Page 67 of Charlie Takes a Chance

“What are we? You mean, what are we to each other?” Max asks as he leans down to kiss my neck. I didn’t know necks had nerves until today because his gentle kiss sends an electric shock down my spine.

“Yes,” I manage to whisper.

“I guess we could say we’re in a relationship. Or I could say you’re my girlfriend.” He pauses to kiss below my ear. “Or you could say that I’m yours.”

“Hmm. I think I like the sound of all those things. I think saying you’re mine will be my favorite.”

Max rests a hand against my hip just before he tugs me closer. “I think I like that.” He dips his head and kisses me deeply.

Time freezes as I melt into a slow, deep kiss from him.

The only thing that stops us is the loud banging and whistling coming from downstairs and we pull apart with a laugh. “I think she’s trying to get our attention.”

I reluctantly stand up and put some distance between us.

Max adjusts his clothes and runs a hand through his hair. “Do I have lipstick on my face?”

I poke his arm. “I’m not wearing lipstick.”

He grins at me and tweaks my nose as we head down the stairs.

When we reach the kitchen Grandma looks at us with a shrewd look. “No giving me a great-grandbaby without a wedding first.”

Max blushes but says “Yes, ma’am.”

“Look what you did,” I whisper. “You were supposed to be on the phone.”

Max jerks his head in surprise. “Oh that reminds me, that was Nash on the phone. They’re coming up tomorrow.”

I jerk around to look at him in surprise. “I have to finish cleaning up the house!”

“I’ll help you,” Max offers.

“Me too!” Grandma chimes in. “You know I’m a whiz with a broom.”

“Yeah, a whiz at chasing people with brooms,” I tease her, recalling one time she chased Grandpa out of the house, waving her broom in the air. She’d been busy trying to bake, and he was sneaking all of the chocolate chips.

Their fun-loving relationship is something I’ve always envied.

I turn back to Max, “Is it going to be awkward to have your boss here over Christmas?”

Max looks at me, startled. There’s something in his look I don’t understand, but I don’t know if I should press it right now. “No, it will be nice to see them.”

“Oh good. I didn’t want it to be a stressful week for you. Magnolia and I used to be roommates, but when Nash moved her into the house, I just made myself at home over there too.” I grin. “So I guess I’m comfortable with them.”

“You two better watch it so that you’re not too comfortable if you know what I mean,” Grandma chimes in.

I give her a tight grin. “Thank you so very much, Grandma. What would we ever do without you?”

CHAPTER 27

Max

I step outsidethe bunkhouse at six a.m. Charlie and Charlene are still asleep after a late-night visit. They worked on cleaning up the lodge most of the day. After I moved some cows from down the road, I went in and helped pack all the power tools and move them to the heated garage for Charlie.

Charlene is a heck of a cook, and we got to enjoy a delicious dinner that she had stashed in the fridge. And then I got to hear all sorts of stories about Charlie when she was little.

How she built her first tree fort on their property and tried to carry a calf up the ladder with her. She was six.

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