Page 61 of Charlie Takes a Chance

Max stomps back to the door with exaggerated thumping. “I’m still going to find it! You’re dreaming, Baxter!”

I lay down on my back and shimmy under the tree, dropping it into the tree stand. I hurry and slide back out, standing up and catching my breath. Why is this so much fun?

“Okay! It’s safe to come back.”

Max thumps back down the hall. My heart beats in rhythm with his footsteps.

“Alright…” he drawls as he rounds the corner. I expect him to stare at the tree and begin searching for the pickle, but instead, his gaze lands on me. He takes in every detail from the top of my head to the tips of my toes. He steps closer and glances over my shoulder; then, a slow grin spreads across his face. “Gotcha.” He says in his self-assured way.

I watch in shock as he drops to the floor and shimmies under the tree, just like I had done a moment before. I say nothing, hoping that somehow, he’ll miss it.

A couple of grunts later, he scoots out from under the tree—holding the pickle and grinning like a cat that ate the canary.

“What was that…queen?” He asks with a deep chuckle as he stands up to move in front of me and dangle the ornament in front of my face.

“How did you know where it was? Were you cheating and watching?” I tap a finger against his chest. “You were peeking!”

“I was not,” he gasps like he’s offended. “Besides, you’re like an open book. All I had to do was read your expression, and I knew exactly where you hid it.”

“This is outrageous!” I exclaim with a laugh.

He grins and reaches behind me, pulling a couple of pine needles from my hair.

Max shakes his head and appears thoughtful. “Now I just need the perfect favor—what should it be.”

“I’m not going to lie; I’m a little scared of what you’re going to come up with.” I plant my hands on my hips.

Max looks down at me with a grin. “You should be.”

We stare at each other in silence for a full minute. I can hear the large grandfather clock ticking away in the corner of the living room. “So, what’s the damage? Have you thought of a favor yet?”

“I think a kiss.” His voice is steady and sure.

“What?” I gasp. My chin practically bounces off of my chest.

“You heard me. I want a kiss.”

“But—” I sputter. “But you don’t want me!”

Max shakes his head slowly. “I’ve never said that now, have I?”

Words fail me and I shake my head slowly.“But all that I said after the dance…then this morning…”

“The fact is, Charlie. I want you. I want you too much. And it’s the reason I should stay away. And it’s the reason I can’t stay away. I’ve been thinking about kissing you again ever since you walked away at the dance.”

Max leans past me to gently toss the ornament on the couch.

He straightens and steps closer. “I want to kiss you without everyone watching.”

I swallow the lump in my throat and wait for him to make his move, but then realize he’s waiting on me.

“Me too,” I whisper.

It’s the green light he was waiting for. He wraps an arm around my waist and pulls me tight against him. His chest is rock hard under that flannel shirt, and I rest my hands against his arms. They don’t even come close to wrapping around them.I’m becoming all too familiar and attached to Max’s body. But then he dips his head towards mine and mutters, “You’re something else, Charlie.”

His lips crash down on mine. Last time, he let me lead the kiss. This time, he’s having none of that. He’s focused, intense, and on an exploratory mission I’m glad to be a part of.

He slants his mouth over mine, kissing me deeply as I tip my head back. He slides an arm behind my head, supporting me as he slips his tongue past my lips, testing the waters.

---