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He clears his throat, averting his eyes and turning slightly away, breaking the spell. Feeling like a fool, my hands go to the hem of my dress, pulling it down. Sitting up, my face flames and I can’t look at him as I whisper, “Sorry.”
He turns, gaze boring into the side of my face, which is now closer to mine since I sat up. “For what? Being beautiful? Sexy? Desirable?” he asks in that low tone that is so fucking provocative there should be a law.
Slowly turning my face to his, desire flames in his irises, but there’s a teasing grin on his face.
“Well, when you put it that way… I guess I have nothing to be sorry for.” I start to slide off his bed, needing some space.
His arm reaches out, grabbing me and holding me in place. “Not so fast, you little sneak,” he teases. “You still haven’t told me why you had that expression on your face.”
Ducking my head, my curls fall over my face. It’s ludicrous and he’s probably going to think I’m crazy. “It’s silly.” Silence descends over the room as I finally lift my head, looking at him. “I’ve never been kissed on the cheek by a guy before.” My fingers pull at a thread in the hem of my dress. “Except my dad, but he doesn’t count.” My brows furrow. “And my brother did when I achieved a few goals I’d set. But that’s it.”God, why can’t I stop babbling?
His hand reaches out, capturing my fingers. “I’m honored to be your first.”
My face tilts up to his. Our gazes lock and hold, tingles racing through my body. His eyes are full of yearning, but I’m scared to lean forward and kiss him, fearing he’ll distance himself again.
I prefer the happy, relaxed, easygoing bubble of fun that Max and I have managed to exist in, despite the circumstances surrounding us.
But if Max would kiss me… well, let’s just say, I wouldn’t pull away. Not even if his apartment caught on fire.
He holds out his hand, and I take it. “Do you want to hang out here or downstairs while I take a shower?”
“How about I go downstairs and call Vanessa? I need to check on her and see how she’s doing.”
Max nods, walking me through his hallway and to the stairs. My eyes take everything in as we go, from the beautiful landscaping pictures on his walls to the plush carpeting, neutral yet classy wall colors, and finally the gleaming banister. I run my fingers over it as he holds my other hand in his, leading me down the stairs.
“You know, I stand corrected. Your apartment is reflective of you. Elegant, yet understated. Classy, yet timeless. Sleek, yet comfortable.”
Max raises his brows. “I’ve never been described in those ways, but wow, those are some of the best compliments I’ve ever received.”
His grin is contagious. “I have some compliments for you. Beautiful and intelligent. Resourceful and compassionate. Humorous and considerate. Miss Irelynn, you are very impressive.” He squeezes my hand gently.
My heart swells, but I’m afraid to acknowledge them and make things awkward again. “Does resourceful include my keen ability to locate a tennis racket I forgot I had, with the intention of hitting a certain smug stalker with it?” I say with a smirk.
“Of course. I thought that was the definition of resourceful?” Max jokes. He leads me past the living room. “Let me show you the kitchen. I’m happy to supply you with any drinks and or snacks you want. Mi casa es su casa.”
“My house is your house. Nice.” I wiggle my eyebrows. “Does this mean I can randomly drop by and use the hot tub on the patio that you happened to mention?”
“Of course.” He shrugs. “Feel free. Bring Vanessa, too.”
“Holy fuck.” My mouth drops open as we stop in the entranceway, taking in the stainless-steel appliances, the marble countertops, the deep red walls, and the huge marble island that separates the dining room from the kitchen. “This is incredible.”
Max is laughing as I slowly spin around, wide-eyed, taking it all in. “I like to cook, so I paid attention to this room.” He shrugs modestly, heading to the modernized stainless-steel refrigerator and opening it. “Can I get you something to drink? Or eat?”
It takes me a minute because I’m lost in the beauty of his kitchen, but also, him. Finally, my gaze flits to his as he stands in front of his open fridge, patiently waiting for me to answer him. “Oh, yes, water will be fine.” I pause, a grimace on my face as my finger twirls a strand of my hair. “You aren’t going to serve it in a crystal glass, or anything, right?”
Max howls with laughter, shaking his head. When he finally gets himself under control, he says, “I promise the water is in a plastic water bottle.” As he hands it to me, fingers grazing mine, he whispers, “I reserve the crystal for dinner.”
Twisting the cap off, I laugh, glad I wasn’t taking a drink when he said that, or he may have worn it. “Go take a shower, you nut,” I tease.
My phone beeps and I pull it from my jacket pocket. “Oh hell. I need to call Vanessa. She texted me about twenty times.” Scanning the first few texts, I shake my head.
Walking with me to his living room, Max says, “I hope things are going well for her. And you can survive her inquisition.” He winks at me. “Remember, Irelynn, mi casa es su casa.” He heads out of the room.
“Gotcha.” I can’t help but stare at his ass and muscular legs as he leaves.Sweet and amazing. Lord, protect my heart.
Chapter sixteen
Irelynn
