“Mmmm,” I absently acknowledged his words as I stared at him. His sparkling blue eyes. His perfect nose. These things were demanding too much of my attention this close.
My eyes traveled farther and fell on his lips. His full mouth and his kissable lips. My world had shrunk to the size of his mouth. I wanted those lips against mine. Touching, tasting, connecting us once again.
Ryan’s thumb slid off my jaw and made its way to my own mouth. It slid across my bottom lip slowly, teasing sensation from me and I wondered if it was possible for people to purr.
“Tell me, Maxie, do you feel the connection between us?” he whispered. “Do you come alive every time I touch you?”
“Yes,” I whispered back. There was no point holding back any longer. I was head-over-heels for him and he might as well know it.
“Good,” he said. Then his lips were against mine, enticing emotion from me I’d never thought I would feel again.
I knew I could be happy once more. Everything that had happened to me had brought me to this point. It had brought me into this man’s arms. And I knew in an instant, as my fingers tangled in his silky hair, all the pain, all the shame Stephen had put me through had been totally worth it. I didn’t know why these feeling were suddenly so strong, but I knew I couldn’t fight them. Ryan was my destiny. And I was his. Nothing else mattered.
Ryan slipped a hand around my waist as the other cupped my cheek tentatively, promising more. His tongue darted across my bottom lip, asking a simple question and I answered, opening my mouth. Our kisses deepened as his tongue found mine and he growled softly as his fingers tightened against my back.
I sighed as my fingers knotted in his hair, pulling myself closer to him. His scent, rich, clean, and so very Ryan, filled my senses as I leaned into him, making me even more lightheaded than before.
Ryan pulled back away from me, staring down with heat in his blue eyes.
I started to protest he was too far away from me. I needed him against me once again.
He placed a finger to my lips, smiling, and I instantly went silent.
“Stay with me tonight,” he said, his voice deeper, huskier than before.
I nodded breathlessly, not sure I could form a cohesive sentence.
Ryan grinned as if he hadn’t been sure of what my answer would be and caught my lips with his once again.
I mentally chuckled as I realized he’d been unsure of how I would react. I guess when it came to love, everyone had their uncertainties. But, really, like I’d say no to a night with destiny.
Nineteen
I awoke suddenly, morning lying heavily on my tongue as I looked around me, trying to get my bearings. Images danced before my eyes. The dream that had startled me awake still clung to the edges of my mind. Men shouting. Faces which could only be from a monster movie. A broken down Ferris wheel. Me. Alone, lost, and scared to death.
I sat up in bed, shoving the images away, back to the place where forgotten dreams go. I needed to focus on more important things. Like, where was I?
I shifted in bed, the black silk sheets tickling against my bare legs. I glanced down at the over-sized tee-shirt I was wearing and it all came back to me.
I had slept with Ryan Everheart.
I was in Ryan’s suite, and from the sunlight filtering in through the curtains, I would say it was morning. I pushed back the sheets and made my way to the bathroom on wobbly legs.
After nature’s business was done, I checked my presentabilty in the mirror, fearing the worst. After a few hand rakes through my hair, I figured I was good enough to go find the man of my dreams.
Slowly, I made my way out of the bedroom, teetering slightly as I realized I still didn’t quite have my land legs back yet. I felt as weak as a kitten, but kept moving. I had never felt this way the morning after any of Stephen and my encounters. Ryan must be that good if he left me this drained.
Even in my exhausted state, I would gladly be up for another round. “Ryan,” I called; a smile on my lips at the thought of crawling back into bed with him. “Where are you?”
I waited for the reply, but only silence greeted me. I made my way towards the kitchen, the smell of fresh coffee becoming stronger as I went. The kitchen was empty. Oh, well. Coffee was a strong second on the list of things I desired right then. Grabbing the waiting mug off the counter, I filled it, sighing softly as I took a sip.
The hot bitterness of the coffee lessened the heaviness in my mouth, warming me from the inside out on its way down. Feeling a little more alive, I looked around me, wondering where my bedmate had wandered off.
A knot began to form in the pit of my stomach as the caffeine spike cleared my mind. It was never a good thing to find the guy you just slept with gone. Was I so disappointing he couldn’t even look me in the eye? Or, was this something he did wherever he went? Sleep with a girl and leave her in a hotel somewhere, never to hear from him again? Had I been just another notch on Ryan’s metaphorical bedpost?
I sat my mug down with such intensity, I flinched. No. I refused to believe that. Ryan was different. I saw it in his eyes when he looked at me. He cared about me. He wasn’t leading me on. I know things, and I knew that Ryan had meant every word he whispered to me that night.
Standing in the middle of the suite’s kitchen alone and frustrated, I longed for proof my heart was right. I had to silence the nagging in my head. The nagging that said maybe this had all been for nothing. I turned around; wishing for validation, willing myself to see what I knew had to be there somewhere.
A slight breeze stirred through the air around me, so faint I could barely even believe that it was more than my imagination. A paper rattled on the far counter, and for a moment, I wondered if the breeze had been real.
A headache began to bloom behind my eyes and I grabbed my coffee, convinced I needed more caffeine in my system. Venturing over to the paper, I glanced down at it, curiosity getting the best of me. A smile crept over me as I read the words scrawled for me.
Maxie,
Zand wanted to meet this morning to go over last minute things before we begin shooting. I couldn’t get out of it, even though I desperately wanted to. Last night was fantastic. You, my dear, were amazing. I look forward to many, many more nights just like that. I hope you do, too. I’ll call you when I get a chance.
Ryan.
I felt the knot of worry melt away completely. He didn’t leave me. He enjoyed last night as much as I did. Everything was absolutely fine. No, it was more than fine. It was wonderful. Ryan wanted to be with me.
Finishing my coffee, I wondered what to do with myself today. I had the day off and who knew how long Zand would keep Ryan busy. I didn’t really want to hang out in the suite all day, especially with no clothes.
Frowning, I realized I needed to go home. I could shower, take a nap, and then be dressed and ready by the time Ryan called. It sounded like a plan. A great plan considering how exhausted I was. There was only one flaw with the idea; I would have to do the walk of shame in no makeup and last night’s clothes.
That wasn’t something I was used to. I’m not that type of girl. But, here I was, alone at a hotel, needing to catch a cab home. But I guess some things you just had to do for love. Oh, well. They say you should be open to trying new things.
I put my dress back on, trying to fix myself as best as I could. Considering all I had in my handbag was a travel brush and a tube of passion pink lip gloss, I doubted I succeeded. Slipping my wedges on, I headed for the door, praying I could make it home without running into anyone I knew.
But, alas, good fortune wasn’t mine that morning.
“Maxie,” I heard a voice call as soon as I stepped into the lobby. Van was standing behind the counter, Danny nearby. She had a concerned look on her face as she waved me over.
Well, that was just peachy. Why did Ryan have to bring me back to the place my roommate ran? Putting on a smile, I headed towards them, thinking I would make a bigger scene if I tried to run for it.
As I neared, Van’s look of concern turned into a frown. She glanced over at Danny, who seemed to return her worry.
“Good morning,” I said, trying to sound like this whole situation didn’t bother me.
She gave me the once over, then leaned on the counter towards me. “You look like death warmed over, Max,” she said quietly.
I folded my arms over my chest as I glared at her. “Thanks,” I said. “It’s good to see you, too.” At least she had said it quietly. It was one small thing to be grateful for.
“You know what I mean.”
I nodded, but didn’t answer. She wasn’t wrong. I had looked in the mirror before I left.
“Ryan did this, didn’t he?”
I looked at her, incredulously. Like what I did in my private time was any of her business. “If you are inferring that I didn’t get any sleep last night thanks to him, then you are correct.”
The anger in her eyes softened as she took in my weary face. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. I had a great evening. But I’d rather be at home right now taking a shower than here, talking about my love life,” I snapped. I turned on my heel, heading for the door.
“Maxie, wait,” she said, coming out from behind the check-in desk.
I stopped and waited for her. “What?”
“You’re in no shape to catch a cab. Let Danny give you a ride home.”
I glanced over at him, standing silently behind Van and wondered what he thought of me. After all, he was Jensen’s best friend. “It’s okay,” I said quickly, trying to avoid any more judgment from these people. “I’ll be fine.”
“It’s no trouble. Really,” Danny said, stepping closer. “I need to head out anyway. I’ll be going right past the Cove on my way.”
I looked from him to Van and wondered why they were being so nice to me.
“Please,” Van said. “Let him take you. It would make me feel better.”
I nodded with a sigh. There was no way I was getting out of here on my own and the sooner I accepted that, the sooner I could be in a hot shower. “Okay. Let’s go.”
Danny said his goodbyes to Van and, after she promised to call later to check up on me, he ushered me through the doors and out to his jeep. Before I knew it, I was seat belted in and we were on our way. I silently wondered why I had complied so easily. I figured it was because I didn’t have the strength to protest anymore. Last night had really taken it out of me.
I decided this would be the last time I would be at the mercy of someone chauffeuring me around. It was time to buy a car.
Danny was quiet next to me. His eyes locked firmly to the traffic around us.
I decided I had made enough people mad at me lately. I could at least try to be nice to him, especially since he was doing me a favor. “Thank you,” I said and meant it.
He glanced over at me. “You’re welcome.” He was quiet another moment and then looked back over at me. “I know it’s none of my business. I’m not invested in you like the others are, but I do want us to be friends.”
I stayed silent, waiting for him to go on. He didn’t disappoint.
“I don’t think you should be seeing Ryan.”
Not him too. “Why?”
He shook his head and looked away. “I can’t tell you.”
“What?”
“Van made me swear not to say anything. She thinks this is all something you need to figure out on your own. Only then will it make sense to you.” He sighed. “Like any one of us were ready to know,” he muttered to himself.
My eyes drifted to Enchantment Cove as we pulled up into the parking lot. What was Danny trying to say? He was obviously mad because I had blown off his best friend, but why was he talking in riddles? Everyone was, when it came to Ryan. And I didn’t like it.
I looked over at him as we pulled to a stop, anger flashing in my eyes. What right did any of these people have to tell me who I could or couldn’t see? “This is about Jensen, isn’t it?”
“No,” Danny said, shaking his head. “This is about you. Ryan is not what you need. He needs to stay with his own kind.”
“Why does everyone keep saying that?” I fumed. “What is it supposed to mean?” I got out of the car and turned to face him. No one got to tell me what I needed. Especially someone who looked down on people who came from money. “Just for the record, Ryan and I are more alike then I’ll ever be to you guys. Maybe it’s time I stay with my own kind,” I said, slamming the door. Turning, I stormed across the parking lot, determined not to let anyone see the tears I knew were coming.
I heard gravel crunch behind me and knew Danny’s jeep was following close behind. He wasn’t going to let this go. He pulled up next to me and rolled down his window. “That’s not what I meant, Max. Ryan’s dangerous. You’d live a lot longer if you stay away from him,” he said, driving off before I could respond.
I stood there in shock, watching the jeep fade into the distance. Was he insane? Ryan Everheart? Dangerous? That couldn’t be right. Not the sweet guy I had gotten to know. Danny must have resorted to scare tactics. But it wouldn’t work. The only thing I had to fear from Ryan was a broken heart. Okay, that would be bad, but not particularly dangerous. Why was everyone so against me being with him?
I entered the apartment building. What was wrong with the people here? Why did they feel the need to stand in the way of my happiness? It wasn’t like I wanted to marry Ryan tomorrow. I just wanted a chance to get to know him better, to see where destiny was leading us.
And the notion he was dangerous, that was just ridiculous, wasn’t it? I hadn’t seen anything to convince me otherwise. But then again, I had only known him for a few days. Was that really enough time to get to know someone? Everyone had their secrets. Ryan wasn’t an exception to that. So what was it that everyone seemed to know but me? And how would it affect my future?
Twenty
I pulled into a parking spot at the Cove and got out of my new little red convertible. Glancing back as I set the alarm, I smiled. It felt good to have my independence back. It didn’t hurt that the car was just so totally me.
I walked into the lobby and straight into the elevator. It had been exactly 10 days since the confrontation with Danny, and I was feeling too good to have to deal with him or Jensen.
Not that I’d seen much of either of them in those 10 days. I’d only seen Danny when he was coming to pick up Van and he’d been extra friendly every time. Van had been the same way. Going out of her way to pretend the whole Ryan thing had never even happened. I think it was their way of accepting the fact I wasn’t going to budge on this subject. I had seen Ryan every night since, and I guess you could say we were officially a couple.
I was Ryan’s girl and they could take me or leave me. Apparently they decided to take me. Boyfriend and all.
I glanced down at the clock on my phone as I entered the elevator. I had exactly two hours until Ryan arrived and I was eager to get out of my work clothes and into the shower. I leaned back after shutting the metal gates, letting my mind wander to Ryan. The last 10 days with him had been good. In fact, they had been pretty darn perfect. He was sweet and attentive. A real gentleman. Nothing Van and the guys said about him had been true. He was already promising to give me the world if I let him. And I was just about ready to.
I knew he cared a lot about me. I could sense he was as close to falling in love as I was. We were perfect together. Even if he kept me exhausted all the time. I guess love was draining. But who ever said happiness was easy?
The elevator stopped on the third floor and a guy stepped on. He smiled slightly and pushed a button.
A funny feeling was forming in my stomach as I watched him pick non-existent lint of his suit coat. Something about him wasn’t right, even though he wore a suit and tie. He reminded me of a kid playing dress up in his father’s clothes. The man wasn’t who he portrayed himself to be. He was hiding behind a mask.
I backed up instinctively, suddenly wishing I was any place
but here. I didn’t know what caused the fear, but I knew enough to listen to it.
Feeling my fear, he reached out, stopping the elevator in an instant. I was stuck in between floors four and five with a psycho and I had absolutely no way out.
The man turned to face me, an appraising look in his eyes. “So, you’re her, huh?” His voice was thick with a Jersey accent. Definitely not the kind of guy I usually saw around here, especially not in a thousand dollar suit.
“Who?” I asked, pulling myself farther into a corner.
He moved forward, a smile growing on his lips. “The great Maxie Duncan. The bright hope of their future.”
“What are you talking about?” I asked, confused enough to forget my fear for a moment.
He moved even closer, until he was within touching distance.
Crossing my arms over my chest, I tried to create some kind of barrier between us. I couldn’t have this man touch me. God only knew what he would do once he did.
Leaning closer still, he inhaled deeply, causing me to wrinkle my nose in disgust. This guy just sniffed me. Who does stuff like that?
“What a joke,” the man said, straightening up. “There’s nothing to you. You’re weaker than Maurice’s two-year-old nephew, and he’s only been dabbling for three days.”
I stared at him, the words not connecting with the scene that I knew was coming. Who cared what Maurice’s nephew could do? All that matter was me, and how I planned to get out of this. But nothing came to mind. I was just a spoiled rich girl alone with a guy three times my size. I had to face it. There was no way I was getting out of here.
“Still,” he said, looking thoughtful before a wolf’s grin took over his face. “There’s no reason to waste a pretty girl like you.” Lust flashed through his eyes as he reached out for me, his fingers digging painfully in my arms.
“No,” I screamed, his intent plain on his face. I couldn’t let him have me. A blue light flared between us, glowing white-hot where his hands made contact with me.
Maxie Duncan Box Set Page 9
