Page 127 of River
Maximum nodded. “Yes. I’ve worked on convincing Fleur to bring me on her trip since February and I think she’s finally beginning to succumb to my charm.”
“Your charm? As I recall it you were rather rude to her,” I pointed out.
“Skeptical isn’t the same as rude. I’ve got my mind set on going on a safari with her and I think I’m nearly there.”
“What makes you so sure?”
Maximum looked handsome in his sharp suit and with his brown hair styled. “In the beginning when I asked her, she always said, ‘I’ll think about it,’ but now I’ve worked my way up to our discussing practicalities in case I come along.” His eyes roamed the guests as if searching for Fleur. “I’m hoping to close the deal tonight.”
“How?”
“If she says no again, I’ll seduce her.”
I laughed out loud.
“What’s so funny? You don’t think I can seduce her?” He crossed his arms, making it visible even through the fabric of his suit that Maximum was buff from all his rugby practice.
With a hand on his wrist, I reduced my laughter to a smile. “I’m sorry, Maximum, but unless you get Fleur very drunk, you don’t stand a chance of seducing her.”
“Why not?” He said with annoyance.
“Because I once asked her what she thought of you and she called you too young.”
Maximum screwed up his mouth. “She’s only a few years older than me. It’s not that big of a deal.”
“Maybe not to you, but most women prefer a man who is older than herself. Fleur’s ex-husband was your age when she married him, and she was only eighteen.”
“That’s like Lumi and me,” Damian said and squeezed my sister a little closer. “She’s got the youthful beauty while I’ve got the wisdom.”
Lumi’s lips perked up in amusement. “Should we start referring to you as Damian the wise one?”
“Would ye?” Damian chuckled, but Kit pushed his shoulder.
“Ye need to buy yerself a white cloak and we’ll call you Damian the White. All ye need is a long beard like Gandalf.”
“Ha. If I was Gandalf, I could help ye with a potion so ye can seduce Fleur if ye like her so much.” Damian was talking to Maximum, who had uncrossed his arms.
“I don’t need any help, and if you people think I’m going to let Fleur’s preference for older guys stop me, then you don’t know me very well.”
“I’m just warning you that I think you’re wasting your time,” I said. “But for all it’s worth, you shouldn’t take it personally if she rejects you. From what I’ve heard she had a bad break-up with her ex, and she’s made it clear that she has dedicated herself to her work with animals. She’s done with men.”
“That’s just until the right man comes along to change her mind.”
I held my hands up. “Maybe you’re right, but in that case, Liam is ahead of the game, because he invited her for a walk around the grounds about twenty minutes ago and I haven’t seen them since.”
Maximum’s head turned again. “So that’s why she isn’t here. I thought she was still in her room.” Setting his glass on the nearest table, he gave me a quick peck on the cheek before walking away.
“I worry about that lad,” Damian said in a low voice.
“Why?”
“Remember that lass who hurt him when he was young? Maximum is so stoic, but when he falls, he falls hard and I’m not sure he can control his feelings.”
I shared Damian’s sentiment, and in an effort to calm us both, I muttered, “Don’t worry. Fleur won’t pay him any interest.”
“Hmm,” Damian groaned. “Maybe, but if she does, she’d better be prepared for a whole lot of shite to come out.”
“Why do ye say that?” Kit looked after Maximum.
