She's still out cold when I strip her down to her underwear and place her in bed. I'd love to climb in between the sheets and feel her warm creamy skin against mine, but I hold back. It wouldn't be right. I may be a lot of things but I would never take advantage of a woman under the influence, especially someone as intoxicated as Jess. I just don't do it. Shit. "Times are changing and you’re getting soft Wild." I think to myself, but as soon as I know she is settled I make my way to the kitchen and grab a bottle of water from the refrigerator and a bowl just in case she feels the need to bring up the contents of her night. I sit for a while by the side of her bed and watch her sleep. She looks so fucking perfect. How did I get so lucky to have her in my life? Even if it is for a short while? Good old fucking Mal, making my life fall on to the straight and narrow once again.
JESS
Ugh, what's that noise? I try to move and I suddenly feel nauseous. My mouth feels dry and my ears are ringing. What the fuck is that noise, it's too loud and it hurts my ears. Slowly visions and the taste of Sambuca shots come back to haunt me. Oh my god. I remember seeing Max. What happened to Max? Did I make an absolute arse of myself? I'm suddenly consumed with paranoia that the nausea gets worse. Oh dear god, what did I do? I remember arriving at the bar with Jen. I remember having a really good night, right until I spotted Max hanging out having a party for one at the bar. Everything else from when he pulled me off that table is a complete blur. I can sense eyes on me, but there is no way I am opening them so Jen can grill me about Max. It's bound to happen at some point. I'd be an idiot if I thought I could get away from this one scot free now that she has seen him. It's just not going to happen when my head is pounding so badly and my mouth tastes and feels like I have been eating shit.
"Hey."
Holy shit. I instantly stop breathing at the sound of that voice. What is he doing here? How did he get in my bedroom? This has got to be some crazy arse dream. If I keep my eyes closed eventually that voice will fade and my mind will stop playing tricks on me.
"How's that beautiful head of yours?" He speaks again and this time I feel a dip in the bed beside me and a strong smell of fresh coffee. There is no way that I am dreaming. Fuck. How did he even get in? I decide to open my right eye slowly just to prove to myself that this in fact cannot be happening. Right there in front of me is the face I have been hoping to see for days. There is no denying his beauty, especially with a bit of day old stubble working magic around that chiselled jaw. He is so close that I can feel the heat of his breath tickling the side of my face. If I can feel that, then he sure as hell can smell my morning breath. Oh god. I really need to get up and brush my teeth. This is so embarrassing.
"Piss of and let me pee." I say, my defence mechanisms kicking in and all of my dignity straight out of the window. That's if I had any left after what may or may not have happened last night.
"You've got a dirty mouth on you this morning sweetheart. That's no way to repay me for looking after you is it? But fuck me if I haven't missed it though." He says as he kisses the tip of my nose. I must look absolutely horrendous and here he is kissing me. The guy must need help. "Come on, we've got some packing to do."
"Packing?" Is he for real. I want a big fat greasy fry-up and to slouch in my pyjamas watching game of thrones all day. There is no way I am in a position to pack. Self-inflicted it may be, but it's just not happening. "What are you doing here? Did Jen let you in?" I ask, thinking of how much fun it will be to throttle her when I finally get my hands on her. I can picture her right now, sat at the breakfast bar chuckling away to herself at my shame. The bitch.
"You don't remember much of last night then?" He can't keep that delicious grin from spreading across his face. I don't know whether to kiss him or slap that goddamn sexy look off his face. "Are you hungry?" I notice that he is refusing to answer my question.
"Only if it's for something greasy. My heads having its very own rave going on right now." I try my best to get out of bed, but the moment I stand I get an instant head rush. Wow. That's me not drinking for a while. I can't remember the last time I was this ill.
"Here, drink this." Max passed me the cup of freshly brewed coffee that I could smell and then pushes my hair out of my face. It's such an intimate gesture from someone who decided to walk out on me a few days ago without so much as an explanation. I really don't think I want to know how much I had to drink last night. All I remember is that the shots just kept coming and I'm that much of a dick that I obviously didn't know when to stop. I don't even know how I got home.
"How's Jen? I hope that cow is suffering more than me this morning." I say, meaning every word of it.
"I wish I knew. You two are quite the pair aren't you? The last time I saw her she was in the arms of Luke downing more shots."
"Luke? That can't be right." I try and rack my brains for any recollection of Luke arriving last night. I'm pretty sure I'd remember seeing the guy who got an eyeful of my tits. "Was he with you? I don't remember seeing him?"
"I called him when I realised you were in no fit state to continue drinking. I made sure we didn't leave until Jen was with him, don't worry."
Don't worry? Is he off his fucking rocker? He's something else I'll give him that.
"I don't even remember getting back home. Wow, I'm so sorry if I made an absolute arse of myself." I'm completely overwhelmed with panic. I can't have been that bad if he is still sitting here. Or maybe he's worried that I can't look after myself and is here out of pity. Way to go Jess.
"You wouldn't, you passed out cold as soon as I got you strapped into the car. Don't be sorry, it was quite entertaining to watch. Plus, it gets me so fucking hard when you get feisty angel."
"Fuck you." I say as I give him a soft punch to the arm. I try to get back up again and this time I feel slightly more steady on my feet. "I really need a shower." The above is true, but what I really need to do is get some distance from him and brush my teeth. My head is all over the place. I'm still majorly pissed with the way he just walked out on Wednesday, yet the way he has looked after me since last night is quite sweet. My skin is on fire whenever I am in close proximity of him; I have no control over my emotions or my body. It's a vicious circle, I'm playing with fire and I will get burned eventually - there's no doubt about it.
"Move it big shot, if you don’t want me to pee on your feet I'd move out of the way, unless you're into that kind of shit?" He still stands facing me, showing no signs of moving away from me. Before I get the chance to step around him, those big strong arms that I have become to crave the feel of are around me, lifting me up as he carries me to the bathroom.
"Put me down Max!" I yell. My head starts spinning again, the nausea returning with a vengeance. He swats me hard on the arse and I scream out at the intensity of the sting before he places me back on my feet.
"Do what you gotta do, I'll be back in a minute."
As soon as I have taken care of my business, I walk over to the sink to wash my hands and clean my teeth. I pause for a moment as another head rush overcomes me. I reach out and place both hands palm down on the counter to steady myself. Sweet Jesus, when will it stop? I think it would be best for everyone if I went back to bed. I'm not made for this anymore, really I'm not. Once it has passed I look up into the mirror and my eyes instantly lock on to Max. I can only see his back as he is fiddling with something in his hands. I take in the defined muscles and smile on the inside knowing that I have experienced the sweet feel of that body pressed against mine. When he turns around I see that he's holding a grey toiletry bag in one hand and a toothbrush in the other.
"Someone's keen." I say, my throat dry and hoarse.
"What this? I always carry it. Never know when it might come in handy." I have never known anyone to think so fucking highly of themselves before. I suppose looking like that; it must be pretty easy to get a big ego. That perfect core clenching grin of his that promises so much pleasure spreads across his face as he slowly makes his way towards me, like a hunter seek
ing his prey. I don't know why I allow him to affect me so much. I really need to wake up and realise that I'm just someone to have a bit of fun and pass the time with. Isn't that what I am supposed to be doing? Letting my hair down and having a bit of fun without any strings? Get your fucking act together Jess, it's not like you're going to marry the bloke. To be truthful, I can't help it. Every time I am near him my stomach fills with knots, excitement and also fear at the same time. Fear that I am already getting involved too soon and too deep with this beautiful man who came crashing into my life and turning everything that I thought I knew upside down and then some. I have so many questions that I want to ask him. So much that I would like to know, I just don't have the energy in me to ask him. My eyes catch his in the mirror again as I finish brushing my teeth. What a bloody sight it is that is reflected back at me. All I can see is this beautiful Adonis, how he is stood in my bathroom, when he could be anywhere else will remain a mystery to me. His deep blue eyes pierce into my soul and he watches me as if he can tell exactly what I am thinking, as if he can sense that my heart rate accelerates whenever he looks at me. Everything about him is perfect, and not just his looks. I know that deep down under all of his domineering ways and his manly pride that there is a beautiful, loving soul within him too. My eyes leave his as I bring them to focus on me, a little plain old Jane. Sure I can look pretty when I put in the effort but I wouldn't say I have any striking features that make me stand out from the rest and I am fine with that. I think I am probably one of the few women my age that are comfortable in their own skin. If you don't like me for who I am then I really don't have time for you in my life. It's that's simple.
It's funny how the person that looks back at me this morning would completely disagree. My hair looks like it hasn't seen a brush in weeks, last night’s make-up is still visible around my eyes, giving me the perfect panda look and my eyes are slightly red around the edges. Yet here he stands, next to me and looking at me with such a hunger and passion that I am rendered speechless under his gaze. I try to swallow, to lubricate my throat so that I can hurl some smart arse remark to him, but my throat is so dry that I end up looking like I'm about to vomit all over the sink. Instead, I leave him stood in the bathroom without saying a word before I embarrass myself some more. Coffee, that's what I need and then a little chat with myself won't do me any harm either.
There is no way on god’s green fucking earth that I am going to be packing today. No fucking way. I slump myself down on the barstool with my coffee and paracetamol at the ready. I'm pretty sure I'll be able to pack everything that I will need tomorrow. I already have quite a selection from Jens. If I was to pack today I'd probably take all of the wrong stuff and then what would I do? I'd have to re do it tomorrow anyway.
Today I would much prefer to forget about the world and nurse my hangover on the couch, preferably with Max sprawled out next to me - not that he needs to know that extra little detail. I think I'll let him stew a little longer. I haven't forgotten that he has failed to tell me why he decided to up and leave on Wednesday and why he just turned up at the bar last night. His actions confuse the hell out of me. One minute he's here and he can't seem to get enough of me and the next he just disappears without any notice. My mind and emotions don't know whether they are coming or going.
"That smells good." Perfect strong arms snake around my waist; my senses are assaulted with the deliciousness of Max's scent – all manly and fresh. All thoughts are erased from my mind as my body weakens and relaxes against his touch. No matter how much my head is screaming out to stay away from him, my body seems to have other ideas. My neck rolls back automatically as his soft, delicate lips leave a trail of butterfly kisses along my shoulder blade and up to my neck.
"Mmmm." I moan, unable to remain quiet as his magical fingers begin to explore my body. His touch feels amazing, even better since I haven't felt him for a while. My body has been starved of his touch for too long. All my nerves are tingling in anticipation of where this could lead to.
"Better?" He asks, his hands still staking a claim on my body. I'm stood in my kitchen, in my oldest pyjama shorts and tattered vest top - hardly the sexiest look I could have gone for, yet he doesn't seem to mind. It's crazy, this kind of stuff just doesn't happen to me. I spin around to get a better look at him. I want to see his face when I talk to him.
"I, erm..." I pause and bite down on my lip unsure if I should carry on with what I was going to say. What the hell, I have started it now. "I have some questions that I want answers to Max." There, it's out there now. I need to know what's happening with us. I need to know why he walked out and then why he decided to make a sudden appearance back into my life.
"Welcome back sweetheart. I wondered how long it would take." He leans in, chuckling as that wicked grin spreads across his face and plants a kiss on my nose and then on my lips. In these rare moments he acts like I am the only woman in the world. These moments have my heart pounding and make me feel more desired than I ever thought possible. He makes me feel wanted, needed and a sense of worthiness that has been a huge void for most of my life. I can't allow myself to get sucked up into this welcoming feeling. I'm not stupid; I know eventually we will have to go back to our normal day to day lives.
"Why did you bring me home?" My eyes search his as I wait for his reply. Granted, it's not the most burning question that's on my mind but I suppose it's as good a start as any.
"Really? It's a no brainer Jess. You were fucking wasted, but I'm sure you're already aware of that judging from your fuzzy memory? Don't get me wrong; hell I'm all for having a good time. Fuck, I've been wasted with the best of them but there was no way that I was going to leave you there in that state so some fucking sleazy bastard could make a pass at you. Anything could have happened to you. Jen was exactly far off from you so she wouldn’t have been much help would she?" His hands run through his hair and his expression has changed from fun and carefree to dark and dangerous. He looks fucking delicious when he's angry. His eyes never leave mine and I stand transfixed on him. I understand that he probably feels guilty for walking out on me, and this is his way of making up for that by ensuring no harm has come to me - but I'm home now, so I don't know why he is still here. The burning need to ask him some more questions gets stronger but I don't know where to start or what to say. So instead I take the chicken way out and say "I'm going to grab a shower, make yourself at home, if you're staying." Turning and walking away from this beautiful man stood in front of me, I feel like slapping myself. Make yourself at home if you're staying? Clearly he'd do that whether I told him to or not. He's a man that does what he wants when he wants, there's no doubt about that. Maybe he might think I’m giving a dig about Wednesday’s disappearance.
I enter the bathroom and stop at the door. I look around and see that the bathtub is almost overflowing with bubbles, candles are scattered around the room creating a calm and relaxing feel. How did he manage to do all of this? Out of the corner of my eye I notice a bundle of fresh towels laid out for me and an expensive looking silky robe that most definitely wasn't here earlier. Where the hell has he gotten this stuff from? Max Wild is one fucking mystery. I decide to worry about the rest later and enjoy this pamper treat while I can. I step into the bathtub and I am delighted to find that the temperature is perfect and I instantly feel my tight, overworked muscles begin to relax. Who knew that Max Wild, all powerful and manly could be such a helpless romantic?
MAX
I eye that delectable arse of hers as she walks away from me. Never before have I experienced something so perfect and so goddamn pure. It's such a foreign fucking feeling to me and it scares the shit out of me. Where the fuck has Max Wild gone?
I don't do love.
I don't do relationships.
Fuck, I don’t do commitment in the slightest.
It's all a bunch of bollocks. What's the point in setting yourself up for disappointment and failure when you can so easily prevent it?
Rely on no one and
feel no pain.
That has been my motto for as long as I can remember and it has always worked pretty well for me.
Always. Until now anyway.
Damn. She brings out a need in me so fucking strong. A fierce need to protect and care for her, even the need to just be fucking near her is playing with my head. Jess Townsend has turned my world as I know it around, upside down and shook it up that little bit more. Just thinking about her gets me hard.
Knowing that she is lay naked, all creamy and perfect flawless skin that is desperate to be touched, only a mere few feet away from me has me frustrated. A laugh escapes me. What am I doing? Why am I stood in the mother fucking kitchen when that perfect fine arse of hers is lay naked in that tub? I should be in there, worshipping her and buried so fucking deep inside her. Like she deserves.
This is getting out of control. She's not like other women. None of them have a patch on Jess. I don't want to rush this. If I do I know that I will ruin it, and that right there is a first for me. My head is so fucking mashed right now, I have no idea what I want. One thing is certain though, it will only lead to me breaking that sweet, precious heart of hers and she has already had to deal with one fucking tool taking her for a ride.
Escape down under Page 11