Page 52 of Tickled Pink

I zip up my suitcase and set it next to the wall before heading downstairs to meet Max.

He looks up toward the second floor as I approach the stairs and smiles. Happy to see me. That’s a good sign.

“Hey,” he says.

“Hi. You’re home early.”

“I said I would be.”

“How’d the deposition go?”

Max rises from the floor and groans.

I cringe. “That bad?”

“No, that good. But it attracted a lot more work for yours truly.”

My smile falters. “Oh, so do you have to work tonight?”

“I might.” He notices my expression. “Is that okay?”

“Well…” I hesitate. “I’m leaving tomor—“

“Tomorrow!” He pinches his eyes closed. “You’re leaving tomorrow to go to LA for a week.”

I nod. “Yeah, but if it’s too important—“

“No.” He shakes his head. “No, it’s not too important. It’s important, sure, but it’s not more important than you.”

My heart skips. “It’s not?”

“No. I am yours.”

“Really?”

Max smiles wider as he takes a step closer. “Really.”

He cups my cheeks, drawing my face up to kiss me. His kiss is soft yet firm, powerful enough to tremble my knees. Just like always. Maybe Thad is right. Maybe it really is all in my head.

“So…” Max curls his arms around my waist. “What’s the plan? Dinner for three?”

“Actually…” I slink closer. “It’s dinner for two. Me and you.”

“What about Thad?”

“He didn’t tell you?”

“No. What’s up?”

“He is flying solo tonight,” I say.

Max twitches his brow. “He is?”

“He and I spent last night together.” I kiss the edge of his mouth. “So tonight, you get me all to yourself.”

His lips curl. “Is that right?”

“Yes, counselor.” I kiss the opposite edge of his mouth. “I ordered some sushi takeout just for us. It’ll be here in an hour, and then I thought—“

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