Her sky-blue eyes blinked, staring back at him. Tempting him to move closer to her, to breathe her in and--
"And she's out of bounds," he finished quietly under his breath.
"What?" Nicole asked.
He shook his head, and pushed away the mental image of her naked, writhing under him. He needed to get a grip. "Look, the reason why I wanted you to stay is that grandma's hosting another party this weekend. I have to bring a date with me on Saturday night, so I figured I'd ask you."
She looked speechless for a minute. Max had never asked her to go to any events with him in the past. So, she didn't understand why he wanted to ask her now. Sure, she had attended their family gatherings before. But not as his date.
"Did you have anything planned on Saturday night?" he questioned after she took a while to answer.
"Um, not that I'm aware of," she answered.
"So, can you go with me then?" Max was staring at her intently that it made her heart pound harder in her chest.
"Sure," she nodded.
He nodded, and silence fell between them. "Well, I think that's all I want to talk to you about."
"Wait, before I go," she said biting her bottom lip. "Did you have any idea that Michael planned on coming home?"
He shook his head. Even Max was surprised to find his best friend popping out of nowhere like a wild mushroom in a garden. "If I knew, I would have given everyone a fair warning. Especially your parents. Why? Not happy to see your older brother, eh?"
"I am happy to see him, but it's just odd for him to come home without telling me at least." He could tell she was hurt by what Michael did, but Max knew why the other man did it. There must be something that had happened for him to come back here.
"Well, just support him with whatever he has going on in his life. I think that's the best thing to do right now." Was all he could say to comfort her. She smiled up at him, fixing those damn eyes that he tried so hard to get out of his head.
For a mere second, Max wondered what she would feel like if he pulled her close. Would her breath hitch if he leaned in and kissed her? Or would she dare to pull away, and shove at his chest?
He didn't break his gaze from hers, inching closer to her as if out of an experiment. He wanted to know if she felt the same way he was feeling. If she so much as made a move to get away, Max would get his answer. It meant that she wasn't interested and should avoid her at all costs, and spend some alone time with her. But for now, he wanted to know what those pouty lips of hers tasted like.
Max felt her whimper when their mouths touched. Goosebumps had erupted along her skin as he put his hand on her arms, feeling her soft skin against her rough ones. He pulled her into his arms, and she swayed. Her arms slid around his waist as if wanting to be nearer.
The silky slide of her tongue on his made him groan. Small sounds started to slip out, going directly to the bulge in his pants. He couldn't help but react physically to her innocence. And it had been a while for him since he had slept with a woman. Perhaps, a couple of months if he was being exact.
"Max," Nicole whispered against his mouth. His breath fanned his cheek when they pulled away, arms still around each other. He had crossed a boundary, and he could not find a single regret in his bones. Michael would surely confront him about this if he found out. But he couldn't bring himself to think about it now. All that mattered right then was how right it felt having her here. In his house, especially in his arms.
But as the seconds dragged by, his senses came back to him. Max realized what he had done and stiffened immediately. He broke away from her, her arms falling limply to her sides. Pain flashed in his eyes, his hands curling into fists. He wanted to reach out to her and comfort her again. But the damage had been done. She was Michael's sister, and he should never have kissed her.
"I think I should go," she said obviously hurt from his reaction.
He let her go reluctantly, hoping that he hadn't reacted the way he did. But this was a wake-up call to the both of them. She wanted him; he felt that. But nothing good would come out of it if they get involved with each other. Her brother would kill him and would forbid him from seeing her again. He didn't think he would be able to do that, not when she was starting to get attached to him.
He could only watch as she walked out the room, the sound of the door slamming shut made him bury his face in his hands. Fuck. He'd messed up big time.
•••
Nicole rushed out of his house feeling very humiliated. She had never felt so embarrassed in her life before. She had been rejected many times in her life. But none of those guys had made her feel the way Max made her feel about their kiss. It lit up something dangerous inside of her, letting her know that he was nothing but trouble. And as much as she was ashamed of admitting it, he steered up an unknown feeling that only made her want more.
What on earth was she doing? He had a two-year-old daughter she needed to look after. She was the babysitter, not one of his damn candidates for a wife.
She was so stupid. How could she think that a man like Michael would pay any interest to her? She didn't look extraordinary. The only reason why he puts up with her was because of her brother.
Nicole jumped into her car and drove out of his property. She didn't bother looking at the rear-view mirror to see if Max was staring out in the balcony. Why would he anyway? She was a nobody to him.
Hurt and stung by his rejection, she drove to her friend's house, Sally. Her friend was so surprised to find her on her doorstep and saw her face. Without any questions asked, Sally pulled her inside.
"What's up?" her friend asked as soon as Sally handed her a glass of juice.
"Remember Max?" Nicole said. "My brother's best friend."
"Of course, I remember him. Who would in their right mind forget about Max?" Sally said, apologizing when she saw her friend's crestfallen face. "So, tell me what happened with him. He didn't force you into doing anything you don't want, did he?"
"No," she shook her head. "It was more like me, Sally."
Sally's voice rose an octave, sounding so worried. "Why? What did you do to him?"
Nicole was biting her bottom lip so hard it almost caused blood to come out. "I kissed him."
"You kissed him?" her friend echoed, catching her interest now. "And then what happened after that? Did he kiss you back at least?"
"Yeah, he did kiss me back. But he must have come back to his senses and pushed me away. Not literally. But he broke apart as soon as he realized that I was you know. His best friend's sister, someone who he's not supposed to touch."
"Man, that sucks. But I kind of agree with him a little bit though. If he didn't push you away, you guys would probably have gone farther than that. And I don't think Max would be very happy if you end up getting pregnant with his baby."
"Am I really that repulsive?" Nicole asked, her voice small and uncertain.
"Oh, honey. You are not." Sally pulled her close and wrapped her arms around Nicole. The gesture comforted her, making her forget for a second about what happened.
"I don't know if I could ever go to his house again, and face him in the morning," Nicole explained, worriedly. "You see. He hired me to be his daughter's babysitter, and I love that kid to death you know. I've known her since she was born even though she doesn't remember me much."
"Well, we can't do anything to change what happened, Nicole." Her friend said honestly. Sally placed her hand on hers, reassuring her. "But what you can do is try to move on, and put what happened behind you two. That's the only way for you guys to continue working together."
"What if he acts differently tomorrow?" she asked, concerned.
"Then he acts differently. Let him act the way he wants as I can see that you both are confused about what you did. Give him some time and be patient. That's the best advice I could give right now."
Nicole took that advice from Sally and went home after they talked for a few hours. She was still hurt, yes. She didn't think that that would go awa
y anytime soon. But at least her head had cleared, ready to face Max tomorrow again.
"Whatever happens, happens." She told herself. "I'm not going to beat up myself anymore about it. I have to move on." Just the thought of moving on made her even more miserable. She was in love with him. So, she had at least a small hope that he would come to love her back too. But only fools in the movies do that. They weren't in some romantic novel or film for Max to fall for her.
Lying on her bed that night, she glanced at the screen of her phone. There wasn't a single text message or call from Max. She wondered if he was even thinking about her. Nicole wondered if he even knew how she felt about him. The thought of her confessing made her heart pound harder and made her want to throw up on her shoes.
For years, she had kept her true feelings hidden under a facade. It still would continue on as she watched him live his life. He was about to turn thirty very soon. Not to mention that his grandmother's wanting another grandchild. So, in order for him to give out her wish, he would need to get tied up and get married.
Just the thought of that broke her heart into a tiny, million pieces.
"Stupid, stupid, Nicole." She cursed herself, burying her face into the pillow as tears leaked at the corner of her eyes.
Chapter Five
Max was already at work when she let herself into his house. There wasn't a single sound coming from the place as she closed the door behind her. She wondered whom he had asked to come over to look after Daisy for a little while. Just then, a mental image of the baby alone in her crib, crying made her bolt upstairs. Only to stop to find his grandmother holding Daisy, making little soothing noises under her breath.
"Mrs. Smith," she gasped surprised to find the older women here.
Martha Smith smiled kindly and stood up from where she sat. Nicole came to her, leaning in to kiss both of her cheeks. "I didn't know you would be here, dear. Max probably had forgotten to tell me about it before he left for work."
"He must have," she agreed absently. He probably just didn't want his grandmother to know she was coming. She changed the topic immediately. "How have you been, Mrs. Smith? It's been a long time since I've seen you. And I must say, you've definitely looked grown more beautiful."
"Oh, silly child." Max's grandmother blushed, waving her hand in midair. "You're the one who hasn't been visiting me. Now, tell me. Have you softened that grandson of mine yet?"
The question took Nicole by surprise. "Pardon me?"
"Oh, come on. I was once your age too, my darling." Martha said, laughing at her as if she had said something so funny. "I see the way you look at him, dear. So, you can't hide the fact that you're in love with my grandson."
"What...?" she was lost words, totally surprised. "How...how did you know that I had feelings for him, Mrs. Smith?"
"Please call me Martha or grandma. I prefer the latter but whichever you prefer." Martha tugged at her hand, motioning for them to sit down. When the chubby baby weighed down her grandma, Nicole instantly held her arms out to Daisy.
"So, how did you find out?" she asked.
Martha smiled and patted her hand. "I've always known since I first met you. Your brother, Michael, couldn't stop talking about you a few years back. Max couldn't seem to care. He was too busy minding his own business. And you know how he's like with women. Up until now, I don't know how he had managed to get little Daisy here."
"Oh my goodness," she whispered. "I've been obvious all this time. Do you think he knows already, grandma?"
The older women shook her head. "I don't think he does. But I can tell you one thing. You have a chance of making him fall in love with you."
Nicole almost laughed but remembers who she was talking to. "I don't think that would ever be possible, grandma. Max has never seen me as anything than his younger sister. And he would never see me as anything else."
"Oh, my dear. You turn a blind eye on my grandson. He's capable of loving as well, just as everyone is. But you have to be patient with him. Give him time, and he would learn how to love you back."
It was an impossible statement, especially coming from the grandmother of the man she loved. But out of respect, Nicole merely chose to nod and agree even if she believed the opposite. She had had her hopes up before, and she didn't want to commit the same mistake again.
Once the older women left, Nicole set on about looking after Daisy. She gave her a bath just before she took a nap, according to her schedule. Then played with her for a bit before she became drowsy.
Singing a lullaby under her breath, she rocked the toddler gently in her arms. The sweet scent of her downy head had her leaning down, pressing kisses on her head. She was one lucky little girl to be loved so dearly by her father. Not that Nicole wasn't. But her father had always been about his business, never really paying much attention to her when she was a little girl.
She put her down in her crib, carefully as not to wake her up. When Daisy started to cry, Nicole tapped her gently to sleep. The gesture worked, and she found the baby going back to sleep again.
Nicole sat on the floor, merely watching as the two-year-old slept. She had the same nose as her dad. Narrowed bridge, a cute little pert nose that made her look so perfect. Thick lashes framed her eyes, hiding those beautiful big eyes of hers that never failed to hold her captive.
The nursery room was painted in baby pink color. Pictures of Max and his daughter were set up on the wall. Stuff animals surrounded her small bed, protecting her head from hitting the wood. Max had thought so carefully about what he would put in his daughter's room. Everything oozed off comfort and quality.
She continued to stroke her head before Nicole finally closed the door on her. But before she did, she made sure that the baby monitor was with her. She headed back to the living room, turning on the TV and watching a TV program that didn't really make any sense to her.
In just a couple of days, Saturday would come. She had agreed to go with Max as his date so she wouldn't back out. She had given her promise, so she wasn't about to back out now. Unless he would come up with an excuse to cancel on her. She wouldn't be surprised if he retreated to that tactic.
All she had to worry about was how they would act around each other while in the party. She didn't want them to look like a couple as that was the last thing Max would want. He probably just didn't want to look alone or probably wanted to avoid the hassle of women coming to him.
Well, there was still a good few days to go before the party.
•••
Fancy dresses swirled around them. Men walked around in expensive suits, their gold and diamond cufflinks twinkling against the chandelier above the ceiling. Everyone was dressed in formal attire. The ladies were dressed in dazzling fabrics that touched the floor, their every move smooth and elegant. They all looked so beautiful. So, done up that it seemed as if they had walked out of a Vogue magazine.
While the women paraded their dresses, the men flaunted their designer watches and suits. Everyone fitted right in, and Nicole wondered if she looked okay. Casting a glance at her date for tonight, Max wore a navy-blue suit that hugged his muscled body. He looked so handsome tonight that it took her breath away.
She was dressed in an ocean-blue dress that clung tightly to her curves. It had been the tailor's idea to put them in a matching outfit. Much to her delight, but probably a disappointment to Max.
The fabric flared out by the hips, showing off her breasts and the wide of her pelvis. The dress was more like a mermaid dress, and it had been his choice. Not that she minded, but rather appreciated it.
He led her to the center of the room while Nicole noticed that almost every woman was staring at them. They couldn't keep their eyes away from Max. Some of them even shot glares at her, jealousy evident in their gazes. She felt a rise of confidence as she strode beside him. There was a tiny space that separated them from each other, but that didn't stop their arms from brushing.
Max stopped in front of an older couple. He introduced her to them
and said their greetings. It was kind of weird to be mingling around with these people. No wonder he felt so uncomfortable, Nicole thought to herself. She might not have grown up as wealthy as he did, she still knew how to handle herself in special events like this. But what she wasn't much exposed to was the constant glares and looks they were both receiving from men and women.
"Don't smile too much," he said, leaning into her whispering. "It draws every man's attention to you."
She looked at him, surprised to find jealousy in his voice. They hadn't talked about the kiss, which might as well be since Nicole wasn't in the right frame to talk about it yet. If he decided to bring it up, then that would be the time to speak of it
They continued to interact with the other guests and eventually encountering his parents. Both of Max's parents had been nothing but welcoming to her and Michael. Although, Nicole felt a slight awkwardness in them as they were so uptight and perfectly mannered. Not even a small, single drop of soup had escaped their soup. Unlike her, spilling it all over the plate as if she were a three-year-old. Daisy was probably better at behaving around elite people than she was.
The night blurred by without her realizing it. She was having fun, and that was all that mattered. Nicole couldn't even remember the last time she had a good time. As the time ticked by, so did the rush of red wine in her bloodstream. She was slightly tipsy, but not drunk. She could even make out what was still happening around them. She must have had too much to drink too night. For her confidence skyrocketed than usual.
She found herself leaning against Max. Her shoulder reached up to his forearm, her head brushing his chin. He felt so incredible against her that she couldn't help but snuggle close. His perfume tickled her nose, her senses clouded by the alcohol she'd had too much to drink.
"Nicole," she heard him say gruffly.
The Lost Seal: A Seal Romance Page 54
