“Yeah, when you are on your period. Otherwise you prefer to eat fruity stuff like those disgusting circus peanuts and jelly beans and shit. I don’t know why you even like the guy,” he huffs, grabbing another item from the basket.
I snatch it out of his hand and throw it back in. “No. You don’t get to do that. You’ve known me ten years, so of course you know things about me. Clint and I are getting to know one another. He is a good guy, and he is trying. What is your problem?” I hiss at him, my anger rising.
“He isn’t right for you,” he growls.
I throw my hands up. “I don’t even know what is right for me anymore. I have been so far up your ass for ten fucking years helping you run the hotel, and now this… I feel like I’ve lost myself. I have no idea who I am right now or who I want to date. I will never figure it out if I don’t go out and try new things. Sure,Clint isn’t perfect, but he is a good guy. He treats me right and makes me laugh. Right now, that’s the only thing that matters.”
Max drops the chocolate-covered raisins before moving toward me. I step back until I hit the counter opposite the island. He keeps coming until he has me caged in. My breaths are coming fast as I register the look in his eye. He is angry.
I’m not scared of him. This is the most emotion regarding me I have seen from Max. In the past month, he has acted more out of character than he has in ten years. It makes me wonder what the change is.
Could it be me?
Is he going to kiss me? Do I still want him to?
“What are you doing, Max?” I rasp out.
He ignores my question, cupping my cheek. “You deserve the fucking world. You might not be able to see that man for what he is, but I can, and let me tell you. He isn’t good enough for you.”
“Oh, and you are?” The question slips out, making me hold my breath.
“Of course not. You deserve way better than me,” he says, his finger pulling my lip down for a moment before his eyes meet mine.
“Will anyone ever live up to your standards?” I whisper.
I wait with bated breath for his answer.
It could change everything.
MAX
God, I want to kiss her.
It’s the only thought in my head. I could do it too. I think she would let me. The way her breath is coming heavier. The look in her eyes. Her body sways closer to mine as I pin her against the counter.
I know I don’t always catch onto social cues, but these I’ve got down. Iris would kiss me if I wanted right now.
This isn’t me. I don’t do this. Even with past romantic encounters, it was never like this. I don’t know what has gotten ahold of me, but I’m grateful for it. Right now my nerves are nowhere in sight as I stare down at her.
Her lips look so plump. I could take them with my own. Kiss her until she lets out a little moan into my mouth. Mold her body to mine.
It wouldn’t be right, though. Not like this. Not while arguing about another man.
That’s not to say I’m giving up. No. I want to do this the right way. When she finally gives in to me, I want it to be because she only wants me. I don’t want the other fucker to even register.
So as much as it kills me, I can’t kiss her. Not yet.
Yet.
I hold onto that as I back away.
“No one will ever be good enough for you, but you will find someone who will spend every last day of his life trying to be,” I tell her.
It’s me. I will be that man, but I don’t say that. It’s too soon. Moving too fast.
Truth is, I planned to come to her and proclaim my love. I was going to ask her to date me and give me a chance.
Now I see that it would have been a mistake. She has feelings for this other guy. I can’t come barging in and tell her she can’t date him because she should be with me.
