Page 46 of Prince of Darkness

13

MIA

He really is a smooth talker. I find myself falling under his spell and enjoying myself. We talk about anything and everything for a good hour. I feel like I know so much about him. Even his nephews. His whole face lights up when he talks about them.

“Do you want to tell me why you have millions of dollars in lingerie debt?” I think I already know it’s his sister messing with him.

“You have any siblings?” He gives a small smile thinking about his sister. It’s sweet and I can tell from his face they are close. I’ve never had that. Not with family at least. Amelia is the closest person to me and our friendship is somewhat on the newer side. Not that it matters. She is ride or die. One wrong move and Max will be meeting his death.

“No, my parents were one and done.”

“Not close to them?” He reads me easily.

“You can’t force people to love you. Even if you’re related to them.”

“You can try.” He gives me a playful wink. I’m not sure if he’s teasing or not but I find myself laughing. I have no plans to force my parents into a relationship with me. I’m not so sure Max isn’t going to try his best to have one with me. That thought should scare me about him but it doesn’t. I find it endearing that he wants to try to get to know me.

“You’re not what I thought I would be getting.” I look him over. I was sure he’d be rich and cocky. I don’t know a ton about Kim, only the things I’ve heard from Amelia. I knew she came from money. I think she’d gone on a double date with Kim and ended up enjoying her company more than the man she’d been set up with. They’d struck up a friendship. Amelia is always good like that. It is easy for her to make friends. She could talk anyone into anything. That’s why she is the best collector at Remex.

“That so?” He takes a sip of his coffee. I do the same, lifting the hot chocolate to my mouth to take a giant sip before putting it back down. He reaches over, wiping the top of my lip to get some of the marshmallow off of it. He brings his thumb to his mouth and licks it clean. My stomach turns over with excitement at the small intimate act.

“What did I say about the hands!” Amelia shouts again from across the coffee shop with her mouth full of muffin. I think I’m the only one who really understands what’s she saying but that’s because I speak Amelia. She often talks with her mouth full of food.

“She always so protective?”

“Little bit.” I shrug. “She’s harmless.” I fiddle with my mug. “For the most part.” She could attach to you like a spider monkey if need be. I’ve seen it happen before. She’s quick, too, so she didn’t get arrested for the incident. The one I’m not allowed to ever bring up again. I still from time to time wonder how the flamingo is doing. I also don’t know who won that fight the day at the zoo. The zoo that shall not be named.

“Good.”

“Good? She could stab you with a fork.”

“I’ll risk it.” He laughs. I think he thinks I’m joking. “Speaking of forks can I take you out for a meal? There is a place across the away.” He nods to across the street. I look to the small Italian place that is one of my favorites. I often get it to go because it’s always so romantic inside I feel out of place eating there by myself.

“You kids about done?” Amelia grabs a chair, turning it backwards before plopping down into it.

“I think we are done here.” Max looks to me, waiting for me to agree to dinner.

“Yeah, we’re going next door to have dinner.” I keep my eyes on him. This is going so differently than I thought it would.

“Good. I’m starving.” Amelia starts to stand.

“Alone.” I tell her, pulling my eyes from his finally. I give her a look that lets her know I’m good. She’s the one always trying to get me to date anyway.

“It was the dimples wasn't it?” She pokes Max right in the cheek. He raises his eyebrows at her, probably second guessing his good comment about her. “Fine.” She picks up my flowers off the table.

“Those are mine.” I laugh.

“I’ll take them home for you.” She holds them close to her chest in a death grip. I’m not sure I’m buying what she’s selling. Amelia has a small obsession with flowers.

Max leans over toward me. “I’ll get you more, angel.” His mouth brushes my ear.

“He already nicknamed you?! This is moving a little fast. Everyone needs to pump the brakes.” Her eyes bounce between us.

“I got it from here,” I reassure her. I want to spend more time with Max. From the moment his eyes locked with mine when I entered the coffee shop, I felt something. Something I wanted to explore. Amelia gives Max a hard stare.

“I’m letting this go ‘cause Kim vouched for you but I’ll be around so watch yourself.” She runs her finger along her throat.

“Complete gentleman.” He smirks, holding his hands up. I’m not sure if he means that. Again my body heats because I know he’s not talking about being rude to me. I’ve had some of the same thoughts as we casually talked. My eyes kept drifting to his mouth.

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