Page 59 of In Your Wake

We’ve grown up together, too. I’ve seen her in a bathing suit. This isn’t any different.

Except that in so many ways, it’s light-years different.

“Mitch?” she says, sounding distant.

“Yes, Max?”

“Have you ever thought about…” She stops, as if weighing her next words. “Having sex… with me?”

My mouth goes dry.

That’s not what I wanted her to say. Don’t get me wrong, I love that she said it, but this isn’t the place for this conversation.

“With you?” The surprise in my tone almost sounds insulting.

“Never mind,” she quickly replies.

Each passing second is one I should spend being honest with her, telling her how I feel. Of its own accord, my hand drifts from her waist over her hip and around to her ass.

“Almost every single day,” I whisper, giving it a gentle squeeze.

She shoves my chest playfully. “You’re full of it.” I don’t see her smile, but I can hear it in her words.

“Why wouldn’t I think of it? You’re gorgeous.”

“I’m so not.” She shakes her head, the cold tip of her nose skimming over my skin.

I glance down. Even without seeing that intoxicating glimmer in her shockingly beautiful blue eyes, I know it’s there, just like I know there’s a small crinkle between her ginger brows.

“Yes, Maxine Nolan. You are. You’ve always been.”

She rests her forehead on my chest, and I picture the faint blush creeping across her freckled cheeks. “You know I’m a… virgin, right?”

I nod, unable to answer. She’s always assumed I’m not, but to be fair, I’ve never told her I was.

“I don’t want to be a senior and still be a virgin.”

I take her chin between my fingers, tilting her head back. “Who cares if you are?”

“I’ve never been with a guy! It’s embarrassing.”

I fight my need to tell her I’ve never done more than finger a girl.

“I don’t mind waiting,” she continues. “But I want my first time to be special. To be with someone I care for.” She slides her small hands up my chest, then cups my cheeks, spreading warmth through my skin and down my limbs. “Obviously, you can say no. I just thought that maybe… it could be with you.”

“Max…” I begin, almost unable to resist the need in her voice. I want this. I’ve dreamed of this for so long. Why am I suddenly so against it?

Because, dumbass, she’s family.

“You’re my best friend, Mitch,” she states, echoing my feelings, but she’s using it as a reason why we should do this. “With you it would be special.”

“I’m not sure you’ve thought this through,” I reply, hating the condescension in my voice.

“I have thought this through.” With no hesitation, she reaches down, cupping my now rock-hard cock, and her sudden conviction makes it near impossible for me to breathe.

I’ve always adored that about her—when she sets her sights on something, she goes for it, no questions asked. Thrilled, I squeeze my eyes shut and fight to hold on to my self-control.

“I want to have sex with you. And tonight would be the best time.”