“Is that really necessary?” he said over her shoulder, pointing to the strap.
“Every time.” She said the words, slow and pointedly, hoping they would sink in his thick skull. “I’ve heard stories of kids standing up and falling out of the carts while their parents’ backs were turned. If you keep them buckled that never happens.”
Max shrugged. “If you watch them close enough, it also never happens.”
“Yeah, and I’m sure that would be your specialty if she were twenty-three instead of three.”
His eyes narrowed into a glare at her, but he said nothing as they made their way into the store.
Alyssa walked the store as if she owned it, steering the cart directly to the baby aisle where she began perusing the options of car seats. Max stared at the variety as if the sheer amount of options had never occurred to him. “That one,” she said pointing to a red and grey Graco convertible seat.
“Why that one?”
“Because she can use it up to one hundred pounds, which means it should last you a few years.”
“Years? How long do kids have to ride in car seats?” He hefted the box and slid it onto the bottom of the cart.
“Until they’re old enough or weigh enough not to. You should look up the rules now that you’ll have her full time.” Her lips pursed as she tapped a finger to the side of her mouth. “Next, baby monitor.”
Max’s forehead furrowed. “Baby monitor? What for? She’s three.”
“And if you lived in a normal house where you could hear her, I’d say maybe you’re right, but you live in the flipping Taj Mahal, which means you wouldn’t hear her cry out if you were on the other end of the house, so you need a monitor.”
“Fine. Lead the way.” The words were tight and forced through clenched teeth. His jugular bulged out on the right side and put another little smile on Alyssa’s face.
After the monitor, they picked out a bed. Even though it was broken down and in a box, there was no room in her car to carry the bed, so they arranged to have it delivered. Then she wheeled him through the clothes, picking up a few more things for Peyton. She knew Sarah hadn’t packed all her clothes; she also knew Sarah hadn’t had much money for clothes recently.
The toy aisle was next, and while she didn’t want to overwhelm Peyton, the girl deserved a few toys, puzzles, and of course bubbles. Every time Alyssa visited, Peyton wanted to drag her outside and blow bubbles. The last stop was the hardware section for some paint and brushes.
By the time they wheeled up to the checkout line, the cart was overflowing. Alyssa almost felt bad for the amount of money Max was about to spend, but then she remembered his house and how he treated Sarah, and she decided he could afford it.
Chapter 5
As they pulled up to his house, Max glanced over at Alyssa. As much as she annoyed him, he had to admit she had been helpful as well. Not only had she helped him figure out which car seat to buy, but she had also picked out the bed, some clothes, and a cart full of toys. He was not much of a shopper himself, unless it was for cars, but she seemed to have been right in her element. Had she helped Sarah do all of this when Sarah first found out she was pregnant?
If he was honest, it also intrigued him that she stood up to him. He couldn’t remember the last time a woman had since Sarah, and he found it interesting. Not that he would ever consider dating her; she was far too uptight, though she was gorgeous with her long dark hair and her bright green eyes, but she would be too much work. Still, he had learned a lot watching her with Peyton today.
“Peyton and I will take the clothes and toys in and unpack her room,” Alyssa said, forcing his attention back to the present. “Why don’t you try to fit her car seat in your BMW?” A sly smile played across her face as she said it, like she knew it wouldn’t fit, but Max was determined to prove her wrong.
“Fine,” he said. After fumbling with the strap but finally unhooking Peyton from the contraption, he placed her down on the ground and reached in for the handles he knew Alyssa clipped to something. Though he could feel the bulky plastic, he couldn’t seem to get it unfastened.
“Here,” Alyssa said, leaning in from the other side of the car. She placed her hand on his and guided it to the release button. Though he heard the click, his focus was on her hand, which still laid across his own. It was smooth and pale, like fine porcelain, and was causing a warmth to spread across his hand.
His eyes found hers, and there was a spark, a connection that wasn’t there before. She pulled her hand back as if the warmth he felt were a fire to her, and the moment was broken. Shaking his head, he unhooked the other side of the car seat and finagled it out of the car.
Alyssa stood, several bags hanging from her arms. She glanced at Max before heading into the open garage, Peyton trailing behind her. Max watched her go, wondering what that connection had been. He couldn’t be developing feelings for her. It would be too complicated.
When Alyssa and Peyton were safely inside the house, he carried the car seat to his car. As he opened the passenger door, he could see Alyssa was right. Not only did the car seat not fit, but there were no hook things like there were in her car for the seat to attach to. He hated the fact that she was right and even more the fact that he would have to buy a new car. He hadn’t been planning to purchase a new vehicle, least of all, a family car. He’d have to see if he could get Alyssa to watch Peyton as he couldn’t very well take her with him in his car. The good news was that he could hit the party while he was out, and Alyssa could stay and watch Peyton.
After placing the car seat against the wall of the garage, he headed inside to find Alyssa. He realized she was right about the monitor too as he stepped inside the quiet house and turned toward the bedrooms. If he hadn’t known they were there, he would never have guessed it from the lack of noise.
He found them in the first guest bedroom. Alyssa had unpacked Peyton’s small backpack and the boxes that had been sitting by the front door and was folding the clothes, placing them in the dresser while Peyton played with her bear and a new doll on the floor.
“Can you watch Peyton for a little longer?”
“Why? What’s the problem?” Though she posed them as questions, he could hear the teasing inflection in her voice.
Biting his lip to keep from smiling, he crossed his arms and leaned back. “You know very well what the problem is. The car seat won’t fit, and I need to go get a different car. Can you watch her while I do that? I can pay you.”
“Oh, I know you can, but there’s no need for that. Knowing I was right is payment enough.” She smiled sweetly at him. “Though if you wanted to bring back some pizza for dinner, I wouldn’t argue with that.”
“Yeah, pizza,” Peyton said, offering him a genuine smile.
“I don’t know how long it will take, but I’ll leave money for pizza on the bar.”
After placing forty dollars on the counter, he climbed into his BMW and checked his watch. If he was quick at the dealership, he should still be able to hit the party before all the good women were hooked up.
The dealership was just about to close as he pulled in. Salesmen were locking the cars and driving them back to the display spaces.
“Hey,” he called to one of the overweight salesmen as he parked his BMW. “Who’s in charge? I need a car, and I have money to spend.”
The man’s tired demeanor disappeared at the word “money,” and his eyes lit up. He even tried to smooth the wrinkles out of his Hawaiian shirt to make his appearance more presentable. “Roger is in charge, but I’ll be happy to help you out.”
“Good. I need a sedan. I don’t even really care which one as long as it’s safe, and it has those hooks to fasten a car seat in.”
The large man smiled widely. “Oh, a new dad, huh?”
“Yeah, something like that.” Maxwell wished the man would just take him to the cars. He was in no mood for small talk and he wanted to get this done so he could get to the party.
“Okay, well our
best family car is the Chevy Malibu. It comes with the Rear Seat Reminder system, so you never leave a child in the back seat accidentally. Plus, it has Apple Play for when they get older.”
“That sounds perfect,” Max said, though he had no idea what either of those actually were.
“Don’t you want to see it first? Drive it?” the salesman asked, as he blinked at Max.
“You said it’s your best family car, right?”
“Yes, but everyone has their own opinions,” the man stated.
“I trust yours. Get me a blue or a black one and let’s wrap this deal up.”
The salesman’s eyes narrowed as if he was trying to decide if Max was pulling his leg. “Alright,” he said, obviously deciding Max was the real deal, “let’s go meet Roger to start the paperwork, and I’ll get you the best one on the lot.”
Max followed the salesman into the office. Most of the other men were packing up, but one man sat at a large desk near the back. Though plump in the middle, Max could tell from his arms that he still worked out.
“Roger, this is… I’m sorry I didn’t catch your name.”
“Max, Maxwell Banks.”
“Maxwell Banks of Banks Inc.?” the salesman asked, his eyes wide.
Max bristled. Ever since his parents tried to force their newly acquired religion on him a few years ago, he hadn’t been on speaking terms with them. “Yes, that’s me, well, my father, I guess, but it’s my family.”
“We’re so glad you stopped in Mr. Banks,” Roger said, rising from his desk. “I’m sure Paul here helped you out, but what can I do for you tonight?”
“Paul suggested a Chevy Malibu, so he brought me in to start the paperwork while he gets me the best one on the lot.”
“Of course,” Roger said, sitting back down and motioning to a chair across from him. “Please have a seat, and we’ll get you taken care of.”
“Thanks, Paul,” Max said to the salesman as he hurried out of the office and back to the lot. “I’ll need this delivered tomorrow to my house. That won’t be a problem, right?”
“Not for you, Mr. Banks,” Roger said. Max could see the dollar signs flashing in the man’s mind.
Less than an hour later, Max had signed the paperwork and left his address and an extra five hundred dollars to have it delivered the next day. Now to hit the party.
The party was already well underway when Max stepped inside. He scanned the crowd, finding Justin snuggled up with a blond in the far-right corner. As he made his way that direction, he garnered the attention of a pretty red-head. A quick glance revealed a stunning body, and he hooked an arm around her waist, propelling her with him towards Justin.
“Hey man, I didn’t think you were going to make it.” Justin untangled himself enough to shake Max’s hand.
“Yeah, me either, but an opportunity presented itself. Never look a gift horse in the mouth, am I right?”
“Well, pull up a chair and we’ll get more drinks.” Justin pointed to the open chair across the table.
Max looked around for a second chair, but the place was packed. Deciding they could share the chair, he sat down and pulled the red-head onto his lap. She took no time in leaning forward and claiming his lips.
“My name is Liza,” she whispered seductively in his ear, after tracing her lips across his cheek.
“Pretty.” He made no attempt to remember her name. He wouldn’t be seeing her after tonight, but for now he enjoyed the feel of her against him.
“So, how’s the friend?” Justin asked, when Liza let Max come up for air.
“A handful, but serving a purpose.” Max winked at Justin, hoping he would get the meaning.
Justin smiled and nodded.
“Let’s take this back to your place,” Liza whispered in Max’s ear.
“I can’t,” he said, running his hand through her hair. “My place is being renovated. How about your place?”
She shook her head. “Roommates.”
“Hotel?” He didn’t normally shell out extra money, but extenuating circumstances called for extraordinary measures.
Liza stood and held out her hand. It was all the invitation Max needed.
“See you next week.” Max flicked a mock salute at Justin and then led Liza to his car.
“Where have you been?” The anger in Alyssa’s voice was unmistakable, though it was punctuated by her crossed arms and narrowed eyes.
“Getting a new car, remember?” Max hung his keys on the hook and turned to face her.
“Uh huh, do all new cars come with lipstick?” Her eyes flashed with each word.
Lipstick? He knew he wiped his mouth, but his hand touched his lips just to be sure.
“Not there,” she said, advancing on him. “There.” She ran her finger across his neck and held it up. A slight red smudge was smeared across it.
Dang it. He forgot to check his neck.
“I can’t believe you would go out on a date with your daughter here all alone.”
“She wasn’t alone. She had you.”
“You barely know me.” She threw her hands up in exasperation. “What if I were some serial killer or baby snatcher?”
Max shrugged. “Sarah trusted you, and she is an excellent judge of character.”
“Evidently not, since she hooked up with you.” Alyssa’s eyes widened, and her hand clapped over her mouth. “I’m sorry, Max, I didn’t mean it.”
“No, you did, but it’s okay. You’re right.” He shook his head and plopped down onto a barstool. “I don’t know how to be a dad. I only know the single life. You should take Peyton before I make some colossal mistake and screw her up forever. I can pay for a nanny for her.”
“Max, we’ve been through this. I can’t take Peyton right now, and like it or not, you are her father, so you have to learn to take some responsibility. Look, I’ll help out all I can, but you can’t treat me like your babysitter and dump her on me while you go fulfill your”–her nose turned up in disgust as she uttered the last word–“urges.”
“Fair enough,” Max agreed. “I won’t do it to you again.”
She eyed him as if debating with herself if he would keep his promise. “Fine. I’ll be over to pick up Peyton in the morning for church. Try to have her ready by 10:15.”
“Church? I don’t go to church.”
“But Peyton does. Routines remember? And you don’t have to come. You can stay here and do”–she waved her hand in the air–“whatever you do all day. When I get back, I’ll teach you how to put Peyton down for a nap and we’ll talk about the nanny situation.”
“You mean I can’t just take her with me?” He meant it as a joke to lighten the mood, but Alyssa merely crossed her arms again and raised an eyebrow at him. “Okay, okay. I’ll call a nanny service tomorrow.”
“You can’t just get any nanny though. You have to get someone who will jibe with Peyton.” She sighed. “Look, I don’t have a final on Monday. Call and set up interviews for Monday, and I’ll help you screen them. You can take a day off work, can’t you?”
“I guess I’ll have to. You know you’re pretty cute when you’re all riled up.” He smirked at her, knowing the words would ruffle her feathers.
Sure enough, she stiffened and glared at him. “Don’t even think about it. Some other woman’s lipstick is still fresh on your neck, remember? Peyton’s in bed. I’ll show you how to do that tomorrow too, but for now I’m going to go study.”
She whirled around and marched off, her shoulders pulled back and her head held high.
Max smiled at her retreating figure. It might take some time, but he was pretty sure he could win her over one day.
Chapter 6
Alyssa made her exit before he could say another word. She didn't want to chance him seeing the effect he had on her.
When she was safely in her car, she laid her head on the steering wheel. What was this feeling? Was this jealousy? She couldn't develop feelings for this man. Forget the part that he was her best friend’s ex-love
r, but he was also a complete player.
She had thought maybe Sarah had been exaggerating about his less than desirable qualities when she had met the man this morning. Though obviously clueless, he had seemed willing to do what it took to make sure his daughter was taken care of. It was almost… sweet. But then he had left her to go make out with some unknown woman. Worse yet, she was jealous. Jealous! She should not be feeling jealousy. She should not be feeling anything for this man. He was a walking danger sign, neon lights and all.
Get ahold of yourself, Lyssa, you can’t fall for this guy. The mantra played over and over in her head, but it couldn't seem to push the image of his arresting blue eyes out of her mind.
She was still trying to convince herself when she entered the apartment fifteen minutes later.
“How did it go?” Roxy asked. Roxy had been her roommate for the last few years and while the girls didn't see eye to eye on religion, they had enough other things in common that they became friends.
“Oh, um, fine, I guess.”
“You guess, huh?” Roxy crooked an eyebrow and scrutinized Alyssa’s face. “Let me guess, the man is handsome.”
“What? Why would you say that?” Even as she protested, Alyssa could feel the heat burgeoning on her face.
“Your reaction for one. Plus, you came in all moony. I haven’t seen you look like that in a long time.”
There was truth to that. After a few bad relationships, Alyssa had pretty much sworn off men and focused completely on school. She couldn't even remember the last time she found a man attractive, until now. “Yeah,” she sighed, “He’s handsome, but he’s also irritating and completely wrong for me.”
“Sounds like you have it all figured out then,” Roxy teased, as she turned her attention back to the television.
Alyssa had nothing figured out, but saying the words out loud had convinced her, at least a little. She headed to her room to spend some time in prayer and give the issue to God.
The Billionaire's Secret Page 3
