by D. A. Young
“Go for it, baby. I’ll be right back,” Max said and dropped a brief kiss on her lips before hurrying out of the ballroom.
***
The side patio was shrouded in complete darkness when Max stepped out.
“I didn’t think you were going to be able to tear yourself away from your woman to come meet me, my brother.” The voice was gritty, dark and sounded like Sauron, the Dark Lord of Mordor from Lord of the Rings, causing Max to stiffen.
“If I’d known you were gonna be checking for me so hard, I would’ve made you wait longer,” Max said coolly as he spotted the large, shadowed figure at an empty patio table to his left and headed towards it. “And keep my woman outta your mouth.”
“But isn’t she the reason you’re here? Georgina Marie Carlton. Age thirty. Younger sibling of Eliza Isabel Rossini and Graham Lewis Carlton. Beloved niece of Nathaniel and Valerie Banks. Sole proprietor of Feminine Intuition-”
“I’m not paying you to give me information I already know, man,” Max stated impatiently as he withdrew an envelope and placed it on the table. “Your payment. Did you get the other information?”
“About discreet, responsible rehabilitation programs? Yes, it’s all in the dossier. Does your woman have a drug problem?” the voice asked curiously. “If she does, she’s hiding it pretty well-”
“No, my woman doesn’t have a drug problem, but her mother does. She’s been blackmailing her and pretty much making her life hell for the last ten years,” Max stated flatly as he picked up the folder. “I need her clean, sober, and aware of the error of her ways, so she’ll never bother Georgina again.”
“So how exactly is she blackmailing her daughter?”
“If Georgina stays in Las Vegas and makes herself accessible, then her mother will stay away from the rest of the family, especially her other kids,” Max said in frustration. “Georgina refuses to let anyone’s life be disrupted again, but I want my woman to be the person that she was meant to be, not live in fear over someone who never gave a damn about her!”
“Consider this a freebie then,” the voice reeked of disgust. “So it sounds like you really love her?”
Max turned away because it didn’t feel right for him to say words that were meant for Georgie to be said aloud to a cloak-and-dagger stranger for the first time. “Please text me when it’s done. Despite all the pain she’s caused, I just want her to get better. I also want you to dig up everything you can on a man named Davis Fowler.”
“How far back do you want me to go?” Shadow Man asked idly.
“From the time he was conceived. I’ll wire your next payment unless you can arrange for us to meet again in another creepy way,” Max said drily as he walked back to the door. When he received no reply, he turned around to find Shadow Man gone.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Georgina was on a high and nothing, short of making love with Max, felt better. Jackson Sullivan loved her company and wanted to take her to the next level. As people came by the table to pay their respects to Max and the Sullivan family, everyone introduced her and informed them of her company. People started asking for her business cards, and she had a moment's panic when she realized that she didn’t have any until Max calmly opened her clutch, and she saw the business cards inside. When it was time to go, the ladies promised to stay in touch, and Jack said that he and his partners would be in touch soon.
On the drive back, Georgina insisted they would have to make love with her dress on because it was pure magic. At a red light, Max leaned over and placed a sweet kiss on her lips. “Thank you for being my date tonight.”
“Thank you for helping to make my dreams come true,” she said softly and sighed with regret. “I wish we could have danced more; I’m not ready for this night to end.”
When they got to the farmhouse, the dogs rushed out to greet them, and as she bent down to pet them, Rihanna’s ballad “Diamonds” filled the air. Max placed his phone on the railing and held out his hand to Georgina. “May I have this dance?”
Eagerly she wiped her hands, before placing one in his as he pulled her close to him, before twirling her around on the wide porch.
Shine bright like a diamond
Shine bright like a diamond
Find light in the beautiful sea, I choose to be happy
You and I, you and I, we’re like diamonds in the sky
You’re a shooting star I see, a vision of ecstasy
When you hold me, I’m alive
We’re like diamonds in the sky
I knew that we’d become one right away
Oh, right away
At first sight, I felt the energy of sun rays
I saw the life inside your eyes
They moved together seductively, eyes locked on each other as the fitting words of the song caressed them. In the moonlight, Georgina’s dress sparkled and shimmered as she spun around, and Max thought she’d never looked lovelier as a smile lit up her face, and she sang aloud to the words. It made his chest tighten to keep the words he longed to say to her out loud bottled in.
Georgina wanted this moment to never end as she danced with him underneath the starry sky. They didn’t need a fancy place for it to be perfect, just each other and Sherlock and Watson who lay watching them. The look in Max’s eyes spoke of promises she knew he would never break if he gave them. It made her long for the elusive fairytale of having it all that was building right in front of her eyes. A successful career and a man as wonderful as Max that would give her babies to keep a big farmhouse alive as they created new memories.
So shine bright tonight,
You and I
We’re beautiful like diamonds in the sky
Eye to eye,
So alive
We’re beautiful like diamonds in the sky
Shine bright like a diamond
Shine bright like a diamond
Shining bright like a diamond
We’re beautiful like diamonds in the sky
Their lovemaking that night was slow, sweet, and oh so addicting. While he moved inside of her, her eyes drifted shut as she felt the vortex of her orgasm tugging at her soul. “Open your eyes, Georgie. Stay with me, love.”
She struggled to obey and hold his gaze, but when she saw the depths of emotion in his beautiful eyes, she shattered into a million pieces, crying out his name. And as the intense hot rush of her pleasure surrounded him, Max was unable to hold out and came as well, with a harshly whispered, “Georgina.”
***
They were going to meet friends at King Pinz for a night of bowling. Max called Wade who said he’d bring Jackie. Georgina called Chelsea, who was bringing a date, and Kenya, who would bring her husband. The bowling alley was packed, and the noise was deafening. Wade had saved them two lanes. As they walked to join the group, Georgina felt very relaxed. She just wanted to chill with Max and have a good time. Hugs were exchanged, and introductions were made. Chelsea’s date Megan turned out to be Darlene Myer’s younger sister. The gangly girl with bifocals, acne, and frizzy hair had turned out to be a beautiful woman, who only had eyes for Chelsea. Georgina was happy for her friend, who seemed just as captivated with the red-headed beauty. Kenya’s husband Rodney was an easygoing guy from Australia that adored his wife and referred to everyone as “mate”. They met when she did an exchange program in college and reconnected two years ago.
They ordered pizza, nachos, and beer after confirming designated drivers. Wade wouldn’t be drinking at all because he was on call. Teams paired up, and Max and Georgina wound up on opposite teams. The trash-talking commenced. As they laced up their shoes, Georgina smirked at Max. “Prepare to get spanked and not in a good way.”
“Yeah right, baby. No hard feelings, right? You’re still putting out after you lose, correct?” Max teased and laughed as she crossed her eyes at him and stuck her tongue out, before stealing a quick kiss from her. Max was a good bowler, but Georgina was even better, thanks to her aunt and uncle who were bowling champions and
took her to every bowling tournament they participated in. Unfortunately for the group, Georgina was a trash-talking, poor sport winner.
“Oh yeaaahhh! Who just bowled her fifth strike in a row? This girl right here!”
“Hey, Rodney, do you think you could work on Wade’s weak wrist? I sure hope that’s not your shooting hand, sheriff.”
“Someone call the fire department because I’m on F-I-Y-A-H!”
“Kenya, do we need to give you some blinders and put the bumpers up for you? I believe the ball was meant for this lane, not two lanes over!”
‘You know what that smell is?? Of course you don’t because it’s the smell of a winner!”
“Hey, Chelsea, only dirty minds belong in gutters!”
“Come on! Hellen Keller could have hit those pins!”
Finally, Max grabbed Georgina’s hand and led her away to the restroom hallway.
“What’s going on? Did you see me out there handling my biz and kicking ass?” she asked as she jumped in place and twisted her neck around like a MMA fighter.
Max viewed her with grim amusement. “Oh, we all saw and heard you, Georgina. Now I’m asking you to cut them some slack, okay?”
“What are you talking about? It’s just a friendly game of bowling,” she said, bristling with indignation. “Everyone’s having a good time. There’s nothing wrong with a little competition…”
“Did your teachers ever put “Does not play well with others” on your progress reports?” Max asked and laughed as she punched his arm. “Holy shit they did, didn’t they?”
“Maybe once or twice I had to sit out kickball,” Georgina mumbled. “I can’t help it; I get so competitive and excited.” She gave him an innocent look. “I don’t mean anything by it.”
“Yeah right, baby,” he snorted. “Tell that shit to someone else! Don’t get me wrong, it was hot as fuck watching you kick ass so effortlessly out there, but just ease up a little on the trash-talking, okay? It’s not for everybody.”
Georgina laughed with relish, “Alright, that’s a lie! I enjoy the victory and crushing my opponents so effortlessly-”
“I think I get it, Donald Trump,” Max said dryly, and Georgina sighed with resignation.
“Fine, I’ll apologize.”
They walked back to the group, and everyone was talking and eating pizza. They fell silent as Georgina cleared her throat. “I just wanted to say that I’m sorry for getting so excited and expressing myself in the way that I did. I promise not to talk trash anymore.”
Wade looked at her with puppy-dog eyes, “Thanks to you, I now have trust issues.”
There was a moment of silence before the group burst into laughter, and Georgina spoke, “Okay, who wants to play again? Say, Jackie, why don’t I help you with your horrendous throw? Nothing would make me happier than to fix that awful tilt your hand does when you throw.”
The group fell silent and stared at her incredulously. “What? What’d I say?”
“Seriously?” Max asked her with a raised eyebrow.
Jackie side-eyed her. “With every minute that passes, I trust you less and less, Georgina Carlton.”
They all laughed again, except a confused Georgina. “What did I say?”
***
She had just bowled another strike and was high-fiving everyone when she noticed a couple four lanes down. It was Davis and a female companion. He smiled at her and raised his beer bottle. She nodded at him and went back to chatting with her friends. Georgina looked at Kenya and noticed she was giving Davis a dirty look. Max, Jackie, and Wade were in deep conversation with Rodney. Chelsea and Megan were swaying to the music, making lovey-dovey eyes at each other. She went and sat next to Kenya. “God, do you ever have to tell them to get a room?” she joked with a teasing smile.
Kenya looked at her and smiled wanly. “What’d you say, hon?”
Georgina gave her a look of concern. “What’s wrong, Ken? You can talk to me.”
The other woman sighed heavily. “I just miss Annabelle so very much. She was my oldest and dearest friend. It’s like a piece of my soul is missing. She should have been my maid of honor in my wedding, and my daughter’s middle name is Annabelle. Whenever I look at that vile man, I feel so angry. It’s because of him that she can never come back. Meeting Rodney was a true blessing. He’s my soulmate no doubt, but there’s nothing like your sister from another mister, ya know?”
Georgina hoped Graham would have good news for her. She could feel Kenya’s sadness and wanted to bring her some sort of comfort. She reached over and held her hand tightly. “Chelsea told me everything she knows. I feel so bad for her. Did you know anything beforehand?”
Kenya’s hand tightened. “I would see the marks on her and the controlled mocking tone he would use. He was very careful. Everyone thought she was so lucky.” She laughed bitterly. “Even her own mother knew, but because he comes from a family with a great background, she felt her daughter should overlook his minor flaws,” she said, making quotations with her hands. “I feel terrible because we had an awful fight right before she left. I told her that she shouldn’t marry him. That if she had any self-respect, she would stand up for herself. She cried that I didn’t understand. I told her I was ashamed to be her friend.” she finished softly.
***
Georgina decided to do a beer run to the snack bar. She smiled, knowing Max watched her. Even while in conversation with his friends, he’d never taken his eyes off of her. The crowd had vanished, and it was only the two of them. She blew him a kiss, and he smiled appreciatively. Suddenly she felt so free. She’d trusted him with her troubled past, and he hadn’t run. Georgina was glad that she’d come back to Baymoor. The timing just felt right to her. It was crowded, and she had to elbow her way through to the snack bar. As she leaned against the counter and waited for the beer, she felt someone press against her.
Instantly she knew it wasn’t Max and immediately turned around and her front was now pressing against Davis’s front. He smiled, and again she could smell the alcohol rolling of off him as he placed an arm on either side of her, deliberately caging her in. “When are you going to give me some of what you’re giving the farmer?”
Enraged, Georgina jumped in his face “The only thing I’m going to give you is a warning to back the fuck up. Fall back, bitch.”
Davis stopped smiling, and his eyes were full of menaced promise. Leaning down so their foreheads almost touched, he taunted her, “Be careful, Georgina. You should talk to the last person that disrespected me…oh, that’s right…they can’t find her.”
With a smirk, he left her staring after him, her heart pounding. Motherfucker. But he didn’t get far as Max flung him back onto the snack bar counter and wrapped his large hands around his neck. His face was apoplectic with rage. “Did you just threaten my woman?!”
Frantically Davis struggled to pry Max’s hands from around his neck, and Max lifted him and gave him two quick jabs to the face. Davis spun around and fell face down across the counter as blood spurted from his nose. Enraged, Max went for him again, but Georgina interceded, “Max, he’s out! I’m okay; Don’t bother yourself, with him, baby.”
Wade appeared as did the rest of their group and looked from Max to Davis to Georgina. “Someone want to tell me what the hell happened?”
“That motherfucker tried to press up on Georgie and then got in her face to intimidate her!” Max barked, fists still clenched as he stood over Davis, staring at him, willing him to wake up so he could beat on his ass some more for daring to touch his Georgie.
Although Wade was inclined to walk away and allow his friend to dish out the private justice beat down Davis obviously deserved, unfortunately, he couldn’t. He was the law and it had to be upheld. “Georgie, is this true?”
“Yes, everything Max said is true,” she stated firmly, and grabbing Max’s hand, she led him away as Wade gave an irritated sigh and helped the bastard up.
***
Max had watched Georgina go to the s
nack bar. Then he saw Dr. Fowler behind her in the crowd. Ignoring Wade’s questioning look, he followed after him and saw the whole thing. By then, he was close enough to hear the man’s words, which just confirmed what an asshole Fowler really was. If Georgina hadn’t interfered, Max intended to stomp his mangy ass into the floor. The other night in D.C. as he stood at the podium accepting his award, he’d observed Davis staring at her hungrily from across the room, not even trying to be discreet. Other men had given her admiring glances, which he understood; she was a beautiful woman. But the creepy way the doctor started at her and licked his lips was a little too much for Max, and that was why he asked Shadow Man to look into him.
When they got to the farmhouse, Georgina went upstairs to take a quick shower, but Max stayed downstairs. When she came back down, he had poured himself a brandy and was sitting on the sofa, staring at the fire he’d built. Georgina curled up next to him. His silence made her uneasy, and she snuck furtive glances at him, but he seemed lost in thought staring at the flames until eventually they died. Finally, she couldn’t stand it any longer, and she crawled into his lap and kissed him. He put his fingers in her hair and held her face in place as he explored her mouth.
