Scandal (Dirty Laundry Book 2)

by Jackie Paxson

  “Do you think she likes it?” Max’s voice came from behind her making her jump.

  “Geez. You scared me. Where were you hiding?”

  “I was in our bedroom. Don’t worry, it’s just the way you left it. I hid in there for her to experience it, but I had to run in there when she started talking about your liking my snake. It took me a moment to pull myself together.”

  Chrissy elbowed him in the ribs.

  “How can I like something you won’t let me play with?” She blinked innocently at him.

  Max pulled her hips against his front. She could feel the snake in question. Putting his chin on her shoulder he said, “Soon, baby. I’ve been a good boy but I’m not sure I can be one for much longer.”

  She shivered with his words. If her daughter wasn’t ten feet from her, she’d jump him right there. Turning, she placed a chaste kiss on his lips. Goosebumps rose on her arms. That would never get old.

  “Mama?” Mariah’s voice slammed the brakes on her train of thought.

  “Mariah, you remember Max, don’t you?” Chrissy watched as her daughter tucked her chin and gave a slight nod.

  “Hello, Mariah. Do you like your room?” he asked.

  In an instant, Mariah brightened then said, “Yes. It will be like I’m sleeping on a cloud. I can’t wait to tell my best friend, Tristan. He is going to be so jealous. Can I send him pictures, Mama?”

  “Yes, we can. However, do you know who did this for you?”

  Mariah shook her head.

  Chrissy said, “Max did. Now, what do you say?”

  She bit her lip then mumbled, “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome, Mariah.”

  “Can I take those pictures now, mama?” Mariah pranced around.

  “Yes. Be careful with my phone, though.”

  Taking off like a flash, Mariah dashed into the room. Max and Chrissy watched flashes from the camera come from every corner.

  “How did you do this?” Chrissy asked him.

  “I’m magic.” He held his arms open.

  “Bullshit.”

  He smirked. “I pulled some strings with the crew. They had a blast setting it up.”

  “I hope you paid those poor people.”

  “Very well.” Max kissed her gently on the lips. “Want to take her swimming?”

  Before Chrissy could answer Mariah squealed. “I want to go swimming. Can we go swimming, Mama?”

  “Yes, but you have to get your suit on.”

  With another squeal Mariah vanished into her room.

  “Guess we are swimming,” Chrissy said.

  Max leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Guess we are.”

  Chapter 30

  The Girls Came Out to Play

  Chrissy had to admit to herself that she’d been a bit worried about Max and Mariah. For a very long time it had only been the two of them. Her worry was for nothing. From the moment they began swimming, Mariah and Max were inseparable. Her giggles echoed throughout the pool area.

  Since she didn’t have to be in the pool, Chrissy lounged in a chair relaxing under the sun. She kept an eye on the pool but realized it wasn’t necessary. She trusted Max. He’d never let anything happen to her little girl. After an hour, Jeremiah, James, Bill and his wife, Winnie, joined them at the pool. Jeremiah sat with Chrissy and Winnie for a while until it was too much fun to just watch. He did a cannonball that Mariah then had to try.

  “She is a cute little thing.” Winnie Mathewson watched as Mariah ran around the pool getting ready to jump.

  “Thank you.”

  “My husband told me that Max isn’t her father.”

  Chrissy cleared her throat. “No, he isn’t. Max only met her a few times actually.”

  Winnie nodded. “He seems to be doing well with her.”

  “I agree.”

  “It’s tough being a single mother.” Winnie’s tone seemed to imply she understood.

  “It can be. I’ve been very lucky that my parents have been very hands on with helping me.”

  “I’m glad your parents support you. I never had that.”

  Chrissy furrowed her brow. “What do you mean?”

  Winnie took a deep breath. “Bill is not James’ real grandfather. His father’s father left me when I was six months pregnant. My parents wanted me to give him up. I refused. I moved in with a friend and she helped me while I found a job and got on my feet.” Winnie looked over at Bill Mathewson. “Bill came into my life when my son was about a year old. Our love affair was so quick that my son doesn’t know Bill as anything but his father.”

  “I’m sorry you had to go through all that.”

  She smiled. “If going through all that meant that I’d have met my Bill every time, then I would gladly do everything I did over and over again. When you find the one, you don’t want to be anywhere but with him.”

  Chrissy nodded absently.

  “Is he?”

  “Is he, what?” Chrissy asked.

  “Your one.”

  “I don’t know.”

  Winnie laughed. “I think you do. I’ve been watching you watch him. You know your heart, but you’re scared.” Chrissy opened her mouth to protest but Winnie held up her hand. “I know why you’re scared, sweetheart. But, you gotta take that leap sometimes. You won’t know who will be there to catch you when you fall if you never fall.”

  With a wink, Winnie stood and walked over to the edge of the pool. She stepped gingerly into the pool and swam over to where Bill helped Mariah float on her back. Chrissy’s thoughts were a whirling dervish.

  “Why don’t you come in, sweetheart?” Max stood next to her chair dripping.

  The vision she saw before her made her mouth dry. His dark hair was slicked back, tanned skin was damp from the pool, and she watched as a lone drop traced down his pecks, over the ridges of his hard earned abs to catch on the swim suit. Her eyes traced his tattoos. Good Lord! She hadn’t been in the pool but she sure was wet.

  Max leaned over her, his hair dripping onto her. His voice was husky when he said, “Stop eye fucking me, love. I won’t be able to hide what you do to me.”

  Chrissy could feel her nipples harden. She swallowed then said, “Well, I have to fuck you somehow.” She clamped her lips together while she blushed. The words had just popped out of her mouth.

  “I think you need to cool off.” He smirked.

  From one breath to the next, Chrissy found herself in Max’s arms. He flexed holding her. She wiggled trying to get down. but he took two quick steps and jumped with her in his arms. He let her go, letting her sink to the bottom. She pushed up from the pool bottom coughing up a little pool water. Pushing her dark hair out of her face she swam over to Max who was laughing at her from the side of the pool with Jeremiah and James.

  “You are an asshole,” Chrissy spat.

  “Oh, come on, sweetheart. Weren’t you the least bit warm out there?”

  “We saw you getting overheated out there.” Jeremiah laced his comment with as much innuendo as possible.

  Chrissy managed to swim to the part of the pool she could stand without being fully submerged. Standing she marched over to them with as much kickass as she could muster. As she marched awkwardly over to them, they stopped laughing and stared at her. Good, she scared them.

  “Uh, sweetheart,” Max pointed to her.

  “Don’t try to sweetheart me now that you are in trouble.” Chrissy put her hands on her hips.

  “I promise I’m not trying to—”

  “Oh, God! Not again!” James said, covering his eyes.

  What the hell was going on with these three?

  “What is going—”

  “Chrissy! Your tits are hanging out,” Jeremiah unceremoniously shouted.

  Looking down, she saw her halter had come untied and floated in front of her. The bottom part was still tied around her, but he was right. The girls were out and happy to see everyone. With a squeal, Chrissy dove underwater and swam to the deep end so she could h
ide and fix her top.

  Max swam over after a minute. She’d been struggling tying it tight enough.

  “Can I help?”

  Chrissy shrugged but held on to the side of the pool while Max made a tight knot. She had her head on her arms hoping she could disappear. She’d just flashed both of her bosses and one of her best friends.

  “All done,” Max said.

  “Thanks,” Chrissy said, turning around. She moved to get out of the pool.

  “Stay in with me for a bit longer?”

  She looked for Mariah and didn’t see her. Fear flashed through her as she looked around for her.

  “Where is Mariah?” she said frantically.

  “Bill and Winnie took her for a snack over at the bar.” Max pointed to the little tiki hut. A sign proclaimed that it sold snacks and booze.

  “Ok.”

  Chrissy floated by the edge holding on with her arms stretched out. A heat in his eyes drew her attention. Lust and love warred in his fathomless depths. With one of his hands he drew an intricate design on her exposed collarbone. He licked his lips as he watched her. Chrissy wrapped her legs around his hips drawing him closer. Her cloth covered core met the hardness that was growing in his swimsuit. Max looked around to see where everyone was. Following his gaze, she saw Jeremiah and James close together at the other end of the pool and Bill and Winnie were still busy with Mariah. His sexy smirk told her he had anything but pure thoughts going through his head.

  “What are you thinking about?” she asked.

  “This little drop of water.” He touched where a drop sat on her collar bone.

  “What about it?”

  “I want to trace its path.” His eyes met hers when he said, “with my tongue.”

  Chrissy shivered. When she felt his hand on her thigh, she really wished they were alone. A single finger lightly traced the apex of her thighs. With the slightest pressure he felt for her hard nub. He bit his lip and rubbed back and forth on that tight bundle of nerves.

  “Mama!” Mariah’s voice broke through just as cold liquid poured on her. “Oops! Sorry, Mama!

  Max moved away from her. She looked down and saw a red chunky mess slide down the front of her bathing suit.

  “Oh, my goodness! I’m sorry, Chrissy. We got her a slushy, and she wanted to share with you,” Winnie said, taking the cup from Mariah while Bill wiped Mariah off with a napkin.

  “It’s ok,” Chrissy said before sliding under the water letting it clean her off.

  She looked around for Max and saw he was lounging in the other corner of the pools deep end, a knowing smirk on his face. It would figure he’d want to fool around the moment her daughter came to visit.

  Chrissy climbed out of the pool, double checking her suit was in place before facing anyone.

  “Mama, do you want some of my drink? It is really good.” Mariah walked over holding an overly full cup. How the hell was it still practically full after being spilt on her?

  “Thank you for offering sweetie, but I’m not thirsty.”

  “Are you done swimming?” she asked.

  “For now. You can keep going.”

  Mariah nodded her head then said, “Watch this.” Chrissy held her breath as her daughter took off running to the pool and jumped in without her life vest.

  Max had been watching their interaction so closely that as she jumped, he’d swam over making sure he was there to help her swim back to the edge. Chrissy sighed in relief, thankful he’d been paying attention.

  “Mariah Opal! Don’t you ever do that again or you won’t be swimming any more on this trip. Get out of the pool and put your life vest on.” Chrissy’s voice snapped out of her.

  Mariah’s lip trembled. Max leaned in and whispered something in her ear. She nodded then hefted herself out of the pool. Chrissy looked at Max with a lifted brow. He smiled and mouthed, “It’s ok.” She nodded at him as she put the vest on her.

  “I’m sorry I scared you, Mama.”

  Chrissy pulled Mariah into a hug. “I love you so much, munchkin. My heart would break if anything happened to you. Try not to scare me like that, ok?” Mariah nodded her head against her. Chrissy’s eyes met Max’s. He had an unreadable look, but his smile said so much.

  Chapter 31

  Dash, Done in a Flash

  Ben: I’d like to meet Miranda over breakfast.

  Chrissy looked at her phone. Irritation spiked when she saw the message. Mariah had been there for three days and would only be there for a few more. Chrissy’s parents decided to fly down to get her and take Mariah with them to Georgia for a week. It would give Annie a break.

  Chrissy: Sure. What time?

  Ben: 9?

  Chrissy: Sure. We will see you then. Max will be with us.

  Chrissy waited for a response but received none. She rolled her eyes at her phone then tossed it on her nightstand.

  “What’s going on, babe?” Max said from the doorway of their bathroom. A pair of jeans hung low on his hips with the button undone. He glistened from his shower with a towel slung around his neck. “Up here, missy.” He motioned to his face.

  “Shut up! You are such a tease.” Max bowed. Chrissy shook her head then said, “Ben finally texted asking to meet Mariah.”

  “What an ass. Are you gonna let him meet her?”

  “Yes. She deserves the chance to decide her father is a douche.”

  Max sat next to Chrissy on the bed. He rubbed the tight muscles in her back. She shut her eyes as she felt his hands do their magic.

  “If you keep moaning like that, I don’t think I will be able to keep my hands where they are,” Max said as his hands wandered down her arms.

  “You’re the one holding yourself back. I’ve tried to jump you on more than one occasion.”

  Max laughed. “I didn’t plan for us to wait this long. Believe me when I say I am ready to take you anywhere we can get a moment to ourselves but your lovely Mariah has some of the best timing for a six-year-old.”

  Chrissy leaned against him as his arms embraced her. Worry gnawed at her about Mariah meeting Ben. At least Max would be there with her. She couldn’t help the laugh that escaped at that thought. It had only been a few weeks ago that she wanted nothing to do with him and now he was a steady support for her. Who would have thought he had that in him?

  “What was that laugh for?”

  She kissed him. “Nothing important. I’m just glad you will be there when I have to meet Ben.”

  His face fell. “Sweetheart, did you forget that I was picking up your parents tomorrow at the airport? Can Jeremiah and James be there for you?”

  Dammit! She’d forgotten that her parents’ plane arrived tomorrow morning.

  “Nah. I’ll just be sure to be there with Mariah. I’m sure it will be fine.”

  “Have you even told her about her father?”

  “No. I didn’t want to tell her then he act very Ben-like and not show.”

  Mariah chose that time to skip into their room holding a stuffed sloth.

  “No time like the present,” Max said softly.

  Chrissy took a deep breath. “Mariah, I need to talk to you for a minute.”

  Max stood from the bed and walked to the main room closing the door behind him. Mariah took her sloth over to the bed. She sat next to Chrissy.

  “Yes, Mama?”

  Mariah’s wide eyes looked at her. Chrissy had no idea how to begin a conversation about her father. Mariah had never asked about him, but she had to have seen others with their fathers.

  “Have you ever wondered about your father?”

  She shrugged holding her sloth closer.

  “Well, your father is here at the resort.”

  Mariah perked up. “Is it Max?”

  Chrissy’s heart broke. Mariah and Max had become very close since she’d arrived.

  “No, honey. Your father is a man named Ben McGee. He was my boyfriend in college.” Chrissy took a deep breath again. “He’d like to meet you.”

&nbs
p; “Why can’t Max be my daddy?”

  Chrissy didn’t know how to answer that question. That wasn’t up to her. She and Max hadn’t talked about a future past Costa Rica. They may not have one.

  “Uhm...that isn’t something I can answer. However, your father would like to have breakfast with you tomorrow. Is that ok?”

  Mariah bit her lip while hugging her sloth. “Ok.”

  “Ok. Now, why don’t you go get dressed. Max and I are going to take you on a special trip.” Chrissy gave her a quick hug.

  “Ok.” Mariah’s voice was flat. She left the room as Max reentered.

  Chrissy looked into Max’s face. His eyes glistened. “How can my heart be both broken and full?” he asked.

  “I don’t know.” Chrissy stood and walked toward the bathroom. “I’m going to get dressed. I’ll be right out.”

  Max nodded with a faraway look on his face.

  “Where are we going?” Mariah asked.

  “It’s a surprise,” Max said.

  “Ok.”

  Mariah had been very quiet since she’d been told about Ben. The three of them rode in a jeep driven by one of the resort’s staff. The jungle passed by them as they drove through overgrowth. Chrissy hoped the excursion would be the highlight of her trip.

  “Sloths?” she said as she read the sign.

  The sign they’d just passed by said Costa Rican Sloth Sanctuary. Mariah lit up like a lightbulb. She turned in her seat trying to see sloths. When the jeep stopped in front of a large hut-like structure, Mariah tried to unbuckle herself but got frustrated when it didn’t happen fast enough.

  “Mommy, you took me to see sloths?”

  “Actually, this was Max’s idea. What do you say?”

  Mariah ran over to Max. He caught her as she leaped into his arms giving him a hug. “Thank you so much, Max.” She gave him a kiss on his cheek. She whispered that was only supposed to be for him, but Chrissy heard it. “I wish you were my daddy.”

  Max swallowed then said with some added gravel to his voice, “You’re welcome, munchkin. What do you say we go see some sloths?” He placed her back on the ground but continued to hold her hand.