My breath catches, and I nod quickly, my mouth opening slightly as his clean scent fills my nostrils.
"Are you sure you're okay?" he asks again.
He's standing directly in front of me. So close, I could close the gap in seconds if I wanted to.
But it’s Max who presses me against the counter. I let out a soft whimper. I should be mortified, but the fire in his eyes tells me he likes it. A lot.
"Aubrey," Max says my name like a prayer. His hand cups my face, and I close my eyes, bathing myself in the moment as I nuzzle into his palm against my better judgment.
He hates me, doesn't he?
His hand goes around my waist, pulling me to him, and my eyes fly open as the proof of his hard, not-hating-me cock presses against my stomach.
"Can I kiss you?" Max asks, the heat in his eyes pinning me in place.
I stare up at the man who’s starred in every dirty, late-night fantasy I've had for over a year. My entire body screamsyes, from my puckered nipples to my drenched core. But my brain has turned to mush, and I can't force myself to speak. I pant as if he's already touching me, and my chest heaves as he gives me the smile everyone else gets.
He leans in, his tongue darting out to wet his lips.
I close my eyes, knowing there’s only one answer I can possibly give him.
"No."
Chapter five
Max
The welcoming sounds of McGurdy's Pub surround me. I should be in heaven. Any place with noise and people is where I'm happy, but today, I stare into my beer like the end of the world is nigh.
She saidno.
I can't even remember what I did after that. It was like I was on autopilot. I apologized, I think, and went to the bathroom to grab my shirt. What an idiot I was, standing there, half-naked, pressing myself against her. This entire year, I've avoided her, thinking she felt the same electric chemistry a year ago in The Reading Grounds, and it turns out she's just not into me.
Fucking idiot.
I stood in the bathroom, unsure what I should do next, but the door to the garage closed moments later. I should’ve been relieved, but I could’ve wept like a baby when she walked out that door.
Instead, I finished up the puppy prep and got the hell out of there. I've avoided Sugarplum for the last few days, but I'm white-knuckling it like a junkie, desperate for a glimpse of the woman I love, even if I can't have her.
"Max, you want next game?" Cole claps me on the back.
I glance up to see Hayes and Emmett, with Brooks right behind him.
I shake my head. "Not today, guys." I attempt a smile, but my heart's not in it.
Hayes and Cole exchange looks.
Brooks pulls out the chair next to me and motions to the server for a beer.
Cole sits on the other side of the table, and Hayes and Emmett each take a seat.
Emmett throws a trucker hat in front of me. "Maybe this will cheer you up."
I lift the hat. Betty's version of the DP Construction logo is embroidered in yellow and black.I'll blow your mind if you blow my... circuit,is stitched at an angle on the front.
She's been coming up with mottos for each of us, and I find the entire situation hysterical, but I can't bring myself to laugh.
"Funny," I say, leaning back in my chair with a sigh.
