AllFreeNovel
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Kevin was out of it.
He must have passed out the second his head hit the pillow.
I set the glass down on the bedside cabinet and pulled off his shoes. Together, me and Max were able to shimmy the duvet out from under him and tuck him in, and we left quietly, closing the door behind us.
I closed my eyes and sighed. “Thank you for that.”
Max chuckled, leading me downstairs. “We’ve all been there.”
“You don’t drink. At least not like that.”
“Not anymore, but I made some pretty bad choices at university. I rolled into bed in that state more than once.” He paused. “Actually, I think me and Fred usually just passed out in the living room.”
“He hasn’t done that in a long time. Either he got carried away, or this proposal thing is playing on him more than I thought.” I checked on Winston to make sure he was safely inside, which he was, then turned back to Max. “This might have been one of the weirdest nights I’ve ever had.”
His lips tugged to the side. “Now do you understand why I couldn’t explain it?”
“Yes, honestly. There’s not really any way to describe what’s happened tonight, but I fear I’m going to have to try in a future book.”
“Now that’s something I want to read.”
“Speaking of. I can’t believe you actually read my book.” I leant against the kitchen counter. “Like you read it, read it.”
Max raised his eyebrows. “Grandma had a point. Don’t tell her I said that, though.”
“I wouldn’t dare.” I smiled a little. “Did you enjoy it?”
“Your book?”
“No, our conversation.”
“Yes, I enjoyed it. As much as I don’t want to admit it.”
“Ooh, no, not the big bad grumpy duke enjoying a—gasp—girly romance novel.” I turned away with a roll of my eyes and grabbed a glass to fill it with water. The tap roared out as I put it on too strong and the water whirlpooled right out of the glass, so I turned it down, filled the glass and spun around.
To Max.
Right in front of me.
“Can I help you?” I asked, sipping my water.
“Yes.” He gripped the edge of the counter either side of me. “What are the chances that your brother is going to wake up from his drunken stupor?”
“Before ten a.m. tomorrow? Almost impossible.”
“Well, then.” He cupped my neck, lowering his mouth closer to mine. “We have unfinished business.”
“We do?”
Max took the glass and put it on the counter with his free hand, and I barely had time to breathe before he cradled my face and brought his lips against mine. His kiss was firm and forceful, and I squeaked in shock.
Ah.
Thatunfinished business.
I pulled back and looked at him, my breath catching. “Max. Are you sure?”
“Ellie.” He dipped his chin and kissed my jaw, trailing a path down my neck, and I tilted my head to the side. “I would have done this long before now if I could have.”
