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I rise to my feet, stretching my back. “I’ll go now.”
“Oh.” She’s evidently disappointed.
We leave the porch, and as we make our way through the house toward the front door, I say, “I’ll send a company driver on Monday morning to get you to the clinic.”
“What? Oh, my car. I’ll just take the bus.”
I cock an eyebrow. “You’ll need at least twice as long with a bus.”
“True, but it doesn’t matter.”
“Emilia—”
“Max!”
“I’ll send a car for you, and that’s that.”
“You’re unbelievable.”
“I just promised Grams I’ll take care of you.”
“And now you’re playing dirty.”
“I’ve been known to do that to get my way. I’m just looking out for you.” I push a strand of her hair behind her ear and her entire body hums at the skin-on-skin contact. She licks her lower lip, noticing too late that I’m eyeing her mouth.
“Don’t fight me,” I insist.
“Okay. Thank you. I hoped you’ll stay a while longer.” She stands awkwardly in front of the open front door.
“I can go back to being just your friend on Monday, Jonesie. If I stay any longer today, I’ll kiss you again, no questions asked.”
“See you on Monday.” Her eyes widen, and she gnaws at that delicious lip of hers. How the hell am I supposed to spend time with this strong, sweet, all-around amazing woman and not kiss her again?
Chapter Twelve
Emilia
I sleep badly on Saturday night and even worse on Sunday. I toss and turn the entire night, the memory of Max’s lips on mine giving me hot flashes. Damn that man can kiss. Dragging my hands down my face, I turn to look at the clock. It’s five in the morning. Giving up on the idea of sleep, I leave my bed, hop into shorts, put on my gym bra and a shirt, and go for a run. It usually helps me clear my head, but now, the longer I run the more I think about Max. With a jolt, I realize I’m about to see him in a few hours. With another jolt, I remember we’ll be doing water exercises today. Me and Max alone in a swimming pool. This will be interesting. I realize I haven’t seen him shirtless until now, even though his soaked shirt on Saturday highlighted his toned, delicious body. A small voice at the back of my head says This will be a disaster, but I do my best to ignore it.
The driver arrives at seven o’clock sharp, as promised. When I start telling him the address of the clinic, he politely informs me Max already gave him all the details.
He nods curtly, opening the door for me. After I slide inside the car, I find a brown bag with my name on it. Immediately, I pry the bag open, revealing the contents. A book! Not just any book, but the first volume in the Chronicles of Narnia series, which was my favorite book as a kid.
I’m about to ask the driver about it, then decide to ask the source directly. Grinning, I fish out my phone from my bag and text him.
Emilia: You just made this book junkie happy. I’d lost my copy of the book and never got around to buying another one.
His reply is almost instant.
Max: I know, saw all the other volumes in your library except this one.
Licking my lips, I hover my thumbs above the screen, wondering if I should bring up Saturday’s kiss. Maybe it would help clear the air. Then I remember our second session together—the last time we attempted to clear the air—and I decide to take a much less straightforward way.
Emilia: So is this a talking book?
He doesn’t answer. Stomach in knots, I peer out the window, resting my forehead against the cool glass. As I watch the gray clouds hanging low on the sky, adrenaline strums through my veins. I’m so lost in the beautiful view that I jump in my seat when my phone finally vibrates.
Max: What’s that supposed to mean?
