by Jenny Siegel
“So, Beth and Aaron. Can’t believe they’re getting married.” I watch him weigh up whether to let the matter drop or not, but then a resigned look comes over his face.
“Why not? They’ve been together since they were teenagers.”
“True, it’s just a big step.”
He shrugs. “Not for them.”
“You going on Friday?” Inwardly, I groan at the thought of having to attend the engagement party that Aaron’s parents are throwing for them. As maid of honor, my attendance is mandatory and no excuse will get me out of this.
“Yeah. You have to be there, don’t you?” He laughs at my sour expression.
“Don’t remind me. How do you know so much about it?”
“Aaron keeps me updated.” He rolls his eyes.
“Seriously, I worry about that boy. He’s worse than a girl with his gossiping.”
“He’s just excited.”
“So what about blondie and Kyle?” My eyes sparkle with amusement, but I feel a twinge of guilt at running out on them.
“He’ll take her for ice cream or something. They’re better matched than you and him.”
“You think so?” I’m not arguing because I think he’s probably right.
“I know so. Come on, I’ll take you home.” I nod and gather up my purse and my jacket. We never did order; not that it matters because I still don’t see the waitress as we leave.
Max drives slowly through the streets until we reach my house. I forgot to leave a light on, but it’s safe so I’m not too worried. Max glances at the house.
“Are you okay staying here on your own?” he asks, worry furrowing his brow, and I am seeing a totally different side to Max tonight.
“Of course, I’m used to living on my own.”
“Yeah, you don’t talk much about what you’re up to these days.”
“There’s not much to tell. Thanks for tonight, Max, and for rescuing me from the movie.”
“Make sure you know what the movie’s about before you agree to go next time.” He winks at me.
“See you at work tomorrow.”
“’Night, Leigh.”
I close the door and walk up the path, keys at the ready and let myself into the house. I give him one last wave before I shut the door. It isn’t until I’ve turned on a light that I hear him pull away from the curb.
That was not the evening I expected, but I actually had fun with Max. Despite what he said about our night together, maybe we can manage to be civil to each other. But I still stand by what I say about dating racers. That is one thing that Max will always be, and I don’t have the right to ask anyone to change. Hang on; I’m getting way ahead of myself here. Max and I are never going to happen.
Chapter Thirteen
Stepping out of the shower after a hot and sweaty day at the garage, I finally feel back to normal after washing all the grime off me. When the doorbell rings, I peer out the bathroom window and see Beth’s car parked behind my bike. Then the door swings open and she walks straight in.
“Leigh.”
“Coming,” I shout, tightening my towel around me before I head down the stairs, wondering what the latest panic is. To say her temper was frayed when she stopped by the garage is an understatement. Then she gave me a lecture for getting so dirty. Uh, it’s an occupational hazard. Max didn’t escape her wrath either, and I had to hide underneath the truck so she wouldn’t catch me laughing. After that, I told Aaron to take her away to calm her down and help her with whatever needs to be done. That earned me a dirty look from him, but he left anyway.
Max and I finished up the work together; over the past few days, we seem to have reached a new level in our relationship. I try to keep my snarky bitchy comments to a minimum, and he doesn’t wind me up quite so much. It is easy at work; mainly because there is so much to do. But the need to wind him up and be bitchy has disappeared as I get to know him better.
“Hey Beth, get everything done?” She spins to look at me coming down the stairs.
“Yes,” she snaps, which is so not like her. I can see the tension in her shoulders; this wedding is really getting to her. “Max will pick you up at eight,” she informs me, and I stop her before she can go further.
“Why is Max picking me up? I can drive there myself.”
“No, Leigh. You're not coming on your own, and you’re not coming on a bike. Besides, he offered.”
“What!”
“He heard us discussing it and said he would bring you. It's on his way.” She shrugs like it's no big deal but try telling that to the butterflies that have just erupted in my tummy and are flitting around like crazy.
Ignoring the shock that is written all over my face, she carries on. “I've left a dress hanging in your room, I’ll-”
“Why have you left me a dress?”
“Because you don't own one.”
“I might.” Indignant, I rest my hands on my hips.
“Do you?” She cocks an eyebrow at me, and I shift on the spot.
“No, but… But I might.”
She gives a short laugh. “I've known you a long time, Leigh. You don't do dresses; I get it. Just wear it and the shoes, and I'll see you tonight.” Beth takes me by the shoulders and kisses me on the cheek, dashing out the door before I can reply.
With her gone, I wander around the house; I’ve got some time before I need to get ready. In the kitchen, I pull a beer out of the fridge and pop the lid off, tipping it back to take a long drink. The house is too quiet so I grab another bottle of beer and my iPad and head upstairs to get ready. With some Bruno Mars playing in the background, I start to get ready. For once, I take the time to dry my hair instead of pulling it back off my face as I usually do. I dig my make-up out of my bag and apply it with more care and attention than ever before. Usually, I wear very little.
Happy with the results, I step back and suspiciously eye the garment holder that is hooked over my door. It looks innocent enough, but when I unzip it and pull out the dress, I choke. Half of it is missing! But then Beth is much shorter than me, so of course, one of her dresses is going to be too short for me. I hold the dress up against my body and turn to the mirror; my face says it all.
Fuck.
I’m running out of time, and I have no option but to put it on. Plus, if I don't wear it, Beth will have a fit, and I do not want to piss her off tonight. It wouldn't be wise to aggravate her.
I pull out the only nice panties I own—not that anyone will be seeing them—but I'm hoping it will give me a confident boost and make me feel better about wearing a short ass dress. Now for the moment of truth.
How short is this dress going to be?
I slip on the black sequin dress that dips into a sharp v at the back, which means I can’t wear a bra, and a cowl neck at the front. It doesn't actually show too much cleavage, which is a first for Beth. But I'm more worried about the length. The dress stops mid-thigh and I make a mental note not to bend over all night or pretty much do anything other than stand upright. The sleeves come past my elbows and I think it makes the dress classier.
Last of all, I slip my feet in the heels that Beth has left for me. Black patent slingbacks with a peep toe that are impossibly high. It is only because I'm used to wearing boots with high heels that I know how to walk in them, but even then, it's touch and go in places.
My foot has just hit the bottom step when the doorbell rings. A quick glance at the clock says he's right on time. When I pull open the door, the cocky smile that seems to always grace Max’s face falters, quickly dropping into a frown, and then a deep scowl as his eyebrows pinch tightly together.
“Part of your dress is missing.” He stares at my bare legs before his eyes start to slowly travel north.
“Sadly, this is the length it's supposed to be. Although, I'm sure it's longer on Beth.”
“Why are you wearing one of Beth's dresses?” He can’t take his eyes off the hemline. At least he’s not staring at my chest.
“Because I don'
t own one.” I turn and close the door, locking it and dropping the key into my little bag, again courtesy of Beth.
“Holy fuck, Leigh, you can't go out like that!” Max bursts out, and I turn back to see him staring at me, wide eyes.
“What now?”
“There’s no back. Don't you have a trench coat you can wear, a parka, anything?” I laugh at how ridiculous he's being.
“As long as I don’t bend over, I'm fine.”
Letting out a loud groan, he drops his head into his hands. “Did you have to go there? Seriously don't talk about you bending over in that dress or ever. I can’t deal with the mental image that conjures up.”
My mouth hangs open at the look of torment on his face.
“I might have a blanket in the trunk.” He steps off the step, but my hand catches his forearm and the electricity that crackles between us stops him in his tracks and shocked eyes meet mine.
Yeah, that really has to stop happening. It scares the crap out of me every time.
“Let's just go and keep your eyes up here.” I click my fingers above the shoulders. But his eyes darken as his gaze moves upwards. My cheeks flush when I see the desire brimming in their depths and the shiver that rips through me is at odds with the heat raging inside me
Max’s hand rests at the base of my spine as he navigates our way down the path to his car. The tingles running up my spine are making my head spin, and I don't think the two beers I had in the house helped. Max holds open the door, his manners taking me by surprise.
“Thank you,” I mumble and maneuver myself into the car as best I can without my dress riding up. In spite of the care I take, I still manage to flash a large amount of leg and hear a groan before the door slams.
Slack-jawed, I watch him jog around the front of his GTO, dark jeans hug his powerful thighs and tight ass, which I never tire of looking at while he works. His white button up shirt is pushed up to his elbows, snug over his shoulders and biceps. Splashes of color punctuate the black swirls of his tattoos.
The whole car shrinks in size once he climbs in and slams the door. The smell of him surrounds me, more potent than ever before, because we’re in an enclosed space. The deep breath I take serves to calm my pounding heart as well as an excuse to breathe in the gorgeous scent of him. Armani mixed with… god knows what? Sexy male?
He looks to check that I'm okay, but his eyes dip down to my legs. The skirt barely covers my decency, and his scowl is back.
“Just drive,” I grumble, and after one last lingering look, he fires up the GTO.
At the sound of the V8 engine, a frisson of excitement passes through me. He’s done more to the car, but I hardly have time to appreciate the modifications before we pull up outside The Three Monkeys. That's the downside to living in a small town; it doesn't take long to get anywhere. Really, none of us should own a car; we should walk everywhere.
Max kills the engine and turns in his seat to look at me. He opens his mouth and then closes it, his eyes skimming down my dress, or what constitutes a dress in Beth's eyes.
“Let's get this over with.” I sigh as I reach for the door handle. In a flash, he is out of the car and standing at my door, pulling it open and holding out his hand. I've figured it out now. I swivel in my seat and lift both legs out to set them on the ground, keeping my knees together as I stand. Pleased that I've maintained my dignity, I look up and flash him a satisfied smile. He grins down at me, and that genuine bright smile does something to my insides, practically turning them to mush. I've never seen him look so sincere, and I begin to see what Beth meant when she said it was all a front.
Taking the hand he offers me, I let him lead me up the steps to the door. Before he pushes it open, he stops and turns to me, pushing my hair over my shoulder. His finger brushes against the tender skin of my neck, and my heart jumps into my throat.
“Before we get inside and everyone falls over in shock, or lust, at the length of your dress, I just want to say how stunning you look.” His words blow me away. Then I look into his eyes and fight to breathe properly. Impossibly dark eyelashes fan his dark brown eyes, and he looks at me with something that I don’t recognize. Something I’ve never seen before. Not in Max’s eyes or anyone else’s for that matter. He thinks I look stunning? What the fuck? I don’t think anyone has paid me such an amazing compliment.
“Uh, thanks. You look pretty hot yourself.” And I freeze as my brain registers what my unchecked mouth has said now. Fuck. His lips curve into another panty-dropping, sexy as sin smile and his arm slides around my waist to hold me closer.
“Oh, do I now.” His deep voice washes over me, and my eyes flutter shut when he leans forward. I wait for his lips to touch mine, but they don’t; instead, they brush fleetingly over my forehead. The force of that whisper of a kiss travels down the length of my body, and my toes curl in my peep toes.
“Ahh, I…”
“No, you don’t. You can’t backtrack now. Hmm, this evening just got a little more interesting.” He winks at me, and I let go of the breath I was holding. “Let’s go.” His fingers intertwine with mine, and before I can question him or pull them out of his tight grasp, he pushes open the door to the bar. I try to hide behind his body, feeling very self-conscious and naked. Wait until I get my hands on Beth.
• • •
The reaction when we walk into the bar together is comical. Jaws drop for a number of different reasons. All the guys under forty drink in the sight of my long legs and short ass dress and have to put their tongues back in their mouths. Aaron looks like he’s ready to thump the first guy who makes a move on me, and all the women, even the ones who should know better, zoom in on the fact that my fingers are entwined with Max’s and scowl at me. Beth rushes forward, dragging Aaron with her.
“You look amazing. I’m so glad you’re here now.” She hugs me, and her mood has certainly improved. I look over her shoulder at Aaron, and he confirms my suspicions that she’s been drinking. At least it’s relaxed her. Then she grabs Max in a hug but pulls back when he half-heartedly returns it.
“Are you to blame for the dress she’s wearing?” He looks pointedly at her, and I wish he’d just get over it.
She gives him a sly smile. “No, actually. Nothing I have would fit Leigh, she’s too tall. This one’s on Sugar.” She turns and points to where Sugar is sitting at one of the table and waves.
“So, it’s meant to be that short?” He looks down at my hemline again.
“Yup.” Beth can’t hide her amusement at the disgruntled look on his face.
“Wait till I speak to her,” he growls and glares at Sugar, who gives him the finger. I stifle a laugh; it wouldn’t be wise to piss him off just now.
“Let’s sit down.” He pulls me away, and I shrug my shoulders at Beth’s raised eyebrows.
Max pulls me to a table near the back and away from the bar and the other guests. Tonight is all about Beth and Aaron; I’m sure I can amuse myself while they mingle.
“Think you can handle my company for the night?” Again with reading my mind.
“I’ll manage.” I turn and give him my full attention. “Drink?” I ask.
“I’ll get them.” He strides to the bar, and I can’t help but appreciate the reverse view; it’s almost as nice as the front one.
“Get your tongue back in your mouth and stop staring at your employees.” I jump slightly and smile when Beth slides into Max’s empty seat.
“Should you not be attending to your guests?”
“I’ll let Aaron deal with it for a bit. You look fantastic.”
I blush and smile at her. “Not as gorgeous as you.” Beth’s look is pretty tame tonight with a long strapless maxi dress that shows plenty of cleavage but at least it’s not short as well.
“So, you and Max, eh?” She wiggles her eyebrows, which just makes her look stupid, but I laugh all the same.
“You’re the one who got him to bring me.”
“No, that was all him. He insisted that he pick yo
u up. He’s got it bad.”
“Shut up. He does not.”
“Seriously, Leigh, he does. I’d say as bad as you have.”
“Fuck off.”
She leans back in her seat, pretending to be offended. “Go on, tell me, has something ever happened between you two?”
“What makes you think that?” I keep my eyes down and play with the confetti shapes on the table.
“Because when you two are together the chemistry is off the charts. I actually feel a little uncomfortable. And that’s saying something.”
“Okay, yes.” I give in with a sigh. “Something did happen. Just before I left.”
“I knew it. You have avoided seeing him every time you came home. What happened?”
“I slept with him.” That wasn’t the answer she was expecting, and she chokes on her fruity cocktail.
“You what? You slept with him?”
“Yeah.” I dare her to say something, and because she’s Beth, she does.
“But you don’t do that.”
“What? Have sex.”
“No, have one-night stands.”
“Well, I was leaving the next morning.”
“Fucking hell, Leigh. That’s a shocker.”
“Yeah, well…”
“And…”
“And what?”
“How was it? How do you feel about him? Anything. I need details.”
“Yeah, Leigh, I need details, too.” I look up and gulp when I meet Max’s teasing smile. A smile grows on my face, too. I’m making progress; normally, I would shoot him down and tell him to fuck off or knee him in the balls, but I’m in too good of a mood. We seem to have reached a new kind of understanding not to piss each other off.
“I’ll leave you guys to it. I want a dance later, Leigh.” She points at me, knowing that I’ll try to sneak off at some point.
“Yeah, so do I.” Max leans in and mutters under his breath, laying his hand to rest on the inside of my bare leg, just above the knee. Inch by inch, it creeps further up, until it rests just under the hem of my dress. Heat floods my system and my head spins with lightheadedness—and that’s without any more to drink.