Page 77 of Savage Seduction

CHAPTER 30

Max

Isit in my car outside Ben's house, waiting for the clock to hit 7:00 PM. I'm determined to show up right on time. With ten minutes to spare, I dial London's number.

"Hey, Max," she answers.

"How's Nana doing?"

She groans. "For someone who survived a home invasion with just a few skin abrasions from the pillow, she sure is soaking up the attention."

I bite back a comment about how much Nana has done for us over the years and keep listening.

"Can you hear that?" she asks. "If she rings that bell one more time, I swear to you, I will put her in a home."

"You don't mean that."

After a pause, she admits, "You're right. I love her with all my heart, but she's driving me nuts.”

“Are you able to leave her alone for a little while? We could go out for dinner tomorrow or something."

"Play it by ear?" she suggests. "There's absolutely nothingwrong with her, but she likes the attention. Can you help me figure out something to keep her occupied?"

"Like a puppy?"

"Max, you know how much I love dogs, but they are a lot of work."

"I'll keep thinking and let you know as soon as I come up with something.”

“What are you doing tonight? Want to come over for dinner? Nana would love to see you... please? Come over? Save me?"

I laugh. "I'll come over tomorrow, I promise. But right now, I'm sitting outside Dr. Ben's house."

"Stalking him?"

"No, waiting for 7:00 PM on the dot to ring his bell and have dinner. It was his idea for the date, and I want to be here right on time. You know, good impressions and all that."

"You’d better high step it to the front door; there’s only a couple minutes until D-time." Her voice carries a lightness and sass I haven't heard in the past couple of days.

"D-time?"

"Boy, you know what I mean... dick, I'm talking about the man’s dick, Max. Go get yours."

"Oh, stop," I chuckle. "You’re right though, I have to get going. I’ll talk to you soon. Give Nana a big hug and kiss from me."

"Will do," she says. "Damn it. There goes the bell again. Nana, please stop." She hangs up before I can respond.

I make my way to the front door and check the time on my watch. Right on time. I ring the bell and wait.

Ben opens the door and smiles. "I'm so glad to see you, Max."

"It's good to be here." I lean in to give Ben a hug.

"Max." Ben’s voice is full of concern as he looks over the bruises on my face. "You’ve been assaulted again?" The tendernessin his eyes almost brings me to tears. This man I'd only just begun to get to know cared about me more than so many others who'd known me for years.

"It’s nothing," I say with a shrug.

"Nothing? Max, what’s going on? Are you sure you’re okay... safe?"

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