“I hate that you’re right. Just like I hate that we’re going to have to go back out there and pretend like nothing happened. I hate all of it, Maisie. But most of all, I hate that there’s still a part of you that you’re holding back.”
Slowly, she stepped back and out of his reach, and he knew he might have gone too far.
“I don’t want to do this right now. I can’t. We’ve talked about this, and it’s just the way it has to be.”
He nodded, but he wasn’t happy.
“So, does the room pass inspection?” she asked, clearly trying to lighten the mood.
Axel grinned. “Yeah. Like I said, it’s perfect.”
Smiling, she nodded. “Okay then.” Sighing, she looked around again before nodding toward the door. “Come on. We need to get back.”
“Sure.”
Neither seemed to be in a rush as they leisurely strolled back toward the lobby, where all the action was.
“Would you like to have dinner with me tonight?” she asked, surprising him. “We can go into town or maybe order some takeout and hang out at the cabin.”
Without hesitation, he took her hand in his, brought it to his lips and kissed it. “I’d like that very much.”
She playfully nudged his shoulder. “You know we’re just prolonging the inevitable, right? And there are still things I can’t talk about.”
“I know.” He didn’t understand, but right now he was just so desperate for any crumbs she was willing to throw his way.
I am so screwed…
Hand in hand, they continued down the long hallway, and when they turned the last corner, they were met with the hum of activity.
It was back to reality.
Dammit.
He spotted Walker talking to a bunch of guys who were bringing in boxes, and Harlow was standing there with them. Slater and another guy were carrying a mattress down another hallway. And Connor was talking to a guy Axel had never seen before. He was dressed too nice to be one of the movers, and they weren’t expecting any inspections, so he was a little confused.
“Hey, do you know who Connor’s talking to?” he asked Maisie, and was surprised when she came to a halt. Turning his head, he looked at her and saw she’d gone completely pale, like she’d seen a ghost. “Maisie? Are you okay?”
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Connor and the guy walking toward them, and he felt wildly confused.
“Maisie?” he asked again, but she didn’t answer.
“Take your hands off my fiancée!” the new guy demanded before setting his eyes on Maisie.
Axel dropped her hand and took a step back, staring at her in disbelief. “You’re engaged?!”
She shook her head vehemently, her eyes pleading. “No! I swear, Axel. I am not engaged!”
“Don’t let her lie to you,” the guy said, his voice openly hostile. “We’re engaged and planning a wedding.”
“No, we’re not, Bryce,” she snapped.
All he did was laugh before stepping in close. “Yes, we are. I had dinner with your parents last night. We’re thinking of booking the Plaza. We all know how much you enjoy their menu.”
Axel heard her groan but was at a total loss for words.
“So this is where you’ve been hiding?” He had a look of utter disdain. “Slumming it with some construction trash?”
Without a word, Axel simply hauled off and punched the bastard right in his stupid, smug face.
