Max nodded thoughtfully, his eyes on her as she spoke.“Sounds like you’re making a difference.”
She shrugged, feeling a little self-conscious under his intense gaze.“They’re the ones doing the hard work.I just try to guide them.”
“You do more than that,” he said firmly.“And I’m sure they know it.”
His words left her momentarily speechless.She focused on her plate, twirling another bite of pasta onto her fork.“Thanks,” she said softly, unable to meet his eyes.
Max reached across the table, covering her free hand with his.“You’re remarkable, Lexie.Don’t let anyone, including yourself, try to convince you otherwise.”
His sincerity stole her breath, and for a moment, she couldn’t do anything but stare at him.Her heart ached with emotions she wasn’t ready to name, but she couldn’t deny the warmth spreading through her chest.
“Okay,” she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper.
Max squeezed her hand before letting go.“Now, finish your pasta.I need to show you what dessert looks like in this house.”
Lexie laughed, the tension easing enough for her to take another bite.Despite herself, she found it impossible to stop falling for him all over again.
That night, when Max pulled her into his arms, Lexie felt herself relax against his chest, his steady heartbeat calming her as he held her close.He didn’t say anything—just held her tightly to him before falling asleep with his arms wrapped protectively around her.But as she lay there, her thoughts drifted back to the conversation she’d overheard earlier.What exactly had he been discussing on the phone?Who were therealcriminals in this world?
The details about George Thermopolis came rushing back.His campaign was built on promises—advocating for the rights of laborers, strengthening unions, creating more union jobs, and ensuring the blue-collar worker was protected.It sounded noble, but Lexie now realized those slogans masked a deeper truth.Thermopolis had a plan, a carefully crafted path to amass wealth by leveraging the labor of the very people he claimed to champion.And that path led straight to the governor’s mansion.
Chapter 30
Lexiewokethefollowingmorning feeling like something was missing.When she looked around, she discovered that she was alone in the massive bed.Where was Max?Why hadn’t he stayed and woken her up with soft kisses and more mind-blowing sex?
With a sigh, Lexie shoved the bed covers off and padded into the bathroom.She was actually sad that she was still wearing the huge tee-shirt she’d stolen from Max last night.She’d chosen it with the intention of taunting him, daring Max to take it off and make love to her.But he’d only pulled her into his arms and…fallen asleep!
Granted, they’d had sex several times yesterday.She still felt a little tender this morning from yesterday’s marathon.
Still…just because they’d had sex so often yesterday, that didn’t mean she didn’t want more this morning!
Leaving her alone was just…rude!
Or was this the beginning of the end?Lexie couldn’t ignore the nagging doubts creeping into her mind.Max had always been a voracious lover—his reputation preceded him.She’d seen the pictures of him with other women, always glamorous, always stunning.A year ago, it had been one of their biggest arguments.She’d confronted him about his apparent need for variety, questioning whether she’d ever be enough for a man like him.
He’d promised her then, with an intensity that had shaken her to her core, that he only wanted her.He’d sworn that those women were a distant memory, a past that held no meaning compared to what they had together.And at the time, she’d believed him—or at least, she’d wanted to.
But now, waking up alone in his massive house, doubt gnawed at her.Was that promise still true?Was she really enough to hold his attention?Or had she just been a fleeting conquest?The thought sent a chill through her, and she hugged the plush robe tighter around herself.
Was one day in Max’s bed all she’d get?
Walking into the dressing room Max had mentioned yesterday, Lexie fully intended to find the clothes she’d worn the day before.Her plan was simple: get dressed, drive back to her house, and pick up more clothes.But as soon as she stepped inside, she froze.
The space was enormous, larger than her entire bedroom at home, and filled to the brim with luxury.Not only was her entire wardrobe neatly hanging on one side, but the rest of the closet was packed with shimmering evening gowns, sparkling cocktail dresses, tailored suits, designer slacks, and silk blouses.There was even a rainbow of sweaters in every imaginable shade.Lexie trailed her fingers over the fabrics, each one softer and more exquisite than anything she’d ever owned.
Then she turned and saw the shoes.A whole wall of shelves displayed designer brands she’d only ever seen in magazines, their price tags more than her monthly mortgage.Stilettos, boots, flats, and sneakers—all meticulously arranged by color and style.
“No way!”she whispered, backing away from the overwhelming display of opulence.Her heart raced as she shook her head in disbelief.The cost of these clothes had to be astronomical, and the idea that they were meant for her was overwhelming.
Still, she couldn’t very well walk around naked.Sighing in defeat, she searched for what looked like the simplest and least expensive outfit: a pair of black leggings, a short-sleeved white T-shirt, and a sweatshirt.It wasn’t much, but it would do.Seattle weather in the fall was unpredictable, and she’d be ready for either filtered sunshine or the kind of relentless downpour that could soak a person to the bone.
Sliding her feet into her sneakers, Lexie took a deep breath.She needed to talk to Max, to understand what all of this meant.Were these gifts his way of making her feel welcome, or were they something else entirely?Did he expect her to accept this luxury as part of their…whatever this was?
And, most importantly, was it over between them?The thought of being nothing more than a brief affair created a pit in her stomach.
With questions swirling in her mind, she made her way through the house, eventually finding Max on the terrace.He wasn’t alone.Another man sat with him, their heads bent together in quiet conversation.Max looked up as soon as she stepped outside, his dark eyes locking onto hers.
The look in his eyes melted her apprehension.Those eyes—so piercing and molten—held nothing but desire, and the knot in her chest loosened.
