Are you ready to beg, sweet girl?
Her answer had come without hesitation, because she trusted him. Yes.
And his husky, seductive reply . . . Tomorrow evening, after the party, I promise you will.
So, yes, tonight was the night. She was nervous, but she was also ready, mentally and physically. She’d never wanted another man as much as she wanted Max, and she’d be stupid to pass up the opportunity to have a passionate affair with him. Who knew when it would happen again? Once their fake engagement was over, and the end was certainly inevitable, it was most likely back to her battery-operated boyfriend for the foreseeable future. But at least she’d have plenty of fantasies of Max stored up to keep her warm at night.
Refusing to think about the end of their arrangement before it even happened, she finished getting ready, distracting herself by trying on some shoes before settling on a pair of white strappy sandals with a three-inch heel. After adding a few silver bangle bracelets to her wrist and a pair of earrings in her lobes, she removed the hot rollers from her hair and combed her fingers through the waves so they cascaded down her back, then touched up her makeup and spritzed on her favorite perfume.
That didn’t leave her much time to overthink things, since she finished her primping at five minutes to four, and minutes later there was a knock on the door. Knowing it was Max, she rushed to answer, her heart beating a little faster when she laid eyes on him, struck, as always, by what a devastatingly gorgeous man he was. She’d thought she’d get used to just how sexy he was by now, but each time she saw him, the breathless, giddy feeling only seemed to increase.
His hair was its normal tousled style, and he was wearing a casual, light blue collared shirt, a pair of tan pants that displayed his lean hips and toned thighs, and a pair of leather loafers. His hands were in his pockets, and the slow, appraising smile on his face as he looked her over from head to toe, then back again, made her weak in the knees.
“Do you want to come in?” she managed to ask politely. “I just need to grab my purse and I’m ready to go.”
He shook his head. “I’m not stepping inside of your apartment, because if I do, we’ll never leave. Okay, that’s a lie. We’ll leave eventually, and you’ll look completely disheveled and we’ll be making a fashionably late entrance.”
Being late was the last thing she wanted, even if his idea tempted her. “I’m trying to impress your family, not have them think I’m some diva who can’t get ready on time.”
He leaned against the doorjamb, grinning. “Or they’ll take one look at your pretty face, flushed from an orgasm or two, and just think that I can’t keep my hands off you.”
Her bad, bad nipples furled tight at the erotic images he’d just inserted into her mind. “I thought that was tonight.”
“Exactly,” he said, wicked humor dancing in his eyes. “Which is why I’m staying put right where I am, with my hands in my pockets. So hurry and get your purse before I change my mind.”
She was pretty sure he was just teasing her, but not wanting to take any chances, she didn’t waste time getting her handbag and meeting him back in the entryway. She closed and locked the door, and he grabbed her hand and walked with her to his vehicle, a black Range Rover that was rugged on the outside and luxurious and roomy on the inside.
Once they were on I-90 West heading toward South Barrington, Hailey glanced at Max, thinking back to a few days ago when he’d told her that he’d finally dropped the news of their engagement on his mother and father, to give them some time to absorb the announcement before Max brought her to the party to meet everyone.
“So, are your parents over the shock of your quick, spontaneous engagement to me?” she asked, trying to sound upbeat about it all when she really had no idea what to expect when they arrived.
“Actually, my mom called me this morning,” he said, casting a smile her way. “She’s anxious to meet you.”
“I’ll bet she is,” she said wryly.
He laughed, the sound light and humorous. “Let me rephrase that. She’s excited to meet you.”
She rolled her eyes. “You don’t have to lie.”
“I’m not. I swear.” Another quick look in Hailey’s direction revealed his serious expression. “What you fail to understand is that my mother wants me to get married. Badly. That’s why she pushed Addison on me, and a half a dozen women before her. She’s the kind of mother who doesn’t think any of her children can truly be happy without having a wife or, in my sister’s case, a husband, and a house in the suburbs and kids. She’s a hopeless romantic, and if she and my father eloped after three months and have been married for nearly forty years, then this is not a farfetched concept for her to believe that we’re in love in such a short time, too.”
Hailey wanted to ask, what if your mother doesn’t like me? But in the scheme of things, did that really matter? No, because this wasn’t a real engagement. It was a temporary arrangement and all for show, for both of them.
“Don’t get me wrong,” Max continued on. “I’m sure my mother will ask you a ton of questions, but I swear it’s not an interrogation. She’s genuinely curious about you.”
She appreciated the warning. As Max navigated the road, Hailey thought about everything he’d told her about his family during their many conversations this past week, just to make sure that all the facts were fresh in her mind. He was the youngest of three siblings, and both his brother and sister were married with kids, and his sister was pregnant with her third child. Both Max’s brother and his sister’s husband worked at his father’s law firm, and she smiled when she remembered how he’d called himself the black sheep of the family since he was the only son in many generations who hadn’t become a lawyer. Legalese was so not Max’s thing, but he loved real estate, and that’s where his true passion lay.
The fact that his parents had supported his decision told Hailey how much they cared about Max. His happiness was what mattered to them, and there was no disappointment over the fact that he hadn’t followed in a family tradition that he had no interest in. They sounded like good people, and a part of her felt a twinge of guilt that they were about to deceive his family.
Then there was Addison, another component to today’s visit. “Where do things stand between you and Addison?” she asked Max, because she wanted to be prepared. As much as possible, she wanted to know what to expect from the other woman. “Did your mom tell Addison’s mother the news about us?” And from there, Hailey had no doubt the information would trickle down to the daughter.
“Yes. My mother said Addison’s mother was devastated over the news, which sounds a bit dramatic to me,” he said, taking his eyes off the road for a moment to flash her a sardonic smile. “Addison has texted me a few times, wanting to know how I could move on so quickly and asking questions about you. How we met, how long we’ve been dating, that sort of thing.”
The fact that Addison had grilled Max about her made Hailey’s stomach uneasy. From everything Max had told her, the other woman was persistent and insistent. She clearly wanted Max, so how far would she go to try and keep him even if he’d made it clear he wasn’t interested?
“And what did you say to her?” Hailey asked.
“The same thing I’ve been telling her all along,” he said with a shrug. “For weeks, even before you and I started dating, I texted her at least a dozen times that I was seeing someone, and yeah, at first it was a lie to get her to back off, but it works for our timeline. I told her we met through work, which is what my parents think, too. As for telling her about you, well, I didn’t give her any information, because, quite frankly, it’s none of her damn business.”
Hailey bit back a smile, grateful that Max hadn’t caved to Addison’s demands. Then again, she got the distinct impression that he didn’t do anything he didn’t want to.
After a forty-minute drive, they arrived in South Barrington, an upscale neighborhood with luxurious custom-built homes that were separated by acres of land in between. Max p
ulled into a long, paved driveway that led up to a sprawling house with a gray stone facade and a few other high-end vehicles parked near the four-car garage. She stared in awe at the estate home, taking in the lush, immaculate landscaping and the gorgeous marble water fountain out front that had to have cost a small fortune.
“Wow, the house is beautiful . . . and huge,” she said, speaking her thoughts out loud.
“I agree.” He chuckled as he turned off the car and removed the keys from the ignition. “It’s way too much house for my parents, but my mother, being the sentimental person she is, refuses to move even though my father has suggested it more than once. My parents bought the house when we kids were really young, and she says there are too many memories for her to give up the place. All of our rooms are like time capsules back to when we were in high school, and she insists on keeping them that way so our kids can sleep in each of our rooms when they stay over.”
He glanced at her with a warm smile. “My mother keeps telling me that my room is getting full of cobwebs because it’s the only one not being used. Total guilt trip.”
She laughed. “I already like your mom.”
“Are you ready to head inside?” he asked. “We’re a little early, per my mother’s request so I have time to introduce you to the family before all the guests arrive.”
Exhaling a deep, fortifying breath, she nodded. “I’m ready.”
“Then let’s do this,” he said with a playful wink.
They both got out of the car, and she came around to his side. He automatically entwined his fingers with hers, then led the way along the walkway to the small porch. She knew he was probably holding her hand because it was a sweet and romantic gesture for his parents’ benefit, but she liked the way it made her feel safe and protected, as well as calmed the nerves springing to life inside her again.
As soon as they reached the porch, he turned toward her with a smile so affectionate it made her heart trip in her chest. Then he reached up and gently brushed a stray strand of her hair away from her cheek, his touch both sensual and tender at the same time.
“By the way, I meant to tell you back at your apartment that you look absolutely stunning, and I wanted you to know that before we go inside,” he said, skimming his thumb along her jaw. “Also, I know you’re nervous, but trust me when I tell you that there’s nothing about you that my family won’t adore as much as I do.”
Hearing compliments from a man was a rare occurrence for her, but hearing them from Max, a man she knew she was steadily falling for, made her wish that everything between them was real. “Thank you,” she said softly.
The corner of his mouth quirked into a flirtatious smile as he dipped his head toward hers. “You’re welcome,” he murmured, and settled his lips on hers for a sweet kiss that lingered long enough to make her yearn for more.
The door suddenly opened, startling Hailey so badly she literally jumped away from Max. Realizing they’d just been caught in the act, her face heated as she looked at the older woman standing on the other side of the threshold. In her late fifties, she was slender and very pretty, with dark brown hair and the same hazel eyes as Max. Her smile was so filled with an undeniable excitement that it was nearly infectious.
“I’m so sorry to interrupt you two,” she said on a rush of breath as she clasped her hands to her chest, her kind gaze taking in everything about Hailey. “I saw the two of you drive up, and I just couldn’t wait any longer to meet my soon-to-be daughter-in-law!”
Max chuckled. “Way to ruin a romantic moment, Mom,”
“Oh, hush, Maximilian,” she said, waving her hand at Max in a chastising manner. “You’ve kept this treasure a secret and have had her all to yourself for long enough. It’s time to share her with the rest of the family.”
Max glanced at Hailey with an unmistakable I told you so look on his face.
His mother unexpectedly reached out and caught Hailey’s face between her soft palms and looked her in the eyes, her expression sincere. “You are just as beautiful as Max said you were, not that I had any doubts whatsoever. Now come inside so you can meet everyone else before the party gets started.”
Before Hailey could say anything at all, his mother hooked her arm through Hailey’s and guided her into the massive foyer, decorated with marble flooring and boasting a grand double staircase that led to the second story of the house.
Trying not to get too overwhelmed by it all, Hailey managed a courteous smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Sterling.”
“Please, call me Grace,” she insisted, patting Hailey’s hand as she led her toward the back of the house.
Hailey glanced over her shoulder at Max, who was following them. He gave her a lopsided smile, clearly used to his mother’s audacious personality, and mouthed the words, just go with it.
She didn’t think she had any other option with Grace whisking her into a spacious, warmly decorated family room where a group of people and some young kids were hanging out.
“Hailey is here!” Grace announced happily, and everyone went quiet as they all turned to stare at her.
A beautiful brunette who looked like Max was the first to approach her, a hand on her very pregnant belly and an amicable smile on her face, while two little rambunctious boys ran straight past Hailey shouting, “Uncle Max! You’re here!”
The woman in front of her laughed as she gave Hailey a quick, warm hug. “I’m Max’s sister, Kristen, and this is my husband, Michael,” she said, introducing the good-looking man by her side.
She greeted both of them, followed by Max’s brother, Alex, and his wife, Brittany, and finally, Mr. Sterling, who insisted on being called Douglas—all of whom hugged her, as well.
Kristen waved to the two boys now wrestling with Max on the rug. “And those two wild heathens belong to me. The bigger one is Tyler, and Morgan is the blond one,” she said, giving Hailey a way to identify each boy.
Two little girls stood on each side of Alex’s legs, peering at Hailey curiously with pretty green eyes, and their father was quick to introduce them, too. “And this here is Shelley, and her sister, Sara.”
“It’s very nice to meet you all,” Hailey said, grateful that Max had briefed her on everyone, which made it so much easier to put a face with those names.
“Uncle Max!” Tyler said, pulling insistently on Max’s hand. “Will you come outside and throw the football for us like you always do?”
Max glanced at her, silently asking Hailey if she’d be okay without him for a while, and she smiled in return. “Go have fun with your nephews.”
“Yippee!” the two boys cheered, and ran out of the room.
Max came up to her, a subtle but unmistakable wicked glimmer in his eyes, and right in front of everyone, he kissed her on the cheek, causing her to blush, as usual. “I’ll see you in a little bit, sweetheart.”
Oh, yeah, he was totally pouring on the charm, and by the delighted looks on his sister’s and mother’s faces, they were definitely fooled into believing that Max was head over heels for her.
Grace shooed the rest of the men out of the room. “How about all you boys head outside and get yourself a beer or drink before the guests start arriving, and us girls will check on things in the kitchen.”
With that suggestion, the men dispersed, and Hailey followed Kristen and Grace into the gourmet kitchen. The space was painted white, with stainless steel, state-of-the-art appliances and a huge island in the center of the room topped with a quartz countertop. Hailey quickly realized that there wasn’t much to check on, considering a barbeque was about to happen and no one else was in the kitchen. But a glance out the window over the sink revealed a spacious outdoor area being set up by caterers and casually dressed waiters who were in charge of preparing all the food for the party. Next to that was a full-service bar with a hired bartender, where the men were already gathered and placing their orders.
“Have a seat, Hailey,” Grace said, indicating the row of stools tucked under the center
island. “What can I get you to drink? A glass of wine or champagne? Or a cocktail? We also have lemonade and sweet tea.”
Hailey definitely wanted to keep her wits about her today, mostly because she was anticipating a meeting with Addison at some point. “I’d love a glass of lemonade. Thank you.”
“I’ll have the same, Mom,” Kristen said, taking a seat beside Hailey with a soft groan and a hand on her stomach.
“When are you due?” Hailey asked her while Grace poured the drinks.
“I’ve got six more weeks to go.” Kristen released a tired sigh. “This little girl’s birthday cannot come soon enough.”
“A girl,” Hailey said, happy for the other woman since she already had two boys. “How wonderful.”
“Actually, I would have stopped at two boys, but Michael really wanted a girl. I gave him one more try, and he managed to get it right this time.” Kristen laughed.
“The more grandbabies there are, the happier I am,” Grace said merrily as she set a glass of lemonade in front Hailey and Kristen, then took a spot across from them on the other side of the island. “How many children do you and Max plan on having?”
“Mom!” Kristen admonished, and shook her head. “Hailey just met us.”
“What?” Grace batted her eyes innocently at her daughter. “They’re engaged. I’m sure they’ve discussed having a family.”
Hailey took a drink of the sweetened lemonade to give herself a moment to think. The last thing she wanted to do was outright fib to Max’s mother, which was ridiculous since they were perpetuating an enormous lie—and neither did she want to get the other woman’s hopes up since their arrangement was temporary.
“Max and I both want a family, when the time is right,” she replied, keeping things as vague as possible yet reassuring Grace at the same time. “But right now, I’m focused on my business, so it might be a little while.”
“A matchmaking agency, right?” Kristen asked, her expression reflecting her interest. “How does all that work?”
The Book Boyfriend Series Box Set Page 27
