's hands move away from my hips and gently work their way up to my breasts and with one quick motion I feel him enter me with one fast thrust.
"Jess, you have no fucking clue what you do to me." He says as he works his hips back and forth, gradually getting faster and faster. He's got absolutely no idea what he does to me, either. The feel of him inside me is like no other and I never want it to end.
As our sweat riddled bodies glide against each other, I can feel myself building again and I hold on for dear life as he chases after his own release, clinging to him as we both reach our climax together.
I can barely feel my legs as I step out of the shower. My whole body is aching from head to toe, but not in a bad way. Now that was one birthday dinner to remember. I look in the mirror and marvel at my complexion. I'm pretty damn happy with what I see. The crow’s feet seem to have given me a grace period so far and my post orgasmic glow is still present. I guess Jen was right after all. It's not all bad. Maybe I should listen to that girl more often. She’s always seen me right in life before.
As soon as I have finished brushing my teeth, I walk back into the bedroom and see Max sprawled out looking every inch the perfect Adonis that he is. I'm a little bit surprised to see that he's dressed though. Gone is his towel and instead, he's wearing black trousers and a black shirt, open a little at the collar and his sleeves are bunched up at the elbows. Normally he'd have his three length shorts on and not much else.
"Why are you dressed?" I ask him, but he just smiles at me and looks down towards the bottom of the bed. My eyes follow his and that's when I spot it. Nestled on a thin layer of silk, is a square teal box. My hands fly to my mouth when I realise that it’s a bloody Tiffany box.
"Happy birthday, angel." Max smiles back at me from where he’s still lay on the bed.
When I finally manage to pull my hands away, my mouth opens in shock, but no words come out. He knew? How the hell did he know it was my birthday? "Oh come on, Jess. This is Max that we're taking about. Of course he knew." I slowly step towards the box, worried that if I get to close it might set alight, or disappear.
"Open it." He demands.
"Max, I can't. This is too much." I can’t bring myself to open a gift like this. This is major, yet he’s as calm as can be and acting as if this is an everyday occurrence.
"Nothing is ever too much for you. One day
you'll accept that."
On Max's instruction, I pick up the box before me with shaky hands and open it. I try and stifle the gasp of shock as it ripples through me. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Max get up from the bed and walk over to me. As soon as he is behind me, he reaches over and takes the heart shaped necklace from its safe place and he secures it around my neck.
"You give me a purpose Jess. Since you, I finally have a reason to get up in the morning. I finally have something to fight for, and fuck me;” he takes a sharp intake of air before continuing, “I didn’t ask for any of this to happen, but I’m glad it did. Without you I am nothing, angel. Don’t you see? You’re turning me into the man that I want to be.”
"Max, it's... It's beautiful. Thank you."
“I tried to find a heart that was as pure and as perfect as yours, but until I find it, this will have to do."
My hand instantly falls on to my gift that Max has given to me. I'm scared of wearing it in case I lose it, but I don't want to offend Max by taking it off.
"Don't worry. I know what you're like so I got it insured." He whispers as if he has just read my mind.
"Oh." I laugh, but on the inside I'm panicking. Insured? How much did this fucking necklace cost? I know it's from Tiffany's so it's definitely a hefty price that he paid. The heart definitely resembles perfection and purity. It's bursting with so many diamonds. I feel like I'm about to go to the bloody Oscars, it’s that shiny. .
"The taxi will be here in about forty minutes. I'll leave you to get ready."
"Ready? Why what are we doing?" I really don’t think I can take any more surprises today.
"You'll see, but for now you need to get ready. No questions, okay?" Usually I'd argue until he gives in, but I'm still in shock from his gift, that I allow him to leave the bedroom with no further questions.
I finally settle on a navy coloured dress and team it with my favourite nude heels. I most definitely won't be needing any accessories for this outfit as the necklace takes centre stage by itself. But, I guess that's what Max intended. I find him again waiting patiently downstairs in the kitchen and my face heats up when I look at the pizza boxes that are still scattered across the island. I waste no time in making my way towards Max. When I reach him, I tilt my head a little and claim his mouth. No one has ever put as much thought into a gift for me like he has. Again, he says he's no romantic, but with each passing day, he's proving that deep down, he is.
Down Under Complete Trilogy Box Set Page 43