Page 39 of Waiting for Sunshine

Tucker was a good distraction for a few minutes, but I’m not sure there’s anything that could distract me long enough to make me forget what happened tonight.

CHAPTER19

MAX

I walked backto my office minutes after I went to help with the rush. I figured I probably shouldn’t be walking around my bar with a hard-on for God and everybody to see. I think spending some time in the office with Riley will help me to chill the fuck out. That girl is more intoxicating than anything or anyone else I had ever encountered, and believe me there isn’t much I haven’t experienced.

The way she bit her bottom lip like she knew what was coming. How she tangled her fingers in my hair and how she felt wrapped around me while I held her against that wall. I don’t think I’ll ever look at another woman the way I look at her.

My Sunshine.

I slip out of the office long enough to grab myself a drink and notice her talking to Tucker at the bar. I like that they get along so well. They are annoying when together sometimes but in the best way. I like the idea that my best friend likes her. He has started coming to the gym with us more often and the two of them bicker like siblings. I go back to the office quickly, not wanting to leave Riley alone much longer. I bring her with me to the bar more often than not, but I especially want her here tonight knowing there will be fireworks going off all night, I know she will be stressed.

The two of us always stick together during stressful events, and I know that will never change, no matter what else in my life does. Riley is my partner and she’ll be with me till the end. Once the bar closed, I made my way back out of the office.

Ruby went home as soon as she finished up her part of closing, which consists of register count and bottle check. Heather and Marco left after bussing the tables in the dining room, and the kitchen staff is finishing up with the dishes now. Shane is wiping down the bar when I walk out of the office and make my way over to her.

“Hey there,” I say as I lean against the wall.

“Hi.” She smiles at me, already turning that perfect shade of pink.

“I need to talk to you for a minute,”

“Okay, what’s up?” She lays the towel down on the bar and turns to face me.

“We aren’t going to be training this week,” I say, watching as confusion fills her face.

“Okayyy, how come?” She gives me a puzzled look.

“I have to go to Texas for the week.”

“Texas?” she repeats back to me.

“Yeah, I have to check on some of my rental properties,” I explain.

“You haverental properties?” I laugh at her remark. She’s so full of questions, as always. Her nose scrunches up in confusion and I fucking love it.

“I’m full of surprises, Sunshine. Yes, I have a few rental properties and the ones in Texas need some attention, so I had planned to go this week to make sure everything is alright.” I tell her, walking over to wrap her in my arms. She juts her bottom lip out in a pout.

“Well, alright then. I guess I will see you in a week.” She smiles, but it’s a sad smile. Not to sound like an asshole, but I kind of love that she’s sad I’m going. Maybe she’ll miss me as much as I know I’m gonna miss her. Suddenly Riley comes barrelling out of the office.

Shane looks over at her and smiles.

“Hey, girl! Are you having fun ringing in the New Year?” she asks in that soft sweet voice, bending down to call Riley over to her.

“Yeah, I figured it would be best if we stuck together tonight, with all the fireworks going on,” I say, clearing my throat. She looks at me with concern in her eyes. This woman cares so much for everyone around her, it’s making me want to pull her in and kiss her all over again.

“Are you okay though?” she asks. I look over at Riley and smile.

“I’ve come a long way since I first got out,” I answer truthfully. “I had a good distraction tonight.” I say, directing my smile toward her.

She stands to face me and runs a hand along my arm sending heat through my whole body.

“I’m glad to hear that, and it’s so good that you have each other.” She says softly. Before I know it, there's a warmth on my cheek from Shane's kiss. “Goodnight, Max.” She starts to walk away, but before she gets too far, I pull her back to me. I wrap my hand around her neck and my lips are met with hers once again. The softness of her lips glides over mine, causing the desire in me to build even more. She stands on her toes to try and reach me better, so I pick her up, walking over to set her on the pool table. I slide my hands into the pockets of her jeans, as I’ve imagined doing so many times before, as she wraps her arms around my neck pulling me into her.

I swipe my tongue against her lips and she lets me in once again. When I spread her legs to move in closer to her she lets out a little gasp that makes me smile. I pull back to look at her face and she bites her bottom lip again.

Before I can lean back in for more, the kitchen door flies open. Shane jumps at the sound and we both look over. Jackie stands in the doorway with a big ass grin on his face.

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