Page 38 of Tremors of Desire

Her smile is like the sun breaking out from behind the clouds, shining light and warmth on the world.

Only, Irelynn shines on me, brightening my world.

Chapter fifteen

Irelynn

August26,2018,11:30a.m.

Max pulls into a parking space in front of his building, cutting the engine. I stare at the massive affluent apartment structure with a critical eye, swallowing hard.

The landscaping is immaculate, with a lush green lawn surrounding the sidewalks. The bottom layer is brick, with a dark brownish-gray siding above it. Large maple trees surround it, perfectly placed in strategic locations around the massive structure.

It resembles a nice, upper-middle-class family unit apartment building, not something a college student would take up residence in.

I’ve never gotten the sense that Max has money… until now. While this building doesn’t scream ostentatious like the wealth William and other rich kids at Anderson Academy possessed, it’s clearly something most college students could never afford.

I’m honestly not sure what to think. My experiences with wealth were not positive ones, as the entitled, snobby, elite rich kids of Anderson Academy made sure I knew my place was not within their inner circle. I was a scholarship student, someone they viewed with disdain. They accepted me only when William became obsessed with me.

Swallowing hard, I turn my face to his. His brows furrow as he reaches over, squeezing my hand. “What’s wrong, Irelynn?”

Turning my head back toward his apartment building, I gulp. “You’re… umm… wealthy?”

Max lifts a shoulder in a shrug. “I guess. I don’t think of myself in those terms, though. Money sure as hell isn’t everything.” He turns away, his jaw clenching. “Not even close.”

Turning my face to Max, I try to make a joke. “Thank God. I was afraid you were secretly a pretentious snob.” A teasing grin is on my lips, causing Max to chuckle, his muscular body shaking with amusement.

“Damn, I thought I hid it behind my street clothes so well. How did you ever figure me out?” He mimics drinking a cup of tea, his pinkie sticking out. “Don’t you know I sit around in my tuxedo at home?” His eyes have a devilish gleam in them.

Laughing hysterically, I shake my head. Reaching over, I grab his hand, pushing on his pinkie. “Put that thing away.”

“But how can I be a snob, then?” He chuckles, wrapping his fingers around mine. His face becomes serious, the smile leaving it. “Irelynn, I hope this doesn’t change your opinion of me. Yes, I have money… though it’s not technically mine.” Sadness wraps around him like a veil as his eyes grow distant. His expression is vacant as he’s lost to his memories.

Finally, he snaps out of his past. “Let’s just say I inherited money. But I try not to use much of it, except for my education. Hence, one of the reasons I work for Darin. I worked for him full-time for a few years before continuing my education. I am using my inheritance to pay for my tuition since I have a college fund my parents started. But everything else, I pay for. My apartment, my clothes, food, vehicles, etc.” There’s a deep sense of pride on his face that makes me smile. I get the sense he works hard, and I’m impressed that he does, especially since, from the outside glance of his apartment building, he doesn’t need to. He studies my face. “Do you wanna go inside?”

I grin, turning my face to his. “As long as a butler doesn’t greet me at the door, sure.”

Max laughs and lifts his other hand. “Scouts honor. I donothave a butler. A cook, gardener, and housekeeper. Maybe a driver or two. But no butler.” His eyes sparkle mischievously as he winks at me.

“Smartass.” A smile twitches on my lips.

He laughs harder as he exits his Jeep. I remain seated, watching him walk around his vehicle. He raises his brows at me as he opens my door. “I’m surprised you didn’t try getting out?”

Shrugging, I grab his hand, sliding my feet to the pavement. “Nah, you’ve taught me well. And I’m a quick learner.”

He smiles, kissing me on the cheek, surprising me. “Yes, you are.”

As we walk toward his door, my hand that isn’t entwined with his gently touches my cheek, caressing where his lips touched my skin. A smile pulls my lips up and I duck my head.

“What’s that grin for?” he asks, leaning forward to try to catch a glimpse of my face.

“Nothing.” My grin is bashful as I keep my head turned away.

“Irelynn,” he says in the same warning tone he used in the bookstore.

“I’ll tell you inside, okay?”

Max’s face wrinkles with confusion, but he nods. He steps forward, unlocking his door, then opens it, gesturing for me to walk inside.

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