AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Irelynn
August31,2018,10:30a.m.
As Max types a text message to Darin, I turn back, looking at the creepy haunted mansion once more. I can’t put my finger on why that house sends chills down my spine, but I’m anxious to get away from it.
Following behind Max, my eyes scan over the thick foliage and the tall maple and pine trees. My gaze goes to his ass, and I lightly swat it as he walks in front of me. He looks at me over his shoulder. “Keep it up.” His baby blues are full of challenge before he turns back around to navigate the moss-covered rocks.
“Oh, I intend to,” I fire back from behind him.
He smirks at me as he turns, making sure I don’t fall on my ass. Halfway across, I slip, but his hand grabs me, keeping me upright.
“Told you I’ll always catch you.” He holds my hand, helping me across.
Once I’m on solid ground, I wind my arms around his neck. “I have no doubts. You’re my hero.”
He gives me a smile that melts my heart. But a rustling in the bushes beside me draws my attention and I jump.
Max chuckles, his lips near my ear. “It’s just a squirrel, beautiful.”
Releasing a nervous giggle, I turn my face toward him. “I don’t know why I’m on edge today.”
Max grins and tugs me forward, leading me at a faster pace since we are slightly more familiar with the trail and it’s mostly downhill.
The temperature warms as we get closer to the fork in the path and the bright sunlight streams through the trees. Max pulls out his phone, checking to see if he has service. The hair stands up on the back of my neck and my gaze trails around the woods, stopping when I meet a pair of frigid, light blue eyes.
Fuck. It’s William. His arms cross as he stares at me unflinchingly, exuding hostility as he watches Max and me.I wonder how long he’s been standing there?My heart pounds against my chest so hard I fear it will explode. Fear lodged in my stomach, making it feel rock hard.
Swallowing hard, I nod my head, indicating I’ve kept my end of the bargain. He nods back as though he understands exactly what I mean.
“Oh, good. My message finally sent.” Max’s voice draws my attention to him. Luckily, he hasn’t looked up from his phone. Not yet anyway.
Glancing back at William, I blink several times, seeing no sign of him.Just because I don’t see him, doesn’t mean he isn’t in the woods. The urge to get Max and me out of these woods is overwhelming, so I do the only thing I can think of. “I’ll race you.” I nudge my elbow lightly in his ribs, knowing Max will chase me, and take off through the woods, heading toward my apartment.
Max catches up with me, grabbing me and swinging me around. A laugh bubbles from my throat. The warm sunlight on my skin eases the earlier chill that permeated my bones when we stood near that dilapidated house. All the tension dissipates from my body now that we are out of the woods and Max is holding me in his arms.
“Are you going to tell me your middle name?” I give him a broad smile, wrapping my arms around his neck.
“Why should I? You didn’t win.” He gives me a teasing grin, lightly rubbing his nose against mine. “In fact, you tried cheating and still couldn’t beat me.”
I pull back slightly, my face falling. Sticking my bottom lip out in a pout, Max groans, turning away.
“Beautiful, you’re going to be the death of me.” He turns toward me, an exasperated look on his face.
“I’ll get your middle name out of you this weekend.” There’s a glint in my eyes as I squeeze his biceps. “Mark my words.”
Turning, we step through my front door, heading to my bedroom so I can pack my bag for the weekend.
Max grabs my overnight bag from the floor as I pull some clothes from my closet. He raises a brow at the clothes in my hands. “I wouldn’t worry about bringing a lot of clothes.” He wiggles his eyebrows at me, then sets my bag on the bed.
“You’re right.” I head to my dresser, pulling a couple of pairs of panties from it, then pack an outfit to wear to class on Monday. Grabbing a short navy dress and my black strappy sandals from my closet, Max lets out a long whistle.
“It’s for the party on Saturday.” I put the shoes in my bag and lay the dress beside it. Heading into the bathroom, I grab my toiletries and curling iron, then nearly crash into Max as I turn around. His eyes burn with desire as his gaze roves over me.
“Nuh-uh. Not happening, cutie pie.” My hand pushes against his chest, guiding him through my bathroom door and into my bedroom. “Not unless you tell me your middle name.” Walking past him, I drop my toiletries in my bag.
His woodsy, musk smell wafts over me as his muscular chest hits my back. His lips move to my neck, trailing light kisses over my skin, his hands wrapping around my stomach. “You sure about that?” His tone is low, his lilting voice seductive against my ear.
“Yup, I’m positive. Now help me carry this stuff to your vehicle.” I pull away from his mouth, spinning around with my bag in my hands, pushing it into his. He looks baffled as I give him a flirty giggle. “If you tell me your middle name, I’ll give you whatever you want,” I singsong in a slow, seductive voice, snatching my dress and heading to the door.
