I turn, fully taking in the man I haven’t seen in months. The one person who I’m even closer to than Sara. Still looking as handsome as ever, with his messy dark hair and cheeky demeanour. The smile he always saves just for me takes over his face as he opens his arms wide.
“Max!” I exclaim as I dive into his waiting embrace. “What are you doing here?”
“I have the pleasure of taking you home tomorrow, and I thought I might as well come a night early to meet up with some of the boys. I’m staying in a hotel not far from here.” He replies, still not letting me go.
Before I can say anything more, Sara nudges me with her elbow, signalling to the bar where our drinks are waiting. She peers over my shoulder, taking in the sight behind me.
“Since Sugarplum isn’t going to introduce us, I’ll do it myself,” she winks in that flirtatious way of hers, stretching her hand out to him. “I’m Sara, Lucy's roommate.”
Taking her hand in his, he laughs. God, that laugh of his could affect a nun.
“It’s nice to meet you, Sara. I’m Max.”
As soon as he utters his name, Sara’s eyes widen before darting to focus on me. On one of the few drunken nights we’ve had in our apartment, I had a little too much wine, which ended with me divulging everything about the one man I have always wanted, and how I think he has always wanted me too. But I can never, ever have him. Because Max isn’t just my closest friend. Or just my childhood crush.
He is also my stepbrother.
