by TC Matson
I don’t want anything serious. One day I’ll find someone, but right now, in this exact moment of my life, I’m content with being single. My daughter deserves my attention. Besides, knowing I’ve been duped once by someone who made me feel the same way is enough to put the brakes on everything.
The line between reality and the realm of sleep begins to blur. Sounds drop in and out. My body numbs as the day’s tension drifts. I’m inches away from complete slumber when I hear Maddi padding down the hallway.
“Momma?” her voice is scratchy from sleep as she pushes the door open.
I lean up to my elbow, trying to focus on her in the dark. “What, baby?”
“I had a bad dream.” Her words shake.
Pulling the covers back, I scoot over. “Come in here with me, baby.”
Her little body snuggles into me as I wrap her tightly and kiss the side of her head. “It was just a dream, baby.” I comfort her and smooth her hair.
Her sniffle makes my heart ache and I squeeze her tighter. “We had a goldfish named Sushi and he died. You made me bury him in our backyard, but it wasn’t our backyard ‘cause it wasn’t our house. I forgot to feed him and you were mad at me and I didn’t want to bury him.”
“Baby. It was just a dream. I’m not mad at you and I wouldn’t be if that ever happened. Accidents happen.”
“But you were really mad. Your vein popped out.”
I bite back my laugh. “I haven’t been that mad in a reeaaally long time. I wouldn’t be mad at you if Sushi died.”
“Can I sleep with you?”
“Are you going to sit here and talk my head off?” I jest, trying to ease her little mind.
“No. But will you be quiet so I can go to sleep?”
This time I do laugh. “I love you, baby.”
“I love you the mostest.”
She owns every inch of my heart…
Which is why no man will have a chance with me. Not right now. Not while she’s still young and loves me. One day, I won’t be her favorite person. No parent ever is. And then she’ll grow up completely. So for now, I want to enjoy my energetic, bubbly happiness.
The nightmare sure didn’t affect Maddi’s morning. Not one bit. She was cheery, happy-go-lucky, and bouncing off the walls as she got ready for school while very enthusiastically discussing her plans to draw a “brilliant” red dress for her prom. When she rushes her future and reminds me that high school is in fact not that far away, she causes me to have mini-panic attacks.
After I dropped her off at school, I came to work. In the month I’ve been here to help out, I’ve managed to get the office presentable again. It’s large and spacious without any rattlesnakes or panthers. Everything has been filed and put in its place. I know my brother loves Lori, but he should really put his foot down with her organizational skills.
Ryan sticks his head in the office and scans the room as I hang up the phone from quoting a customer. “You’ve got this place looking like a new building.”
“If I come back six months after Lori comes back and find one piece of paper out of place, I’m burning this bastard to the ground.”
Smiling, he holds his hands up in surrender. “It won’t happen. When she comes back, I want you for a few extra days to show her some of your skills. She’s great at handling everything, but you’re definitely right. Her organizational skills need rehauling.”
I nod. “Deal.”
“The guys and I are heading back out. Jonny and his crew will be back before four.” He slaps the wall beside the door before strolling away.
“Hey!” I call out after him. “Can Maddi spend the night with you Saturday?”
He squints, crossing his arms over his chest and drops his shoulder to the door frame. “And why’s that?”
“I have another date.”
“With the same guy?”
I purse my lips, slightly irked at his nosiness. “I’m sorry. Dad?”
“I’m allowed to worry, Ave.”
After my parents passed away, Ryan struggled with being a brother and not a fatherly figure. Then after the entire Aaron ordeal, he acted like a father. That went over like a lead balloon. We fought a lot and over every damn thing. I rebelled against his fatherly act and I wasn’t afraid to tell him every chance I got. Eventually, he found the balance…except when it comes to dating. He’s protective and although I understand his reasons, it aggravates the shit out of me. I’m not a child anymore. He’s been against a lot of them. And right about all of them.
But I’d never admit that to him.
“Yes. With the same guy,” I exhale.
“Are things getting serious? What’s his name?”
I shake my head. “No. We’re just getting to know one another.”
“Where did you meet him? And you didn’t answer my question.”
I slap the desk. “Oh my god, Ryan. I’m an adult. Don’t badger me.”
“And I’m the brother who has seen you get screwed over way too many times.”
“I’m not naïve anymore. I’m older. I’ve learned a lot over the years. I won’t allow myself to be screwed over.”
His eyes narrow. “Does he know about Maddi?”
“Not yet. I’ll tell him when I’m ready.”
“What about you being a snowboarder.”
“We haven’t even had sex, Ryan. I’m not there yet.”
A range of mixed emotions crosses his expression. It either satisfies him or he’s disgusted. I hide my laughter.
“I’ll keep her, but next time I want a name or I won’t watch her.”
“Oh, blackmail. How I’ve missed thee,” I deadpan.
He frowns, pushes off the frame and leaves without saying another word. I sigh, falling back into my chair and looking up to the ceiling.
“Can he be any more annoying?” I ask Mom. “When you saw how awesome I was, you should’ve put him up for adoption.”
My phone dings, signaling a text.
I bounce a finger at the tile ceiling. “If this is Ryan to annoy me more, I’m so onto you.”
Max: Good morning. Would you like to have lunch today?
My toothy grin burns my cheeks.
Me: I’d love to, but I’m really busy today. Can I take a raincheck?
Max: Of course. Just thought I’d try.
Me: You’re an impatient man.
Max: Saturday seems too far.
Me: Three days is too long?
Max: Something tells me you’re missing my presence.
Me: Should I be missing you?
Max: Yes.
Me: Crap. I should do better, huh?
Max: Give in to it. Call me later.
I bite my lip trying to control my smile. The newness is exciting. Our flirty banter, arousing.
My morning has been a blur, busy as hell as I download design plans that Ryan worked up over the weekend so I can finalize them and forward them to the customer for approval. The front door chimes and in struts Max with his gorgeous smirk and a white plastic bag.
“Since you’re not missing me like I think you should, I figured I’d work on it right away.”
A roguish smile erupts across my lips. “Aren’t you charming.”
He sets the bag down on the corner of the desk, grabs my hand and pulls me to my feet. “I’m also pretty desperate for one of these again.”
He crushes into my lips, plunging his tongue against mine. Immediately, I melt. He cradles my face, threading his fingers into my hair, and pulls me deeper. It’s the type of kiss that makes me feel like I’ve never been kissed before, stealing my breath and causing my heart to float out of my chest. A rumble from his throat vibrates his chest. Heat warms my body, and lust fills me.
I’m panting when he pulls away with a sly boyish grin. “I brought lunch.”
I’m still floating on the rush from his kiss. “I…ummm…”
He chuckles. “I didn’t know what you wanted. There’s roasted chicken and garlic alfredo tortellini. Find the one y
ou like the most and I’ll have the other.” He opens the Styrofoam boxes and hands me one. “Start here.”
The way he moves around my office seems like he’s done it a hundred times before. The confidence billows off him in waves and it’s sexy as hell. To be so comfortable in your skin while dominating your world…He’s got to be a rock star in bed.
The thought causes heat to creep up my neck and before I allow it to hit my face, I grab a bottle of water from the small fridge behind me. “I have nothing other than water.” I scrunch my nose. “And I don’t have a fancy wine glass for you to sip from,” I tease.
His lips tug up. “I don’t need a fancy glass to drink from,” he says, mocking me.
Playfully, I arch a brow and purse my lips. “You’re a high-class man, Max. Swanky.” I titter.
He blows a laugh. “Swanky? I live pretty simplistically.”
My teeth sink into my bottom lip. “Are you sure about that? Fancy car. Fancy job. Fancy clothes. I’m sure you live in something fancy too. Probably has marble floors it’s so fancy.” I can’t hide my giggle.
He leans back in the chair fighting the most attractive grin. “I like my car. You know I take pride in my job. I can make anything I wear look good. And as for my home, you’ll just have to see for yourself.”
We share a stare, our gazes amused and flirtatious. Tantalizing and heated.
“How’d your brother get into this business?” he asks, dosing the fire between my thighs with his business-like tone.
“Honestly, I’ve never asked. I always assumed it was because my father took pride in his yard and it branched out to my brother.”
I take a bite of the chicken and fight to keep my eyes forward and not rolling back. I’m going to gain twenty pounds from all the goodness he’s bringing me.
“And I’m assuming your brother taught you?”
I loll my head from shoulder to shoulder. “Between Dad and Ryan. Dad taught me how to mow particularly. My brother taught me how to landscape.”
“It’s a good business. A smart one too. There’s a strong market for it. What does he do when it rains?”
“My crazy brother works in the rain as long as there isn’t any lightning.”
“He’s a hard worker and has a highly reputable name. Every time I’ve spoken to him, he’s nothing short of eager.”
I nod, agreeing, because he’s so right. Ryan loves his job.
He checks his watch and then frowns up to me. “Time flies when you’re around. I have a meeting with my architect to discuss plans.”
“Didn’t you just complete an expansion?”
As I stand, he hooks my waist and pulls me against him. “I did. This is for ideas for empty land.”
I smile up to him. “Fancy…”
He chuckles and bends, giving me an easy kiss.
“Thank you for lunch,” I say.
“An easy excuse to see you. Hopefully now I won’t be the only one doing the missing.”
His lips are soft as he presses them to mine. I can taste his lunch on his tongue and oh, how it’s much better on him. This kiss is slow, desire sweeping me out of reality. A tidal wave of need and emotion crashes into me causing a moan to slip out as I melt against him. He tightens his grip on my waist, his fingers gently digging into my skin. A strange feeling cramps my chest—like a fluttering over my muscles. I’m lost in him and no longer in the office.
Suddenly the front door chimes and I lurch away just in time for Ryan to step in. Playing it off, I grab some papers pretending to be working instead of making out with Max.
But I feel so damn busted as Ryan’s eyes shift between Max and me. As his chest expands, Ryan slathers a smile on his face and sticks his hand out. “Mr. Lauder. It’s good to see you. What exactly brings you by?”
Oh, God. This is mortifying. His overprotective fatherly tone is making me want to hide under the desk.
Max remains stoic, and when he glances to me, I drop my view highly embarrassed.
“I brought lunch and since you weren’t here, I gave Avery company for half an hour.”
Max stands unfazed. Not a worry in the world as the air in the room becomes unbearable with testosterone and anger drifting from Ryan.
“Anyway, if you’ll excuse me. I was on my way out.” Max nods at Ryan and doesn’t look back as he leaves me with my brother’s mad eyes glowering at me.
“Him?” Ryan shouts, pointing behind him as the front door shuts. “You’ve been dating him?”
“Not nec—”
“Before you lie to me, you might want to check your fucking lips.”
My shoulders deflate. There’s no use to lying about it. “Yes. Him.”
“He’s one of my customers, Avery! If you two don’t work out or you decide an Avery special is due, he’ll…” He pinches the bridge of his nose. “Do you not understand what’s at risk here?”
“We’re not serious, Ryan.”
He squeezes his eyes tight and shoves his palms into his forehead before glaring back at me. “He brings you lunch, Ave. I know how a man thinks. You may not think it’s serious, but I assure you he’s working on more.” He stretches his neck. “What happens when he finds out all your little secrets? You think he’ll be happy to know you’ve lied to him? Think he’ll stick around then?”
“You’re making a big deal over nothing.”
“You know he has an ugly reputation?” Now I know he’s grasping at straws.
“As did you, but Miranda looked over it,” I counter. “Look. I’m almost positive Max wouldn’t mix business with pleasure. I’m sure he wouldn’t punish you if something happened between us. He talks highly of you.”
A quick flash of pride slips onto his lips, but is gone just as fast. “Just be careful, Avery. He might not mix business with pleasure, but if he thinks about hurting you, I have no problem mixing mine.”
I pat his chest. “Awww… He’s all protective. Calm down before you throw your back out,” I snort.
He rolls his eyes and then drops his head back. “Dammit, Maddi and her eye rolls.”
I cackle. “You too? I caught myself doing it the other day.”
“She gets it from you. When you were little, you did it all the time. Do you not remember when mom used to say your eyes were going to roll out of your head?”
I twist my mouth and shake my head.
“Well, she did.” He walks into the little closet. “I came back to get a new hat between jobs.” He holds his up. “Mine stinks. Now I wish I would’ve just dealt with it for the rest of the day. Anyway, I’ve got to get going.”
Exactly one hour and forty-seven minutes later—I’m totally not counting or anything—Max texts me.
Max: I take it your brother doesn’t know about us?
Me: He does now.
Max: Any particular reason why you didn’t tell him?
Me: Because we’re not serious and he’ll worry about the business relationship with you.
Max: Lauder and Taylor business is separate from you and me. I don’t like secrets and lies, nor do I like being a part of them. I understand you want to be private, but I don’t like hiding. Don’t put me in that spot again.
I blink. Even through text messages, I can hear and feel his vexations. Secrets and lies… Guilt gnaws the layers in my chest.
Me: I’m sorry.
Max: Call me later.
Shit.
Avery
My stomach has been in knots all morning. When I dropped off Maddi with Ryan and pulled out of the driveway, the feeling of a sealed deal—the finalization that I’ll be at Max’s with no disruptions and all the opportunities—settled in my gut. I know what’s going to happen today and I’m ready. Been ready. If the man can work me over by a kiss, I’m definitely ready to be worked over in the bed.
My mind and body are throbbing with anticipation as I ride the elevator up to Max’s apartment. It’s been a long time since I’ve been to a man’s house…about as long as it’s been since I’ve had sex.
How pathetic…
The moment the doors slide open, my view lands on a delicious Max leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, the gray fabric of his shirt taut against all his muscles. His chest is broad, his torso tapering down to his hips. His eyes are striking, eating my presence alive as he roams my body. He knows what I know—our arousal for one another is turbulent.
His smile—the most alluring thing about him—slices his lips. “You’re a sight for sore eyes.” He pushes off the wall and saunters to me, dropping a small sweet kiss to my cheek that lingers.
“You look really good,” I babble.
His chuckle beside my ear sends a shiver down my spine. Slowly, he drags the side of his nose along my jawline and then straightens himself. He smirks—like he knows exactly what he’s doing to me—and then guides me into his home by the small of my back.
I’m not quite prepared for the beauty of the place. With an open floor plan, the living room and kitchen are only divided by granite counter tops. His living room is as big as my damn house with floor-to-ceiling windows and a sliding glass door that leads to a large balcony outside.
“You need marble floors,” I quip with a titter, peering up to him. Then a foosball table catches my attention in the corner of the room. “You play?” I tip my chin to it.
“I do.”
“Maybe later I can kick your ass on it.”
“If you think you can,” he says and then moves into the kitchen.
Chicken breasts, slices of ham and cheeses are sitting on the counter with utensils placed beside them. I’m grinning at the memory it provokes. My mother used to love getting me in the kitchen to teach me family recipes, and she would lay out everything I needed on the counter too.
I wash my hands and scoot up beside him. Following his lead, I listen to his instructions…waiting for something hard to do, but it never comes. We make four in all, the last two while he watches, placing them on a pan before putting them in the oven when I’m done.
“You’re kidding? That’s it?” I stare at him in disbelief.