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I walked inside just far enough for him to close the door behind me and then I stepped up into his chest. “First, can I get a hug?”
Max swallowed hard and nodded, looking right into my eyes.
Unable to resist the pull he had on me, I wrapped my arms around him and rested my cheek on the side of his head. “You smell so good. So…warm. Like sunshine.”
His arms slid from my lower back up higher under my armpits, and he gripped the back of my shirt. “What does sunshine smell like?”
“You.” I kissed his temple and stepped back. “And you look gorgeous. I love that color on you.”
He looked down at his shirt and smiled. “Like sunshine?”
I just shrugged. “You want a piece of chocolate before we head out?”
He glanced at the box in his hand and shook his head before leaving it on his coffee table. “Nah, I’ll save it for later. I’m not too hungry, and I don’t want to ruin my appetite.”
Such a good boy. I wanted to tell him that, but I was already pushing limits that we hadn’t established yet. The least I could do was feed the boy before scaring him away. “Then I’m ready when you are. I made a reservation for seven thirty, but I know the owner so they’ll seat us early, if we want.”
Max was just staring at my mouth as he smiled. “Yeah, okay. I just need…” He pulled his gaze away and looked under the bench by the door. “My shoes. Then I’m ready.”
Was he, though? I wasn’t convinced.
At least, not ready for everything my crazy mind was coming up with. But all that could wait.
First, dinner. Then, details. Then…well, I didn’t want to get ahead of myself.
Not this time.
7
MAX
We walked to James’s truck with his hand gently pressed against my lower back. Guys had done that to me before, but it felt different the way James did it. More possessive than commanding. And when we approached the passenger door, he gently stopped me so he could open the door and help me climb into the high cab.
Part of me expected him to pull my seatbelt over my lap and lock me in, but he didn’t. He merely stood beside me and watched as I buckled myself in.
I smirked and looked over at him. “All set.”
He dipped his chin and then closed the door before rounding the front and climbing in beside me.
On the drive, I kept my hands in my lap, not wanting to be obvious or presumptuous by placing my left arm on the center console.
But James didn’t let that deter him. He reached over and rested his hand on the back of my neck, gently clasping it as his thumb rubbed lazy circles into my skin. “So, how long have you been a mechanic?”
“Since high school. I took auto shop as a junior and senior and did small projects for some of my neighbors. When I graduated, Jordan offered me a job immediately. I’m glad he did because I love it.”
James gave me a squeeze and nodded. “I’m happy to hear that. It’s nice to do what you love. And you’re very good at it.” He slid his forefinger across his dashboard. “This truck is like brand-new. Probably cleaner than the day I rolled it off the lot.”
I chuckled. “If my mom could hear you now, she’d be shocked. I’ve never been particularly neat, but when I get focused on a task, I get a little obsessive.”
James nodded again, this time slower, as if putting some puzzle pieces together. “You did an excellent job. She purrs like a kitten.”
“So, um, where are we going?” My stomach was still a little fluttery from his touch, but I hadn’t eaten much all day and was starting to feel it.
“Have you been to Jack Rose?” When I shook my head, he continued. “It’s up in the foothills. Good food. Good drinks. Good music.”
“Sounds great.” My stomach finally responded with a low growl, and I placed my hand on my belly. “I forgot to eat lunch.”
“Forgot?” James tightened his grip on my neck slightly and nudged me to turn toward him. When he stopped at a light, his eyes were narrowed in my direction. “You can’t forget to eat, Max. Work is important but nothing is as important as your health.”
