“That’s love.” She grabs my shoulders as she pulls me to her and I bask in the security of my mother’s hug. I’ve felt this security with three people in my life—my mother, my brother, and Cooper. And now the same security comes from Max.
I struggle with my thoughts throughout the whole game, the lingering feelings staying there in the back of my head during the whole week leading up to the gala. I’ve been going nuts this whole week, so I haven’t seen Max that much. Till the night of the gala when I’m rushing around my bedroom in my strapless bra and matching panties as I get ready. Max is picking me up in ten minutes and I haven’t put on my dress yet. My hair is tied at the side in a messy side bun with loose, wavy strands falling out. I take the one of a kind dress off the hanger. It’s a beautiful soft pink, fully embroidered. It dips low in the front and comes in at the waist tight and then flairs off with ten layers of crinoline. I step into my dark pink satin high heels as the doorbell rings. I grab my shawl and hold the back of my dress as I walk downstairs to the door, opening it to the back of Max, since he is looking out onto the road. His black tux falls perfectly as he turns around and sees me. He’s beautiful. I know we shouldn’t call a man beautiful, but he is. He looks at me and grins as I turn around and ask him, “Can you zip me?”
He comes in, closing the door as he zips the zipper to the middle of my back, then he leans down and kisses my shoulder. I turn around to face him and I see the circles under his eyes.
“Did you not sleep good last night?” I ask him. With everything going on with getting things ready, we haven’t really been together this last week.
“I know we have to go.” He looks at the limo parked outside. “And I know I’m going to sound like a needy bitch right now, but”—he struggles with his words—“is this it? You’re distant and I know you said it’s because of the gala and the stress but”—he shakes his head—“if you need to end this or just need to walk away…” He swallows and I see his Adam’s apple move. “I get it.”
My hands get clammy as I open and close them. My heart beats so hard, I feel like it’s going to beat out of my chest. “What?”
“You’ve been distant since Thanksgiving.” He places his hands in his pockets. “I know your family means a lot to you,” he starts and his voice goes low. “I get it. Trust me, if anyone is going to understand anything about family loyalty it’s me. So I get it if it’s too much.” He shakes his head. “So if this is the end or whatever, just know that I get it.”
“The end,” I whisper as tears come to my eyes. “Are you breaking up with me?” My shawl that I was holding with my purse falls to the floor and my hand flies to my stomach because I really think I’m going to be sick. I look down at my hand that is shaking as all the memories fly through my mind. The nights on the couch making out, laughing, watching television. The nights of us cooking together. The nights of us forgetting about cooking because our hands were too busy on each other. The nights of falling asleep in his arms. The mornings—the lazy ones, the rushed ones. It’s like a running movie clip in my mind. “I’m going to be sick,” I say as he reaches out to me and I yank my hand away from him. “You need to go.”
“Angel.”
“No!” I yell at him, the tears falling over my lids. “You don’t get to fucking break up with me and then call me fucking angel.” I use my thumb to catch the next tear that is threatening to fall.
“You’re the one breaking up with me!” he roars out. “You’re the one who is distant and not even there. Making excuses and shit.” He points at me.
“Me, what are you talking about? I’ve had a lot on my plate, Max, and a lot rides on tonight.”
“Well, what the fuck do I know?” He throws his hands up. “I’ve never done this, Allison, so when you started pulling away—”
“I was.” I throw my hands up. “I don’t know getting in the zone,” I say and this time he lunges forward and grabs me around the waist with both hands, bringing me close to him. “I was not ending this,” I say finally in a whisper.
As his head leans down he whispers, “Last chance to walk.”
I lean in closer to him and right before our lips touch I say, “Irresistible.”
And in that moment, I know my mother was right. I am in love with him. Hook, line, and sinker, as they say, but I also know I choose him. I will stand next to him in a fucking tsunami as I hold on to his hand. His kiss isn’t hungry, it isn’t rushed, it is soft, delicate, like he is savoring every single second, as one hand leaves my waist to go up and hold my face close to his.
We stand here the both of us holding on to each other almost in fear that the other person will disappear when we hear a knock at the door and then it swings open.
“Are we going?” Denise stands there as she wears a black, full-length dress that has a split down the middle. “You look like a fucking princess in that dress.” She laughs as I bend to pick up my shawl and purse.
I close the lights as my hand holds on to Max’s as we make it into the limo and we make our way over to the gala.
Twenty-Two
Max
I hold her hand in mine the whole way there, not letting it go for a second, because I know once we get into that gala I won’t touch her till she comes home with me tonight. I know it isn’t what we planned since her parents are staying at her house, but no way in fuck I’m not bringing her home. Once I see that we have arrived I pick her hand up and kiss it before getting out. I wasn’t ready for the whole red carpet photo session. The only good thing is she will be right there. I get out first as I lean in and hold my hand for Allison and then Denise.
We walk in together as the ladies pose on each side of me. Reporters scream my name, as we don’t speak to any reporter before walking in. Making our way through the lobby of the hotel, we see almost everyone is dressed up to the nines. We also see a slew of celebrities that are all walking in and waving hello. Once we get to the ballroom the music is already coming out of the doors.
“Here we go,” I say to them as my fingers brush with hers. My pinky wraps with hers right before we walk in and then stand here, taking it in. I’m blown away. The whole room is a soft blue and wherever you look is something about winter. Snowflakes hang from the ceiling all are lit up. Tables are all around with white silk tablecloths and huge white flowers. We walk in a bit more as my hand goes to her lower back.
“Look out,” Denise says and we look up as Zoe and Zara come to us. Both are dressed in baby blue dresses that hug their every curve. I shake my head, watching Cooper behind them.
“Max,” they both say.
“We flipped a coin and I won the first dance,” Zoe says as Zara folds her hands over her chest.
“He’s saving the best for last.” She follows as Cooper comes to Allison.
“You look beautiful.” He kisses her cheek. “Is your guy coming?”
“Nope, he’s traveling this week, but he’s due back tonight so.” She turns and says, “I came with Denise and Max.”
“Honey,” Parker says beside Cooper, “that dress is perfect for you.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
Cooper sees someone he knows and waves at them. “There is Ken.” Then he looks at Allison. “His son is just out of med school. We should set you guys up.”
“Dad”—she shakes her head—“I’m happy with my guy, but thanks. I’m going to get some champagne. Tonight we celebrate.”
Denise smiles and nods, following her to a waiter who is handing out champagne.
“When does the dancing start?” Zoe asks, winking at me.
“Look, there is Ryder.” I point to them and they both whip their heads around and look at him.
“Dibs,” they both say at the same time, speed walking to him.
“I said no to those dresses,” Cooper says, looking at Parker. “Why, why, why do you go behind my back?”
“Pick your battles, Cooper. It was that or a mini dress. I chose the lesser of two evils,” Parker says. “Why don’t you go and
bid on some silent auction items? I see a nice condo in the Rockies that would be a great getaway.”
He leans in, kisses her lips, and smiles, walking away to the auction table.
I stand here with Parker and she looks at me with a smile. “Now I’m going to do what I told myself I wouldn’t and that is give you the third degree.”
I put my hands in my pockets, waiting to hear it.
“Pick your battles, Max. If you know you won’t fight tooth and nail for her—”
I don’t let her finish. “With all due respect, ma’am, there are two people in this world I would fight for. One is my blood, my duty. The other is your daughter.” I shake my head. “I don’t really care if you or anyone in the family likes me or not, or thinks I’m not good enough for her.” I laugh, a bitter laugh. “I know I’m not. Trust me, I wake up every day knowing that I’m not good enough for her.”
She puts her hand on my arm, squeezing it. “You’re a good man, Max Horton. Regardless of your past mistakes.” She leans up, kisses my cheek, and then walks away as I look and see that Allison is being introduced to another guy in a tux. Cooper laughs with them, and her eyes fly around the room, searching something, and I know what that is the minute her eyes meet mine and she smiles at me. I turn, walking to the bar, and ordering a water bottle. I’m here for a minute or two before Phil joins me, then Ryder, Luka, and Charlie.
“This is going to be the longest night of my life,” Nico says. “Aly owes me for this. I’m all for going to the hospital, but getting dressed up in a monkey suit. ”
“Shut up,” Phil says. “It’s for a good cause.”
“What is?” Matthew asks, coming to the bar, and ordering a water bottle also.
“All of this,” Phil says as he points all around. “This,” he says and then points to the pictures of the patients both past and present, both in the middle of treatment and some that are in remission. “Go put your name down on some of those prizes.”
“Fine,” he grumbles. “It’s for the kids.”
I drink a gulp of water when Zoe comes running to me. “Max. I’m sorry,” she says breathlessly. “I’m not going to be able to give you the first dance.”
Matthew throws his head back and groans.
“I got another offer.” She winks at me and turns to walk away.
“Those two are going to give my father a heart attack,” he says as someone comes on and tells us to get to our places as the ceremony will start.
I walk to my table that Denise is at and sit down next to her. I see Matthew come to the table with Karrie, along with Doug, Cooper, Parker, and the seat next to me stays open.
“Vivi is going to be so pissed she missed tonight,” Matthew says, taking a sip of champagne that they put in front of him. “I think I saw that Charlie dude.”
“Which Charlie dude?” Karrie says, looking around when the seat next to me gets pulled out before Allison sits in and pulls herself in. “Oh my God, is that the Sons of Anarchy guy?” She points to the man who is in fact Charlie Hunnam. “Shit, give me your phone.” She knocks Matthew’s arm, taking it from him, and snapping a picture. “He’s on my safe list,” she says as Matthew snatches the phone from her.
I have one hand on Denise’s chair and the other on my leg as the MC starts talking. And then the tablecloth is moved, covering it as Allison puts her little hand on mine. We sit listening to the MC talk about the hospital and all the good that the money collected tonight will do. She lets everyone know about the silent auction that is going on.
“So what do you guys think? Should we get this party started?” she says as people clap. “The dance floor is now open.”
When the song “All of you” starts Doug asks Denise if he could have the first dance to thank her. Karrie gets yanked up by Matthew. Cooper pushes his chair out as he holds out his hand for Parker and then looks at us.
“Oh, I see Lincoln.” He points to the guy that was talking to her before.
I push my own chair out. “I got it,” I say gruffly as Allison gets up and follows me to the packed dance floor. My hand wraps around her waist the same time her hand wraps around my shoulder, and I hold her hand in the other.
“Smooth,” she says, looking down and laughing. We spend the rest of the night with stolen touches as I sit at the table watching the girls dance till finally they both collapse next to me.
“I’m ready to go,” Denise says.
I nod and text the driver who has been on standby the whole night.
“Me, too,” Karrie and Parker say as Cooper and Matthew say, “Finally.” Under their breath.
“Oh, look,” Allison says as she looks at her phone. “Okay, people, my guy is home early.” She picks up her glass of champagne, downing whatever was left. “It’s been fun, but—”
“You can’t hide him for that long, Aly,” Matthew says.
“Leave her alone.” Karrie slaps his arm. “She’ll introduce you when she’s ready,” she says as Matthew grunts out.
I walk out, going to the door as Denise and Allison say goodbye to everyone. I see our limo guy and put my hand up to him as I walk over and get in. The car door opens and both girls get in, closing the door after them, and laughing.
“This was so much fun,” Denise says, coming on the bench I’m sitting on as we switch places and Allison scoots closer to me, shivering.
“It’s getting cold.”
I take my jacket off and put it around her shoulders as she lays her head on my shoulder and that is the last thing she sees. Her eyes fall closed and when it’s our turn to get off I’m carrying her all the way upstairs to bed. She stirs when I take her shoes off and a bit while I peel the dress from her body. I crawl in next to her and her body turns into mine as she places her head on my chest, throwing her leg and arm around me. I fall asleep to her soft snores.
“What do you mean you’re leaving?” she yells the next day as we sit at the island in my kitchen. Her in my shirt from last night and me in boxers. Both of us with wet hair since we took a long shower. I’ve never gone this long without having sex with someone that’s done pretty much every possible thing that I could think of. I know she’s ready, but I don’t want to just fuck her. I’m one hundred percent not fucking doing it in a hotel room, that’s for fucking sure. At least not her first time.
“Well, I usually take off Christmas morning,” I say as I place the eggs in her plate. “We aren’t back on the ice till the twenty-eight.”
“I’m with my parents on Christmas morning,” she says, crossing her arms over her chest. “It’s traditional.”
I shrug my shoulders. “Well, it’s tradition that I have Christmas Eve with Denise and then early Christmas morning I load up and take off. It’s a five-hour drive.”
“So are you saying that you aren’t going to be home till the twenty-eight?”
“I usually come back the night before the game. So I’ll be back around the twenty-seventh.”
“It’s our first Christmas together,” she says out in a whisper. “You don’t even have a tree.” She points to the living room.
“Allison, if you want a tree we can get a tree,” I tell her as I put my own eggs on my plate. “Whatever you want, angel.”
“Well, are we going to exchange gifts?” she asks and I nod as I take a couple bites. “When?”
“We can do it on the twenty-fourth before you go to your parents,” I say and all of a sudden, I’m not sure I’m hungry anymore. I look over at her as she picks her eggs in her plate. “We can go shopping today if you want.”
“Okay,” she says, not looking up as she eats a bite. “We leave tomorrow, so I can order all the decorations online for when we come back in three days.”
As soon as we finish, we go out looking for a tree, which is a big mistake. Where I want a small one, Allison is the bigger the better and full. It takes two guys to strap it to my truck and it takes us an hour to drag that fucker upstairs. The amount of pine needles is like we have two trees.
&nbs
p; “Isn’t it perfect?” she says as Stanley jumps on the couch looking at it with a glare. “Where is your computer?” she asks as she sits on the couch. “I’m going shopping.” She totally does because when we get back from Boston there are over fifty boxes waiting in my living room.
I pick up my phone, taking a picture of all the boxes, and send it to her.
She sends me a text with a thumbs-up. I undo my bag, throwing my clothes in the washer when a knock on the door echoes. Opening it, I see it’s Allison.
“I couldn’t wait,” she says with glee as she walks in. “Oh my gosh.” She puts her bag down on the counter. I walk over to the drawer in the kitchen, taking out the spare key. “Look,” she says as she takes out an ornament of Beauty and the Beast. “It’s so pretty, but first, lights.”
“Here.” I hand her the key to the door, my hand holding it out. “What’s the matter?”
“Is that a key to your house?” she asks, taking it from my hand, as I nod. “Um.” She looks at the key in her hand, turning it over and over, her head coming up and smiling at me. “You like me.”
I lean down, kissing her lips. “Yeah, angel, I like you,” I tell her as my thumb rubs her cheek.
“Good,” she says as she tosses it on her bag. “Now can you get me a ladder? I need to put the lights up.”
And after what takes two hours, but feels like two weeks, four thousand lights are draped around the tree. Four thousand. “I think this is a fire violation,” I say, watching some of the lights blink.
For two weeks, she keeps ordering Christmas stuff, so much stuff it looks like a picture from one of the catalogues. I place her gifts under the tree after we get back home from the last game before the holidays. There are more gifts under the tree than I know what to do with. I think I’m responsible for about twenty of the fifty.
She spends the twenty-third with me as we spend the night hugging, kissing, pinching, pulling, and devouring.
“Happy Christmas Eve,” she says as she wakes the next day.
I look at my watch and see it’s past noon. “Merry Christmas, angel.” I hug her and then she shoots out of bed.
SOMETHING SO SERIES Page 59
