Chapter Seventeen
Max
“Honey, I’m home!” I call out as I walk into Tommy's apartment. But all I get in return is silence. The fucker isn’t even here.
God, I amsobored. Tommy has been back in his main home in the Cotswolds for the last few days, working in the head office, and left me here to deal with the new starters. At least he left Lana, his PA, with me. The angel that she is has been working hard on finding me my own place. I have tried to persuade her to come and work for me instead, but every time it’s always the same answer.Pay me triple and I’ll think about it.
She knows I would never actually take her from Tommy, but I would love to. So, I rob her off him at every opportunity I get, more to piss him off than anything else.
I don’t really like my own company; it’s something I have always struggled with. Growing up with Tommy, Fallon, and Lucy meant I was never alone. Our home was always so loud and full of life, so even now I still hang around them as much as I can.
I thought Tommy would have been back home by now. He must be working through the evening to get everything done before heading back. Great. Now what do I do? I could always call one of the hookups I have saved in my phone, butever since seeing Lucy again, I don’t have any inclination in doing so. The little witch has cast a spell on me… and my dick. The thought of being with anyone that isn’t her does absolutely nothing for me.
I know she got back from London last night, maybe I’ll go and gatecrash a family dinner instead.
Would she be happy to see me after our last conversation? Or am I best to stay away? Although I know it’s probably the latter, I’m putting my shoes back on and heading towards the door before I overthink it. I have never been able to control my impulsive actions before, so why start now?
That woman is my fucking addiction. I need rehab to get over her, or some form of psychiatric help. If I wasn’t obsessed before she came back, I am now.
I’m practically bouncing off my seat in excitement as I drive over there. Ireallyshouldn’t be doing this.
But fuck it.
I want to see her. I know the feelings are there; I just need her to come out and say it. Just like how she did that first time. The time that she turned my world upside down and gave me a piece of her, she could never take back.
It feels like only seconds have passed by the time I’m pulling up to my parents’ house. What’s strange, though, is that no one seems to be home. All the cars are here, but the house shows no signs of life. I’m sure I have a spare key somewhere. Searching the centre console, I find the key and head for the door.
Where are they all? I may as well have a coffee whilst I’m here. It’s a good job they’re used to me just popping in out of the blue. The house is pristine as usual. Mum has been on top form since Lucy came back; you would think she had royalty staying over.
It was never like this before Dad left. My real dad, that is. Or should I say sperm donor? From what I remember, the house was always trashed. No matter how much my mum tried to keep it clean, it was always a mess the next day. It’s only now that I know it was all because of him. She would work day and night to pay the bills, as that lazy bastard couldn’t be bothered to get off his arse and work.
I’m just pouring the milk into my coffee when I hear a bang coming from upstairs. What the fuck was that? It’s only 7 pm, they can’t be in bed already, can they? Or even worse, Lucy isn’t here, and they’re getting busy up there.
I groan out loud at the traumatising images of what could be happening upstairs that invade my mind. Mum is too old to be doing any of that shit.
“Hello? Is someone there?” A wary voice calls.
“Lucy?” Thank fuck for that. I don’t know what I would have done if my Mum had done the walk of shame down the stairs. “It’s Max. I didn’t realise anyone was home.”
Light footsteps echo after her as she comes into the kitchen. My heart stops for a beat as I take her in. Her face is flushed as if she has been exercising, and her loose curls are wild and pushed back off her face. She looks breathtaking even without a scrap of makeup on.
“You scared me!” She says, holding a palm over her heart. “Dad and Liz aren’t due home for a few hours yet. I thought someone had broken in.”
“Nope, just me. I’m sorry for frightening you. I wasn’t planning on coming over.” She eyes me warily with a strange expression that I can’t quite decipher on her face. “Fancy a cup? I have just made a fresh pot.”
She stares at me before answering. “Erm, yeah. Why not?”
She’s acting fucking weird. The telltale blush creeping up her chest is getting deeper by the minute. She rounds the kitchen island and takes a seat on one of the barstools. Like I wouldn’t know she was purposefully sitting as far away from me as she possibly could.
“Is everything okay? You look a little… flushed?” I smirk. I’m starting to understandexactlywhat she was up to.
“What? No! Yes.. sorry yes, I’m fine. Why wouldn’t I be?” She stumbles over the words, her eyes wide like a deer caught in the headlights.
“You just seem a little excitable?” I grin with my back to her, finishing up making her drink.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She can try and play as nonchalant as she wants, but we both know exactly what I’m on about.
“Mmhmm. Whatever you say.” I reply, passing her a steaming mug. “Where are the parents tonight? I was hoping for some of my mum's cooking.” It’s not a lie. I have been living off ramen for something quick and easy whilst I’ve been working so late each night. Work seems to be the only thing that keeps me from thinking about the gorgeous girl sitting in front of me.
