Page 64 of Yo Ho Ho
She looked up at his questioning eyes. She had to speak now or walk away, and she didn't want to walk away.
"I went out for drinks tonight with everyone from work, and I was miserable. We all were. But I wasn't just miserable because of my job." She took a step closer to him. "I was miserable because I wasn't with you."
He scowled and took a step back, trying to maintain the distance between them. "You made it clear that you didn't want to be with me," he said icily.
"I was wrong. I was really so wrong, Logan, and I'm sorry. I wish I could take it all back."
His features softened a bit, but he still seemed intense and unsure. He crossed his arms in front of him and looked down at his feet. "So what are you trying to say, Max?"
She stepped forward, hoping she could get closer to him without him pulling away again. He stayed where he was, giving her hope. Maybe this would to turn out alright after all. She put her hands on his crossed forearms, his muscles instinctively flexing under her fingers.
"I'm saying I choose you." His eyes darted up and stared at her, willing her to continue. "Whatever job I get, it won't matter if I don't have you. There are plenty of jobs out there, but there's only one man I want to be with."
Logan didn't move or say anything. He just stared at her. Maybe she had said too much. Maybe this wasn't the right time or the right place.
She had done all of this on a whim. She had no plan and just rushed in here with her stupid shoes and her disheveled hair. Next time Max did something like this, she would think it through. Not that she would ever do something like this again, at least not with Logan. Because as the silence continued to linger, she was realizing that she had been right all along. This was a bad idea.
Max's fingers slipped off of Logan's arm as she took a step back from him, and then another one. He was still staring at her without saying a word.
"Anyway, that's what I wanted to say."
Her hands hung by her sides and she was unsure of what to do next. What else could she do? What could she say? Logan just stood there silently with no emotion on his face. Her mind was racing, wondering if she should just say goodbye and walk out. Maybe she could duck out the back door without anyone noticing her.
Max could hear the crowd in the other room counting down to the New Year, their voices echoing through the quiet kitchen.
"Five… four… three… two… one!"
Logan took a quick step towards her, grabbing her around the waist as he pulled her close and kissed her. His mouth was desperate and determined, his fingers in her hair, tilting her head so he could tease her mouth with his tongue. She finally had enough sense to reach up, wrapping her arms around his neck, pushing her body against his. He moaned softly in response, urging her on. Then his hand slipped from her waist to the small of her back under that stupid shiny shirt she had thrown on. There was no need to worry about the short sleeves now. Her body was burning up with her need for him. Her feet were warm again as she tried to stand on her tip toes to get closer to him.
This is why she was here. This is what she wanted. She had been worried for too long about her job and its rules. But when she had to face the truth, when she had to decide what she really wanted, she wanted Logan. She wanted his lips on hers and his hands on her body. She wanted to be by his side at a party or with his friends or at her apartment. She didn't really care where as long as Logan was with her, especially if he would kiss her like this.
"Holy shit! You guys, Logan is making out with Max in the kitchen!"
Max quickly pulled away and looked over Logan's shoulder. Alex was standing in the doorway with an empty glass of champagne and a huge grin on his face.
"It's about time," Jordan said as he walked in.
Logan stared over at his captain, his arm still firmly around Max. "What do you mean, 'It's about time'?'' he asked incredulously.
Jordan rolled his eyes. "You're not as discreet as you think you are."
"I didn't see anything," Alex said. "Well, until now obviously."
"It's OK, Alex." Charlotte walked in and patted the defenseman on the shoulder. "The only reason Jordan was paying attention to anything was because I told him. Also, Happy New Year, Max."
She smiled. "Thanks. You too."
Logan pulled away from Max and put a hand on his hip while his other lingered on her waist. "Wait a minute. How did you know about Max and I?"
Charlotte just smiled and shrugged. "Just did," she said. "Seriously, why do you think I invited her to be here with you tonight?"
Max gave her a surprised look while Logan could only stare as some of the other players walked in with more empty glasses.
"Where should I put this?" Ryan asked Charlotte. "Oh, hey, Max. I didn't know you were here."
"I just got here a few minutes ago."
"She was making out with Logan in the kitchen," Alex announced.
