I know that’s dangerous territory.
“Exactly.” He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me to him.
“Max, please.” I shook my head, but he wasn’t listening.
“Please what? You don’t know what you want, Becky.”
Now, you must know that when someone says that to me it tends to piss me off. He raised his eyebrows when I pushed on his shoulders out of anger.
“I know exactly what I want.” Even I didn’t fully believe my words.
He was looking at me like he would if he was humoring a child.
That pissed me off more.
“No, you just think you know what you want.” He gripped the back of my neck with one of his hands and kissed me.
I met the fury of his kiss with my own. I felt his hand touch my breast.
Oh no!
Not this time.
Sex is not going to be the distraction. Even when it is really hot sex.
My nipples were getting hard just thinking about what I wanted him to do.
I broke the kiss first and attempted to pull away. Surprisingly, he let go. He traced my lips with his thumb and looked in my eyes.
“Becky, I’m telling you right now, I want you. I am not talking about just in my bed. I want you in my life. I know you’re scared, but I know what I see when you look at me. You want the same thing. No more running.”
I nodded. Shit!
Why did I do that?
He said no more running. I know he’s referring to my past. Why did I have to tell him about all that.? Deep inside I knew it was because I felt so comfortable and safe with Max. I found myself getting lost in him. That was the dangerous part. There’s no way I’m going to lose myself to any man. Even if it is someone who is as wonderful as he is.
His words blew me away. Maxwell Roberts wants me to be in his life.
I felt a little sick.
“I know you’re still going because of these obligations you speak of, but you need to know something. If you try to run away, I’ll follow you. I am not some boy who is going to sit back and wait for you to make up your mind. I’m a man who knows what he wants and how to go after it.”
I swallowed down the lump that was caught in my throat. Holy shit!
“Please don’t run.” He whispered.
I backed away from him. The lie flowed out of my mouth. “I’m not running, but I need to go pack. I can’t continue to let everything be on hold.”
Max nodded.
I walked out of his office with my head spinning. My mind was screaming at me to run away as fast as I can.
Hell yes, I’m running!
I know that doesn’t solve anything, but I needed to put some distance between us as quickly as possible.
CHAPTER 8
I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life, BUT I always learn from them. Eventually.
That’s why I called Max after I left Louisiana. I literally just crossed the Mississippi state line. At least I called him.
I know…
The funny thing is he expected it. Max knew I was going to run. There was a sound to his voice that led me to believe it wasn’t over yet. I think this distance will do us some good, and he’ll see it was just a fling. We said we’d call each other in a couple days and go from there.
I can do that.
Sure.
I drove up to my apartment building and noticed it was almost eight o’clock. I was so tired and ready to crash.
“Oh, my gosh!” I heard someone squeal when I got out of my car.
I looked around and there stood Taylor and Eric. She walked over to me and wrapped me in a big hug.
I could tell they had been on a date.
“I didn’t know you were coming back tonight! Why didn’t you call?”
I shrugged. “It was a last minute decision.”
“Here let me get your bags.” Eric walked around to the trunk. I had already popped it open.
When a man offers to get your bags, I say let him.
Chivalry is not dead.
Well, not completely.
We walked up the steps to my apartment. I fumbled with my keys until I finally found the one I was looking for. Eric took my bags inside and I told him to put them in the living room.
I heard Taylor open the apartment door across from mine, and call out to Shelby. She must’ve told her I was home, because Shelby ran over to my apartment. I groaned. I was happy to see my friends, but I needed some space to figure out the everything that happened in New Orleans with Max. I was so confused about my feelings for him. I loved my friends, but they only wanted some juicy gossip.
“Let me get some sleep and I will tell you what you want to know in the morning.” I sat down in the chair in my living room.
“No way! You have been gone way too long to hold out on us now.” Shelby put her hands on her hips.
I yawned. I couldn’t help it. I was physically and emotionally wiped out. I did too much thinking during my drive. On more than one occasion I thought about going back to New Orleans.
No, I made the right decision. I needed to clear my head, and the only way I can do it is with some distance between us.
It almost felt like the past was repeating itself, but my gut was telling me it was different this time. I could still hear Max telling me not to run away.
“Ladies. Let Becky get some rest. She’ll tell you everything tomorrow.” He looked at me sympathetically. Without knowing the details, he figured out I needed some space.
“That’s right.” I sighed in relief.
Thank God for Eric! He was the only sensible one out of those three tonight. I walked them to the door and locked it behind me.
My phone rang.
It was Max. I answered it by the second ring.
“Hey, I just walked into my apartment.”
“Good. I wanted to make sure you made it there safely.” He sounded tired.
“Thank you, Max. You know, for understanding.” I sat down on my loveseat.
“Good night, Becky.” He said softly,
“Good night.” There was silence on the other end and I knew he had ended the call.
It felt strange ending a call with him like that. Of course, I have spent just about every night falling asleep next to Max. We spent so much time talking and laughing while I was in NOLA. It didn’t feel right to end the call so soon. I tried to shrug off the fact that I wanted to call him back. I’m just tired. People do irrational things when they’re sleep deprived.
I walked over to my purse and grabbed my charger. The rest of my things can wait until tomorrow.
I walked into my bedroom and stripped down. I didn’t bother to find anything to wear to bed.
Who cares if I sleep naked, anyway?
I plugged in my phone and climbed into bed. I thought about what I needed to do before I fell asleep.
I picked up my phone and sent Lynn a message.
Me: Call me in the morning. I’m at my apt. Will explain everything then.
She immediately responded.
Lynn: WHAT?!?! I can’t believe you’re going to make me wait!!!!
I laughed. I would react the same way if the shoe was on the other foot.
Me: Long drive and about to fall asleep.
Lynn: I’ll let it slide this one time because you’re tired. BUT I want details!!!
I rolled my eyes at her theatrics.
I put my phone down on the table and happily let sleep take over.
I didn’t open my eyes again until after eight o’clock the next morning. I groaned when I looked at my phone.
I have twelve unread messages.
Yay me!
Eight of them were from Lynn, while Johnny left me the other four.
News travels fast.
They asked the same questions about what happened with Max.
I needed some coffee pronto!
I was almost finished with my second cup when I heard a knock at the door. I got up from my comfy spot on the love sea
t.
I looked through the peephole to see who which one of my friends decided to be brave enough to come over.
Johnny.
Should’ve known.
I opened the door and took in his appearance. As always, he looked like he stepped out of a magazine. Johnny looked good and he knew it.
Too bad he bats for the other team.
“Hey, sister!” He walked passed me and sat down in the chair.
“Well, come on in and make yourself at home.” I said sarcastically.
Johnny laughed. “Uh oh, pussy! What did that sexy beast do to you?”
I couldn’t help but laugh at the comical way he said it.
“You and Lynn won’t give a girl a break.”
He shook his head. “No way. You have been gone way too long not have something to tell us. Spill it, sister.”
Johnny’s phone started ringing and he pulled it out of his pocket. He smiled when he saw who it was.
“You’re right on time. No, she hasn’t said anything yet. Hold on. Let me put you on speaker.”
What the hell? Johnny put his phone on the coffee table and sat down on the love seat.
“Good morning, bestie!” Lynn giggled.
I should’ve known. Tell me why I introduced them again.
I groaned. “This is too early for an inquisition, Lynn.”
Johnny leaned forward and rubbed my hand. Like that was going to comfort me.
“I can’t wait any longer. The other day you were telling me how he was so good it made your toes curl, and now your back at your apartment. What did I miss?” I heard the frustration in her voice.
Johnny rubbed my hand faster. He looked a little too excited. I gave him my best “what the hell are you doing” look.
He sniggered. “He made your toes curl? Damn! Now you have to tell. Don’t leave out a single detail.”
They know I am not the type to kiss and tell. I never gave up the info they wanted on Steven. So, they definitely won’t get it out of me about Max.
“I just…” I looked down at my hands.
“Oh, hell. She looks lost, Lynn.” Johnny patted my hand sympathetically.
Thanks a lot, Johnny. Now Lynn won’t give up until I tell her everything. She will eventually find out anyway, because she will dig and dig until tell her.
“If he hurt you I will personally go to New Orleans and kick his ass!” Lynn shouted.
I put my hands up to stop Johnny from speaking. I knew he wanted to put in his two cents worth, but I was in no mood to hear it.
“He didn’t hurt me, Lynn. It was the opposite, actually.”
Johnny and Lynn asked me “what” at the same time.
I sighed.
“The time I spent with him was incredible. I feel this connection with him I haven’t felt with anyone in so long.”
“Aww, bestie. That’s great.” Lynn sounded really happy for me.
Too bad it would never work out between us.
“So, what happened?” Johnny urged me to continue.
“He…he wants me in his life. Max said he wasn’t going to let me run away from him like I have others in the past. He said he would just follow me wherever I ran to.”
The was absolute silence. Then they started talking at once.
“You told him about Chad?” Lynn asked. I could hear the surprise in her voice.
“I did. We’ve spent a lot of time talking about our lives.”
Johnny was waving his hands at his face. “I feel like a mama who is watching her little girl spread her wings.”
I snorted.
“You are such a girl.” Lynn laughed.
“I know.” Johnny sighed as he leaned against the back of the love seat.
“I came here to clear my head and figure out what I want to do.” I felt like I was going to throw up.
“How does he make you feel, Becky?” Lynn asked thoughtfully.
I took a deep breath. I already knew the answer. It was something I knew from the first day we spent together.
“Alive.”
“I think you already have your answer, puss.” Johnny patted my hand.
“Don’t let your fear hold you back. I haven’t heard you sound this happy in a long time. Don’t you think you owe it to yourself to find out?” Lynn said out of concern.
I blinked my eyes quickly so the tears would not fall.
“Yeah. I think I do.”
“Don’t think, sister. Do it.” Johnny bumped his shoulder against mine.
I nodded.
They’re right. I know it. I just need to convince that wall I have built around my heart that it’s worth it. That’s the hardest part. My heart and mind are telling me two different things. My gut is telling me not to wait too long in my decision.
“Thank you, Lynn.” I know she only wants me to be happy. She’s been by my side through everything that has happened in the past year.
“That’s what friends are for, chick.”
“I’ll call you later. Okay?” I had so much to think about and I knew I needed to get my shit together before I messed up my life completely.
“You better.”
Johnny picked up his phone and walked out of the living room to speak with Lynn for a couple more minutes.
There was a knock at my door. I laughed to myself because I knew it was Taylor and Shelby. I’m surprised they waited this long to come over.
I shook my head and opened the door to let them in. My mouth dropped open.
It was Max.
I just stood there and stared at him. Soaking in his presence. He was wearing a light blue button down shirt and jeans. He was drop dead gorgeous and he had followed me home. How he got my address is a mystery, but my heart was beating so fast, I didn’t really care at the moment.
Max walked inside and stopped in front of me.
I could hear Johnny speaking in hushed tones telling Lynn that Max was here. He got off the phone and said something about calling me later. He winked and pointed at Max, mouthing “go get him,” as he walked out the door.
I heard the door click behind him. I’m not sure if he said anything else, because I was too busy looking at the man before me.
My eyes drank him in.
“I told you if you ran, I would follow you.”
I could feel my eyes tearing up. I quickly blinked them away.
I couldn’t believe it! He meant what he said in New Orleans. Max actually came for me. Showing me I am worth fighting for. I think this is what I have been waiting for.
“I was getting ready to call you to let you know I was coming back.” I whispered.
Max closed the gap between us and slid his hands around my waist.
“Really?” He cocked an eyebrow.
“Yes.” I paused. “I’m tired of running.”
He cupped the side of my face. “Are you sure?”
I nodded.
Max grasped the back of my head and kissed me with a hunger that left me breathless. He broke our kiss and his lips lightly touched my cheeks and then my forehead.
“I never unpacked, so I’m ready go right now.” I gestured toward my bags.
A wicked grin spread across his face.
“It can wait a couple hours.”
Okay, I’m confused. It must’ve shown on my face because he gently caressed my cheek.
“Why?”
“We have more important things to do right now.”
I squealed as Max picked me up and carried me to my bedroom.
Continue Becky’s journey in:
When In Vegas…(The Becky Chronicles, Book 4)
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Sienna Duncan
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OKS BY SIENNA DUNCAN:
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The Becky Chronicles Series:
Don’t Look Back
Untamed
Uninhibited in New Orleans
When in Vegas…
Uninhibited in New Orleans (The Becky Chronicles, Book 3) Page 7
