Page 35 of Never Fake Date the Financier
“Of course not.” She turns back to me. “Next time, I hope I can see pictures of the chunky kitty.”
I nod, refusing to answer lest I’m dragged back in.
“Chunky kitty?” Max asks as he guides me to the back of the yacht, the din of the guests beginning to subside.”
I clear my throat. “Ella and I adopted a cat.”
Max pauses, staring at me for what feels like a lifetime. “Adrian.” It sounds like the voice of a disappointed parent who’s given up. But then Max laughs. “You have a cat? There’s no way you have a cat.”
“Love can do strange things to a man.” I turn around, grabbing the cold rails and staring off at the sunset. It’s gorgeous out here, but all I can think about is sharing the view with Ella. Then again, maybe waves wouldn’t be a good idea.
“Could you run that by me one more time?”
“We have a cat. Snickerdoodle,” I add, watching the silhouettes of seagulls pass by, squawking. I can’t remember the last time I was on the water, but seeing it, breathing in the salty air—it has a calming effect. And I need it after that conversation.
Note to self: Avoid Jessica.
“That’s not what I’m talking about. Love?” Max grabs my shoulder. “You’re in love?”
I bite the inside of my mouth. I should be annoyed that I let something like that slip. Making it even harder for the inevitable breakup, but I’m not. I’m hoping there isn’t a breakup after this. I’m hoping that after the wedding is over, Ella wants to stay. Or at the very least, test the waters after that kiss. I know she felt that same electricity. It was palpable. I’m hooked, and the idea of us going our separate ways after this and then breaking the news of a breakup to my family…
Well, I’d rather suffer an endless conversation with Jessica about Snickernoodle than that.
“Hard to believe?” I ask, turning to Max.
“Not at all. It’s surprising you had time to find Ella with your work hours.”
I close my eyes, a soft breeze rippling over my skin as I picture Ella. That dress. Those curves. Her smile. It’s so vivid that it feels like she’s right next to me. But when I open my eyes and only see Max, I’m a bit disappointed.
“She’s hard to miss.”
And easy too. She’s only been gone a handful of minutes, but I’m already aching to find her. Hopefully, Sariah can run a little interference on Lillian for Ella.
“Well, I’m happy for you. I’ve only had a few brief interactions with her so far, but Sariah and I think she’s wonderful. And any woman who can convince you to adopt a cat seems like a keeper.”
“She is,” I say reflexively. “My favorite person in the world.”
Max sighs. “I know the feeling. Can’t imagine anyone else by my side except for Sariah.”
Max moves next to me, leaning against the railing as we both glance back at the crowd of guests on the ship. I wonder where Ella is in the crowd. And I’m sure Max is thinking the same thing about Sariah.
“Nervous?”
Max thinks for a moment. And then: “No. I thought I would be, but whenever nerves rise, I think about Sariah, and they go away.”
“You two make a great team.”
“And I’m rooting for you and Ella. The way you two…” He shakes his head. “I think you chose well. Her choice though…”
I shove him playfully.
“Kidding.”
We stay for a few more moments, enjoying the view and catching up briefly before both of us decide it’s time to get back to the party. Back to our girls, really. I’m hoping Ella’s stomach is holding out. And that she hasn’t thrown herself overboard yet, having to deal with Lillian.
“Mom’s smitten with Ella, you know,” Max says as we head back. “Couldn’t stop talking about her after the pictures.”
I smile. “Good to know.”
