Page 25 of Sexy Bad Valentine

CHAPTER EIGHT

MAX

“Last day you get to pretend you walk the dogs around here.” Kelly stands in the doorway to my office.

“Great.” I can’t stop smiling. “It’s only a week until Valentine’s Day then.”

“Sure.” She nods. “If you’re into that kind of thing.”

“This year I just might be.” I get up from behind my desk. I’ve barely seen Evie alone since we spent a lazy afternoon at my apartment. She’s been busy with Abby and the menagerie. Barclay’s been a good excuse to spend time with her though, even if it’s in the company of a duck and a goat and a cat and a charming little girl who makes it impossible to steal even the slightest of kisses. But I want more than that. One more week and I can drop this charade. “I need you to find out what Evie’s favorite flower is, and then order a room full of them, plus one of those giant bears holding a heart. Girls like those, don’t they? Book the best table at Girl and the Goat. I want to do this right.”

“You’re serious?” She hesitates with her finger halfway to the tablet. “I mean, I know you’ve been ignoring your sister’s directive and seeing her anyway. I’ve never seen you spend so much time on one woman, and the way you two are when you’re together is hard to ignore, but this is still a huge step for you.”

“I’ve never met anyone like her.” I pull on the jacket I’ve been using for filming and unwrap a piece of gum before popping it in my mouth. “I love being with her. I can’t wait to show her how much.”

“But your sister—”

“Only cares about her advertising. Once we’ve wrapped up, I’ll talk her ‘round.”

“Wow, Max. You really are serious, aren’t you?” Kelly starts to beam. “I honestly wondered if I would ever have the pleasure of seeing you behave like this. But maybe it would be better to skip Valentine’s Day. That is technically the last day. If you could wait—”

“How long do you think I should wait for some nice guy to come in and scoop up the only girl I’ve ever felt like this about? Especially when there are already three of them just waiting for her to choose them. Have you met the dog owners? I have, and all of them are nice guys. The kind of nice Evie deserves. And probably wants.”

“Don’t sell yourself short, Max,” Kelly says. “You have your good qualities too.”

“Thanks,” I say as we step out into the hallway. “But I’m not sure my money counts as a quality.”

“It’s funny,” she says when we get in the elevator. “I’ve known you and your sister a long time, which is why I’ve never held back when it comes to calling you out on the way you treat women. But I always thought when it happened to you it would be like fighting twelve rounds with Mike Tyson.” There’s a pause long enough that I consider asking her to go on, but she speaks of her own accord. “You’re head over heels for her, aren’t you?”

“Total knock out.” I grin.

“It looks good on you,” she admits as the elevator stops. “One last time then. Are you ready?”

“It’s a walk in the park,” I call after her as she strolls across the foyer to Evie. Hopefully my Evie as soon as this week is over.

***

“Hi.” She smiles at me, tucking a little of that blonde hair poking from under her strawberry pink beanie behind her ear.

“Hi.” I try not to smile, fail, and end up beaming at her. She’s so fucking adorable and cute. It does some funny shit to my chest that feels like I’m swelling up inside.

“Who’s this?” She crouches in front of the mutt and rubs his head.

“Maloney.”

“Oh.” She glances up at me, eyes bright and wide. “Like from the kid’s book. He’s Bitzer Maloney?” Standing up, she wipes her hands down her legs. “Abby makes me read it sometimes.”

“I bet she loves it.”

“Anything with animals.”

“Are you ready?” I hold out the note for her, my heart thumping hard against my ribcage. This is the last time I’ll ever pass her notes from other men, I’ll guarantee that.

“I am.” She takes it, opening it once she’s told to. “Dress to impress this Valentine’s. Let’s spend an afternoon playing dress up. I’ll be your cupid at Fantasy Costumes.”

Maloney barks twice.

“You like that idea?” She laughs as he wags his tail. “Okay, let’s go dress up.”

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