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A flash of something darkened his gaze for a split second.
“It is what it is, and I meant what I said to her tonight. You and I both know that there’s nothing serious about whatever this is between us.” I waved my hand before tucking it back against my body.
I was lying through my bloody teeth.
Did he know I was?
Did he know that, as far as I was concerned, this was most certainly not nothing?
Max jerked his head. “I’m sorry you were dragged into it. It wasn’t acceptable for her to do that.”
“It’s not your fault.” I finally averted my gaze, looking down at the bush to the left of the door. “I do appreciate you standing up for me, though.”
He slowly reached out and touched my cheek, but I kept my attention focused on the flowers of the hydrangea. The warmth of his palm against my cheek sent a wave of comfort through me, and I let out a gentle sigh as I leant into his touch.
“Ellie—”
“Are you coming with me?” I asked, meeting his gaze.
Max blinked. “What?”
“I’m going back. Are you coming with me or not?”
A few seconds passed before his lips curved into a small smile that sent butterflies fluttering around my stomach. “Give me five minutes?”
I stepped back with a lingering look. “Don’t keep me waiting.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
ELLIE
The Little Things
Feather-light fingertips trailed down my side and over the generous curve of my hip. I was only vaguely aware of the teasing sensation that tickled across my skin and travelled the whole length of my side as sleep slowly cleared my consciousness.
Max.
He was lying behind me, one arm tucked under me with his other hand drawing invisible little lines along the side of my body.
I knew I’d fallen asleep in his arms last night, but I hadn’t expected him to stay. Healwaysleft, but he was still here with me.
He was right behind me being the big spoon, and his lips were pressed against my bare shoulder in a lingering kiss. My skin tingled where his hand was exploring my entire body. He guided it back over my hip and around to my stomach, a gentle touch that made my breath hitch, and his finger traced a playful circle around my belly button that tickled, making me squirm against him.
He laughed silently against my shoulder. “Good morning.”
“You’re still here,” I murmured tiredly. My eyes were barely open as I stretched my legs out, slipping them between his.
“Mhmm.” He peppered kisses along my shoulder until his mouth found my neck, and he cupped my breast at the same time.
Oh, balls.
In my sleepiness, I was only just registering the hard length that was pressed against my bum. God only knew how I’d missed it before, but a wave of desire washed through me as he palmed my breast. The kisses he planted on my neck were tiny but tender, hitting all the right spots that wound up my hormones like one of those little toys with a key in their back.
I may as well have been one for how quickly my clit ached for him.
I swear to God, the man had an on-off button for my libido.
