I pull back and help Lexi to stand up under the water. I thought she was beautiful before, but naked with water lashing down her skin, she looks stunning. Pure. Innocent. But then I remember what we just did and there was nothing innocent about that.
“You’re a bad influence on me, Max.”
“I told you before, it’s boring being good all the time.”
“Well, bad must end somewhere. I’ve got to get back to work.” She reaches over, grabs a shower gel from the shelf, and quickly washes her body. I stand fascinated by this woman, and I can’t see that changing anytime soon.
She turns around to face me, reaches up on her toes, places a kiss on my lips, and looks up into my eyes. “Thanks, for my treat. It was much better than another doughnut, and you worked off the calories just perfectly.”
“Glad I could be of assistance.”
She pushes past me and leaves me standing, watching her get dried off and redressed.
What the fuck am I going to do with this woman? With myself? She is breaking down every wall I’ve erected over the years and wriggling her way under my skin like a flesh-eating disease that I can’t shake off. The only difference is, I don’t know if I want to shake her off. I should be pushing her away because I’m no good for her and all we’re doing is fucking around, but I’m being a selfish bastard and keep returning for more.
My life is all work. I’m never in one place long enough to settle down and pursue something long-term. She was right to be wary about starting whatever this is between us, but I just can’t let her go.
Chapter 8
Alexa
It’s two days until the hotel has its V.I.P. opening night, and I’ve woken up this morning feeling like shit. I think I’m coming down with a bug, but I don’t have the luxury of backup to do my job, and the hotel needs all hands on deck. I need to pull up my big girl panties and just get on with it. Luckily, I don’t get sick very often, but when I do… it hits me like a ton of bricks.
I rummage through my poorly stocked medicine cabinet for something, anything, to help take away the fuzzy head, the congested sinuses, and the sore, tickly throat, but I have nothing other than paracetamol. That will have to do until I can buy something more useful for a cold and flu. Note to self, stock up the cabinet for future illnesses. You never know when an emergency can strike, and for a control freak like me, you’d think I’d be equipped for every illness and accident under the sun.
I grab a bottle of water and toss it in my bag. I need to get out of here before I crawl back into my bed. Who am I kidding? That’s never going to happen. I’m always good at giving people advice to take care of themselves, but when it comes to my own health and wellbeing, I pour from a half-empty cup… all the damn time. I’ve become accustomed to working so hard all the time that downtime and self-care aren’t even on my agenda anymore.
Navigating the streets of Glasgow at rush hour is horrific at the best of times but add in being under the weather and it’s hell on Earth. The traffic, the noise, people rushing from A to B without a care for anyone else. I’d quite like to live in a nice,tranquil country village. That’s my retirement plan. That’s why I work myself into the ground now.
When I arrive at the hotel, It’s much busier than normal. There are flowers being brought in from a van outside, a deli van is delivering fresh fruit and vegetables, and the rotunda doors are propped open. There are too many people for my liking at this time of morning. I rush through the lobby, hopefully not getting spotted by anyone of importance. I sigh with relief when I reach my office door. I lean my head against the cold wood and take in a few steadying breaths. I push through the door and jump out of my skin when I see a person sitting behind my desk. Of course it’s Max. He’s everywhere. I just can’t get away from him.
“You gave me a heart attack!” I throw my bag down on the desk and take the seat opposite him. “What are you doing in here so early? It’s busy out there.” I point over my shoulder and cough into my sleeve.
“I thought I’d surprise you with breakfast, but it sounds like you should be tucked up in bed with a hot toddy. Are you getting sick?”
“It will pass. Besides, I’ve got too much to do today.”
I stand up and hang my bag on the stand, retrieve my phone, and put it in my pocket. A warm pair of arms circle my waist and my back leans into Max’s chest willingly. The heat from his body wraps around me, making me feel so much better. He’s like a large teddy bear.
“Can’t you just tell everyone what needs to be done so you can go home? I can help them. Brendan will help.”
“I could, but I won’t. I’ll be fine. Now, where’s this breakfast you spoke of?”
I turn in his arms and clench my fists in his crisp white T-shirt, making the material tighten around his biceps. His muscles do something to my lady bits, but I ignore the heat pooling at my centre because I don’t have time for this, nor do I have the energy. My body aches.
“I’ve brought an assortment of pastries, coffee, and some muffins.”
My tummy chooses that moment to growl. I’m glad it’s pastries and coffee because I couldn’t stomach greasy food. The way to my heart is through all the chocolate, cakes, and pastries. I have a sweet tooth and I don’t care how many pounds it adds to my hips, thighs, and tits.
“You better feed me since you went to all this trouble.”
Max leans in and kisses me softly. The feather-like kiss turns me to mush. I’ve never felt that tender side of Max before, but I like it.
“Are you mad? Don’t kiss me, you’ll get sick too.” I bat at his chest.
Max chuckles. “Sweetheart, I’ve had my mouth all over your body in the last week. A kiss isn’t going to make the blindest bit of difference. Besides, I never get sick.” He flexes his muscles and makes me laugh.
“Get away with you.” I push out of his arms and walk back to the table to claim my coffee. The smell of the strong coffee beans is divine. I’m going to need a bucketload of caffeine if I’m going to get through today in one piece.
