Page 81 of Maximum
We managed to shift the subject and enjoy the last hour in their company before Maximum and I said our goodbyes and drove west.
“There was really no reason for you to get jealous at Liam today,” I said and changed the radio station.
“He asked for your number.”
“So?”
“I didn’t like it.”
“What do you think it’ll take for you to get past your jealousy?”
Giving me a sideways glance, Maximum muttered, “A miracle.”
“No, seriously, what do you think it would take?”
“Maybe if I felt more secure in our relationship.”
“Okay, so what would make you feel more secure? We already live together and we’re officially a couple.”
“I don’t know. It’s stupid and I’m working on it.”
“Working how?”
“I just meant that I’m aware that my jealousy is an issue. I’m trying to control it.”
“Good.”
I left it at that. There was no reason to ruin an otherwise wonderful weekend, and Maximum looked so charming when he took my hand, raised it to his mouth, and kissed it. “You can’t blame me for not liking that another man said he’d propose to you if I wasn’t around.”
I laughed. “Liam was joking.”
“I hope so, but I still didn’t like it.”
“He just wanted a significant someone who could reach him if he was in a coma.”
“Not true. Liam sees your beauty and kindness. I think any man who got close to you would want to make you his. I’m just greedy and I don’t want to share.”
I laughed.
“What’s so funny?”
“I trot around on a farm in old worn jeans and you still tell me that I’m beautiful. The thing is that I’m still trying to wrap my head around your infatuation with me. You’re so handsome and charming, and I’ve seen the way women are drawn to you. It still feels a little unreal that it’s me that you want.”
Maximum slid his hand up my thigh and with a sideways smile, he assured me, “Oh, you better believe it. When you talk like that, I’m tempted to pull over and show you exactly how much I want you.”
We laughed together and a sense of ease filled my chest.
“Max.”
“Mhmm?”
“Do you know that you’re my best friend?”
This time he turned his head and his whole face softened. “You mean that?”
“I love you.”
“I love you too, Fleur.” The micro-expressions on his face and the way his Adam’s apple moved underlined his words. “It scares me how much I love you.”
After that we held hands, listened to music, and drove through the night. It occurred to me that I was in no hurry to get back to the farm; I just loved spending time with Maximum, and what I’d told him was true. He had quickly become my best friend.
