by Roxy Reid
14
Max
An actual crowd has gathered at the ribbon-cutting site, complete with news cameras and reporters. I’m not sure how many people I was expecting to actually show up at midnight on a Friday in Washington Heights, but I estimate there’s about a hundred people here. I shake my head, grinning. New York City, man.
There’s only five minutes until the clock strikes twelve, and there’s no sign of Ella yet. Kevin and I stand side by side, huddled in our jackets and with hands stuffed in pockets against the sudden chill that arrived when the sun set. I’m shivering, but I’m not sure if that has anything to do with the cold. It could be anticipation, nerves, or leftover adrenaline from walking out on my family earlier tonight. I think that was one of the greatest feelings I’ve ever experienced in my life, aside from falling in love with Ella, of course.
A petite blond reporter approaches me with a white-toothed smile. “Mr. Banks,” she says, holding a microphone to her mouth. A cameraman follows her close behind. “Can you fill us in a little on what’s going on here, tonight?”
I smile kindly at her. “In a few minutes we’ll be cutting the ribbon on this lot behind me,” I tell her. “This will mark the beginning of a new chapter for this neighborhood.”
“Why the sudden interest in Washington Heights?” the reporter asks. “Banks Industries has never developed here before.”
I nod. “I am no longer operating under Banks Industries,” I tell her confidently. “That’s part of what makes this so special. I promise you’ll get the whole story in … three minutes time,” I say, checking my watch. Eleven fifty-seven. Where is Ella?
Satisfied for now, the reporter and her cameraman walk away to interview some of the people who are milling around. A couple of young girls approach me and ask for a selfie, which I oblige graciously. This encourages a few others to approach me, and I grant their request as well. If anything it’s a distraction, but I also want to be able to talk to them later about their opinions on the new building.
One minute left. The crowd is getting restless with anticipation. Kevin is rolling up onto the balls of his feet and back down again, a tight grin turning the corner of his mouth. “This is nuts,” he says to me when I join him again. “You’re nuts.”
“Yep,” I agree, shooting him a matching grin. “Crazy in love.”
He laughs. Genuinely laughs. It’s been a long time since I heard that sound. “I never thought I’d see the day when you were in love, bro. I’m happy for you,” he adds sincerely.
I clap a hand down on his shoulder and squeeze affectionately. “Thanks, Kev. And thanks for having my back at the Hampton house.”
“Of course,” he replies. “Like I said. I’ve had enough for a while. That was just the last straw.”
The large clock attached to the building across the street chimes suddenly, loudly. It’s officially midnight. As the first of twelve strikes begin, I glance around, standing on my toes, trying to catch a glimpse of a familiar head of wild, curly dark hair.
I’m blinded by a bunch of lights, and realize it’s all the TV cameras getting prepared to shoot the ribbon-cutting. Kevin hands me the heavy scissors and we both make our way to the other side of the ribbon as the crowd gathers in closer. I can hear various reporters talking to their cameras, filling the unseen audience in on what’s happening. Six of twelve strikes have gone by. No sign of Ella. I’m running out of time.
I never really considered what would happen if she doesn’t show up tonight. I never let myself consider it. Am I really that cocky, or am I practicing self-preservation?
Ten strikes. Eleven.
Twelve.
The clock goes silent, and so does the crowd. There’s an uncomfortable silence as all those faces, all the cameras look to me, waiting for me to do something.
“What do we do?” Kevin whispers to me.
I don’t know. I have no fucking idea what to do. Now I’m really shaking.
Kevin takes the scissors from me and addresses our audience. “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming out tonight to this special event. My brother Max has worked very hard throughout the course of his life to find his calling. Until recently we thought he would eventually inherit the family business, Banks Industries, and continue his reign as one of the most celebrated architects in the city. But things have changed. As you know, my brother got married a few weeks ago to the love of his life, Ella, who unfortunately is running a little behind this evening.”
“I’m here,” says a quiet voice from somewhere behind the crowd.
Everyone turns and shuffles to look, including the cameras. I blink. With the lights off of me I can see the scene before me a little better. The lights find her, in the crowd. There she is, a look of apprehensive wonder on her face.
Kevin smiles. “It would seem she’s right on time,” he says with a wink.
Ella approaches me cautiously. I stretch my hand out to her, and she takes it. My heart feels like it’s about to burst. “You came,” I whisper to her as she comes to stand next to me.
She smiles up at me. “Sorry I’m late.”
Kevin graciously handles the media for a few moments while I pull Ella aside. “You came,” I say again. “You actually came. I’m so happy,” I add, as I surprisingly feel tears prickle the backs of my eyes.
She takes my hands in her own. “I had to see it for myself,” she says. “What did you do?”
“Ella,” I say, looking down at our clasped hands. “I love you. And I hear you. You don’t have to be a part of the Banks world anymore. But I want you to be a part of my world. If you want. I mean … I’d love to have you.”
Her eyes scan the lot behind us, and then find my face again. “You bought this?”
“With my own money,” I tell her. “Banks Industries won’t have anything to do with this project. And it won’t have anything to do with our marriage anymore. We can start our own company. We can do whatever we want.”
Suddenly, she throws her arms around my neck. I accept her into my arms, holding her as tight as I can, a single tear finally escaping my eye.
When she pulls back, she is beaming. “I love you, too,” she says, her own eyes pooling with tears. “Max. I love you.”
I kiss her, and the crowd erupts in applause. We pull back, laughing, and look out at our audience, hands clasped together.
I look down at my beautiful wife, who looks so happy, and something inside me snaps into place, as though something were missing and has now been found.
Kevin hands Ella the scissors. “Would you like to do the honors?” he asks.
She looks a bit taken aback by Kevin’s turn in personality, but she accepts the scissors nonetheless. She looks to me, holding them out in front of her. “Together?” she asks.
I nod, and place my hands over hers. They’re warm, compared to mine.
“Together.”
Also by Roxy Reid
FAMOUSLY FAKE: A Billionaire Boss Romance
I’m fake engaged to my movie star boss.
He’s a billionaire single dad with a secret.
Now we’re play acting the Perfect Hollywood Couple.
He can’t know I’m falling for him.
I know it’s just pretend.
But all those delicious kisses feel soooo real.
His divine body sets my panties on fire.
Is he the perfect man to take my v-card?
Everywhere we turn there’s damn paparazzi.
If the truth comes out we’re both ruined.
But what happens once the faking stops?
Am I gonna regret letting the hottest guy in Hollywood be my first?
GET IT NOW - FREE with Kindle Unlimited
FAMOUSLY FIRST: A Second Chance Romance
Go undercover as his tour photographer.
Dish the dirt on my now famous ex.
Cash that big fat check.
Fall in love again…
Wait what!? - That IS NOT part of the plan.
Ten years ago he was my first boyfriend.
Now he’s my ultra rich rockstar boss.
He dropkicked my heart all the way to misery-town.
That jerkface will not be singing his way in to my panties again.
Except…
He’s still an A+ hottie.
Yeah he trampled my feelings,
But his touch melts away the last ten years
And makes me ache for him.
And he knows it.
Can I forgive him for wrecking my heart?
What will happen if he finds out I’ve been lying this whole time?
GET IT NOW - FREE with Kindle Unlimited
Want more books by Roxy Reid?
GET YOUR FREE COPY
Fake Fiancé Agreement
Keep reading to find out more…
FAKE FIANCÉ AGREEMENT
I’m Bethany’s boss.
I should have known better…
But she’s the sharpest, hottest woman I’ve ever known.
My jealous ex-wife is threatening to take my kid away.
I’ll do anything to keep my daughter.
Even pretend to be engaged.
I accidentally blurt out that Bethany is my fiancée.
Not my smartest move I’ll admit.
But she’s agreed to go along with it.
Can a fake engagement lead to real love?
The clock is ticking…
Soon we’ll be forced to choose - marry or part forever.
GET IT NOW FOR FREE
Keep in Touch
I love hearing from readers! You can follow me on Facebook or send me an email.
Follow Roxy on Facebook
facebook.com/RoxyReidAuthor
Send an email
[email protected]
