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I was only a weekend fling. He’d get me to sign some paperwork in the morning. He intended to start performing at the club again.
The words repeated over and over, not matching up with what I’d started to believe in my head. Incredible sex had made me a stupid girl. I’d known this had a deadline which expired tomorrow, yet I’d—what? Gotten my hopes up anyhow? I had no one to blame but myself that I’d been hurt.
Forcing myself to be still when Max wrapped his arm around me, I sighed when he pulled me close. If I’d been able to stand on my own two feet, I might’ve insisted on leaving, but I was hours away from convincing my body to go upright. So instead, I forced myself to relax, breathe in the scent of him one last time, and enjoy something I’d never have again.
It was still dark when I woke again, but I could see rays of sunshine start to peek in through the window. Max was turned toward me in a deep sleep. God, it hurt to look at him and know once he woke up, we’d have an awkward conversation. He’d probably go straight for the paperwork he wanted me to sign.
Nope, I wouldn’t wait around for that to happen. I quietly moved out of the bed and searched for my clothing. I had to slip into the bridesmaid dress from yesterday as the only other option was the bedsheet. My bags were still in his SUV. So were my keys and wallet, unfortunately.
I located his car fob on the nightstand, deciding I’d grab my stuff, return the fob, and grab an Uber home. I hoped I could remember where we’d parked. Last night was a blur. A delicious blur which had me sore in many places.
Nope, I wouldn’t go there. I eased the door open, breathing a sigh of relief when I saw no one yet occupying the large office. Slight problem, though. I didn’t remember how I’d gotten up here, let alone know the way out. Crap. Well, there was an elevator on the far side of the room. I’d start there.
I went to press the button and wait. But when the doors opened, a beautiful redhead was standing inside, wearing jeans and a black heavy coat.
“Hello,” she said, her eyes wide as she stepped off.
“Hi.” I could imagine how terrible I looked after last night, on top of which I was obviously sneaking out in a walk of shame.
“You must be Max’s friend.”
“Yeah. Hi, I’m Oakley.”
She gave me a warm smile. “I’m Daniella. My husband, Shane, is the other co-owner of the club.”
I was relieved to hear she was married to his best friend. The thought of the other women he’d been with in the club was depressing. I was sure they were all beautiful like her, but at least she wasn’t one of them. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“Where’s Max?”
“Sleeping. Um, I was hoping to find his car, get my things, and go home.” She looked like polished perfection, and I felt like a dump standing next to her.
“You sure he wants you sneaking out?”
Oh, boy. This stung. “One hundred percent.”
“How about I show you where he parks, so you can hand me the key fob after you fetch your things and not have to come all the way back with it?”
“That’s really nice of you.” It also cut down the chance of Max waking up and the inevitable awkward scene to follow.
Daniella led me down the elevator and through a familiar corridor. “I assume, given the dress, you were in the wedding Max went to?”
“Yeah. I was.” Thinking about the fallout with Kate started to make me sad.
“Did you two meet this weekend?”
“Actually, I’ve known Max since we were kids, but I guess you could say we got reacquainted.”
She glanced over. “How was the weekend? Was there any drama with Max’s family?”
“Yeah, unfortunately there was. It’s why we came back early.”
She sighed. “I hate that for him.”
“Me too. He deserves better.”
She gave me another look. “Where is home for you?”
“Jersey City.”
