Page 49 of Maximum
“I thought it was a natural gift, like a medium. I didn’t know it’s something you can learn. Can you ask Fleur if I can buy classes for Jolene? She’s a big admirer and she said that she’d love to have those abilities.”
“Mhmm, I’ll ask.”
“That would be the most epic birthday gift ever.”
“Yeah, she’s pretty epic,” Maximum said.
“I’ll send you the address. Say hi to Fleur and, Maximum…”
“Yes?”
“Be careful, okay?”
“With the lions?”
“Yup, and your heart.”
I was quiet in the water, afraid making sounds would alert Maximum that I’d heard everything. It saddened me to hear him sound so despondent and to know I was the reason for his despair. Before I had time to analyze my own confusing feelings, a door opened and closed and was followed by a knock on the bathroom door.
“Fleur?”
“Yes?”
“Are you okay in there?”
“Uh-huh.”
“Can I come in?”
My heart rate picked up and I stood up reaching for a towel before calling out. “Yes, come in.”
I was still wrapping the towel around me when Maximum walked in.
“You’ve been in here forever.”
“Have I? It’s rare for me to have a bath, so I wanted to enjoy it.”
Maximum sat down on the edge of the tub. “The water isn’t even warm any longer.”
“Would you let it out?” Using his shoulder for balance, I stepped out of the tub and walked over to the double vanity where my toiletries were.
“Can I ask you something?” Maximum met my eyes in the mirror.
“Of course.”
“Are you playing with me?”
I’d picked up my hairbrush and spun around. “Excuse me?”
“The sex between us. Will it ever be more?”
I opened my mouth but managed to stop my heart from blabbering the truth; that he wasn’t the only one catching feelings and that I was scared of getting hurt too.
“Fleur? Say something. Will this ever be more?”
“Stop pushing, Maximum.”
He got up and the look in his eyes made me take a small step back. Using his larger body, he invaded my space and dipped his head down to whisper into my ear. “I’m not looking for a vacation fling.”
