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“I…if you want, you can go to the main lodge and ask for another key to your cabin. They have spares.”
“I might do that.” Mary hesitated. “Actually, this is a bit forward, but do you might if I ask you a favor?”
“Of course.” Max realized that he said that a little too quickly and cleared his throat. “What is it?”
“Olivia and Mom said to me this morning that Cody - my ex - and his group are coming here tonight for dinner. They’ve booked the entire dining room for it. All of his groomsmen are coming along with a few friends. And everyone has a date.” Mary paused. “Everyone but me. They said they would find me a date so I wouldn’t be alone, but I don’t trust them.”
“I thought this was a bachelorette weekend.”
“That’s what Olivia wants. She’s really taking advantage of me having paid for everything already.” Mary took off her cap, twisting it in her hands. “I know it’s a bizarre request, but would you mind coming with me tonight?”
Max blinked.
“Me?”
“I don’t know what they’re planning, which is making me nervous. I want to be in control at some point this weekend.” Her cheeks darkened a little more. “You seem nice enough, and I was wondering…if you could…God, I’ve not done this before…”
“You want me to be your date?”
“Yes.” Mary gulped. “I’m sorry, I know this isn’t appropriate. Just ignore me.”
“No, I’m not ignoring you.” Max gave her a smile. “I’ll accompany you tonight.”
“Really?”
Mary looked like she hadn’t expected him to accept.
“From the sound of it, you need a friend. And I’m happy to be that friend. If it will make the last few hours before you leave pass by a little more bearable, I’ll help you out.”
Now Mary’s expression said she was going to take the offer back. Max hoped that she wouldn’t. It was an odd request, but she was clearly in need of help. He would be a bastard if he didn’t help her out. Finally, Mary smiled, and Max felt like he had been punched in the gut. Oh, wow. She really had a lovely smile.
“Thank you, Max. I appreciate it. I know this isn’t exactly in your job description…”
“My job description is to keep the guests happy.” Max realized what he had said and grimaced. “That was meant to come out better than it did.”
“I understand what you mean.” Mary paused, and then she reached out and touched his arm. “They’re planning for dinner at seven. I’m staying in one of the Front Lawn Cottages, number four. Meet me there?”
“I’ll see you at seven.”
He would have to see if his suit was properly cleaned and wearable, but it was manageable.
They stared at each other for a moment. Something was brewing in the air; it felt like it was getting thicker, and Max could feel it prickling against his skin. Mary was the first to move, averting her gaze before putting her cap on.
“I…I’d better go and get that spare key. I’ll…I’ll see you later.”
“See you later.”
Max watched her go, unable to look away as her hips swayed. The t-shirt had ridden up the back and he could see her backside nicely clad in her leggings. It looked firm and round. He wondered what she would feel like when he touched her…
God, he needed to get his head on straight. He couldn’t go about with an erection, especially not with a load of giggling young women nearby. But this was the first time a woman had made him so sexually aroused so quickly, and she had only touched his arm.
What was it about Mary that made her so different?
* * *
Mary looked at herself in the mirror, wishing she felt as beautiful as she looked. The dress was gorgeous, one that accentuated her body. When Mary had last worn the dress, she had felt like a million dollars.
But she couldn’t bring herself to be happy. Not after everything that had happened. She felt like she was being used, getting tugged around like a toy because it was funny. Olivia certainly found it amusing to torment her sister in such a manner. Nothing had changed in the last couple of decades; Olivia was twenty-eight, and she behaved like a little spoiled brat.
