M.N. Forgy - Plus One -

PLUS ONE

M.N. FORGY MISSY BLAKE

CONTENTS Title Page Prologue Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Epilogue Afterword Acknowledgments About the Author Also by M.N. Forgy

Copyright © 2017 by M.N. Forgy Edited by Ellie McLove Cover by Sara Eirew Proofread by Kim Ginsberg

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review. ISBN: 978-0-9864117-8-6

To those who need to unfuck yourself. It’s not the end, it’s the beginning.

PROLOGUE

L ooking through my thick lashes I can’t help but think how perfect everything is.

The sun is shining through the stained glass window of the old church casting a warmth on my face. My bridesmaids look stunning in their lavender pencil straight dresses, and my wedding gown is flawless to match. My hands sweaty and strangling the bouquet nervously, I look at my husband-to-be. He doesn’t look as happy as me, in fact he looks miserable. I notice he’s sweating, a pensive look across his face as his head is bowed. He rubs his forehead with a trembling hand, not making eye contact. Maybe he took a Viagra for later tonight. He took one of those a month or so back and had a similar reaction. He had a boner for forty-three hours and had to ice himself to the point of nearly having frostbite on his cock. My eyes fall to his crotch, finding it flat.

“GROOM, do you take this woman to be your lawful wedded wife? Do you promise to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, remaining faithful to her as long as you both shall live?” Jacob’s eyes widen, his face going pale as an unreadable look crosses his face. My long white veil sticks to my face as I begin to sweat nervously. This dress is suffocating, and my feet begin to ache, cramped in these heels. Why is he looking at me like that? My heart beats rapidly in my chest as I stare back at my fiancé. Is he going to answer? I glance over my shoulder at my maid of honor, Quinn. We met in college and have been inseparable since. She is my go-to in any situation that isn’t ideal, so naturally I look to her for reassurance that my fiancé isn’t about to bail on me. She nudges me to turn back around, so I do. Still, Jacob looks at me with a lost expression, and I can’t help but begin to panic. “Jacob,” I mutter between tight lips, not wanting our families to think there is a

problem. He says nothing. There is a problem. Jep, his groomsman elbows Jacob in the side. “I can’t!” Jacob blurts, and the entire congregation gasps. “I just can’t,” Jacob shakes his head. My world spins. My eyes blink rapidly. I open my mouth to say something but nothing comes out. What am I supposed to say? “It’s not you,” he informs and I look at him with a crazed look. “I just don’t love you anymore,” he continues. “How is that not me?” I burst out, and Jacob looks around like I just embarrassed him. I clench my eyes shut, and look downward, completely mortified. I can feel everyone staring at me with their faces full of sympathy and shock, their disappointment weighing heavy on my shoulders. Deep down I feel like I knew this was coming. He wasn’t around for any of the wedding planning, and today he seemed so nervous I thought he was going to call the whole thing off before we even walked down the aisle. My broken heart sinks in my chest from the humility of it all. He huffs and runs off down the aisle like the chicken shit he is. Why would he put me through all of this in front of everyone we love? “You asshole!” Quinn throws her bouquet at him, missing and hitting my grandmother right in the face. “Oh shit! I’m so sorry, Mama,” Quinn rushes over to grandma to help untangle the flowers from her gray hair. Turning to face everyone the blood drains from my face seeing their reactions. Just as I expected. Sympathy, pity, and shock laced in the depths of their eyes. Uncle Jim asleep in the back pew suddenly startles awake with a loud snort, and looks around, confused. “What I miss?” he asks, looking around. “Jacob just left,” Aunt Cara informs him. “I told Rae not to marry that sum-bitch! Marriage is the beginning of death!” He chuckles himself into a fit of coughs and Aunt Cara just crosses her arms fuming. I rub at my chest, the ache too much to bear. My heart has been torn from my chest and left at the altar to bleed out. It hurts. “What happened? What did you say to him?” Jacobs’s mom appears in my line of sight. Her face flustered, and her big white floppy hat sitting haphazard on her head. She looks at me with a look of anger, demanding an explanation. “Is there still going to be a reception, I want some beer?”

“Why is she still standing there?” “Is she cheating on him? “I told you she cornered him into this whole thing!” Voices from around the room overwhelm me, the world lost to me as I take in this circus. Looking at the door where Jacob just slipped past. A piece of me hoping he’d pop his head back in and say, “Just kidding.” But Jacob never was the playful type. I turn where I’m standing finding one of my bridesmaids, Letty, with her cream colored heels off and picking flowers out of her hair. She glances at me and shrugs. “What? I told you this was going to happen. He’s a dick the size of his prick.” She did tell me that. She doesn’t like anyone though so I didn’t listen to her. She continues to pull fake flowers from her hair, her lips pursed. “Letty, give it a rest.” Jep, the best man, suddenly appears. “That’s not what you were saying when my mouth was wrapped around your dick in the limo an hour ago!” She raises a brow, and Jep’s face goes pale. My mouth falls open in shock hearing her say that. At least someone is getting laid in this thing, because it won’t be me. I begin to cry, tears streaming down my face as my heart breaks in front of everyone. I swipe at the tears angrily, not wanting anyone to see me cry. In a haze my mother appears, her hand resting on my shoulder gently. “Honey, calm down, it’s okay. We’re going to sit down with Jacob and figure this out,” she states softly. “Rae, are you okay?” my sister Lani asks, right behind my mother. Smelling cigarette smoke I look over my mother’s head and find my father lighting a cigar in the middle of the church. My chest feels tight, my eyes filling with unshed tears. I can’t do this, I can’t be here. Grabbing the ends of my dress, I kick my stupid heels off and run down the aisle. “Rae! Rae, wait up honey, we can fix this!” My mother rushes after me, and I run faster. She was more excited for this wedding than anyone and I can’t listen to her psychobabble bullshit right now. She’ll try and sit us down and mend the broken pieces of mine and Jacob’s relationship. But him and I… we are done. There is no coming back from this. Reaching the dressing room, I slam the door shut and lock it before falling to the floor in a mess of tulle and ribbon. My eyes burn from the running mascara, and I can’t help but rip the damn veil out of my hair so viciously it causes my scalp to burn from the strands of hair ripping from the root.

Looking around the dressing room with multiple lit vanities there’s an array of different colored lipsticks and bras thrown around. The smell of hairspray and perfume still lingering in the air. A picture perfect moment of a woman’s big day. Jacob and I have been together for a year. At four months I moved in with him per his request. At six months he proposed and I said yes despite us being together only a short while. I figured it’s 2017, everyone is marrying early these days. He loves me, and I love him so why not? At one year I was left at the altar with an urge to strangle him with my garter. I should have read the signs better. Looking back, they were there. He didn’t show up for cake testing, and he’s been gone all hours of the night for the last two weeks. I thought it was nerves, but in reality it was him trying to tell me he made a mistake without telling me he made one. God this hurts. I rub at my chest that’s constricting the air from my lungs. My sadness morphing into rage, I stand and kick at a vanity. It doesn’t budge, making me even more angry. Arching a brow, I eye that fucking vanity full of makeup and fake flowers. I press my hands against it, my face scrunches and I push with all my might until finally the damn thing tips over. The light bulbs burst as it falls on its side, the sound music to my ears, the destruction instantly making me feel better. Stupid vanity. Stupid wedding. Stupid Jacob! I hate him. Why did he have to be such a child; A damn boy. If he wasn’t ready, why didn’t he say so? He doesn’t love me? Why would he go through with this until the very last minute? Makes me wonder if he ever loved me at all. A knock sounds at the door and I sniffle the snot threatening to drip from my nose and look at the door. “Rae, open up!” Quinn demands. Lifting myself up, I unlock it, and she shimmies in. Her red hair is down now, and she has a plate of cake in one hand with a glass of champagne in the other. “Wow, this is the most entertaining wedding I’ve been to. You should see your mom and Jacob’s mom yelling it out. Your mom’s southern accent is coming out, and Jacob’s mother’s face is so full of Botox you can’t tell if she’s laughing or crying.”

I snort and snatch the cake and glass from her hand. “Hey,” she frowns, eyeing me like I’m a bitch for taking her cake and wine. Using my hands, I grab a chunk and feed it to myself as I sob hysterically. “I need this more than you,” I say around a mouthful of cake. Setting the plate down a sob wracks my body, my mouth dropping as tears stream down my face. “This is it for me, I’ve hit rock bottom. Maybe I should just be a lesbian.” I cry louder. I could totally love a chick the same way I could a man. I like boobs. I scrunch my face thinking about taking a nipple in my mouth, it poking me in the eye as my wife-to-be rubs them in my face. “You can’t be a lesbian babe, you’re orally challenged. Remember when you kissed that guy with braces and your hair got caught in his teeth when you tried to whip it all sexy like?” Quinn informs, with a raised brow. This isn’t helping with my self-esteem, so naturally I resort to the chunk of cake right in front of me. No fork required. Quinn hunches down and just when I think she’s going to say something nice, she touches the bottom of my chin and shuts my chomping mouth. “I love you, but right now you have a face only your mother could love,” she smiles sarcastically. I toss some cake at her and she flinches when it smacks her in the cheek. “Bitch,” she hisses, wiping the cake off her face carefully. “You only knew the guy a year, you’ll move on from this,” she encourages. Looking up at her, my hands bowed out on my side trying to keep the falling cake from landing on my dress, I pout. “It was the best year of my life,” I cry louder, my eyes clenched shut and mouth open with a horrible loud wail leaving my mouth. This is not my proudest moment, I gotta say. Jacob was my first in everything. Rebelling against my parents, quitting my dream job, love, sex, all of it. She rolls her eyes, and pulls me into her. “Jesus, you’re a mess.” “Rae, it’s me Kelly what’s going on?” Jacob’s aunt says on the other side of the door, her odd knocking pattern sounding like Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory. She was always nice to me, but I can’t stand to see anyone from Jacob’s side right now. “Rae, open up, it’s Mom! Why don’t you and Jacob talk this out, hmm?” “You need to go,” Quinn whispers and my eyes snap to hers. She’s right, I need out of here and now. Looking around the room there is no way out aside from the locked door behind me. My eyes land on the window with just a fire escape outside, and my eyes light up. Bingo!

“You go out that window, and I’ll distract them.” Quinn helps me up off the floor and I hurry over to it. My heart beating a mile a minute. I head to the window and pull it open. A rush of warm air slaps me in the face and I breathe it in. Pulling my dress up, I hike my leg over the window ledge and step out onto the fire escape. My feet greeting the hot metal, and I begin to sweat instantly with the heavy dress wrapped around me like a damn gordita. “Runaway bride, I like your style.” My head jerks to the left finding a man leaning against the building nursing a beer right outside the window of the groom’s dressing room. He’s tall and handsome in his black slacks and dress shirt. He has blondish hair, and a square jaw that is lined with blonde stubble. I can’t help but notice he has the bluest eyes I’ve ever seen. I tear my gaze from his, angry with mankind right now. “Fuck you,” I mutter trying to get my other leg out of the window. I give him another glance, noticing his formal attire. He’s here for the wedding but I don’t recognize him, he must be on Jacob’s side. “Is he in there?” I can’t help but ask, pointing toward the window he climbed from. If he is, I’ll beat him with everything within reach and demand answers. “Who? Jacob? No, he’s not in there. Not sure where he is,” he lifts an eyebrow. “Yeah, sure you don’t,” I mumble perusing my escape. “Well, if you came to crash this wedding you’re too late,” I inform, and he chuckles. My dress snags on the window, and I hurry to grab the material causing me to lose my balance and fall out of the window, landing on the unforgiving metal grate. The sound of my dress ripping makes my spine tingle. So much for selling this on eBay. A gust of wind blankets my backside and that’s when I realize I’m mooning this handsome stranger. Could this day get any worse? The man runs to my side. His hands clasp mine to help me up, and I notice his palm is much larger than mine. Bigger than Jacob’s too. Looking at him, his dress shirt is rolled up to his elbows, showing strong forearms. He starts trying to help me cover my ass, and my cheeks flush. His hands grabbing all over me making me flustered, I begin to slap his hands away in what looks like a bad attempt of patty cake. Finally he steps back, looking at me with a crazed look in his face. “You look like—” “Hell?” I interrupt. “I know, and don’t care.” Pulling my gaze from his muscled arms back to the task at hand. Escaping. I look over the ledge and swallow deep. I’ve never been one for heights. My

stomach fills with butterflies as I slowly take a step back. Shit, how am I going to get down? “Want some?” He lazily offers his beer. I bring my gaze back to him, noticing the gray flecks in his eyes. His stare is quite catching, gripping me from the inside out. He smiles, and my eyes fall to his full lips. They look hard, but soft all at the same time. He shrugs his hard shoulders, and wraps his mouth around the end of the bottle. His strong throat bobbing with each sip. My brows narrow, I know for a fact I’ve never seen this man before. I would remember. “Who is this man?” His eyes widen, as he swallows a mouthful of alcohol. I freeze. “Did I say that out loud?” I hold my hand to my lips, my filter obviously gone. He chuckles, glancing down at his feet. “You did. I’m Max, a friend of the groom’s,” he informs, looking at me from the corner of his eye. Taking the beer, I take a big gulp, looking him over. “I’m Rae,” I introduce. “Yeah… I know,” he replies coolly, not making eye contact. My brows pinch together, feelings suddenly misplaced. How can he know me, but I don’t know him? “I don’t remember Jacob ever mentioning a Max,” I reply rudely. What can I say, being left at the altar does things to a woman. “I just moved back to town, but most of my friends don’t tell their girlfriends about me anyway,” he winks and I feel my whole abdomen tighten. He’s a player, and obviously proud of it. “Wait.” Beer in my hand I point my finger at him. “Were you the guy that slept with the English teacher?” His cheeks turn a sexy shade of pink and he looks away. Conveying that he is the culprit of teacher play at Jacob’s high school. The stories I have heard about this man would make anyone blush. The door inside the dressing room rattles, the voices of every female in the place muffled as they demand I open it. “Shit,” I mutter under my breath, my body tensing. “Want me to get you out of here?” he questions, reading my mind. I want to tell him to take a hike, but I have no way out of here and I need to escape this disaster with what dignity I have left. I can’t go home because Jacob might be there and I don’t want to be alone with him. I might kill him. I can see it now, “Emotional Bride Strangles Groom with Wedding Veil” in the headline of the morning paper. “Please?” I whisper, completely at this stranger’s mercy.

Leaning down he grabs me under the knees and lifts me, throwing me over his shoulder like I weigh nothing. “What in the hell!?” I shout, trying to gain some balance over his strong shoulder. “Put me down!” I demand. He slaps my ass. The fluff from the dress so thick I barely notice. My eyes widen, and my mouth gapes open. Shock catching me by the tongue. “Simmer down, Bridezilla. If you climb down this fire escape in this getup it will take us all day, Rae,” he explains, my name spilling from his lips making me close my gaping mouth. It sounds exotic, foreign even. His tone of voice rough, and southern accent. I give in, because he’s right. My foot will catch in the tulle and I’ll fall, breaking something for sure. I’m as clumsy as it gets. Finally reaching the ground, he sets me on my feet, gravel cutting into my toes. I straighten my dress, looking Max over, the smell of Irish Spring lingering on my dress. His blue eyes cut to mine, and I look away. They’re so intense, as if he can see right through me and know what I’m thinking or feeling by just a simple look in my direction. “Rae!” Max and I look up finding my mother and every other woman hanging out of the window. “Where do you think you’re going!?” my mother snaps hastily. Max fists my hand, and jogs forward. Not having a choice but to run with him, I bunch up my dress with my free hand and sprint down the block. I begin to laugh so hard I can’t tell if it’s out of happiness or if I’m losing my mind. My heart beats wildly against my chest and it fuels my laughter that much more. I haven’t done something so risky or fun since… well, before meeting Jacob. He slows, and I let my dress fall to my feet. Resting my hands on my hips I inhale a breath so deep I feel dizzy. Max steps up to a blue truck, and unlocks the door for me. Quickly I climb into the old truck as he starts it up and peels away from the curb like he stole it. My side still aching from the hard laugh. Resting my chin on my hand I look out the window recalling why it is I haven’t had a good laugh in such a long time. It was always business meetings, or high-end clients with Jacob. I was nothing but arm candy to him. To be seen, and not heard. Closing my eyes, I realize I’ve slowly changed over the year to make Jacob happy. How did that happen? When did that happen? I mean I was happy if he was happy and that is all that mattered I thought. That’s what being a happy couple is about right? I was obviously wrong.

“I can hear you thinking,” Max states, interrupting my thoughts. “It sounds like Dr. Phil is in the truck with us.” I glance at him, noticing his square jaw and five o’clock shadow for the first time. He really is quite striking… if I didn’t hate the male species right now that is. Which I do. “More like Jerry Springer,” I mutter, and his lips pull into a sexy smirk. Wiping a stray tear from my cheek I turn in my seat. Bemused by this man. I look at him, watching his throat bob and move as he continues to chuckle at my joke. I’m suddenly hot. Too hot. Rolling down the window, I ache for a breeze but with it being the middle of June in Nashville, Tennessee there is hardly a rush of cool air anywhere. “You okay?” Max asks with a voice of concern. Glancing out of the corner of my eye I watch him shift the truck into the next gear. Are you okay? I’m already sick of that question. “Do you normally ask stupid questions?” I counter, pulling at the back of my dress, I undo it and shuffle out of it. My body covered in sweat to the point it’s glowing a shade of pink. Fresh air slaps against my sensitive skin nearly making me moan in relief. “What the hell are you doing?” He looks at me like I’ve lost my mind as I undress from this awful monstrosity. Maybe I have. Wouldn’t any woman who was dumped on her wedding day go a little insane? It’s my wedding day I can go insane if I want to. “I can’t be in this a moment longer.” I shake my head undressing. It reeks of broken dreams and what if’s. I don’t care if Max sees me in my corset, I need this off me now. In fact, I don’t ever want to see it again. Crying, I rip it off and shove it out the window. It took me three weeks to find that damn dress and here I am throwing it out of a truck window. A car behind us honks as it flies into their windshield and I laugh like a crazy person. “Jesus Christ, Rae!” He shakes his head, turning into a different lane. “You know he was my first? It was horrible! I was lost in the throes of passion, throwing my clothes with reckless abandon and he was undressing himself politely, and folding his clothes after each piece was taken off—” “Rae,” Max interrupts, the sound of his voice conveying he doesn’t need to know. But he does, he needs to know! Jacob humiliated me, and now it’s his turn. “After he fumbled around like a blind man for about five minutes he finally put it in, meanwhile one of the thirty fucking candles caught the curtains on fire. He

screamed like a girl and started whacking the fire with a PILLOW! The fire department had to come put the fire out and treat him for third degree burns on his penis,” I tell with pursed lips. “Um,” Max laughs, looking the other way. “Pretty sexy for a girl’s first time, wouldn’t ya’ say?” I laugh now, but back then I wasn’t. “I wish that was the worst sex story ever, but man, Jacob really racked them up. I hated sex! ” I shake my head, angry. Quinn would go on and on about her sex life, meanwhile I kept my lame sex life to myself. “Sounds like you had sex with a boy, Rae. That will happen,” Max informs, rubbing his chin. I huff. He’s probably right. Jacob was a boy. “I can’t believe I thought he loved me. I’m so stupid,” I mumble against my hand as I stare out the window. “You’re not stupid. I mean, you are, because Jacob is well… Jacob… and any woman would know not to trust him. But it’s not your fault.” I whip my head in his direction. His tone suggesting he knows Jacob more than I do. “What does that mean, ‘he’s Jacob’?” I furrow my brows feeling defensive. “Means… I sure as hell was surprised when I was invited to his wedding.” He flicks his gaze at me briefly before focusing back on the road. What else does he know about Jacob? “Have you kept in touch with, Jacob?” I narrow my brows. He shrugs his left shoulder looking out his window. “Here and there, when I’m not working. We’ve grown apart for the most part.” “Uh huh, and did he ever let on that he wasn’t ready to marry me?” I ask, needing to know how all this happened. Surely if Max knows him so well Jacob would have let on something wasn’t right. Max’s jaw ticks. His dark stare conveying he does know something. Something I wouldn’t want to hear. “What is it? Tell me.” I lift my chin ready for the blow. “Is he cheating on me?” I word vomit and Max just gives me a look. “By the looks of the cake smeared all over your face and hands, I’d say you can’t handle a fork let alone life right now, Rae,” he chuckles. I quickly pull down the sun visor to wipe off the dry icing on my cheek. “Besides, how is anyone sure their significant other isn’t screwing her nail technician, or next door neighbor?” Max informs. The use of the word her telling me we’re not talking about just anyone. A silent laugh rocks my body, until I see that Max isn’t joking. I swallow my laughter and clear my throat. Jesus, is Max’s fiancée sleeping with the whole town?

“So are you more mad your chick is cheating, or that she was with a woman and didn’t include you?” I can’t help but jeer. He looks at me with wild eyes, and just as I think I shoved my foot in my big mouth again, he smirks. “Fuck yeah, she should have included me!” he says seriously, and I can’t hold my laughter in anymore. Biting my cheek, I observe him the way he changed from sexy stranger to someone who has or is experiencing an unfaithful lover. He sighs heavily, shifting in his seat. His demeanor conveying he’s done talking. “Where are we going?” he asks, one hand dangling over the steering wheel effortlessly. “I don’t know,” I mutter, not sure. I can’t go back to the wedding, and I definitely can’t go back to mine and Jacob’s house. I just need a moment is all.” I shake my head, my eyes watering with the urge to cry. I feel Max staring at me and my head drops. I’m such a strong person, this broken girl with her makeup melting down her face isn’t me. I hate it and wish nobody could see me at my worst. The truck suddenly jerks, throwing me into the door with a sudden change of direction. “I know a place.” Max looks at me out of the corner of his eye. The truck turns down a dirt road where trees on each side have overgrown. Their branches and bright green leaves and vines crowning over a deserted dirt road. “Where are we?” I question nervously. “This is my hiding place. Whenever I need to get away and… think.” He lifts a shoulder. Side eyeing him, I think back to the emotion deep in his voice just moments ago. I think we both could use an escape. The trees clear upon the end of the dirt road and what lies ahead is breathtaking and indescribable. It’s a closed theme park or what used to be a small carnival. There’s rides that haven’t been ridden on in years, in fact, it looks like mankind hasn’t stepped foot here in years. It was a small establishment. A carousel, scrambler, small Ferris wheel, and a ride with a dozen little swings surrounding it. All of them are rusted, with vines and foliage growing over it. Flowers of every color blooming, and filled with so much life I’m stuck staring at it speechless instead of noticing Max has turned the truck off. “It takes you away from everything chaotic, replacing it with something… peaceful. I don’t know,” he chuckles, shaking his head as if he can’t make sense of it. He rubs his chin with his fingers, before looking my way. Reaching for the door I open it and get out wanting to see it up close. Needing to smell the beauty in its nature.

My bare feet hit the overgrown grass and I close my eyes taking in a deep breath of honeysuckle. Imagining kids laughing and the sound of carnival games zinging in the background. The imagery blinding out everything on my mind and taking me to another world. Warm material envelopes my shoulders and my eyes pop open finding Max covered me with his dress shirt. It smells of him. Spicy and clean. He steps around me, his wife beater clinging to his sweaty back. His shoulders are wide and strong narrowing down to a lean torso. “How did you find this place?” I ask. “When I was a kid my mother took me here, back when it was open. After I moved away for several years and came back I found it had been closed down. The owners had perished and had no family, the bank owns it but they haven’t put it up for sale. Reaching the swings, he grabs onto one of the rusty chains, gently jerking it back and forth. “I’m so fucked,” I whisper. Not sure where to go from here. “I lived with Jacob and worked for his father. My whole life revolved around that man. I was in vet school when I met Jacob, and I quit to work for his dad in his law firm,” I confide, conflict heavy in my tone. “I hated it,” I reply regretfully. “So unfuck yourself,” Max replies like it’s as easy as that. A snap of the fingers and everything will just vanish. “What does that even mean?” I ask with a silent laugh, half cry. Done with this man’s cryptic speeches. “Means, go back to the part in your life you were happy with before you fucked yourself. Unfuck it,” he shrugs. “Go away, eat pineapple, and move forward,” he suggests. “Pineapple?” I ask, that part standing out to me. “Yeah, pineapple,” he clarifies. “The pineapple has a thick skin and with a spiral of spiny swords to protect its delicate inside. Much like you should do with your heart, Rae,” he winks at me, before looking away. I slow blink. What he just said hits me hard, but it doesn’t sound like something Max would come up with. “My grandma told me that,” he says in a softer tone. “Really? And when the time comes will you be taking your own advice?” I tilt my head to the side referring to his lapse in the truck moments before. His face hardens, his carefree attitude turning cold. Before Jacob… I was with Quinn. Our life nothing but our own party. I smirk. Man, we had some good times. I met Jacob at one of Quinn’s parties actually. He said a buddy from work invited him and though he never attended things like that,

he was just dumped and could use a new scene. As the sun sets, it begins to darken outside. The night’s cool air wafting around in an uncomfortable breeze. Looking up, I spot the tower slide, I bet you can see downtown Nashville on the top. Fingers interlock with mine causing a fire to burn in my chest, I look down finding Max holding my hand. My eyes slowly peel up his arm until I find his fierce blue eyes looking at me. “Let’s go to the top,” he suggests. I shrug, and gently pull my hand free of his. The feeling uncomfortable. “I’m scared of heights,” I admit. I didn’t even get on the swings in school because I was scared of falling off. It’s not even the hitting the ground part that scares me. It’s that part between letting go and hitting the bottom that scares me the most. He laughs. “You’re scared of the slide?” “It’s not just a slide,” I inform, my hand outstretched toward the tower of death. “I could fall and die,” I tell him seriously. “I’m here, ain’t nothing bad going to happen, Rae,” he says, narrowing his brows, and call me crazy but I believe him. The strength in his voice conveying he’ll protect me. “Who do you think you are, Superman?” I laugh silently. He jerks my hand, making me fall into him. “If that’s what it takes to get your cute little ass up that slide, then yes, I’m Superman,” he breathes heavily against my mouth. I open my mouth to rebuttal but lose my breath from his nearness and push against his chest to catch my breath. Interlocking his hand with mine, he smiles knowing he won and steps away. He leads us toward the old slide, with me reluctantly in tow. I take a shaky step onto the first step, the rickety attraction creaking beneath my weight. One hand is gripping Max’s tightly, the other white knuckling the railing. My heart is beating in my chest so hard I feel like I can’t breathe, my chest heavy and constricting not helping. As we take the steps upward I begin to tremble, the thought of yanking my hand free of Max’s is overwhelming. I look behind me noticing I’m closer to the top than the bottom. It would be stupid to turn back now, but it doesn’t stop me from wanting to. “Almost there, come on Rae,” Max encourages. “If you make it to the top I’ll reward you with an earth shattering kiss,” he says with an ego higher than this damn slide.

“More like I’m going to kill you when I make it to the top,” I breathe heavily. Finally taking the last step I walk slowly, my movements unsteady and wobbly. Max turns, grabbing my hips with a firm grip. “Now sit down. Sitting still will help,” he breathes into the back of my ear. I nod, and quickly I sit down, and scoot to the side. My body slick with a nervous sweat. Max sits next to me, and leans back. Quivering I look to my left and my breath catches in my throat. There’s a dozen twinkly lights across the skyline. “Fucking awesome isn’t it?” Max questions, looking out. “It’s…” I can’t find the words. It’s way more than beautiful. He glances over his shoulder. “Worth it?” “Yes!” My reply surprises me. Never would I have thought that fear would be worth a view. “Superman is always right,” he replies snarky. I roll my eyes. “Here we go,” I silently laugh. Looking down at my lap I can’t help but think why couldn’t I find a guy like Max. He’s funny, caring, and gorgeous. Jacob never thought twice about my fear of heights and never helped me get through them like Max just did. “I’ve got to stop buying into this cliché idea that true love exists,” I mutter under my breath. Max whips his head my way, forehead wrinkled like he’s intrigued. “I’m setting myself up for heartache because I’m always looking for something that’s not there,” I continue. “What, like Prince Charming?” Max shrugs with a look of amusement. “Exactly,” I point at him. He shakes his head. “Why would you want Prince Charming when you could have Superman?” Max replies casually, looking back out at the lights. Turning my head slightly I eye him, curious if there is more to that statement than he’s let on. It also makes me want to know if he was a geek growing up. The kid with his nose always stuck in a comic book. He looks back at me, with a puzzled look. “What?” “Nothing,” I reply meekly before looking away. “You’re not the only one that falls for that Hollywood cliché of romance, Rae,” Max responds. Narrowing my eyes, I look at him, my face conveying for him to keep going. He picks at a stray string from his slacks. “Me and my fiancée moved here a few months ago to be close to my family. I just found out last week that my woman has

been cheating on me. We had a big fight and I just fucking left.” Shaking his head, he groans in frustration. “There is nothing worse than hearing lie after lie, and falling for it. I look at her, and fall for it every time.” His words are sharp and angry, and I know how he feels. “Do you know who she’s been with?” I implore. He scoffs. “No.” His voice is firm, and I can tell he’s done opening up. “Sounds like you’ve been with a girl, not a woman.” I flip his wisdom on him and he just looks at me like I just gave him the advice from heaven. Quickly I avert my eyes, not sure if he’s pissed or thankful for that. “I’m just going to get my shit together and become emotionally unavailable,” I tell myself out loud. “Sounds good, I’ll see you at the meetings.” “Meetings?” “Ya, the ones to help us become emotionally unavailable and more selfabsorbed,” he shrugs. I laugh. “I think you have that last one in the bag. You could teach that class.” I raise a brow and he chuckles. “You’re kind of a bitch,” he retorts with no shame. “So I’ve been told,” I purse my lips. He grabs my hand and looks down the slide. “Are you ready?” My face drops, and I choke on my reply. Using his feet, he slides himself to the edge and slides forward. My hand in his, I go down beside him. I scream so loud my throat hurts. There is no blood in my hand as I’m squeezing his so hard, and I want to close my eyes, but I can’t. My heart and stomach are flying and falling all at the same time. I have butterflies in my stomach, and feel like I’m going to be sick. It’s just like falling, but sitting. As soon as we reach the bottom I’m frozen, my hair everywhere and my eyes wide. Standing, Max let's go of my hand and laughs hysterically from what I’m guessing the look on my face. I gasp, taking in a large breath of air. “Want to go again?” Max asks. “Fuck you!” I reply, exasperated. I stand on weak legs and fall right into his arms. Nearly taking him down in the process, he catches me.

My hands land on his forearms, and my head slams into his hard chest. My legs a tangled mess. Slowly I look up and find him smiling down at me. “This is the second time you’ve fallen down around me Rae, if I didn’t know any better I’d say I make you weak in the knees,” he tells rather than asks. Quickly I push myself off him, and right the shirt I’m wearing. “More like throw up,” I retort weakly. Looking up at the sky it’s nearly black from the sunset, and Max’s phone is going off again. He picks it up and frowns before putting it back in his pocket. “Is that Jacob?” I can’t help but ask. The way his eyes go hard I can tell it was. “Do you want to talk to him? I can call the number back,” Max asks. A piece of me wants to talk to Jacob, the heartbroken, maybe he’s regretting what he did and does love me. “No,” I clip, and my tone of voice grabs Max’s attention. “The start of unfucking myself is practicing that whole emotionally unavailable thing. Meaning Jacob will not be a part of my life from here on out.” The words taste like vinegar as I say them, but the lift of stress off my shoulders is instantly noticeable. “Do you have somewhere to stay?” Max asks sincerely. Running my finger over the chipped seat of the spinning swings I inhale a breath. “I’m going to stay at Quinn’s until I can figure out my next move,” I inform, hoping Quinn won’t mind. He gives a curt nod. “Right, well. Let’s get you to Quinn’s. It’s getting dark,” he suggests. I nod, knowing I can’t hide here forever. He steps in front of me, heading back to the truck. I look over the place again, remembering how at ease I am right now. If this place can go back to what it once was, finding beauty which was once taken from it. So can I. Maybe I didn’t lose anything. Maybe everything that wasn’t meant to be is just being wiped from the table, and this is my chance at a fresh start. Climbing into my seat I put my seatbelt on as Max starts the truck silently. Driving through the dark path we make it back to the main road and I point out the windshield. “Follow that road, and take a left until you reach Sugar Cane Street,” I direct. The drive is quiet, the only sound to be heard is the roar of the engine and passing cars. As soon as we pull onto the street I point at the house and he navigates that way. “Is Quinn home?” Max ducks his head looking out the windshield for a better view. “Do you have a key even?”

“I’ll climb a window if I have to. Seems to be what I’m good at today,” I laugh lightly. “Well you’re shit at it, so I hope you have a key,” he banters. “There’s a key under the rug,” I mutter under my breath. “Ah. Nice hiding spot,” he replies sarcastically. The truck stops, and Max turns in his seat to look at me. His arm resting along the back of the seat gracefully. “Jacob was at my house waiting for me a couple weeks ago, said he was having second thoughts about marrying you, that he’d even been sleeping around.” A lump forms in the middle of my throat hearing him verbally confirm Jacob cheated on me. “I admit it, I told him to listen to his gut when it came down to the wedding. Apparently he listened to my advice.” I scoff, shaking my head. What bothers me the most is he was having doubts weeks ago and didn’t trust me enough to talk about it. “Wow,” I mutter under my breath, not sure what to say to that. “To be honest I don’t think you’ve lost anything today besides a lifetime of hurt, Rae,” Max states, his tone soft. My head swoops in his direction, an unshed tear welling in my left eye. He grabs my chin and my mouth parts from the contact. I expected it to be hard, but it’s soft and warm. His glacier blue eyes stare into me, a storm swirling in the depths of them. They’re smoldering, and intense. Opening the truck door, I tear my gaze from his and step out. His nearness making me feel things I don’t want to right now. Fuzzy, giddy, and excited. “Want me to carry you over the threshold?” Max asks, I can’t tell if he’s serious or being an asshole. Turning, I lean into the window, and raise a brow. “Carrying me off a fire escape and away from my wedding was one for the books, I think,” I wink. Inhaling a breath, I shut the door and head inside Quinn’s house. Ice cream first. Pity party second. Anti-male chick-flicks third.

1

One year later. Rae

Someone nudges my arm, waking me up.

Moaning I roll over, popcorn and confetti sticking to my skin as the room comes into focus. The glitter on my chest is itching me, and my mouth taste like ass. “Where am I?” I croak. “You got to go, check out is in an hour,” a tall Mexican man says, looming over me as I blink myself awake. Holding my pounding head, I push myself up and pull my dress down that has hiked up in my sleep. It feels like a sledgehammer is going to town in my skull. What did I do last night? The motel suite comes into view and everything slowly strings to memory. Quinn and I were invited to a party and we rocked that shit. I think. A flashback of me riding a fake pink flamingo comes to memory. A sliver of Quinn rubbing herself down in shaving cream and imprinting herself onto the front window of the suite. One eye open, I look toward the light filtering through the window and see a smudged body print on the glass. Yep, that happened. That’s all I got as far as memories though. “What time is it?” I smack my lips, my mouth feeling dry. I need toothpaste. Bad. “Noon,” the young man answers. Something flickers in the back of my head, as if I had something to do today. “RAE!” Quinn yells at the top of her lungs and I cringe from the loud sound. “I’m in here,” I snap hatefully. Quinn steps over trash, her hair sticking everywhere as she makes her way

toward me. Her mascara has run down her cheeks, and her dress is wrinkled as if she’s slept in a closet all night. “I feel like shit,” she whines, holding her forearm over her forehead. “Me too,” I whisper. “What time is it?” she questions. “Noon,” I reply. “Oh shit, don’t you have that lunch thing with your mom today?” Quinn looks at me with wide eyes. “Oh damn!” That’s what I had to do today. I jump over a half-naked guy, kick a fake pink flamingo out of the way and rush out of the hotel room. “I’ll meet you at the house?” Quinn hollers. “See you later!” I wave, taking the stairs instead of the elevator. I was supposed to meet my mother, and sister for lunch. I cannot believe I forgot! Stopping at the stairs I take my heels off and run as fast as I can to my car. Mom is going to kill me! Getting to the restaurant I run my fingers under my eyes to wipe the smudged eyeliner. I finger comb my hair down, which isn’t really working, and pull my dress up to hide my cleavage some. Licking my palm, I rub it along my collarbone to erase some of the lingering body glitter. Quinn rolled it on me last minute regardless of my protesting. She takes looking sexy to a stripper level. I didn’t even know they still made body glitter. Clearing my throat, I casually walk inside the restaurant and find my mom and sister sitting at a table in the back. My mom glances at me before doing a double take. That look, I can tell she is not pleased. That or I look like someone brought in a stray cat. Probably both. Her eyes are wide, her nostrils flaring, and the corner of her mouth is slightly turned upward as I near. Her hair is big and blonde, her makeup light, barely noticeable as she hardly wears any. “Hey guys, sorry I’m late. Traffic,” I lie. My sister, Lani, stands and hugs me. She’s a good kid, but is a follower. Always looking to please everyone but herself. It’s where her and I differ. I’m the black sheep. “You smell like tequila,” she whispers in my ear, and I laugh. If that’s all I smell like, then I’m winning. “Rae, you look like hell, honey,” Mom complains, and I ignore as usual before sitting down. “What’s good here to eat, I’m starving.” I grab a menu and examine the

appetizers. Only thing I ate last night was some stale popcorn and I think Quinn found a corn dog in the hotel freezer. I pause mid thought. Did I eat that corndog? God, I hope not. “All right, I’m just going to say it. Rae, this has to stop,” Mom states firmly, pressing the palms of her hands onto the table precisely. Here we go. I knew this was coming. I should have just called and said I wasn’t coming, I could mute her then. “You are twenty-five years old and act like a damn nineteen-year-old. You’re out partying, and—” “Having fun?” I supply, setting down my menu. That’s all I’m doing. Having fun. I’m not doing drugs, I’m not knocked up by a pimp. I’m having fun, and staying out of trouble… for the most part. “Look, we all know you had a life changing experience when Jacob dumped you —” “On my wedding day,” I add, angry she brings it up all the time. That day was hard on me, but it was also hard on her. She was so excited to see her oldest marry, and was over the moon about having grandchildren soon. I feel like I disappoint her every day since then. “I think it’s time you settle down. As your mother I insist this pity party ends now!” Mother points at me and I roll my eyes. The smell of warm buttered bread rolls at the table catching my attention more than my mom’s schooling. She acts like I’m humping the Tennessee defensive line. “You know, I know a guy—” “No!” I cut her off. No more dates. My mom has horrible taste in men, how she landed my father I’ll never know. “That last guy you set a date with me was beyond creepy!” I flail my arms around indicating my point. “You’re being dramatic,” Mother huffs, taking a sip of water, eyeing me out of the corner of her eye. “Oh, I’m being dramatic? Anyone who has a clown collection should be locked in a padded room and anyone that has ever seen the movie IT would agree.” My voice wavers as I side-eye my sister who is actually nodding in agreement. “Don’t look at your sister for backup. She’s got her life figured out and has a nice young man who is going to marry her one day. It’s time you be the big sister and settle down, Rae. Go find a nice gentleman and give me some grandbabies,” she continues and I snort. A little me running around would be something. “How do you even set these dates up? Do you go up to them and say, ‘Hello, I need you to date my daughter who has enough baggage to fill a plane. I need you to marry her and give me grandbabies as soon as possible,’” I imitate my mother’s

voice. Lani laughs, and Mom’s face is cold and bitter at my sense of humor. “I’m serious, Rae. You better get your act together!” She slams her hand down on the table, and stomps off. I glance at Lani, and she looks at me with a look I can’t read. “What?” I whisper, not liking the way she’s staring at me. “She’s kind of kind of right, though she is much harsher than I would be.” Lani blinks rapidly before looking back at me. “You fell apart after Jacob and did the whole crazy rebound thing, but you’re losing control of your life. You have to find some stability, sister.” She pats my shoulder and stands. “I’m going to go check on Mom.” Biting my cheek, I think about the last year. I remember some of it, kind of. After my failed wedding, Quinn went over to retrieve my things and I moved in with her. Most of the last year was late nights with lots of parties and booze, but no man was ever a part of the equation. Well, there was that one time, but that was it. I’m pursuing my career as a vet assistant, and doing what makes me happy. My mother can’t seem to understand that though, she thinks I’m being selfish and will turn down my soul mate if I’m not careful. I say bullshit to that. I was left at the altar once, I am in no hurry to do it again. Why can’t anyone understand that?

Max WAKING UP, my arm feels heavy and my mouth feels like sandpaper. One eye open I look over to see what is weighing my arm down only to find a naked blonde girl. Wait, two naked blonde girls. Damn, must have been a fun night. I freeze, trying to remember it… It’s all a blur though. I look around the room finding myself on a piano, and what looks like a… museum? What the hell did I do last night? I remember meeting a girl at the taco stand, and she asked me if I would help her find her keys and we ended up here. I look at one of the blonde women strewn over the piano keys remembering she worked here. I’m not sure where the other woman came from though. Closing my eyes an image of them on the piano together flares to mind. Them taking my underwear off as I ate their pussy, one at a time like a damn buffet. Groaning I pull myself up, my bare ass cheeks sticking to the black piano top. “I’m never drinking tequila again,” I groan miserably, my head splitting with pain.

Losing my balance, I fall off the back of the musical instrument and land on the cold tiled floor. My back hip makes impact first, as my elbow strikes a leg of the piano. I wince, my reaction slow as I feel like I’m coming out of a coma rather than having a massive hangover. Rubbing my forehead, I slowly stand, finding a redheaded janitor staring at me with a creepy ass smile. Her eyes pinned right between my legs. I follow her eyes and find my junk standing proud. Damn. I cup myself, and look for my clothes. “You looking for these big boy?” she laughs, twirling my jeans around like a propeller. I hold my hand out, leaving my right palm to take over junk coverage. “Can I please have them?” I ask nicely, but the sarcastic undertone is not lost on her. “You can have whatever you want.” She slides her tongue over her bottom teeth, and throws them at me. “You better hurry, the museum opens in ten minutes,” she informs with a hysterical laughter. “Ten minutes? What time is it?” I look around for a clock. “Noon,” she replies as she pushes the trashcan into another room. “Noon?” Shit, I was supposed to meet my mother and sister for lunch today. One of the girl’s eyes flutter as she wakes up. Her eyes land on me and I freeze, as if standing still she won’t see me standing here wide eyed. A smirk pulls at her face, she rests her head on her hand. “You don’t remember my name do you?” she asks sleepily. Shit, what was it. Jamie? No, Julie. I sigh, shaking my head. “No, I don’t,” I reply with a clipped tone. She laughs, adjusting herself on the piano. “Well, that’s good, because I don’t know yours,” she informs, falling back asleep. I raise a brow. “Touché.” Quickly I get dressed, and jog out of the museum.

PULLING up to the fine restaurant, I smooth my jeans of any wrinkles and head inside. It smells of expensive perfume and cheap wine in here. A waiter passes me with

a tray, a plate full of salad. My stomach growls wanting bacon and eggs, rather than the shit they’re serving. My mother and sister sit in the back with color swatches scattered along the table. I stop when I see the wedding shit. I was set up. Macy, my sister, glances up before doing a double take. “Max!” She stands hurrying my way with an excited smile. “You told me I was the best brother in the world and you missed me,” I remind her of our phone call two days ago. Her cheeks turn red as she looks anywhere but at me. “You lied,” I squint my eyes at her. Macy is sweet and sly, I’d do anything for her and she knows it. I tried like hell to keep men away from her growing up because none of them deserved her. But this guy she’s now marrying slid under my radar and got serious way faster than me or my dad are comfortable with. Wrapping her arms around my neck she giggles. “You are the best brother in the world, and I want your opinion for my wedding day!” she replies, and I roll my eyes. I’ve avoided everything about this wedding because weddings are stupid. Also, thanks to Macy I now have my mother on my ass about finding a nice southern woman to settle down with. “Jesus, Max,” my mother scolds, looking me up and down. I frown, looking down at myself. She stands, her white tight dress formal and fitting her stunningly. Her hair ironed flat and framing her sharp face. She pulls me into a hug, her perfume strong. “You smell like crotch and have lipstick all over your face son, pull yourself together.” She tugs on the collar of my shirt and sits back down. If anyone would know about partying all night and covering up the sins of the night before, it would be my mother. She was a wild card when she met my father from the stories I’ve heard. You wouldn’t think it if you saw her though. She always looks her best, and always seems confident in everything she says. Sighing, I sit, rubbing at my cheek where she pointed to the lipstick. I hope it’s not red, that crap is hard to get off. “We were just discussing table placements and I noticed you don’t have a plus one. Will that change?” Mother asks, lifting a brow at me. Her tone of voice asking me more than if I’m having a date. I eye her as I take a large sip of my water, acting as if I can’t reply because I’m so parched. “Mom,” Macy hush whispers. As if my being single is a condition I can’t help. “I figured not. So, I have someone for you to meet, Max.” Mom hits me with a

clinical look and water spits from my nose. Coughing, I wipe my face with a napkin. “No!” I leave no room for argument with my tone. “That last girl you set me up with was missing an eye, and was a grave keeper. She went on and on about how the dead get lonely when she doesn’t work because nobody talks to them.” I raise a brow, recalling the whole thing. It was creepy as shit. I didn’t sleep a wink that night, and not because I was banging her, but because I swore to God there was a damn ghost in my house. Macy laughs. “You are twenty-five, Max, and I’m ready to spoil some grandchildren. If you need a little push in the right direction—” “Maybe off a bridge?” I interrupt and her eyes widen with anger. “Mom, I’m going to give you grandbabies, just when the time is right,” Macy interrupts. She’s made it clear she doesn’t want kids, so my mother’s hope is me. I kind of hate my sister right now. “I will have a plus one, please don’t set me up on any blind dates,” I demand, and lie. “I want to see this plus one at the rehearsal dinner,” Mom challenges me, crossing her arms. I flick a brow at Macy, not sure when the rehearsal dinner is. “It’s July twenty-seventh. You have a month,” Macy lifelines. “I will be there!” I point at them with a smirk. But inside I’m anything but happy. Who the hell am I going to take to this thing? Standing, Mom cups my face and kisses the side of my cheek. “You smell son, take a shower. You remind me of a theater your father took us to when we were younger. Let’s just say they weren’t showing Pixar films,” she informs with an arched brow. “Too much, Ma!” I shake my head, pulling away from her. “I have to work, see you guys later.” I back wave as I head outside. So for my plus one I need a female that is smart. Has a banging body. Funny. And mother approved. My boots scuff to a stop on the concrete. Where the hell am I going to find a woman like that? Maybe I can pay someone, or do a mail order bride and send her back in a month. I’m screwed.

2

Rae

W alking outside I head back to mine and Quinn’s apartment to change before I

head to work. I assist at a veterinarian clinic in town. It’s not the law firm Jacob hired me onto but this is way better. I love animals, and it’s much more laid back. Head down, I watch my feet as I think about how I’m going to get my mom off my back about being single. I’m just not ready to settle down. Granted, I could cool it on the partying and try and find a place of my own. “Watch out!” My head whips up, and I smack into something so hard I’m knocked back on my backside. My world spins, and my head throbs painfully. “Shit!” I hiss, holding my forehead. “Are you okay?” Looking up through squinted eyes I see a pile of two by fours being lifted by a machine, and then my eyes set on two familiar blue eyes. “Max?” I blink, trying to tell if I’m seeing things. He’s wearing a tight gray shirt that fits his chest snugly, and dark blue jeans. A dark blue ball hat shielding his face that has dirty blond stubble growing on his hard square jaw. “Rae?” He holds his hand up to shield his eyes from the sun, his hat not doing near enough to block the Tennessee sun. Groaning, I try and stand up. Max helps by placing his hand on my lower back to steady me and instantly a warmth spreads through my legs. In reaction, I jerk away, not familiar with the feeling. My eyes pull to his, and my stomach fills with butterflies. He’s handsome, more than the last time I saw him. Has he always been this attractive, or was I just so caught up in my delusional relationship with Jacob to notice before? I haven’t seen him since the day he dropped me off at Quinn’s.

“Sorry I hit you with my wood,” he apologizes, and I can’t help but smirk. “Not my wood. I mean, it’s the company’s. Shit.” He rubs his forehead suddenly flustered. “It’s okay, I get what you mean.” I hold my throbbing head. “Am I bleeding?” I pat my forehead looking for blood. “There’s a small cut,” he replies, hovering over me to get a closer look. His breath smells of mint, and I suddenly remember my breath probably smells like last night so I turn my head away. “Come inside and let me get that cleaned up for you.” He stretches his arm out, gesturing toward a building that is being built or renovated. “I’m fine, really,” I insist, not wanting to be a bother. Pulling from his grip, a void of cold air rushes along my back where his hand was a moment before. I sway on my feet, before grabbing his bicep. Oh wow, that’s hard. I squeeze unintentionally, and his lips pull into a sexy smirk. He wraps an arm around my waist, and my thighs clench together on their own accord. The reaction puzzling. I haven’t been attracted to a man in a long time. I thought Jacob broke my heart so badly I went lesbian. “Rae!” I freeze, not sure if the hit to the head was causing me to hear voices. “Rae!” I turn, finding my mother rushing toward me. “I wanted to give you that information on that guy incase you wanted to set up a date,” she tells me as she walks toward me. I close my eyes, praying this is all a dream. I was hit in the head and knocked out. “Well who is this?” I can hear the smile in her voice, so I open my eyes. She stops, smoothing her dress down. Her eyes fall to his hand around my waist, and I instantly tense. She smiles, handing the phone to me but I don’t take it. I refuse any more dates! “I’m Max,” he replies, his southern charm thick and my mother eats it up. Her eyes flash with a look I haven’t seen in a long time. “Rae, you never told me about a Max.” She pops her hip out, assessing us both. Her eyes widen, and her mouth pops open. “Wait, are you seeing each other? Is that why you don’t want to see this guy?” she asks, trying to hand me the phone again. The pride in her eyes, and the look of something other than disappointment causes my mind to take a different route. “You are, aren’t you? You’re seeing each other and didn’t want me to butt in,” Mother continues, her eyes wide and lips between a smile and shock. I panic, my heart beating a mile a minute. What do I say?

“Well you know…” I panic, not sure what to say. “We just wanted to make sure we liked each other enough before blabbing around town,” I blurt out before I can really think about what the hell I just said. My cheeks flush, and my heart skips a beat. What. Did. I. Just. Say? I look down feeling flustered and crazy. Max tenses beside me, and I scorn myself internally for saying we’re together. Nervous he’ll call me out and Mom will be even more disappointed at me for lying. What is wrong with me?! Why can’t I shut up? “I see.” Mom eyes him up and down. “Well, I’ll just tell my guy you’re seeing someone then.” She smiles, and I feel myself die a little more inside from embarrassment. “Thanks. Bye!” I state firmly, wanting her to leave before the game is up. “We’ll have to have dinner sometime, get to know each other.” Mother eyes Max, he looks at me with a dark look and a heat rushes over my face. “Sure, okay. Bye Mom!” I pull from Max’s grip and usher my mother away. Looking over her shoulder she struts away, and I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. “Didn’t want to blab it to the whole town, huh?” Max questions, his voice deep and unfriendly. Closing my eyes, I pray that if this is a dream I would wake up. “I’m sorry.” I cringe mortified I just did that. Maybe I’m still drunk. I open my eyes. His blue eyes bright, being this close I notice the gray flecks. They’re like a storm in the middle of the ocean. Beautiful but capable of chaos. There is so much life I could stare at them all day wondering what secrets dwell in the depths of them. “Come inside, let’s get that cut cleaned up, and you can tell me why you just told your mother we were together,” he gestures toward the building behind us. The sound of saws and drills can be heard, along with the faint smell of cut wood. The loud racket doing a number on my hangover. I step in front of him and lead the way through the open glass door. There is a half built bar sitting to the left and stairs right in the middle of the foyer with a concierge desk to the right. There’s men in paint covered overalls and hard hats walking about. One tipping his yellow construction hat my way as he heads up the steps. “So are you a construction worker, or is this your business?” I ask, looking around curiously. I know nothing about this man, yet trust him more than I do most people. He strides toward the bar. The way he walks, and the pensive look on his face you can tell he’s one to draw attention when walking into a crowded room. His stance is powerful, and his face is handsome but laced with a distant unattached

look. “Well, I’m technically an architect but I’m here making sure everything is built to the buyer’s standards,” he informs, his strong hands sliding along the smooth oak wooden top that makes up the bar. “I like to get my hands dirty in the process.” He smirks, and I raise my brows in appreciation. “They have soap for that,” I retort with a scrunched nose. “Are you joining me in this cleaning session?” He raises a brow, and with that I lose my train of thought. The only thing in my head is him naked in a shower with bubbles. He steps out from behind the counter with a wet red towel in his hand. He reaches forward to press it to my head but hesitates. A dark look crossing his face, before he finally just hands it to me. “Thanks.” I take it, and gently press it to my head. My head throbs and stings from the wetness. “So aside from calling strangers your significant other, how have you been?” he asks coolly. I look away, a blush spreading across my face like the sun on a summer day. I don’t know what came over me to tell my mother that hideous lie. “Yeah, about that.” I bite my inner cheek a little apprehensively. “I’m sorry, I’m not sure where that came from.” I glance back at him with an apologetic smile. He rests his hands on the counter, which draws my attention. They’re sexy and look powerful. They have cuts and calluses on them. I can’t help but wonder what they would feel like skimming up my body, they portray control and dominance. I can’t help but drag my eyes up his arms. They look bigger, more muscular than I remember. Feeling myself wind up like a coiled snake I avert my eyes to the floor, noticing my hitch in breathing. He doesn’t say anything, and I feel the need to explain myself further for my embarrassing actions. “My mother has been on me about settling down and getting married.” I explain on an exhale of frustration. “Her idea of blind dates makes Tinder look like a good idea.” He scoffs, a shake of his head. “Sounds like your mother and my mother could be best friends.” I squint my eyes deviously, remembering the many risqué stories about Max. “Yeah, I’m sure you’d just use your mom to get into my mom’s pants or something.” I twist my lips in knowing. My favorite story about Max was how he pulled off sleeping with twins on the same night, thinking they were the same girl and neither of them knew about it.

His jaw parts in a sexy way as he wipes the counter leisurely, his shoulder muscles flexing from the movement. “Well, your mother was checking me out.” He draws his eyes to mine, and raises a brow. His tone serious and husky. My thighs clench at his sexual tone, and I throw the towel at him. “Some things never change,” I smirk, rolling my eyes. “Yeah, well they will be,” he mumbles under his breath. “I have to find a girl and settle down or my mom will find one for me.” Readjusting the towel he was using to wipe the counter, his shoulders lift on a large breath. “I don’t know what business of our parents it is. I mean why does it matter?” I shrug, my emotions starting to ball up. His eyes narrow. “I’m sure they just care in their own fucked up kind of way. It’s not like I want to be single, I just haven’t found the right person.” He bites at his bottom lip, the way his teeth graze along it slowly drawing my attention to his mouth. He glances at me and I look down, picking at a chip in the counter. “Speak for yourself. I don’t want a boyfriend, and that is by choice. I love going out every night and having a good time and getting a boyfriend is going to totally kill that.” I shake my head. Remembering when I met Jacob and he hated going out to the point I never went out again. He made it to where it wasn’t fun anymore. Both of his hands planted on the counter Max lifts one and turns his blue hat backwards and my heart beats a little faster. The way the navy colors contrasts against his blond hair is strikingly handsome. He says he doesn’t want to be single but that has to be a lie. He really is good looking. Especially with that hat backwards like that. “I can’t go on another blind date, I’ll have nightmares for a week if this new guy is anything like the last.” I chew on my nail angrily. Sick of society dictating the normal behavior of what a female my age should be doing with her life. “I’m just not ready to settle down and because of it, my mother looks at me with nothing but disappointment. She backed off for a while, but because my sister is getting serious with a guy my mother thinks I need to be too.” “My sister getting married is what brought about my mother about this stupid blind date crap,” Max informs. I can’t help but smirk at the way his face scrunches. The room goes silent, and Max’s eyes flare like a lightbulb just went off in that handsome head of his. He taps his knuckles along the counter before pointing at me. “What if you were my plus one!? What if we go with what you told your mother?” He points at me, and I point at myself as if there’s the possibility he’s

talking to someone else. “Plus one?” I ask. “Yeah, for my sister’s wedding. My mother is making me find a decent girl for the occasion. What if it was you?” he clarifies. I slow blink. “Say what?” “You just told your mom we were together, and she lit up like a damn Christmas tree, Rae. My mother is only on my back because of my sister’s wedding and as soon as it’s over she is going to move on with her life, and annoy Macy. You aren’t looking to settle down, so you should pretend be my girlfriend, and when the wedding shit is over we can go our separate ways!” he informs with arms outstretched. His excitement boyish and cute. “What’s in it for me?” I squint my eyes. He laughs, leaning over the counter, his hands steepled under his chin. “That’s the best part. I’ll be the dreamy boyfriend that gets your mother off your back.” He waggles his brows, proud of himself for coming up with this elaborate scheme. “By the time I dump you, your mother will be so caught up on the good child moving forward, and you’ll be so distraught and a buzz kill she’ll ignore you,” he states bitterly. I flip him off, but he’s right about Lani being the good kid out of us two. I bite my inner lip, thinking it over. Max is practically a stranger but dead on about my mother and my sister. My mom won’t know what to do about me being dumped, and will focus on Lani getting married rather than me. I could really use a break from her hassling me, and who knows, maybe if I’m not going on torturous blind dates the idea of dating might not sound so bad and I will find someone worth getting serious with. I glance at Max, who is looking at me expectantly with those stormy blue eyes. Even if I agree to do this, I suck at lying, and anything organized. This is crazy. It will never work. I’ve avoided weddings for the past year for a reason. They make me wonder where the hell I went wrong with Jacob. I tell myself I’ve moved on, but I second guess that when I hear those goddamn wedding bells. They’re like alarms now, telling me to run for my life or have your heart broken. “I don’t know,” I whisper, standing from the stool. “What is your mother like?” The idea of meeting his mother strikes fear up my neck. Jacob’s mother never liked me, what if I have that effect on everyone’s mother? “She’s southern, sassy, and a bit of a snob. But if you get on her good side she will go to the end of the earth for you,” he explains. My jaw drops in disbelief, my eyes as wide as saucers. My mother gives better descriptions of her blind dates! Max couldn’t lie to me and tell me she’s wonderful? A fucking peach off the tree? How

does he think she’ll ever like me? “Yeah,” I laugh half-heartedly. “Your mother will never approve of me, trust me. I just pulled a bucket worth of popcorn out of my bra an hour ago.” I cross my arms, dead serious. His eyes set on my chest, and my nipples suddenly ache from the attention. I look down and spot a piece of popcorn sticking between my boobs. I pluck it out, holding it in my palm. “See!” He grabs me by the wrist, the stale popcorn falling to the floor. The contact combusts an unbelievable rush that spreads up my arm from the simple touch, enough to make me pull from his grip. Not familiar with the way my body is reacting to him. I rub my wrist, eyeing him warily. “I’ve seen you cleaned up. We’ll make it work, Rae. Just save me, for the love of God, I cannot go through another blind date of my mother’s.” He clasps his hands together like he’s praying, the look on his face so serious I can’t help the smirk tugging at the corner of my mouth. It’s no wonder he’s good with the ladies, he’s very persuasive. “It’s so not funny,” he states dryly. I cover my mouth to keep from laughing, but it’s no use. I’m not laughing at him, more at I know exactly how he feels than anything. “I’ll think about it,” I say softly and his shoulders relax. I turn to walk out and I notice his eyes flashing with alarm. “Wait, when will you tell me?” He follows. Head down, I don’t look back because I might just say yes without thoroughly thinking this through. “Good bye Max!” I raise my hand as I head to work.

3

Rae

Gripping the syringe that is filled with yellow goop I pry the mouth of the

trembling Chihuahua open, and quickly press the tip into the corner of his mouth, quickly pushing the plunger. The dog instantly starts licking and trying to chew, his legs shaking like he’s in Alaska rather than a veterinarian’s office in the middle of summer in Nashville. “Wait, is this the guy you ran away with on your wedding day? The guy that had you getting that stupid pineapple tattoo?” Quinn asks, putting on some rubber gloves. “Yes, it’s the same guy, and Max didn’t have me get any tattoo. I got the tattoo because of the meaning.” I grab a rubber glove and sling shot it at her, slapping her upside the head. “And it’s not stupid, your snake tattoo is stupid,” I retort. Those words about how a pineapple’s skin is tough and prickly, protecting its inner heart stuck with me. To be honest… Max stuck with me. “Mhhmm. So are you going to do it, are you going to be a fake couple?” Quinn questions as she pulls the thermometer out of a pup’s butt. If any guy saw her do that with such grace, they’d run for the hills. Then again, she’s the epitome of beauty. They’d probably want her to stick something in their ass. She’s taller than me, creamy skin with freckles and red hair. I think it’s her blue eyes that bring men to their knees though. I sigh, scratching the little ankle biter under the chin. “I don’t know. It all seems silly to me. I don’t even know him,” I reply. “I just did a background check, and I think you totally should,” she informs, phone in hand. I frown. “Background check?” How did she do that? “Facebook stalk, same thing.” She throws her hand at me, before popping the

blue gloves off her hands and tossing them in the trash. I nod. Touché. “Besides, if you don’t, you know your mother is going to push man after man in your face, and one of those times you’re going to give in and fall for a man that is just like Jacob, who is totally not your type,” she rambles without shame. “Then you’re going to change, trying to fit to his standards which means they won’t like me obviously, because I’m fun.” She tilts her head with a shrug, a playful smile on her face. I laugh silently. “So what is my type then, please fill me in.” I don’t have a type… do I? “I don’t know, the opposite of Jacob.” She flings her hands around, rolling her eyes. “Well, from what Max has told me about his mother she’ll never approve of me,” I tell her. “Why is that?” Quinn asks with a puzzled look on her face. “She’s uptight, I’m sure when she hears her baby boy is dating a veterinarian assistant she’ll be over the moon excited.” I turn, and make a dorky face. “Hi my name is Rae and I am a veterinarian assistant. Why yes, I do clean up dog poop daily,” I swing my arm in and give a cheesy smile. “Yeah, maybe leave that part out. But Max said he could help you with all that right? You can make up a profession. Hell, I do it all the time.” She lifts her chin confidently. She does do it all the time. Last night she told a guy she helped NASA in launching the rocket. She’s very persuasive when she’s drinking. “Besides, Max is hot if I remember right. What are you complaining about?” “Exactly the problem.” My eyebrows raise. “He is good looking and more so than the last time we saw him. I like what we have now. No men. Just us, having fun.” I purse my lips and cross my arms. The way my body reacted around him has me nervous to be around him. I have been around dozens of men at parties and not one of them made me feel like I did today around Max. It’s unnerving. She tosses her apron at me and cocks an accusing brow. Pressing both of her hands on the metal island for examining pets, she hops her butt on top and crosses her legs. “Yeah, because what we have is safe, Rae. But eventually you have to swim with the dicks to get to the other side.” Her tone serious. “I don’t think that’s how that saying goes,” I laugh. “Oh, no. That is exactly how it goes. The man that is worth the trouble and has a dick that lengths in double is rewarded only after you get through the lake of

pricks.” She points at me jumping off the counter. “Remember that.”

SITTING on the couch I wipe my hands that consist of left over flour on my long shirt and lean against the doorframe that enters our living room. Orange Is The New Black on as background noise as I cook. “You making cookies?” Quinn asks, the sound of her sniffing around the corner. “Ya know, I think everyone should think like that Voss chick,” I state, pointing at the TV with one eye squinted. “Ugh, not this show again,” Quinn huffs, plopping on the couch, a tub of ice cream in her hands. “This is good intel, ya know.” I arch a brow at her. She is the only one I know that doesn’t like this show. Not that I know many people. I keep to myself unless I’m drinking. When I’m drunk I’m everyone’s friend, and love everyone’s outfit. Basically, I’m a lush. A lush that excludes getting laid. Maybe that is why I reacted the way I did around Max, maybe I need a good dicking. “Oh yes, because when I get locked up I want to know how to fall in love inside maximum security,” Quinn dead pans, looking for the remote. “It’s more than that. Like, I could totally kill someone with as little as a few Jolly Ranchers, did you know that?” I side-eye her seriously. “This show is educational on levels you’d never knew. I’ll never look at pads for a woman’s period the same again, they are much more resourceful than you’d think.” She laughs, snatching the remote from me. “Well, if I see you constructing a night mask out of a pad or tampons, I’m having you admitted.” She turns on the couch, crossing her arms along the back waiting for me to argue with her. The doorbell rings, catching our attention, Quinn’s head whipping in the direction of the door. “Are you expecting someone?” I question with narrowed eyes. She scoffs. “Like who? All I know is you,” she smart mouths. Quinn stands and goes to answer it and I resume my modern day romance show. I also steal the tub of ice cream. “Oh Rae… it’s for you!” Quinn show tunes, and a chill races up my spine from the amount of excitement in her voice. The only time she gets excited is when it’s

buy one taco, get a taco for free at the Beaney stand on Friday nights. I put the tub to the side and head to the door, curious who would be here for me. Maybe my car was towed again. Rounding the corner, my eyes fall on Max. He’s wearing that damn blue hat, a white shirt stretching around his muscled biceps, and hooded eyes that makes my breath catch in my throat. My cheeks blaze with embarrassment at my current state. I was not expecting company and I definitely wouldn’t answer the door like this if I had known Max might be stopping by. My hair is down and in a curly mess, and my ripped up night shirt shows bits of my stomach and lime green sports bra. Don’t get me started on these spandex shorts. They’re basically underwear. Actually, they are my underwear right now. We really need to do laundry around here. It was Quinn’s day to do laundry, and she failed. His eyes rake over me and I feel them as his stare sets on my breasts. Clearing my throat, I cross my arms trying to cover the rips across the mounds of my breasts. “What are you doing here?” I ask, lust obvious in my tone. His plump lips slip into a nervous smile. One hand on the doorframe, the other rubbing the back of his neck back and forth. “We need to talk, and I was hoping Quinn would know where I could reach you.” He lifts his head, glances at Quinn, who is smiling like the damn Joker. She’s having too much fun with this. “And lucky him, I knew exactly where to find you!” Quinn beams, her thumb hitched over her shoulder. I glare at her. I want to titty punch her right now. I want someone to record it in one of those slow motion apps so I can rewatch it over and over too. They both stare at me expectantly, and my body temperature begins to warm. “Fine,” I groan. “You have five minutes.” Walking through the living room I nonchalantly toss a pillow over the tub of ice cream as I walk by. It isn’t just any tub of strawberry ice cream. It’s one of those giant plastic tubs that no woman should set on her lap and eat with a spoon without supervision. Entering my room, it’s a mess. Very un-lady like in fact. The sheets are pulled halfway off the mattress, and there’s clothes everywhere. I trip over a white sneaker, nearly face planting into the dresser. Proving my point. “Shit!” I kick the shoe across the room in a fit of anger.

“Well, aren’t you a cute ball of anger,” he jeers. I look over my shoulder and glare at him. He’s not looking at me though, he’s observing my room. Tucking a hair behind my ear I look around the room a little embarrassed. “Wow. I would have never pegged you to be a slob,” he shakes his head. His tone of voice sitting wrong, I scrunch my face. “Why is that?” I ask a little more defensive than I intended. “You were marrying Jacob, and he’s the most organized, put together tool I’ve met,” he explains further. “You got that right,” I mutter under my breath. Kicking a lace bra under the bed, I shove some underwear under a sheet as Max looks along the top of my dresser. Staring at pictures of Quinn and me before coming upon a picture of a dog. I don’t know its name. It’s not mine. I saw it at the park and took a picture. What? It was cute. “Well, I’m anything but perfect, trust me. Besides, Jacob was the organized and mature one in that relationship, not me,” I mutter, my brows pinching together and a small headache forms in the back of my head from hearing Jacob’s name again. Funny, it used to cause heartache, now it just gives me a damn headache. Jacob had every day planned out for us. Food picked out for the week. Being spontaneous wasn’t even in his vocabulary. I was okay with it because I loved him. I accepted that. Looking back, him leaving me at the altar was the best thing he ever did for me. Living not knowing where I’m going to wake up, or where I’m going to be two hours from now is amazing. Living in the now instead of the past is what life is really about. “Nice dog.” He picks the frame up, and glances at me. My eyes widen, I know he’s going to ask about it. “What’s its name?” And… I die a little on the inside. “Umm… I don’t know,” I muster a smirk, hoping he drops it there. He looks at me quizzically. “Where is it?” He looks around the room. Nope, he’s not dropping it. “I… don’t know that either,” I clip and a confused look crosses his face. I huff not looking forward to explaining this. “I was at the park one day and saw it playing with its owner. His ball was thrown my way and when I picked it up he sat at my feet waiting for me to throw it. So I took a picture,” I inform, mortified at how it sounds saying it out loud. He shakes his head in an offensive manner. “What?” I cross my arms waiting for what he’s about to say. “It’s pathetic. Just go get a dog,” he insults, placing the frame back on my dresser. I roll my eyes. It’s not like I haven’t thought of that, but Quinn doesn’t like

dogs. Or cats. Or people for that matter. “Did you come over here to insult my pretend dog or did you have something to say?” My chest puffs up angry. “I think your five minutes are up.” I tap my foot anxiously. “I wanted to know if you gave any thought to what we talked about,” his tone is softer. I look at the floor like it will give me the answer I need. “I was hoping you were joking.” “Hardly,” he bites coldly. I rub my forehead and sigh. “It won’t work, Max.” I nibble on the inside of my cheek, verbalizing each thought that strings into my head. “Yeah, and if it does work? My mom just set me up with a coroner, she was pale. Asked for steak, bloody as hell and watched me eat it like she wanted to eat me!” He steps up to me, his hands slipping up my arm before settling. An electric current bolts between my legs and my mouth parts in reaction. “I need you, Rae,” he whispers. Taking my eyes from his hands I look up under my fallen bangs. His reef blue eyes find mine and I get lost in them. They’re so much more than just blue, they take me away and fuck me for days. Taking a breath, I look down. I never knew how dangerous eye contact could be. “Okay,” I mutter, pushing him away as I can’t breathe with him this close. He turns his ball cap backwards, and my insides warm at the bad boy vibe he gives off. I look away, not comfortable with the direction my mind takes when he flips that damn hat backwards. He holds his hand out, his blue eyes conveying he wants me to shake it. Slipping my hand into his palm it’s just like I thought, callused and firm. Solidifying that he does like to get his hands dirty. I wonder what else he likes to get dirty… He squeezes my hand and I shake my head of the thought. “Deal,” I murmur, hypnotized by the size of his hand and the way it feels around mine. It makes me small, and vulnerable. Protected. “We should swear on a Bible,” he arches a brow, as if my word isn’t my bond. I cross my arms. “I don’t have a Bible.” A sly smirk pulls at his lips. “Naughty girl,” he whispers. “Now, let’s go through my rules,” he grabs a notebook off my end table. The cover of it displaying a middle finger, and he flips it to a blank page. Using his teeth, he pulls the cap off the pen. “What about my rules,” I ask, not entirely sure what my rules would consist of, but I should have rules. I need rules. Damn, I have to come up with some rules. “Yeah, sure.” He shrugs, acting as if my fine lines are nothing. “Rule one,” he reads aloud as he writes. “Don’t fall in love with me.”

I snort. “I don’t think that will be a problem.” Love, what a stupid notion. “Yeah, that’s what they all say,” he replies seriously. I give him a double take. All? He really is an asshole. “No sleeping in the same bed,” I point at him. He reluctantly writes it down. “So I guess sex is off the table then…” he writes it down. “Absolutely. Like ever!” I say with force. Sex is a gateway to your heart. “Make a man feel insecure why don’t you,” he huffs, looking back down at the pen and paper. “I’m sure your ego is just fine.” I give him a side look. “Hand holding?” he glances up from the paper. “I mean, we’re going to have to have some physical contact to make this believable,” he continues. “Hand holding is okay.” I nod in agreement but my insides are fluttering like someone released a swarm of butterflies… or bees. “No kissing though,” I burst out. He looks at me like I’m ridiculous. “Not on the mouth,” I clarify. “There’s something about kissing someone on the mouth that breaks barriers and makes –” “So you’re turned on by kissing. Got it,” he makes a joke out of my rule and I flip him off. A man that knows how to kiss might as well be a spell. A woman loses her mind, her will, and her soul. “Well, you’ll never know now will you,” I taunt him with a cheesy smile. “I usually don’t kiss girls that are emotionally damaged,” he jeers. My mouth pops open, offended. “I’m not damaged!” I clip. “Right. Take a look at this and sign it,” he hands me the paper, tucking the pen behind his ear. “Sign it? Really? We’re going that far?” I narrow my eyes. “Yes, sign it,” he declares seriously. “We have to make this look and feel real if anyone is going to believe it. But we need to protect ourselves in the process. So this paper is a reminder that we won’t break these rules. Rules that will keep us within an inch of crossing the line from fake to a real couple,” he informs, making more sense than I pegged him for. I snatch it from him looking it over. No falling in love with me. Even though Rae will really want to. No sleeping in bed because Rae wants me to wear her legs like earmuffs and farts in her sleep. No sex because Rae has an eighties bush and something might bite me. No kissing on the mouth because Rae wants me to kiss her somewhere else. I roll my eyes. “Your ego is obviously bigger than your brain,” I opine.

“But not as big as something else.” He winks like the devil and I avert my eyes to the paper in fear I’ll look at his package. It’s hard. Keeping my self-control intact that is. “Regardless, I’m not signing this,” I act unaffected by his one liner. “And I don’t fart in my sleep,” I state. “I’ll be judge of that,” he retorts. He hands me the pen, a playboy smile on his face. Glaring at him I write another rule. An important rule. Don’t play with Rae’s hair because Max’s sausage fingers smell like sweaty balls. Then I sign it. Looking at me suspiciously he takes the paper from me and looks over what I added. “My fingers don’t smell like sweaty nuts,” he sounds offended. “I’ll be the judge of that.” I raise a brow. Not taking his eyes off me, he signs it. “Why do I feel like this is your first big commitment?” “I had a two-year cable plan and it went horribly wrong, after that… I second guess everything.” He flicks his gaze at me before finishing his signature. I shrug in agreement. Those plans can be tricky. “Now,” he rubs his hands together like he’s about to dig into an extra-large pizza. “We need to get to know each other. From our first lay, first kiss, what size bra you wear—” “Whoa, I’m going to stop you there.” I hold my hand up, my eyes as wide as saucers. He smirks, that bright smile of his adorable, yet like nails on a chalkboard. He’s such a player this is going to be harder than I thought. “Seriously though, we need to know things on a personal level. Things serious couples would know,” he says. “Things that normally bore me and I avoid at all costs,” he continues. I furrow my brows at him and his Neanderthal ways of courting a woman. “I agree about knowing some aspects of each other’s lives, but some things need to be left out to keep this platonic on our end,” I advise twirling the ends of my hair. “We need to learn about each other’s families, what they like, what they don’t like—” “My dad won’t like you, I know it.” I shake my head, imagining the questions my father will fire at him. “Oh, you have no idea what you’re in for with my mother. She’s hard to please,

and won’t like you instantly because she didn’t pick you out herself.” Skepticism bounces behind his eyes, and my face falls. “What happened to she’ll go to the ends of the earth for you,” I respond sarcastically. “Yeah, if she likes you.” His brows rise. “She won’t like you,” he chuckles. My head falls forward, my hands dragging down my face. “When is the wedding?” I ask on a sigh, lifting my head. “A month,” he draws out. Like it’s a sentence to death. “We should go out tomorrow and go over some small things. Being seen together as soon as possible will benefit us both,” I suggest. “Good idea. Tomorrow is the town BBQ right?” “Yeah, I think so,” I nod. “I know my mother will be there, what about yours?” He stands from the bed, his body taking over the room. He’s so big and muscular. His golden skin looking even darker in the dim lighting. “My mother does yoga at about six on Mondays, but she’ll be there. She’s never missed the town BBQ. She’s always trying to get me to go with her but I’m usually nursing a hangover, and can barely put my shoes on let alone doing a downward duck,” I admit shamelessly. Max shakes his head, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “It’s downward dog. I’ll come pick you up and we’ll go on our first fake date at six then,” he informs, then holds his hand out. Reminding me there will be zero romance in any of this, which I am more than okay with. I shake his hand. Sealing the deal. That damn hand taking over my own overwhelming me. “This is just pretend, Rae. After the wedding we will break up and go our separate ways. Do you understand?” His condescending tone causes my eyes to snap to his. “Trust me Max, I’m not the girl for you. Even if I was… I’m not looking for a man with an STD chart as long at the Declaration of Independence.” His eyes shine like my insults intrigue him more than anger him. “See you tomorrow, Rae.”

4

Rae

“Y ou are not wearing that on your date!” Quinn looks at me horrified. Her mouth

parted in disbelief as she studies me like a lab rat. “Fake,” I remind her. “Fake date.” Looking down at myself I take in my attire. Blue jeans with knees and thighs ripped, and my black off the shoulder shirt, my lime green bra strap showing. “What is wrong with this?” I ask, holding my hands out. I don’t see the problem. “I’m even wearing underwear today,” I inform. Turning around, I look in the mirror. My blonde hair is spilling over one of my shoulders, and I even put on makeup today. Of course my idea of makeup is eyeliner, mascara, and a little eye shadow. I’ve tried to wear the liquid foundation and concealer crap but I feel like I’m wearing a suffocating mask. “Okay, well, kudos for the panties, but I think you should look more… classy,” she blurts the last part out like she’d been holding it in. I roll my eyes. “This is me, anything else would be lying.” I cross my arms and give a halfhearted chuckle. “Yeah, but that is kind of the point. Didn’t he say his mother was hard to please?” she reminds me. My eyes widen and panic begins to latch its claws into my chest. I forgot I have to please his mother in all this. “Shit!” I start undressing myself. “I don’t think I have anything classy.” “Let me go look in my closet. I think I had this one outfit my mother bought me to wear to church that one time.” She holds her finger up, as for me to stay put and she hustles to her room. Undressing myself I exhale a ragged breath. I don’t think I realized how hard this was going to be. I haven’t given two shits what anyone has thought about me

for so long that actually caring is exhausting. Turning back to the mirror I observe my naked body. My hips are wider than anything, and my thighs are thicker than they let on. I grope my chest, turning to see what they would look like pushed up. They’re enough to fit into the palms of my hands and nothing more, let’s hope whatever Quinn brings back doesn’t require boobage. “Here, this is the best I can do.” Quinn rushes back into the room out of breath. She tosses some nude heels at me, and I barely catch one as the other flies by my head as she unbuttons a shirt looking dress hanging from a white hanger. “Put a black bra on,” she juts her head toward my dresser. “That green one looks like Shrek threw up on your tits.” I laugh and shake my head. I find my silk black bra and put it on just as she finishes with the dress. Slipping the dress on, the fabric drapes along my skin delicately, the material soft to the touch. Smoothing it down, I button it up. It reminds me of a man’s dress shirt, only longer. The front cuts a little low, and the sleeves roll up in a tasteful way. It skirts just above my knees, and actually looks cute. My blonde hair frames my oval face, and my brown eyes look darker than usual. “I like it,” I admire, turning to see how my ass looks in the mirror. Not that Max will be looking at my ass, but a girl needs to know how her ass looks at all times, I think. “You’re not getting this back.” I glance over my shoulder at her, and she rolls her eyes. “It’s too lumberjack for my taste anyway.” I don’t think Quinn knows what being mother approved entitles. I haven’t seen her in anything more than a skimpy dress since I’ve known her. Hell, the maid of honor dress she was wearing took work. She kept pulling it down and pushing up her cleavage. She looked like an expensive hooker. But beautiful, nonetheless.

“YOU LOOK GOOD CLEANED UP,” Quinn compliments, her gaze growing soft as her eyes take me in. “Thank you,” I mutter, turning back around to look at myself again. “Are you going to the BBQ?” I ask on a sigh, hoping to have my wingman with me. “Nope, it’s lady’s night at the Southern Fox. Think I’ll go find some lonely schmuck to buy me a drink,” she informs casually, picking a string off my shoulder. The poor bastards, they don’t know what’s coming for them tonight. “All right, wish me luck,” I smile. “Luck? Like you boning Max tonight? Or luck like, don’t trip on your heel and fall

on your face?” she asks with a serious tone, her face lax. “There will be no boning. Think of this like a business meeting. So let’s go with the kind of luck as in don’t eat too much and have gas for the rest of the night. ‘Kay?” I tilt my head to the side, and give an over the top smile that makes Quinn shake her head. “You better hurry up staring-at-yourself-princess, he’ll be here soon,” she winks. Turning back to the mirror I suddenly feel sick. My stomach is in knots, and my heart is hammering in my chest with a mix of excitement and fear. For a fake date… this sure does feel real.

Max STANDING in front of the dirty mirror I adjust the collar of my unbuttoned red shirt. I can never get these damn things just right. One side is either sticking up, or they’re wrinkled. My eyes fall to a stain on my shirt. I rub at it, but it’s just making it worse. Maybe from the nachos I had earlier? Shrugging it off I pull a dark green shirt on, the material stretching around my chest as I pull it down. Slicking my hair back, I find my blue ball hat and tug it on my head. Placing my hands on the counter I lean over the sink, contemplating whether or not I should shave. I normally do every other day, otherwise I start looking more caveman than I would like. Nah. Chicks dig the scruff right? Not that Rae will though. This isn’t a real date, so who cares. I’ve never cared before. I freeze, looking into the mirror. I’m not sure what the hell I’ve done, this has got to be my lowest point. Damn, making this deal with her was a bad idea. Especially making those damn rules which will be nearly impossible not to break. She said no kissing, so naturally I want to smash that damn rule first. She’s quirky, funny, witty, and has a body I could fuck into my memory foam mattress and then dry hump the shit out of after she was long gone. What? My eyes widen with that thought. That one surprised me and I don’t often surprise myself with the shit that is thought up in my head. Grabbing my keys off the kitchen counter I head out. This is a fake date with rules I made to keep her from becoming even more

emotionally damaged after everything's said and done. Running into her wasn’t the plan, but when I saw her I couldn’t push my past away to see anything other than the end result. She’ll hate me when we get to that point, but I don’t know her and she doesn’t know me so what does it matter? She doesn’t know what I’ve been through, hell, nobody does. I’ll play by the rules until the wedding, and then we’ll go our separate ways.

PIECE OF FUCKING CAKE.

“ABOUT TIME! You’re late!” Quinn barks, upon opening the door. Her red hair braided in pigtails, with her hand on her hip. “I am?” I flinch, looking at my phone. I’m a minute late. Seriously? Rae comes rushing out of the back room and I do a double take. My brows lift on their own accord as I watch her move. Her hair is flowing down her shoulders in an abundance of silky blonde waves. A red and blue plaid dress skirts around her supple thighs, with long tanned legs that seem to go on for days before fitting effortlessly into a pair of nude pumps. Turning my head, I close my eyes and run my palms along my chin. Trying to get ahold of myself. It’s a beautiful woman, Max. Big deal. But all I see are those sexy heels on my shoulders while I’m… “Hey!” Rae greets with beautiful eyes, and white smile. “Hey!” I blurt like an idiot; nervous she knows what I’m thinking. Sliding my hand along the door I hold it open for her. “Later Quinn!” Rae hollers over her shoulder as she walks out. Striding behind her I can’t help but notice her ass sway back and forth, and I have to bite my inner lip to keep from making a suggestive comment. My eyes pop back up, glued to it like a vortex. An ass swinging vortex my hands desperately want to grab onto. “Does your ass normally swing like that, or is it just for me?” I close my eyes, pissed I couldn’t control myself.

Her heels skid to a stop, and she looks over her shoulder with hooded eyes. “It’s natural, sorry if you thought it was you.” She gives a condescending smile and I feel it all the way to my balls. I lift a brow at her. A little confused if she’s just being a brat or if she finds me attractive at all. This would be a first, that a woman wasn’t attracted to me. Then again, Rae is one of a kind. I remember the first time I saw her at that wedding. I was jealous of Jacob and I knew immediately she was too good for him. Especially after he told me he screwed the wedding planner the day before the wedding. Me taking Rae and running away with her was the nail in mine and Jacob’s relationship and I couldn’t be happier about it. He deserves much worse, and if karma has anything to do about it he will soon. Climbing inside, I start the truck and we head to the BBQ. “So, my mom is nosey. Try not to engage in conversation too much,” she informs. “She’s very good at reading body language.” “Mine is too. Keep it simple and follow my lead,” I suggest. My mom will have you turned around in your own lie before you even know it. She rubs her forehead with a shaky hand; she’s nervous. “We’ll go, make our appearance, and split. It’ll be fine,” I try to reassure her. Reaching over, I cup her hand, and her eyes drop to our joined palms. My heart slams against my ribcage. I jerk my hand away, not realizing the impact of my actions. I’m using Rae as a date, not wanting her to fall in love with me. “We need to remember the rules,” she breathes heavily, looking out the window. “Agreed,” I growl. Angry at myself for letting my other head do the thinking. If I don’t get it together I’m going to ruin this. Driving into the parking lot of the park, my knuckles turn white with the heavy grip of my hands on the steering wheel. I’ve never flaunted a girlfriend before, not in a while anyway, and the idea of it now is making me uneasy. Turning the truck off, we both glance at each other, our bodies wound tight. “You ready?” I ask heavily. Closing her eyes, she nods. Getting out of the truck, I walk to her side of the truck to be a gentleman and open her door but she beat me to it, and gets out. One heel stepping out effortlessly before the next. Awkwardly I grab her hand for the purpose of show and nothing more, and her fingers interlock in-between mine. It’s fake, nothing like when I held her hand inside the truck but the contact still has my eyes sweeping over her sexy body with

sinful thoughts. Her eyes meet mine, a lust holding over them as she squeezes my hand.

STRUTTING PAST GROUPS OF PEOPLE, I can’t help but notice the lingering looks, the ducked heads as they whisper into one another’s ears as we head toward a picnic table. “Looks like the town has something to gossip about,” Rae observes, sitting on a bench of a picnic table. Her tone suggesting she doesn’t care, but you can see it in her eyes she does. I feel the need to say something to reassure her everything is okay. Clasping my hands in front of me I look at her and watch her examine a laminated menu that was placed on the table. Her top teeth tugging her bottom lip into her mouth. I blink rapidly trying to clear my head of visions of bending her over this table. I need to stop trying to play good guy with her, it’s confusing things. “I haven’t come to one of these in years. I wonder what’s good,” she mumbles under her breath. “Pretty much anything. It’s BBQ,” I respond dryly, her eyes cut to mine. “Hey Rae! Fancy seeing you here!” A mousey looking lady greets Rae. I’ve never seen her before, but she seems to know Rae. She’s round all over and wearing a flowered dress. Her hair rolled into curls so tight it’s giving me a headache. “Oh hey, Mrs. Kelly!” Rae smiles at her. “Don’t you look gorgeous!” Rae blushes, looking at me with expectant eyes, as if she’s waiting for me to compliment her on her attire too. I look back down at my menu, not indulging in her games. This is business. Nothing more. I hear her sigh heavily, confirming she’s pissed I didn’t say anything about how she looks. Something she needs to learn is this isn’t real, I’m not a gentleman, and I don’t care about other’s feelings. “Who is this?” Mrs. Kelly asks, her warm wrinkled eyes smiling my way. “This is Max,” Rae introduces. I grin, holding my hand out. “Nice to meet you.” I give a curt nod. “Pleasure,” she smiles wildly. “Well, I better go find Frank. Lord knows what happens if he has too many beans.” She gives a sour face that makes Rae laugh so I give a weak attempt at one myself as Mrs. Kelly turns around and waddles herself back into the crowd. “That’s my boss’s wife. Thank you for being nice.” Rae says. “I was just doing my part, Rae,” my tone a reminder that she is taking this

personally. In return Rae looks at me with an angry look. “Got it, no need to be a dick to get a point across that I’m already well aware of. If I didn’t know any better I’d say you just like the sound of your own voice.” She tilts her head to the side, her dark eyes narrowing. Grabbing a menu, I ignore her and look over the options. “So if this is a date, are you buying?” She looks up from her menu, hitting me with cold eyes. I shrug. “I guess so.” “The BBQ lobster looks good,” she mutters, biting her finger. My eyes drift toward the seafood side of the menu finding the lobster. The price is a hard fifty bucks. “That is expensive for a fucking bottom feeder,” I scoff eyeing her. “I’m not buying. You are. Remember?” She closes her eyes and gives a bitch smile. Instead of wanting to fuck her, I now want to strangle her. “Nice.” I shake my head. I almost forgot how much fun the whole girlfriend thing was. “We’ll call it a deal after you eye fucked me from across the room and then didn’t even have the nerve to compliment my dress,” she sasses. Touché. “You look nice,” I state dryly, but in all fairness she does look fucking stunning. “Why thank you!” she show tunes like I complimented her all on my own accord. “Quinn helped me pick it out,” she blushes, looking the dress over. “Have you had time to choose what you’d like?” a waitress asks, stepping next to our table. The logo on her shirt indicating Bob’s BBQ is catering the town’s event. She’s cute with her blonde pixie cut, and black apron. Those cheeks are full of freckles, giving off an innocent allure. “I’ll take the lobster,” Rae hands her the menu. “Hey sweetheart.” I wink at the waitress, and can hear Rae roll her eyes from here. “I think I’ll have the pulled pork,” I inform, slowly taking my eyes to a pissed off Rae back to a sexy little waitress. “I’ll get that right in,” the waitress replies in a sultry voice. “You’re an asshole,” Rae insults, picking at her nails. “So I’ve been told.” I shrug my left shoulder. “Why am I here?” She folds her arms on the table and looks at me with furrowed brows. “I’m assuming that’s a rhetorical question.” I tilt my head to the side. “I come here and it’s like you’ve done a one-eighty. You’re being an asshole,

and flirting with other women.” She points out everything from the moment she walked in here. Leave it to a woman to mentally keep a list. “You jealous?” I sneer. “No!” The way she says it so seriously, I second guess myself. Maybe she’s not confusing her place, maybe I’m the one looking into it too much. “But if we’re going to do the couple crap at least try to make it look real. Nobody is going to take us seriously if you’re hitting on every piece of ass that walks by.” She crosses her arms, her chest rising as she exhales an angry breath. Pulling my hat off I run my hand back and forth over my hair and put it back on. “You’re right, this is just new territory,” I admit. Her shoulders relax, her eyes falling on the table to keep from looking at me. “It's all right, I get it,” she states with a shake of her head. She doesn’t get it though, not at all. By the time this whole thing is over she’s going to hate me. I didn’t care at first, but I’m starting to second guess that too.

5

Rae

A fter dinner filled with delicious lobster and tension, Max sighs heavily as he sets

his beer bottle down. “All right, let’s get to know each other,” he starts, his focus on the beer. “What was your first pet,” he asks. “Never had one,” I answer. “No shit? No wonder you’re taking pictures of stranger’s dogs,” he chuckles. I roll my eyes but he’s right. My mother didn’t have time for a puppy, and Quinn hates dogs. “What about you?” I ask. “I had a pet lizard name Boba,” he smirks, as if he’s remembering his pet like it was yesterday. “Who was your first kiss?” he continues with question number two, and his eyes widen as if he didn’t mean to ask that one. Must not have been on his itinerary of planned questions. Looking down at the table I smile remembering my first kiss. “I was eight and at school under the blue slide. I had a crush on a boy named Daryl, and he bet me one day at recess that if he beat me in basketball he got to kiss me.” I look up at Max. “I let him win.” “You let him win?” he asks with a condescending tone, his eyes unbelieving. “Yes, let. I was a professional at basketball,” he laughs and I grin. “Okay, maybe not professional but I was good. My dad and I would always play after church on Sundays.” Max smiles amused. He leans forward, his arms bent at the elbows his hands rub at one another as he watches me with a look that could make any girl blush. The candle sitting in the center of the table casts a wicked rhythm across his face. I want to look away but can’t, I’m hypnotized by the dark beautify before me.

“What about you?” I finally ask. “Who was your first kiss?” “I was fifteen and I kissed the teacher,” he waggles his brows as he takes his beer bottle to his lips. My mouth pops open, a smile tugging at the corner of my mouth. “No way!” “Yes. Mrs. Sugarfield. Second period math. Pretty sure worked as a stripper on the side,” he recalls. With a last name like Sugarfield, and the fact she’s kissing a kid… I’d say stripping was the least of her worries. “I’m actually not surprised.” I shake my head, looking off into the distance. Why would I be, Max is a player and proud. “Not everything you heard from Jacob was true about me you know,” he reads my mind, his tone sounding offended. “Oh yeah?” I tilt my head to the side. “What about you sleeping with a cop’s wife?” “True,” he shrugs sheepishly. “What about doing anal with Miss USA and recording it?” “Also true. But I didn’t know it was being recorded,” he points his beer at me. “How about we change the subject. What’s your favorite color?” he talks fast, as if he’s flustered and I find it hilarious I’m doing that to him. “Green. But not grass green. I like that lime, slime colored green,” I give more detail than he probably cares for. “Huh. I figured you for more of a pink or purple kind of gal.” “Maybe when I was five,” I drawl, my southern twang coming out. He chuckles. “Mine’s blue.” “Like the color of your hat?” He grips the brim of his hat and turns it around backwards. My stomach fills with butterflies and my toes curl. We need to make a new rule. No hats because I can’t handle the sexiness that comes with it. “You mean this hat?” He hits me with a playboy smile. He knows what he’s doing. I shrug as if I am indifferent to his advances. “So tell me about your parents,” I change the subject. He rubs at his chin, clearly not liking the turn of conversation. “I co-own a business as an architect. It’s different than most people think as we take one project on at a time and we help on the building process,” he explains. “That sounds nice,” I genuinely reply and he scoffs. “The other one is my dad, he’s all business and ties. We have different ideas on how owning a company should work,” his words come out with pain and anguish.

“My mom is a trophy wife, her words not mine,” he smirks, his hard eyes softening mentioning her. “She is a retired lawyer but you wouldn’t know it by the way she’s always debating everything you say.” I swallow hard, lawyers and architects… I can’t help but sound like a third wheel with not going to any prestigious college. “So what about you?” he asks with a lift of his chin. Raising my head I blow a breath through hollowed cheeks. “Let’s see. My mother teaches night school for dropped out high-schoolers looking to get their GED, and my dad is a farmer,” I shrug. “The end.” Lame in comparison. He freezes mid-drink his eyes popping over the rim of the glass like he’s waiting for me to say something else. “Oh, and my dad does have a membership at the country club. Says it’s the best golf course around here, and my mother hates it,” I continue sheepishly. Max laughs, his cheeks lifting so high I see sexy dimples form. “A small town country girl,” he nods approvingly, his blue eyes looking darker than normal. “Max?” A light southern voice sounds from behind him. Max glances over his shoulder before his shoulders tense. “Mom!” Max stands, and wraps his arms around the woman. She has blondish hair that is big and curly. Her makeup is heavy, and overkill for a small town event. A white dress completing the overstatement with more of an abundance of diamond bracelets than I think her arm can hold up. “Who is your friend?” Her cold eyes hit me instantly and a shiver runs up my arm as if the ice queen herself just walked in. “This is Rae…” he looks at me with a pensive look. “My girlfriend,” he continues hesitantly. You can tell that was hard for him to say. I’m laughing on the inside. I wonder if Max has even had a serious girlfriend. “You never mentioned a Rae before. A Tiffany, and maybe a Tami, but no Rae.” She tilts her head to the side, studying me fiercely. My feet are nearly kicking me over to run the other way. I stand, and put on my mother-approved smile. “Hi there! Max has said so much about you!” I hold my hand out to shake hers. She gives Max a sideways glance. “He has, has he?” her voice is as serious as those eyebrows. Sharp, and to the point. “All good things,” I reassure. She finally reaches out and shakes my hand. It’s cold, and hard. Like her soul

I’m sure. “I’m Becca. You’re pretty. What was your name again?” She lowers her head as if she’s trying to look me in the eyes. “I’m Rae,” I smile cheekily. “Mmm Rae, are you from here?” she asks bored. “Born and raised.” That damn southern drawl comes out when replying and I wince in reaction. It does that when I get nervous. I thought Max was going to lead this? “What do you do for a living?” She glances back at me. I open my mouth to respond but I freeze when those hard blue eyes spear me where I stand. “She’s a doctor,” Max cuts in and my eyes widen. He’s lost his fucking mind! A doctor? He couldn’t come up with something a little more believable. “Oh really? Where did you go to school at?” she continues, eyeing me like the liar I am. “Um…” my heart is beating through my chest. “The good kind.” I give a pathetic smile. Shit. We’re done. The game is up. We’re screwed. I told Max I couldn’t do this. I rub my sweaty forehead, my stomach feeling upset from the nerves. “Hey Mom, did you do something with your hair?” Max asks. Becca looks his way instantly, her arctic eyes melting into something softer. “I did actually. I tried a new hairspray. Does it look okay?” She pats her big hair, insecurity high in her voice. “It looks great. Smells good too,” Max compliments, kissing ass more than I pegged him for. Max looks my way with knowing eyes. He must notice my panicked expression because he steps beside me, pulling me close. My hands on his chest I can’t help but smell him, his body warmth comforting me into believing I’m safe from his evil mother. “All right. I’ll let you kids be. I hope to see you at the wedding, Rae?” His mother raises a suggestive brow at Max. “She’ll be there, Ma,” Max curtly nods. Becca grabs Max by the face and kisses him on the cheek hard leaving a pink lipstick smear behind. “Call me later, son,” she whispers, but it’s hardly hushed. As she walks away, I let out a harsh breath and fall into my seat. “She hates me.” I shake my head, knowing I screwed the whole thing up. Max sits down on the other side of the table, downing the rest of his beer. “Jesus

Christ that was brutal,” he exclaims on a sigh. Running my nails through my hair, strands that were sticking to my sweating forehead plucking backwards, I look at Max like a lunatic. “What?” he looks at me quizzically. “Doctor? That was the best you could come up with?” I ask dumbfounded. “I don’t do well under pressure. What?” He sets his beer down. “This was your idea!” I remind him. Someone cursing on their phone walks up behind us. Upon getting closer I find it’s my mother. Oh shit I’m not ready to do this again. I reach for Max’s beer but he snatches it away. Growling, I look over my shoulder at my mother once more. Ponytail high on her head, and yoga clothes so tight they looked painted on. A pink yoga mat tucked under one arm. Yep, that’s her. “Mom!” I wave, catching her attention. She mumbles something into the phone before hanging up. “Rae?” she squints her eyes, it’s dark and getting hard to see. “What are you doing here?” she questions with surprise as she walks over to us. “Oh, nice to see you again!” She smiles big at Max. “This is Max. Do you remember him?” I gesture my arm out toward Max. “Of course,” she screeches, and everyone looks our way. “Nice to meet you again, ma’am,” Max holds his hand out, the drawl in his voice making my mother blush and me weak in the knees. Oh, he’s good. “Oh, don’t call me that. Makes me feel old. Call me Bailey.” My mother blushes and I roll my eyes. My mother shakes his hand, her eyes turning all glossy as she glances at me like I’ve won the lottery. “Will do, Bailey,” Max smirks, laying on his thick charm. “You caught me at my worst,” she flirts, and I can’t help but reach for Max’s beer again. This time with success, I down what’s left. The woodsy taste an instant relief to my pent up limbs. “I was just swinging by to show my support to the town is all,” Mom informs. “Of course. You look great, though,” Max compliments with a handsome smile. Mom looks me over with approving eyes. She likes him. “You look beautiful darlin’.” Mother steps closer to look at my dress. I smile, mindlessly playing with the ends. “I must say Max, you must have a spell over my daughter something fierce. I’ve been trying to get her to dress in something other than stripper dresses and old worn out clothes forever it seems.”

I want to die. Seriously, let me suddenly have an allergic reaction to the lobster and fall over dead. “Oh, well, she picked that out all on her own.” Max looks my way and the way his kind eyes hit a breath catches in my throat. His voice is sincere and eyes longing. “But then again, Rae could make anything look like it’s from a runway.” He winks and a blush spreads not just over my face, but my body. His eyes never leave mine as if he really means it and not just saying it to please my mother. “Well, I’ll let you two be,” Mom interrupts our stare and Max slowly looks her way. “Nice seeing you again,” Max nods at her. “Of course, hope to see you again!” “I’ll call you later, Mom!” I wave, dismissing her. I suck so hard at lying. Either my mother wants this so bad she’s ignoring my sudden outbursts, or she knows already. “Think they bought it?” Max asks with hopeful eyes. “With that southern charm you laid on, I can’t see how my mother wouldn’t have bought it.” I give a knowing smile, tapping my foot. “What?” he smirks. He knows what. “Oh, you’re good. I’ll give you that.” I shake my head, looking anywhere but at those baby blues. “Thank you for the compliment.” I look up under my thick lashes. He reaches for his beer and presses the tip to his mouth finding it empty. He glares at me and I smile deviously.

6

Max

L ying in bed I stare at my phone, contemplating a booty call. Grabbing on my junk

I try and ease the tension growing in its length but it’s not doing any good. Chewing on my inner cheek my finger stops on Rae’s name. She told me not to mess around while we’re doing this whole dating thing. She’s right. If someone spots me with another woman, word could get back to our parents. Ruining everything. I pull open Rae’s text thread. If I can’t get laid I might as well occupy my mind with other things. What is your favorite food? –M It instantly shows she’s seen it but seconds go by to the point I feel stupid for asking her. I seem too interested. French toast sticks. You? –R finally pops up and I can’t help but smile that she responded. Her answer surprising me. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who loves French toast sticks to the point it’s their favorite food. Pizza. –M All guys like Pizza LOL. –R I shake my head. She’s probably right but that doesn’t stop it from being my favorite. Beer and Pizza could be my breakfast, lunch, and dinner and I would be fucking set for life. So my mom called me after you dropped me off. She wants to meet you and asked us to come to dinner. –R Well my boner is gone. What did you tell her? –M I told her okay. What was I supposed to say? –R I can hear the attitude in her

voice just by her text. I want to dominate her ass in the bedroom. Set her straight on who is boss in all of this. When? –M Tomorrow at their house. Six PM. –R Sighing I drop the phone beside me and roll over. The silk sheets soft against my naked body. I’ve only met one woman’s parents before and it went horribly wrong. They said I wasn’t good enough for their daughter, and I think she believed it. I did.

Rae The next day CLIMBING out of the shower I glance in the mirror noticing the red splotches from the allergic reaction have started to slowly fade. I learned a valuable lesson last night. Be careful what you wish for. I prayed for dying of an allergic reaction to the lobster, and I broke out in hives late last night. I felt like I was going to die. If it wasn’t for Quinn asking our neighbor for Benadryl, who knows maybe I would have. Grabbing the towel, I rub the droplets from my chest. “Jeez, I look like a lobster,” I frown. Maybe it’s because the water was a little hot? Tightening the towel around my body I try not to focus on the spots. Max will be here soon, I have to get ready. Pushing the clothes in my closet aside I look for something date appropriate. Something that doesn’t say ‘I worked hard to look like this for you’, but something that doesn’t suggest I didn’t even try. I settle on a green tank top with a red and white flannel blouse to match. Biting my inner lip, I look it over, unsure if I will fit in it still. I tilt my head to the side, eyeballing it. Some blue jean shorts would look cute with it. “You’re up. I was starting to wonder if you’d wake up,” Quinn states leaning against my doorframe with a huge Tupperware bowl full of cereal in her arm. I shake my head, not wanting to think about all the Benadryl I took. I lay the clothes out on a chair wanting to see them paired together. “Oh, wear that!” Quinn adds walking into my room. “What’s it for?” she asks, plopping on my bed, shoveling a spoonful of Lucky Charms into her mouth. “Dinner tonight with my parents, they want to meet Max,” I tell her, my voice dripping with how unexcited I am for this. She nearly spits milk from her nose.

“Oh shit!” Her outburst makes me even more nervous. Max has a reputation, if my parents have caught wind of it… this may not go as easy as Max and I think it will. “Everything will be fine,” I shrug, reassuring myself more than her. Dropping the damn towel, I shimmy the shorts on and reach for my top. Quinn snatches it off the bed and holds it behind her head. “I’ll only give it to you if you toss the Green Lantern bra first,” she teases. Narrowing my brows at her I cross my arms. “Says the girl who wore red leather boots for four months straight with every outfit,” I point out. They were the most ugly thing I’ve ever seen. “Hey, those were limited edition and made my legs look fabulous!” she strikes her finger out at me. I laugh. “We were stopped by the police because they thought you were soliciting!” I remind her. She giggles. “Man, those were some good times. Remember when I cried for two days when the zipper broke?” I turn, my cheeks warming. After the run in with the police, I broke the zipper on those things and she still hasn’t figured it out. I still feel guilty about it. I had no idea she would react the way she did. “Yep,” I give a quick one word answer back, hoping my reply doesn’t give off I’m the worst best friend in the world. “Because I know how important one item of clothing is to someone… I’ll give you the shirt back so you can wear it with that ugly green bra,” she bargains. Tilting my head to the side I scrunch my nose and smile an over the top grin. “Jesus, it’s a good thing your momma loves you,” she insults my cheesy smile. Laughing I continue to get dressed.

AN HOUR LATER, Quinn is yelling at me to wear my hair down, and I keep pulling on my tresses, growling at her to let go so I can put it in a ponytail when a knock starts at the front door. We both still. “It’s for you,” she clips, letting my hair go. “You have to answer it, that’s how these things work. You watch enough chick flicks to know that,” I sneer at her, throwing my hair into a messy bun. She laughs. “I thought this was fake?” she crosses her arms. “Fake dates don’t care about courting,” she points out.

My body warms and my heart picks up its beat for some unknown reason. “I don’t care,” I shrug, turning to go answer the door myself. For some reason the shackles that tethered me to a world of numbness are for once wanting to shed themselves. Looking over my shoulder I notice Quinn hasn’t moved. She’s not answering the door. Maybe that a good thing actually. I shouldn’t let myself get too carried away for the fear I might forget that none of this is real. This is for fun, and nothing more. Quinn is laughing behind me when I pass her, and it pisses me off. On my way to the door I grab a bar stool at the kitchen counter and drop it behind me as I casually continue walking. I hear an “umph,” and a string of curse words as she trips over it. I giggle under my breath, and swing open the door. Max is leaning against the doorframe with one arm resting overhead and one hand in his pocket. My eyes lazily rake over him, taking in that sexy blue hat, a low cut white shirt, and nice fit blue jeans. Slowly he lifts his head and those baby blue eyes hit me right between the legs. He’s shaved, leaving a slight five o’clock shadow and the wind blows a light hint of cologne that has him everywhere. My words catch in my throat as I try to greet him, leaving me sounding like a squeaky toy a dog plays with when it’s bored. He smirks. Fuck, now he’s going to think I want him. “You bitch, that is going to leave a bruise!” Quinn flails into the living room in a blistering fury. “Time to go!” I grab the door and shut it behind me quickly. Max opens the door to his truck and I slide in thanking him as I shut the door behind me. He strides around the truck and gets in, starting it in one quick move. The speakers come to life with the song “Drunk On You” by Luke Bryan playing. I can’t help but look at him under my eyelashes as he starts singing the lyrics. “Mmhhmm,” Max hums at me, raising his brows. My heart beats a little faster hearing him hit the notes perfectly. There is something about a guy singing that makes a woman weak in the knees. He turns the music down, turns his hat backwards and pulls away from the curb. “Where are we goin’?” he asks. I give him the address and he heads that way. Tapping his thumb against the steering wheel and singing to the radio the whole time. Max Following Rae’s directions, we end up outside of town about fifteen miles.

There’s nothing but fields and livestock out here. Reminds me of where I grew up before my father got his first blueprint. We resided in a small country house that was hard to heat in the winter and was hot in the summer. I pull up to a two-story brick house with a white picket fence outside. A wooden flower box sat on either side of the front steps completing its simplistic look. It’s the epitome of a country home. Driving down the gravel driveway I glance at Rae noticing her rubbing her palms on her thighs. She sat up observing with a tense expression on her face. “Lani is here,” Rae mumbles, her voice shaky. There is something inside me that wants to reach over and comfort her. It’s an unknown place in my heart that I don’t visit often. I can handle smart mouthed Rae, but nervous insecure Rae is something I can’t look away from. Not able to help myself I reach over and grab the nape of her neck gently. She slowly brings those brown eyes to mine and I notice her eyelashes flutter. My dick also twitches imagining a similar reaction if I sunk in-between those legs. “We are the only ones that can mess this up, Rae. Just relax, and have a good time.” I give a halfhearted shrug, acting as if this is no big deal. “I’m just not very good at lying.” She shakes her head, looking down at her hands. “We’re not lying. We’re a couple, we just have an expiration date,” I wink, getting a small smile in return. “Man, are you sure you being single is a choice for you, or because women are running in the other direction,” she jeers and I sigh, thankful to have normal pain in the ass Rae back. Tilting my head back I rub my chin, acting as if I’m thinking about it. “Maybe I act the way I do to chase girls away,” I wink at her and she rolls her eyes. Putting the truck in park, I turn the ignition off. She gets out and meets me around the front of the truck, that nervous look back in place. She holds her hand out and my eyes fall to it like it’s on fire. Touching her without having her is one on the list I’m having a hard time accepting. “You ready?” she mutters under her breath. I bring my eyes to hers and fake a smile. Clasping my hand in hers and her warmth and innocence spreads through me like an addiction. My fingers ache to run them up her wrist and arm, feeling all of her beneath my fingertips.

She takes a step ahead of me, and I follow close behind. “You look beautiful.” The words slip from my mouth before I can catch them, and Rae looks at me with soft eyes. Her brows furrow and she shakes her head. “You’ve got to stop being so nice if this is ever going to work,” she replies. I nod, not sure why I’m slipping up so much. “Right, that shirt looks like something you’d dress your dog in, if you had one,” I insult. “See, that’s better,” she sighs with relief. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think I was getting to Rae. Heading up the steps, the door whips open. A short blonde haired girl looks at me with bright surprised eyes. She reminds me of Rae, but less attractive. “Well I’ll be!” The girl eyes me like I’m unreal and might disappear any second. I side-eye Rae, curious who the girl is. “Max, this is my sister Lani,” Rae introduces us, an annoyed look on her face. She doesn’t seem happy with Lani. Maybe it’s the reaction of her sister, or maybe it’s just her presence. I’ll have to dive into that one later. I lift my chin in greeting. “I thought Mom was lying when she said you met someone.” Lani glances at Rae, and crosses her arms, her mouth parted with disbelief. “I never thought I’d see the day.” Lani’s tone is harsh and uncalled for. Rae tries to act unaffected by looking elsewhere but the death grip she has on my hand tells me otherwise. She’s the black sheep of the family. I know the feeling all too well and can’t help but connect with Rae. I pull my hand from hers and wrap my arm around her waist to pull her close. Her body heat is like a heat wave of spellbinding lust, it draws me in and I can’t help but smell her hair taking in the scent of strawberries. “Lani ,who is at the door? Is it Rae?” The familiar voice of Bailey can be heard from inside the house. “Yeah Mom!” Lani hollers back over her shoulder. Lani steps aside and Rae and I walk inside. A staircase sits to the left with a small entryway leading off into what looks like a kitchen. A living room to the left. The walls are white with distressed cracks in the wood, and the floor’s the same but a natural wood color. This house has memories and tells a story just by looking at it. I can’t help but imagine Rae running through this house as a little kid. Probably just as much of a pain in the ass as she is now. A tall built man steps out of the living room. His hair a brown color and thinning, his face red from what looks like being in the sun. He’s wearing a red

shirt and blue jeans, his farmer’s tan blinding as the brass color of his arms turning into a deafening white mid-arm. I remember seeing him at the wedding. “You’re just in time for dinner.” Rae’s father holds his hand out. I shake his hand, and though he’s smiling I sense an unspoken warning in his eyes. That if I break his little girl’s heart… he’ll tear mine out. Truth is I know Rae will hate me by the time we reach the end of all of this and I’m prepared for it. “Name’s Garth. Take your hat off in my house, son,” Garth grumbles under his mustache, before heading toward the kitchen. “Let’s go eat, huh?” Glancing down at Rae she gives a sympathetic smile as we follow her father into the dining room. There’s pictures of Rae swinging on an old tire swing with a popsicle grin, her hair brown in the picture. “Ah yes, that is when my Rae still acted like a lady,” Bailey tells me over my shoulder. Bailey is dressed in a nice black dress with fake flowers in her hair, a far cry from her yoga clothes the other night. I frown, looking at Rae talking to her sister by the table. “She seems all woman to me,” I inform her, eyeing Rae. Bailey’s eyes flash with surprise before masking into admiration. “Well aren’t you sweet.” She swats my shoulder with a rag she had over her shoulder. Bailey heads back into the kitchen and I head further into the dining room.

EVERYONE IS SITTING at the dining room table. There’s a big roast surrounded by vegetables and gravy. Her father sits at the head of the table, and her mother at the other. Lani is sitting in the middle next to a guy I don’t recognize. He has thin short hair, a sweater that reminds me of a golfer, and thick rimmed black glasses. In a weird way he reminds me of Jacob. I sit next to Rae, and scoot my chair closer to the table. The food smells amazing, and my stomach growls. “I hope you like pot roast Max,” Bailey bats her eyes. I’m really picky about pot roast but to please Rae I don’t tell Bailey that. I swallow the words, and nod. “Yeah, I love it.” Her cheeks blush with a confident smile. Rae grabs the pitchfork and stabs it into the pork, and I rub my palms together ready for a hearty helping.

“Damn Rae, go easy, huh?” Garth raises a concerned brow. Rae and I both look up, looking at everyone staring at us with wide eyes. Rae shrugs, slopping a pile of meat on her plate. You can tell she’s used to displeasing them. Fuck I want her. No shame in what she’s eating, or what others think. After filling my own plate to match Rae’s because I’m not about to be out ate by my girl, I feel Bailey’s eyes on me. Wait? Did I say my girl? I mean my girl for fake relationship purposes. Slowly I lift my head, finding her observing me on an unnerving manner. “How long have you kids been together?” Bailey asks, tilting her head to the side, her teeth scraping a green bean from its prongs. Swallowing my food, I reach over and grab Rae’s hand. She tenses, and looks at me from the corner of her eye. “Two weeks—” “A week,” I interrupt Rae’s answer gaining us a look of confused stares and my palm begins to sweat in hers. “A week or two,” I shrug, trying to cover our tracks. “Seems like three sometimes, sometimes forever,” I continue. Rae laughs way too hard at that and I squeeze her hand silently telling her to calm the fuck down. “What do you do for a living Max?” Garth asks, and this gains everyone’s attention. “Max owns his own business,” Rae tells him for me. “It’s really cool. I got to see a building he was working on the other day.” The way her eyes light up, and dimples form at the corner of her smile I would almost think she loves what I do. That she is not faking her optimism. “Building?” Garth turns his head slightly, his tone skeptical as he chomps onto a bread roll. “I’m an architect,” I reply earnestly. “Really?” Lani’s date asks. It’s the first time I’ve heard him talk. “Anything we might know?” His condescending tone sets me off. Acting as if he is superior and I’m the shit on the bottom of his shoe. I only helped remake the football stadium, and some major skyscrapers in Chicago but what would I know. “No,” I give a tight lipped smile. He scoffs, diving back into his food. Sitting back in my chair I look over Lani and this guy. They look like something out of the Brady Bunch and nothing like Rae. Rae is full of life and laughter. Living today like it might be her last.

I can’t help but think I have the hotter of the two sisters. Lani is caught up in a lie that reminds me a lot of Rae and Jacob. A cliché of happiness. A front of the perfect couple, layered with control and unhappiness. “That was delicious Bailey,” Garth compliments his wife, standing from his spot. Bailey shines with pride as she collects empty plates, giving me a wink as she heads into the kitchen with Garth. “So, Rae. How was it you two met again?” His eyes linger on her chest before meeting her eyes. Hair pricks on the back of my neck, my hands balling into hard steel. I glance at Rae who is looking at me with panicked eyes. We didn’t go over that one, and we can’t tell the truth. “I was at the park with my dog one summer day and when I threw the ball I noticed little Sparky never came back. So I went in the general direction he was and I found him sitting at the feet of Rae who was taking a picture of him.” I glance at Rae who is red in the face, eyes wide as saucers and mouth parted in disbelief. “Not in a creepy way or anything,” Rae tries to defend herself. I bite my lip to keep from laughing. “Eh, it was a little creepy, but she was super sexy so it made up for it,” I tell. “Interesting,” George adds. “Anyhow, it’s nice to see you bring someone to these dinners, Rae. I’m sure your parents are proud you’re done playing around at bars, I won’t get started on how worried you have them and your sister,” Tool Bag states, adjusting the tablecloth mindlessly. Rae flips him off, using her teeth she slides a potato off her fork, and he shakes his head. “George!” Lani scolds. He just arches a brow, adjusting his sleeves. “I’m just saying Rae has it in her to be more ladylike than she lets on,” he continues, flicking his gaze to me as if he’s waiting for me to side with him. He glances back at Rae, his eyes raking her up and down unforgivingly once again. He wants her, and he doesn’t give a shit that I’m here with her. The entitled prick. Possessiveness poisons my thinking as a dark heat envelopes me into a jealous rage. Sitting up in my seat I grab Rae by the nape of the neck and lower my lips to hers but she quickly turns her head. The rejection hammers in my chest painfully. That is a first, and one that has me reeling. The look on her face reminding me of her rule of no kissing on the mouth. I duck further down and nibble at the sensitive skin of her neck, before kissing it as if it were her mouth. The taste of salt and sweetness filling my mouth like the sweetest candy. The smell of her assaulting every bit of self-restraint that I have. I

want to push my hands up her shirt and feel her heat against my palms. To watch her head fall back while I kiss her into a stupor. She moans quietly, as my tongue softly tickles the skin behind her ear, her body melting into my hold. My dick pushes against my jeans painfully, my balls feeling like they may explode at any moment. My arm brushes against her chest as my hand cups her cheek. Her nipples harden against my arm as I continue devouring every delicious inch of her neck. She smells so good, and feels so amazing in my arms. “Do you kids want dessert?” Bailey hollers from the kitchen. Rae’s eyes pop open, an erotic gasp leaving her mouth as she pulls away from me. Her eyes sweep across the table to mine, her breathing harsh as she looks at me with desire. Taking my gaze from her, I glare at George who is looking at me with wild eyes. “As far as Rae being ladylike, I couldn’t care less how she presents herself. She tastes amazing just the same.” Popping a carrot in my mouth I wink at him. Lani strangles her napkin in her hand, her cheeks flushed as she stares at me with glossy eyes. Just then Bailey enters with a pumpkin pie in her oven mitt covered hands. “Mom, I think we’re going to go,” Rae informs with a shaky voice, grabbing my hand with her trembling fingers she stands. I can hear and feel how much I affect her and that is toxic to this fake relationship. I’ve never had a woman refuse me and that has my dick accepting an unspoken challenge. “Are you sure?” Bailey asks with a disappointed look on her face. Rae doesn’t answer as she pulls me through the house, the wooden floors creaking beneath our feet. Giggling like a little girl as we make our way outside, the summer wind lapping at her blonde tresses. She’s nearly running as I slow my steps. Her arm outstretched and gripping mine firmly. She looks behind her and her hair is falling in those honey brown eyes. It’s like the world moves in slow motion as she bounces with each step, a smile on her face making her light up like a fucking ray of sunshine on a dark night. It’s like I’m seeing her for the first time. Her hand slips from mine as she rounds the truck to her side, and reality snaps back into full force. Blinking, I open my door and start the truck. Regret fills my chest at what I’m doing to her, making her present me as her man. Staring at the dashboard, I contemplate that thought, thinking about telling her this is a bad idea. “Did you see their faces?” She laughs, excitement on her face. “They really

bought it!” A lazy grin slips over my confused state, as I look at her. I want to let her go, but I’m not so sure I can now. It’s not everyday you find a woman who is fun, with standards. Seeing her with her family made me see her in a whole new light and for the first time in a long time I can say I want to know more about Rae. “Yeah,” is all I manage to say. Driving to Rae’s house I can’t stop myself from staring at her. The window is down and her hair is blowing around her like a damn halo of chaos. Watching a woman without her knowing really tells a man what she’s all about. Pulling up to the curb, I turn the ignition off. “Thanks for coming,” she smiles. “Yeah, no problem,” I smirk. “Just doing my part,” I remind myself more than her. Opening the door she slips out, and heads to her door. She doesn’t look back like every other girl I’ve dropped off at their house. I’d get out and walk her to her door but I don’t trust myself just to see if desire lingers in her eyes for me at all, that would be the last of my self-control. So instead I’m going home to jerk off and wonder why it is I can’t land a girl like Rae.

7

Rae

L ast night with Max didn’t go as I expected. Not that I knew what to expect, but Max making out with my neck wasn’t one of them. Toothbrush in hand I trail a finger along the sensitive skin below my jawbone. Closing my eyes I can still feel Max’s mouth on me. I can feel my sex wetting and pulsing for him to have his way with me, my heart hammers in my chest just like it did last night thinking about it. Tearing my eyes open I look at my flushed expression in the mirror. It was a close one though, what if he did kiss me? That would be it for me, I would cross that emotional line. I spit into the sink and continue to brush my teeth. “Wanna go out tonight?” Quinn asks, walking into the bathroom with her arms crossed. “Where?” I rinse my toothbrush before placing it on the sink. “I don’t know. A bar?” She shrugs. “It seems like forever since we went out. I miss you,” she whines. I could use a dose of letting loose, getting Max off my mind. “Sure. What time?” I turn, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand. The minty taste of toothpaste lingering in my mouth. “Nine. Nothing good ever happens before then,” she smiles, her face conveying how excited she is. “You work today?” I ask her, smelling my work shirt to see if it’s clean. Quinn groans. “Of course. I need to land a sugar daddy one day so we can retire to the beach.” “Yeah, you let me know if he has a brother,” I tease, getting dressed.

AT WORK I get stuck with washing a boxer, he is beautiful and named Kota. “One day, I will get a dog,” I whisper to him as I dry him off. He yawns, obviously bored of my talking to him. “Ugh, I don’t know how you wash those things. I’ll stick to the snakes.” Quinn shivers, stepping up beside me. A striped snake wrapped around her hand. A shiver runs up my spine, what if it strikes out and nibbles her pinky finger off? “Well, they’re cold like your soul so it makes sense,” I reply seriously but I’m joking. She smiles. “Well, you being a dog person fits you because you’re so hairy.” Using her index finger she gestures to my legs, her brows narrowed. “Oh shut up, and get this good boy a treat,” I baby talk to Kota as I squish his face with the fuzzy yellow towel. His tail thumps along the tabletop in excitement, and it warms my heart. I don’t know how I haven’t stolen one of these adorable pups working here. “Here,” Quinn offers Kota a treat. He takes it, breaking it into a million pieces. “You have to call him a good boy at least,” I school her and she eyes me like she wants to stab me. My pocket vibrates taking my attention off the dog and Quinn looking at him like he’s a beast from another time. What are you up to? –M I frown, a little surprised to see Max casually texting me. Raising a brow, I reply confused. Working. Something wrong? –R He must need me to appear somewhere or prove to a family member I’m his girlfriend. Why else would he text me? No. Just curious. –M My face falls. He’s just curious? So is this not fake relationship patent? “Who is it?” Quinn asks over my shoulder. “It’s Max. He wants to know what I’m doing.” I can’t help the confusion lacing itself in my tone. “Does he need you for something?” she sounds just as confused as I do.

“He said he was just curious.” I shrug. Quinn freezes. “I thought you guys were fake, meaning not caring what the other is doing unless it confines to the appearance of being a couple in public?” She pops her hip out, a smile on her face, that damn snake still in her hand. “Yeah, I thought so too but this…” I point to my phone trying to decipher the simple question. She points at me. “You better watch that man. He’s playing games.” She shakes her head and walks out of the room. I’m not so sure I disagree with Quinn. Max is an epitome of an unsolved puzzle. He’s hot and then cold. Distant and then grabby. I can’t peg where we stand, or what he’s thinking. I put Kota back in his pen with three too many treats, and check my phone to see if Max replied anymore, hoping he says something to justify his odd behavior. He hasn’t. Maybe I’m just reading too much into it. My head begins to hurt, and I look at the clock and notice it’s time to get off work. Thank God. I plan to go home and shower, eat, and get ready for a night out. A night without Max on my mind is something I need. Men need to come with a booklet, because this is just complicated. Max Sitting in my chair I watch the MMA match on TV, lazily sipping a beer with a bowl of Doritos in my lap. I shouldn’t have texted Rae today. What the hell was I thinking? I bite into a chip, thinking about what the hell was on my mind when I sent that text. I was generally curious what she was up to. Why? I wonder what she’s doing right now. What she’s wearing. The thought of her in a short skirt and no panties flare in the back of my mind and my cock begins to grow in my sweatpants. Fuck! I take my focus back to the TV. I wonder if Rae is at home? Growling, I set the bowl of chips on the side table and down the rest of my beer. I need a cold shower. Again. Undressing, my hard cock springs free, it’s sensitive and near fucking purple. I swear to God blue-balls is a real thing. Stepping into the cold shower, it pricks and stabs my skin. Gritting my teeth, I

take it, needing it. I lather my hair with soap and wash my body. None of it helping with the third leg between my legs. Resting my hands on the shower tiles I lower my head, soap dripping from my hair and chest. Faintly I hear my phone ring from the living room. Wiping my face, I blow water out from settling between my lips, and hear it ring again. Shit, it could be my sister. Running my head under the faucet to rinse the soap I turn the water off. Climbing out of the shower cold air plasters against my skin causing goosebumps to race along my spine. Boner is still there though. Walking to my phone I leave a path of wet footprints into the living room and pry my phone out of the chair cushion. It’s Rae. The thought makes my cock flutter. “Hello?” “Heyyy!” she slurs, the sound of her voice almost unrecognizable. “Can I have a cab to The… The Dirty Alibi?” “Rae?” “M-Max? Why are you calling me?” she asks confused. “I didn’t call you Rae, you called me,” I inform her. “Oh, well I need a cab, I’m sorry,” she states breathily. “Where’s Quinn?” I ask, nervous she’s out by herself in the condition she’s in, but she hangs up before answering. I fist my phone angrily. She sounds really drunk and I’m going to be even more pissed if Quinn isn’t with her. Goddamn it! Rae Leaning against the hot brick that makes up the bar Quinn fades in and out of my vision. Some guy with black curly hair has his arms wrapped all around her as he devours her neck like a vampire looking for a victim. It kind of reminds me of a scene in True Blood. I need to watch the rest of the last season, come to think of it. “Did you call a cab?” she asks, looking over her shoulder. “Yeah, it’s on its way,” I inform her, trying my hardest to keep from face planting. My mouth tastes like a bar. Quinn turns in the guy’s hold, her thin green skirt hiked up from his groping. “I think I’m going to go home with Ken, want me to wait with you until the cab —”

“I’m fine. Go hump Ken in his dream house,” I tease. Quinn’s face goes red as Ken gives me a look that suggests he doesn’t think I’m so funny. Fuck Ken. He interlocks his fingers with Quinn’s, tugging her toward the sidewalk. “I’ll call you in the morning!” she hollers, giggling. “Ya, ya,” I mumble, looking down the street for the cab. I feel sick, I hope it hurries up. “Ma’am, I can’t have you out front.” I turn, finding a bouncer looking at me angrily. He’s big and round, and has one big braid down the middle of his back. He has a nametag on, informing his name is Gag. I laugh. “Something funny?” he asks, bored. “Your name is Gag?” I point at the tag. “Oh man, I have so many things running through my head right now.” I need to shut up, I know this but this little drunken voice in my head is telling me I’m hilarious, keep going. He cracks his neck, not finding any amusement in my laughing, so I stop there. But I really could keep going. He fists my upper arm roughly and my laugh abruptly stops. “I need you away from the front of the building,” he snaps, my arm bruising from his hold. “Get your hands off me! I’m waiting for my cab!” I try and pull from his grip but with no success. “You’re intoxicated and making a scene.” He doesn’t even look at me, just continues to tug me along. “You’re hurting me, let go!” I struggle, and attempt to shove the man beast. “Get your fucking hands off her!” a familiar voice barks. In a blink of an eye, Max cuts between us, shoving Gag away from me. Max’s face is red, and he smells like Irish Spring soap. I can’t help but sniff him at this inappropriate time. “She’s drunk!” Gag points at me. “That doesn’t give you the right to push her around like that. You ever put your hands on her like that again you’ll be explaining to your wife why you’ve been fired.” Gag and I both look at Max a little surprised. “Oh yeah, I think you’re making shit up trying to impress a drunk girl,” Gag insults. Max chuckles. “I built this fucking bar and know the owner very well. Now, you can either take that as a warning or I can make you eat fucking concrete. Which is it going to be?” Max threatens and I swoon so hard I feel dizzy. Or it could be the alcohol; I’m not sure which. Max turns, grabbing both sides of my face.

“Are you okay?” he whispers, his wild eyes looking into mine with an unrecognizable longing in them. I nod, grabbing onto his hands, the warmth of them pulling me into him. “Yes, my cab is coming and taking me home,” I inform him, my eyes fluttering. He glances up deep in thought, before looking me in the eyes. “No, you’re coming home with me,” he demands, rather than asks. “What? No, I can go home. I’m fine,” I insist, I can’t go home with him. I’m drunk and finding him irresistible tonight. So many rules will be broken. “You’re not okay, and I’m not letting you get in a car with a stranger in this condition. You will either come willingly or not, your choice,” he replies arrogantly. I glower at him; my stomach protesting that last sour daiquiri. I turn, walking away from him and lose my balance. Just as I’m about to face plant Max swoops in and grabs me by the waist. Relief floods my system, as I didn’t just break my nose on the gum-riddled sidewalk right in front of Max. That would be humiliating, and I wouldn’t leave the house for months. Just when I think he’s about to set me on my feet, my world suddenly spins as I’m thrown over his shoulder. “I’m done talking about this.” His voice sharp and uncaring of what I want or think. “Put me down!” I slap at his back, my throat retching. He slaps my ass, and I freeze. A fire spreading down my thigh from the harsh contact, it makes my breathing become labored. “Stop it or I’ll do it again and harder.” He warns and my eyes nearly roll in the back of my head. Tugging my bottom lip between my teeth, I think about doing it again. I hiccup, my throat feeling like fire as vomit threatens to race upward. “Max,” I warn, but it’s too late. I puke all down his back. His boots scuff to a stop, and he slowly slides me to my feet. Pressing my hands to my lips, embarrassment propels through me like a hot knife. “I’m. So. Sorry,” I burp. “I told Quinn I can’t eat Mexican food when I’m drinking,” I explain, the taste of stale nachos lingering in my mouth. Glaring at me he grabs his dark green shirt at the bottom and pulls it over his head, revealing an array of abs and golden skin. “Whoa!” I burst out, my hands feeling grabby. He smirks, tossing his shirt in the back of his truck. Opening the passenger door, he helps me in and I let my hand slide along his

chest when I climb in. The touch sending a blazing warmth right between my thighs. I hiss, not wanting to let go but he grabs my wrist and puts it in my lap before shutting the door. Turning in my seat I see him stop at the back of the truck, his hands in a form of prayer as his head falls back. Is he praying? What for? Shaking his head, he steps toward his side of the truck and I quickly sit forward not to be busted that I was watching. He climbs in and glances at me with those fucking blue eyes. “I really am sorry for puking on you.” I nod my head a little too much. He doesn’t say anything, he just starts the truck and drives forward. Quinn will never let me live that one down. I rest my head on the cool glass, watching the city lights blur by. Max rolls the window down and I look his way, my eyes falling on his chest. I can’t help it, it’s like a vortex of sex and sin. “Do you work out?” I ask. He glances my way, his face hard and unreadable. Bringing my eyes to his mouth I wonder what they would feel like pressed against mine. Are they hard or soft? Warm or hot to the touch? I know kissing is a gateway for the halls of hell and a broken heart, but what if I leave my eyes open? Closing your eyes is like sealing the deal, and I just want one taste of his lips and I’ll be a good girl. With all my drunk strength I push myself off the window and slide over to him. “I want to break a rule,” I whisper. His body tenses, his mouth parting at my suggestion. “And I think you do too,” I giggle. He looks in the rearview mirror as a distraction, acting as if I’m not affecting him. “I won’t tell anyone.” I wink, and though I think I’m being sexy I probably look like a lady who lost a contact rather than a seductive temptress alluring a man into her bed. “No,” he clips dryly. I swallow, my head flinching back by his tone. “Why, because you want to keep this fake? Because you don’t find me attractive?” I ramble on, my lust turning to anger. “No.” He looks my way, taking his eyes off the road. His face is almost touching mine and my lips part as he gazes into my eyes seductively. “It’s because you smell like vomit,” he whispers, and I roll my eyes. Feeling horrified I scoot back over to my side of the truck. My cheeks spread crimson and my world spins. “Well, it’s your fault. If you weren’t all ‘Get in my truck or I’ll make you’ and thrown me upside down over your shoulder, I wouldn’t have gotten sick,” I blame

him. “Maybe if you weren’t out drinking by yourself—” “I wasn’t! Quinn left when I was waiting for my cab!” I defend. His tone sounding like a protective parent. “I’m not going to let you get in a cab with someone you don’t know!” he bellows, his jaw clenched. “Why do you care?” His head cuts my way with an expression on his face I can’t place. Leaning forward he turns the dial on the stereo to “Vice” from Miranda Lambert. Leaning his wrist over the steering wheel, his shoulders are tense, I can tell he’s done talking about this. Holding my dizzy head, I lie in the seat and let the song take me into a slumber.

WAKING up to the familiar smell of home, I sit up in my bed. I’m stripped to a shirt and my socks, and I blush. Did Max dress me? Last night filters into my head like a bad movie. I threw up, on Max! How embarrassing. “Quinn?” I call out, hoping she’s the one that dressed me and not Max. Needing to vent to her about everything that happened last night. Not hearing anything, I slide my legs over the bed and step on something, or someone rather. “Fuck!” a male voice hollers. I jump back on my bed and scream, my head pounding from last night’s drinking. “It’s just me!” Max appears in my face, the darkness around him making him appear eerie. His hands grab at me frantically in an attempt to calm me. Realizing it’s just him, I shove him away angry. “What are you doing in here?” I gasp, my heart beating out of my chest. “You were really out of it, I just wanted to make sure you were okay before I left.” He rubs the back of his neck looking me over with hungry eyes. I pull my shirt further down my thighs, and swallow the sudden lump in my throat. “How did I change clothes?” I eye him skeptically. “You had puke on your clothes, if you want to call those clothes, so I changed you.” He shrugs, looking me up and down unforgivingly. Like he’s seeing me naked all over again. My eyes widen. He changed my clothes? I’m not sure how I feel about that. “I left your bra and panties on.” He gives me a look like I’m being ridiculous. My heart beats a little faster in my chest, curious if his eyes lingered a little

longer than acceptable, or if he snuck a grope. A devilish smile crosses his face, and then he winks. Conveying my imagination is right on point. I’m not sure if I’m mad that he did look at me, or that I wasn’t awake to see it myself. Did he like what he saw? “I’m fine.” I cross my arms. My nipples perking at the thought of Max touching me. “You can go now.” He moves and the moonlight splashes across his smooth chest, reminding me he’s shirtless. My lips part to allow a shallow sigh to escape. My fingers digging into my palm at the impulsive urge to claw the shit out of him. He steps up to me, and I hold my breath. His hard body moving in the night like a snake. “If I’m not mistaken, you groped me pretty hard in the parking lot, and the way you’re looking at me—” “I’m not looking at you.” I avert my eyes quickly. His hard hands grab both of my shoulders and my thighs squeeze together from the contact. “You’re looking at me like you want me to fuck you into this mattress until you forget your name and chant mine like a goddamn prayer, Rae. Don’t lie.” His voice comes out husky, and thick. My chest swells, my eyes nearly rolling into my head. It’s like I get amnesia when I’m around Max. Rules and self-respect gone. Quickly I look away, my fingers playing with my bottom lip nervously. I need him to leave before I give in to my desire and let Max take me right here. My sex squeezes wanting me to act on that notion. “That’s what I thought,” he mutters, his tone bitter and cold before turning and leaving my room. I fall on my back, my body practically vibrating with passion. What is wrong with me? This is all fake. Pretend. Anything other than a fairytale in a nightmare waiting to happen. Max doesn’t do relationships, hence why I’m in this predicament in the first place. He’ll eat me with a wet grin, leaving a napkin that says ‘call me’ in his wake. Which he never will and I will be that girl that is obsessed with a guy that doesn’t want her. Because I can tell, any woman who has had Max… can’t easily walk away.

Max A week later ROLLING up the blueprints to the new hotel in New Jersey, my phone vibrates. “If you’ll excuse me?” I hold my phone up to the client and take a step outside. “‘Sup little brother?” “Hey, I’m having a party this weekend. Can you come?” he asks hopeful. “You don’t want me there, I’ll cramp your style,” I laugh. Beau is the star of the family. Quarterback of the Tennessee College football team and is very popular in our parts. “Shut up. Every time the girls hear you’re coming they come in flocks, but Mom told me you have a girlfriend so maybe I have a chance at getting laid,” he cuts to the chase. Lowering my head, I chuckle. “How old are you again?” “Twenty, and save me the sex talk,” he snaps, clearly knowing what he’s doing. Not sure if I should be proud or not. “When is it?” I sigh into the phone. “This weekend in the hayfield.” I lift my head looking down the hallway lined with stupid art that makes no sense. I haven’t been out in the field in years. Me and Beau used to help clear the fields out there for summer paychecks as kids. “Does Mr. Kenmore know you’re using his hayfield for this party?” I ask, knowing damn well that old man doesn’t know. “Nope,” he clips. “Your funeral,” I shrug. “So are you’re coming?” he asks again. Hanging with some nineteen-year-olds isn’t really my scene but I do it occasionally when my little brother asks. “We’ll see.” I click the phone off and slide it into my pocket. I can’t lie, an excuse to see Rae again has me a little excited. But she’s also the reason I took this building so far away. To put some distance between us because it took every fucking thing I had not to give into her that night she was trashed. I want her, and I shouldn’t.

Rae SHOPPING with Quinn I look at a pair of plaid sweat pants at Victoria's Secret when my phone buzzes.

Hey, my brother is having a party. Want to come? –M I furrow my brows. Want to come? Does he need me for appearances or does he want me to come because he wants to spend time with me? “Why is your face like that?” Quinn asks, her hands full of bright colored clothes. “Max invited me to his brother’s party,” I tell her. “For like, to show you off to his brother?” She tilts her head to the side confused. “I don’t know, he didn’t say,” I shake my head. “Maybe he wants you to throw up on him again. Maybe it’s a new thing men are into,” she replies casually, sniffing some perfume. I ignore her. I never should have told her about that. For fake? –R Quinn looks at me as we wait for the three little dots to stop bouncing as Max replies. Yeah, sure. –M Relief, and regret sink heavy into the pit of my stomach. I’m not sure what I’m wanting out of this but that’s because Max is sending mixed signals. When? –R This weekend. –M See ya then. –R After typing my reply, I shove my phone back in my pocket. “Thank God, I thought he was really asking me out.” I fake a smile and Quinn rolls her eyes at me. She doesn’t believe me. “Girl, you couldn’t be more disappointed than a virgin going home solo on prom night,” she huffs. I pretend to be interested in the lingerie on a mannequin, avoiding eye contact. “What do you want me to say. That I want this pretend relationship to be real?” “You don’t have to; I can see it on your face and hear it in your voice. Which means you need to be really careful, and sex is definitely off the table.” She steps in front of me, her index finger pointed at me. I furrow my brows, my mouth falling open. “What does that mean?” “You can’t do casual sex, Rae. You’ve had sex with two people. Jacob, who you almost married, and then three months later you hooked up with that sexy basketball player in the bathroom at Club Voodoo. Which then turned into you staying in your pajamas crying into a bowl of ice cream while watching re-runs because you felt like a whore,” she rambles about, flinging through the rack of

clothes. I remember that hook up. I was drunk, and didn’t even remember the guy’s name. He was cute, I remember that. I went to the doctor the next day and got a full work up, I was so scared and ashamed of myself. “You’re right. I don’t do casual hookups,” I admit. “When I have sex, my whole heart and body go into it. I connect with other person,” I sigh, coming to terms I’ll never be a bed hopper. Quinn gives a sympathetic smile, and squeezes my shoulder. “Hey, it takes skill to have sex devoid of emotions.” I toss my flannel pants at her. “You’re such a skilled ho.”

Saturday comes at a crawl and I’m ready for mine and Max’s date. I’ve made up my mind though, keeping things platonic and professional. I picked out blue shorts, a white tank top and a red and pink flannel button-up that I left unbuttoned. My hair is down, and I even put on a little makeup. “You look good. Remember. No sex!” She points at me, and I roll my eyes. “I know. I’m keeping these legs closed like a nun!” I inform her with a serious tone. She gives me a pensive look and walks into the next room. “He’s here!” she hollers. Looking the mirror my sun burnt cheeks and blonde hair stand out but I don’t look bad. We can do this. No sex. Stepping into the main living room I find Max standing by the door. He’s tall and muscular, taking up the whole room. He has on blue ripped jeans, a red shirt and a blue button-up. My thighs clench when my eyes fall on his backwards ball cap. There’s no hope for me. Heading out to the truck we don’t make eye contact and the ride is silent. There is so much tension and unspoken thoughts I can barely breathe. I keep to my side of the car, and look out the window. Pulling into the field there are a few trucks, and a couple cars. The bonfire’s

flames licking into the hot summer night. “Looks like people showed up, so that’s a plus,” Max mumbles under his breath as he drives into the bumpy field. It’s the first time I’ve heard him say anything tonight. I grab the oh-shit handle, as I’m tossed around the front seat. The terrain of the field is rough. Max’s eyes falling to my bouncing chest doesn’t go unnoticed. Parking, we get out and a younger kid that almost looks identical to Max, but falls short on the boyish good-looks, comes strutting toward us. “Wasn’t sure you were goin’ to show,” he states, his southern accent thick. He’s not wearing a shirt and has blue jeans with cowboy boots on. He stops, his eyes undressing me crudely. I clear my throat, crossing my arms uncomfortably. Max walks around the truck and places his arm around my waist, claiming me. “Mine,” Max growls in warning, and my head whips in his direction. Those fuck me eyes telling me to try and argue. The possessive undertone in his voice striking me right in the hopeless romantic instincts that I try to keep locked away in my chest. “Rae, this is my brother Beau. Beau this is my girlfriend, Rae.” Calling me his girlfriend came out smoother this time. Unlike last time when he had a stroke between spitting the word out. “Girlfriend?” Beau chokes out in shock. “When did this happen?” Beau looks at me like I cast a spell over his brother and I better come clean with my witchery right now. “I knew you were seeing someone, but I didn’t know it was that serious!” He scoffs like he doesn’t approve, must be some brotherly code or something. “I don’t tell you everything, bub. Now, are we here to talk about me or are you hosting a party?” Max tilts his head to the side, his face hard. “Nah, let’s go get a drink or something,” Beau holds his hand out, gesturing toward the fire. Max grabs my hand, leading the way. The feel of his hand making my heart flutter inside my chest. Thunder sounds from above, and the wind suddenly blows my hair around my face. The smell of rain strong. “Looks like your party will be cut short,” Max states, but Beau doesn’t respond. Walking through the small crowd of people everyone’s eyes are on me and Max. Young girls eyeing him and whispering to one another. As if Max can sense what I’m thinking he tucks me into his side. The protective gesture is making my head spin. He smells so good, and feels strong against me. Some random guy hands Max a beer in passing. Twisting the top off he presses the beer to his mouth and takes a big sip. His throat muscles flex, and I take notice

of the stubble that is lining his strong jaw. I want to run my hands along it. I roll my fingers into my palm to ease the urge, tonight is not going to be easy. None of this is real. The flirting, the touching, the kiss. My fingers slide along my neck where Max kissed me. It’s all fake and a show. I want to believe it, but my body is defying every thought. We reach a random truck parked by the bonfire and we climb on top of the tailgate. His thigh brushing against my bare leg. I begin to sweat, wishing these feelings and thoughts to vanish. “You want some?” he holds his beer toward me, and my eyes snap to his. “Sure,” I smile, taking the bottle. I take a sip and smell him. I can feel his eyes watching me as I drink in not only the beer, but him. Wiping my mouth with the back of my hand I keep my eyes on the fire, not wanting to be sucked into the depths of his blue eyes. “I’ll go get us some more,” he chuckles, hopping off the back of the tailgate. I watch him strut over to a blue cooler, his arms loose at his sides. Girls instantly flock around him and my teeth bite down at the jealousy. He rubs the back of his neck nervously, his head bowed, he looks at me across the way. He shrugs, and points at me. In a snap all the girls look at me like I’m the biggest bitch in the world. He gives an apologetic smile and heads toward me with four beers in his hands. “That must have been a new experience,” I tease him. “Telling a bunch of girls you’re off the market,” I explain further. He hands me a beer, his head falling back with a deep laugh. “It was actually. This whole,” he gestures his hand between him and I, “thing. It’s different.” Popping the top off the beer I look down at the muddy ground. “I get what you’re saying.” Everything about him and I isn’t normal. The heavens suddenly open and cold rain pelts into my skin. Everyone hollers, running to their vehicles. “Come on!” Max grins and turns his back toward me conveying he wants me to hop on his back. I wrap my arms around his neck and my legs around his strong back and he runs. My sex throbs with him in-between my legs, the smell of him a toxic concoction to my reality as the rain splashes against his strong neck. I want to lick the rain from his glistening skin. Thunder cracks in the sky, and the wind smacks me in the cheeks. Trucks and cars peel out of the grassy field as we make our way to his truck.

Max opens my door, and I climb inside soaking wet. He jogs to his side and situates himself behind the steering wheel. We’re both laughing, wiping the wetness from our faces, but you can still feel the awkwardness of it all. He starts the truck and when he puts it into drive the truck just rocks back and forth, the tires spinning. “Shit!” he cusses, trying the reverse. Nothing. “We’re stuck?” I ask with wide eyes. “Let me see if we’re stuck on something,” he states, opening the door and running out into the rain. Not wanting him to do it by himself I open my door and jump out. The wind howls, and lightning splits across the sky. Raindrops stick to my lashes causing it hard to see anything without blinking a bunch of times. Max is behind a tire, kicking rocks and mud away from the divot. Holding my arm above my head I walk toward him. “Did you find the problem?” I holler above the storm. Lightning suddenly slashes across the sky, followed by a loud boom. I scream surprised by the loudness, and slip in the mud. Falling right onto Max, who loses his footing and falls on his back. Lying on top of him, his blue eyes look into mine and my heart beats a little faster. Rain droplets cascading down his face in zig zags, and pooling between his lips. He reaches up, rubbing his thumb over the apple of my cheek. The feel of gritty mud feels abrasive against my skin. His body is so warm under mine, and I can’t help but dig my fingers into his wet shirt, my thighs squeezing on their own accord. Thunder pounds in the sky, and the loud reverberation shakes me to my senses. Pushing myself off him, I side-eye him, wiping my hands on my shorts. He looks away first, pulling himself up out of the mud. I head to my side of the truck and climb in. That was close, way too close. Seconds later he slips in behind the wheel. The radio plays Jake Owen’s latest hit “Alone With You.” His eyes slide to mine under his wet hair and my entire body is on high alert. I’m wound tight like a coiled snake. I want to touch him, feel him beneath my hands and feel his breath against my lips. I can’t deny it, and by the look on his face he wants me too. Like he read my mind, he grabs me on each side of my face and leans in. Before I can turn my head he kisses me. I hesitate, my body tightening beneath him. My eyes open wide as I don’t want to be sucked into the emotions that come with such an intimate act. “Kiss me,” he mumbles against my mouth, his voice shaky with desire. His grip

firm as not to take his lips away from mine. His eyes imploring me to throw caution to the wind. The last strand in my restraint snaps, and my body arches into him. I close my eyes and kiss him back, my lips moving against his. His lips are soft, but hard. Warm and inviting, tasting of mint and beer. I feel high, my body light as his tongue slips into my mouth and dances with mine. I breathe through my nose as my lungs scream for air. I can’t pull myself away though. I’m drowning in this kiss and don’t want to come up for air. What his mouth is doing to mine is magic; black magic. Our breathing becomes harsh, and the windows begin to fog. His hungry hands move from my face down my chest and over the top of my shirt. Finally, I pull my mouth away with a loud gasp for air. My head falls back, wanting him to touch me more. Dipping his head, his nose slides against my collarbone so softly I barely feel it. I clench my thighs tight to help drown out the intense pulsing in my core. My back arches into him as a whimper spills from my mouth, the sound an invite for his greedy hands to climb up my shirt and onto my breast. I hiss between my teeth, wanting so much more. His fingertips skimming across my erect nipples and I feel like I might combust from the inside out. “I want you so bad right now, Rae,” he whispers into my ear, as his hands slowly make their way to my back, pulling me into him. My legs straddling him, he slowly moves his hands, our eyes silently talking to one another. Our fears, and desires surfacing without us having to speak a word. I’m scared. The cab fills with tension and it’s like a dose of cold water spills over us. That hungry flare that was in Max’s eyes douses. He slowly retracts his hand, and looks down. “We can’t do this,” he whispers. “It’s more than breaking a rule,” he states with a tone of disappointment. I don’t reply because I broke my own damn rule. One I have had for over a year. No kissing. The mouth is the most sensual part of the body. Unlocking emotions and feelings that I don’t want to have. Pulling myself off his lap I right my shirt, rejection tightening my chest. He moves over into his side of the seat and tries the truck one more time, but we just spin tires. “Come on!” He slams it back into park. He’s frustrated and fighting with himself. “What do we do now?” I ask softly, looking out the window. Thinking maybe

weathering the storm would be less of an obstacle than being in here. “Looks like we’re staying here until the storm passes,” Max growls, his voice making me pull into myself. I feel cold, a void in my heart. He lifts himself over the seat, and pulls a small blanket from the backseat. My eyes widen with panic, he’s not joking. We’re really going to spend the night out here. “We’re sleeping in here? Together?” I give him a pointed look. We shouldn’t be around each other more than we have to right now. His face is stoic when he looks at me. “You didn’t seem to have a problem being close to me when my hands were up your shirt,” he jeers. My jaw drops, and I glare at him. My lust converting into pissed off. I grab the blanket, pulling it from his hands. “Fine, you can sleep on the floor,” I shift my legs, kicking him in the process. “Cute,” he smirks sarcastically. His large hands find the blanket and pulls it back. Him and I are in tug of war with a blanket, in the middle of nowhere. I never saw this coming. “Fine!” I let go of the blanket pissed off and wanting to go home. He snuggles into the blanket dramatically and I hate him. Lying down in the seat I purposely put my foot in his face. “Jesus, Rae,” he shoves my foot, which is full of mud I’m sure, out of the way. “Oops.” I give a sheepish smile, pushing the other foot right in his ass. He nearly jumps out of the seat and I spread out. “Maybe you should try the backseat, I don’t think there’s enough room, sweetheart,” I bat my eyelashes at him. “This is why I stay single,” he mumbles, climbing over the seat with the blanket in tow. “That or you’re a bad kisser. Whichever makes you feel better,” I shrug, and can hear his mouth hit the floorboard from here. “Those moans that were pouring out of you would suggest you know better,” his voice sharp. “Do I?” I continue, loving getting under his skin. “I think we need to stick to the rule of no kissing.” I give a disgusted look. He doesn’t say anything, and I silently rock with laughter. The truck rocks with the wind, rain slamming into the windshield. Everything replaying in my head from the night’s events. I screwed up. I really screwed up. One rule. Never let them kiss you… and I broke my own rule.

I WAKE up from being hot. My face sticks to the leather and I find the blanket wrapped around me. Max must have given it to me when I fell asleep. Pushing it off me, I sit up finding Max fast asleep in the back seat. Leaning over the seat I shove him and he groans. “Wake up. I have to work today. I need to go home,” I inform him. He stretches, and one by one his eyes slowly open. He climbs over the seat and I notice dried chunks of mud all over him. I laugh and try to brush it off. “You have mud in your ear.” Turning his head, he grins at me and starts the truck. I don’t like that look. I pull the sun visor down and look at my face. There’s some mud on my cheek and my hair. I look a fright. He puts the truck in drive and it hesitates at first then jerks out of the hole. “Thank God,” I whisper as we drive back to the city. The drive is quiet, and filled with tension. We both know there is no coming back from last night. We might act like we don’t want anything more from each other but last night proved that was a lie. Pulling up to my place, I open the door to get out, but stop before shutting the door. “Thanks for taking me home,” I pause, tapping my foot on the concrete. I don’t want to leave it like this, but I’m confused and need time to think. He gives a tight-lipped smile, his eyes telling me he’s on the same page. We need to step away from each other before we get into something neither of us is prepared for. I slam the door shut and turn toward my house. People walking by look at me weird, one little boy pointing at my chest. Confused I look down at myself and find two large muddy handprints on each tit. I turn back around with red cheeks finding Max laughing his ass off as he drives away. He knew they were there and didn’t say anything, the bastard! I try to rub the mud off, knowing if Quinn sees this I’m going to be assaulted with questions. Ones I’m not ready to admit. It’s no use, the mud is dried in two perfect handprints. Crossing my arms, I head inside and like a mother waiting up for her young, Quinn is at the door. “Hey.” I give a wave, heading to my room. “Jesus, you look like hell! Where were you? Did you stay the night with him? Did you guys have sex?” she slams question after question at me as I grab a clean towel. “Nothing happened,” I lie, making sure not to look at her. She stomps in front of me, stopping me from making it to the bathroom.

“You’re lying. Something happened, I can tell.” She gives an accusing look. Dropping my arms, I sigh in frustration. Her eyes fall to my chest and she points. “Oh, something happened!” she says with excitement, a smile nearly breaking her face. Not meaning for her to see my shirt, I shove her out of the way and step inside the bathroom and shut the door. “You can’t hide all day. We have to go to work in an hour!” she show tunes, giggling as she steps away.

8

Rae

“Y ou did what?” Quinn barks at me her face a cross between shocked and angry. I

just finished telling her everything and the look on her face suggests she’s more than appalled. I give a sheepish smile. “I kissed him,” I repeat. “On the dick. Tell me you kissed him on the tip of his beautiful cock!” She looks to the heavens as if she’s pleading for me to tell her what she wants to hear. I’m sure the Lord would approve. “Nope. The mouth.” I nail her where it hurts. I touch my lips where Max kissed me into seeing stars. I can still feel the tingle; the swollenness he left behind. I think they’re bruised he kissed me so hard. Her head falls, her chin to her chest as she inhales a large breath. Slowly she raises her head, and places her hand on the counter. She opens her mouth to talk but then closes it, her eyes squinting into the distance. I know what I did was more than wrong, but the reaction from Quinn is hilarious. The whole not kissing rule is something Quinn and I brought about after I Jacob and I split up. I went back to when it all went to hell and it was when I kissed Jacob the very first time. “There’s no coming back from this. You messed up,” she shrugs, chopping a banana for a Macaw. “Trust me I know. As soon as he kissed me I felt all the stupid rules and fakeness that was supposed to be us fade.” I bite my lip shaking my head. She stops her butchering of the banana, knife in hand. “I’m disappointed. You kissed the man and didn’t even have sex with him. I mean, if you were going to go about breaking rules why not that one too?” She shakes her head. “I really wanted to know what his penis looked like.” She glares at

me with a serious face and I bust into a laugh. “It probably looks like a penis. You’ve seen one you’ve—” “Wrong!” Her outburst startles me and makes the Macaw screech in surprise. She grabs the other banana she hasn’t massacred yet and holds it with both hands. “You could have one that has a slight bend to it.” She slightly bends the banana. “Or one that is uncircumcised and plays peek-a-boo with you.” My eyes fill with tears I begin to laugh so hard. She cups her hands over the top, the banana poking out simultaneously. “It could have a slight upturn.” She holds the banana upside down making it curve up. “Quinn!” We both jump upright, and Quinn’s face is blister red as she turns to face our boss Dr. Craymer. “The parents to the Macaw are here to pick him up.” He raises a concerned brow, eyeing the banana in her hand. “Yes, of course, I was just giving him a snack,” she lies. Shaking his head, he walks away and she busts into a fit of laughter.

9

Rae

Sitting outside on my patio steps, my phone rings and I grab it a little too

anxiously. Noticing it’s Mom, I purse my lips in disappointment. I haven’t heard from Max in a few days. “Hey Mom,” I answer. “Hey! Your sister just got engaged!” she squeals into the phone nearly busting my eardrum. I smile, happy for Lani. “Awesome. I hope she’s happy,” I state. “Of course she is, why wouldn’t she be? Anyway, this weekend we are having the summer get-together we have every year to kick off the summer, and they’re announcing their engagement to family and friends then. You and Max will be there, right?” I suck in a tight breath, I didn’t go last year. Nobody ever talks to me, seemed pointless. “Yeah sure, we’ll be there,” I inform, hoping Max will want to meet my family a second time. The last time didn’t go so well. Maybe he’ll have an excellent excuse we both can use to get out of this. “It’s Saturday at six. Bring a dish honey!” she requests sweetly before hanging up. Opening up Max’s profile I hover my finger over his name before texting him. My family is having a summer kick off this weekend and my sister’s announcing her engagement. Mother wants us there. –R Engaged to that douche bag? –M I laugh. Yeah –R

Another sister will be left at the altar. Do you guys just have a knack for picking shitty men? –M I roll my eyes, though he’s not entirely wrong. Guess all the good men are either taken or too blind to see what’s in front of them. –R He goes silent for a second, before the dots appear. I’ll pick you up. –M Saturday at 6. –R Max Picking up Rae we head to her parents’ farmhouse. She’s wearing short blue jeans and a white frilly shirt today. Little black and yellow bikini strings are tied into a knot behind her neck and I instantly wonder what she looks like in it. My eyes fall to her creamy thighs, slowly inching their way up, curious if the bottoms are shorts or bikini. I missed her and it kills me to admit that. I refused the one time she called and didn’t come around for days hoping the distance would set my mind straight. There is nothing here, this has an expiration date, and she’s just for the wedding. It didn’t work. The only conclusion that I have is that I want to be with Rae. “Thanks for doing this with me,” she states, looking out the truck window. I avert my eyes quickly, my chest tightening that I’m eye fucking her like I am, knowing this is strictly fake for her. “Yeah, no problem,” I shrug, acting as if it’s no big deal. It is a big deal though. I am meeting not just her parents again, but her entire family and friends today. This relationship couldn’t get any more real, and I’m starting to have real feelings for her. Pulling up to the house I notice a bunch of vehicles parked in the yard. “Just park anywhere,” she points out of the windshield. Getting out of the truck I grab her hand without so much as a second thought. Her little fingers entwining between mine. They feel silky and soft and I missed them. She looks down at our adjoined hands and I notice the hitch in her throat. I can’t tell if she’s uncomfortable, or if she likes me touching her. Heading inside the house her mother answers the door. “Rae! Max! So glad you came, everyone is out back by the pool,” she waves us in and I give a small nod in passing. Rae leads me through the house and out back. There’s an in-ground pool and

sets of patio furniture scattered around. There are lots of people I’ve never met before and I tense. I hate big crowds. “Max!” Garth, Rae’s father heads my way with a beer in his hand. “Come talk with the men,” he laughs, a cigar in his mouth. I glance at Rae who smiles approvingly. “Go, have fun with the men,” she emphasizes the word men, and I narrow my eyes at her. Garth pats me on the back in a familial kind of way, it feels good. “Let the ladies do what they do, and let’s chat shall we!” He chuckles between puffs of smoke. He’s obviously had too much to drink. He wasn’t this friendly last time I saw him. “Guys this is Max, he’s seeing my daughter Rae,” Garth introduces me to a bunch of guys. Three of them look the same age as Garth, but there’s one that looks a bit younger. They all nod, and tell me their names, but I’m not listening as I keep looking over my shoulder at Rae. She’s like a ray of sunshine wherever she goes. The way the sun bounces off her shoulders, and her smile lights up even the darkest of places. “Ya know what I mean?” George, Lani’s fiancé asks, but I have no idea what he’s talking about as I’m not paying attention. A guy walks up to Rae that I can’t place, but I don’t like the look on his face as he looks her up and down. He’s shorter than me and has bleach blond hair. It’s much longer than mine, and I can’t help but notice he’s more built than I am too. “That’s one you need to worry about,” George informs, resting his arm on my shoulder uninvited. “What do you mean?” I question. “He’s been after Rae since before I came to find Lani. If you think you being by her side will keep him away, you’re mistaken.” He laughs, the smell of fruity alcohol strong. “His name is Ace.” Rae fan’s herself from the summer heat and takes her top off. Her breasts fill her swim top fully, and I swallow hard, every hair on my body pricking to attention. The sight of her soft skin pulls me right in and my hands instantly ache to want to rub her down, to feel her beneath me. I narrow my brows. If I’m thinking that, then so is everyone else. Ace’s eyes light up, and my hands clench into fists. He strides over to her with a cocky smirk on his face. She turns and the way her eyes flash with disgust suggests she’s unhappy to see him. She turns her back on him. My chest swells knowing she wouldn’t do that to me. He picks her up, and I instantly see red.

“I can’t swim!” she hollers, and I start toward her. Knocking lawn chairs out of the way in the process. “Well now is as good a time than any,” Ace chuckles, and tosses her into the pool. Rae’s arms flail as the cool blue water swallows her into its depths. Garth gasps, and drops his beer. I don’t hesitate, I jump in the pool. Clothes, shoes, and phone in pocket. Chlorine burns my eyes when I open them, finding a blurry Rae at the bottom of the pool struggling to make it to the top. I swim to her, and scoop my arms underneath her. Her petite arms cling around my neck like a lifeline, her eyes wide with fear as bubbles escape her nose. Holding onto her, I kick my feet and swim upward. As soon as her face breaks water she hisses in a terrible sound of air, her whole body taking in the oxygen. She coughs, before laying her head on my shoulder. Her whole body shaking with fear and coldness. Finding the pool steps, I walk us out, and her mother stands waiting with a towel. “Nobody invited you here in the first place!” Garth hollers at Ace. “It was a joke!” He laughs, his hands up in surrender. “Oh my God, honey. You’re as soaked as a sewer rat.” Bailey looks at Rae with sympathy, wrapping the towel around her. “You have her?” I question, and Bailey nods. “Let’s find you some dry clothes.” Her mother ushers her toward the house. As soon as Rae leaves my grip I stomp over to Ace, my shoes squishing between my toes. “You motherfucker!” I bark out, my pulse drumming in my neck so fierce it aches. Ace looks at me with an unreadable look. Pulling my fist back I hit him right in the mouth, dropping him to the ground. Everyone gasps, and steps back. Stepping over Ace I glare down at him, his mouth bleeding a bright red from the split in his bottom lip. “Rae is with me now, and if I see you near her again I’ll drown you in that damn pool!” I point at him. “All right.” He looks at me with scared eyes. Stepping back, George hands me my hat, which is soaking wet. Everyone’s faces are pale and expressionless as they watch me unleash my anger and protectiveness. My eyes fall on Garth and I instantly feel like shit for my out of control behavior. He pushes through the crowd and cups my shoulder. Just as I’m sure he’s going to ask me to leave, he nods approvingly. “You want a beer? You look like you need a beer,” he laughs, everyone else

laughing with him. Running my hands through my wet hair, I smirk. “Yeah, a beer sounds great.” “My daughter has a good man, son. Do her right,” he mutters in a volume only I can hear. I freeze, watching him as he looks at me like not a man after his daughter but family. “I’ll do my best,” I reply, and I mean it. I’ve grown to care for Rae on a level I haven’t cared for anyone. I can honestly say I won’t be able to walk away from her like any woman I have before. Falling for Rae was never the plan, but there’s no way I can turn back now.

Rae “OH MY GOD that was so hot!” Lani squeals behind me. Pulling the curtain to the side I watch Max and my dad talking outside, and my insides burst into a million little rockets. He has my dad won over. “That boy really has it bad for you my dear,” my mother smiles, handing me a change of clothes. “I mean, I’m sure he likes me but I don’t know about having it bad,” I try and shrug their comments off. I’m sure Max would do that for anyone. He’s made it clear this is fake, and nothing more. It’s hard for me to wrap my emotions around that but it is what it is. “No, I saw the look on his face the moment Ace walked your way. He was jealous!” Lani points out. “Really?” I tilt my head to the side curiously. “I saw it too. This one seems like a keeper to me, Rae.” Mom pulls the curtain over to get a peek herself. “Plus, your father likes him. He’s never liked any guy looking your way, and I have to say your dad is a great judge in character.” Mom looks at me with hopeful eyes before walking away. I gently pull the curtain back open and watch Max. The way he jumped in after me and punched Ace, maybe things are starting to become real between us. It scares me because I’ve never felt so strongly about someone before. When Max is near me something inside of me lights up, and my body burns for him so intensely I can barely breathe. It makes me wonder if I ever loved Jacob, or if I was just settling.

AFTER THE DRAMA, I changed into an extra-large shirt and helped Mom bring out a set of pies. A large arm wraps around my hips and I melt into the warm hold knowing it’s Max. “Your father has taken a liking to me,” he mumbles in my ear, and I push into him wanting his hard chest against my back. “That’s rare, “ I inform him. “Is it?” “He never liked Jacob, and I’m pretty sure he’s not too keen on George.” I turn in his arms, and he wraps his other arm around my wrist. “Hmm, I must be a catch then, huh?” he grins arrogantly. “Yeah, or my dad is just really drunk,” I whisper, and his mouth falls open. “Oh I see, can’t accept I might be good enough for your father?” I laugh, my head falling back. His finger sweeps across my cheek, and my laughter falters from the delicate touch. “You had some flour…” his tone husky. “Probably from the kitchen,” I shrug, looking down. His fingers fall to my chin, forcing me to look him in the face. His blue eyes look into mine, and I suck in a sudden breath. There is something different about them, they’re warm and inviting. His hold tightens, and a small smile tugs at his lips. “Guys, let’s eat!” Lani hollers from the picnic table, breaking our intense staring session. I pull a plate from the table next to us and hand it to Max. “Hungry?” “Starving.” His eyes become hooded, and his brows narrow so deeply I’m not so sure he was talking about for food. We sit down and eat, laughing with each other and enjoying each other. Taking my eyes off my dad, I notice Max slip his phone out of his side pocket, the thick case saving it from the water damage the pool could have caused. Instantly, Max’s whole demeanor changes when he looks the screen over. Wrinkles form on his forehead, and his eyes darken. “What is it?” I ask. Maybe it is broken. “My dad bought a building in Chicago, I’m going to be gone for about a week if it’s true.” He shakes his head, tucking it back in pocket. He glances at me, a displeased look pulling at his face. I can’t tell if he’s upset with his father for buying the prints, or upset he’s leaving me behind. “Oh,” is all I can say. He was gone for a couple days and I missed him, a week is going to kill me.

Max One week later THROWING my bag on the couch I grab a beer from the fridge. I just got back from Chicago helping with a skyscraper my dad took on. They couldn’t get the clearance due to its shape and location, so I went and did what I do best. Negotiate and helped change a few things. My dad is bullheaded, stuck in ways and everyone should move around his views. Sitting in my recliner I glance out the window. Rae has been on my mind since the night I dropped her off. My phone buzzes in my hand and I nearly spill my beer in my hands. It’s Mom, shit. “Hey Mom,” I answer. “Son, did you just get back into town?” she asks, car engines sounding in the background. “Yeah, just now.” “Your father is out of town ‘til tomorrow, and your sister is dealing with the wedding. I thought I’d come by for dinner tonight, meet your girlfriend, and play catch up?” she asks and I sit upright in my chair. “Um, tonight?” “Yeah, I’ll be there at seven. Love you!” she hangs up and I hang my head. Well, shit.

Rae STRUNG OUT ON THE COUCH, I watch The Big Bang Theory with Quinn after work. I’m half asleep when the front door flings open. I jump awake as does Quinn. “Max? What is wrong with you?” Quinn barks when she notices Max strutting into the house. I pull the blanket to help cover my tiny tank top and pajama shorts that hardly leave anything to the imagination. My voice getting caught in my throat when my heart beats a little faster at the sight of him. His blue baseball cap is on backwards, and he’s wearing gray sweat pants that hang low on his hips with a dark red shirt. “Max?” I whisper under my breath, surprised to see him.

“My mother is coming over for dinner tonight. I need you there,” he informs walking past us and into my room. I jump over the back of the couch, the blanket snagging on the cushion tripping me in a full gymnastic style tumble. I jump to my feet after disentangling myself from the blanket and head after Max. “Where are you going?” I ask, we’ll get to the part about his mother and dinner later. He stops, and rubs the back of his neck anxiously. “My mother is coming over, and she’s not dumb, she knows I would have you overnight at my house more than a few times by now,” he informs. Finally he looks in my direction and he stops, his eyes falling to my thighs and slowly up. I cross my arms hoping to hide my excited nipples. “So what does that have to do with you busting in here like that?” My voice wavers with heated lust. “So we need a few things of yours to place around my place so it looks like I’ve had you over,” he explains further, grabbing a few random clothes. A teddy bear. Is that my toothbrush? “Oh, I have the perfect thing!” Quinn perks up from behind me. Pushing past me she opens a cabinet in the bathroom and pulls out a box of tampons and casually places them on top of the small pile Max has in his arms. His face pales and I can’t help but cover my mouth trying to conceal the smile as he eyes them like they’ve been used or something. Slowly he turns his head, eyeing Quinn quizzically. “Trust me. If a female is staying overnight anywhere on multiple occasions, she’ll have a box of these there,” Quinn nods, pleased with herself. “Don’t you think we’re taking this a bit far?” I finally ask, placing my hands on my hips. This whole convincing everyone we’re a couple is exhausting. We’re lying to everyone close to us, and we’re hurting ourselves trying to tell ourselves there is nothing between us when there is. His eyes cut to mine, and I regret my words. “No, I don’t. We only have another week or so and then we can have the terrible break-up and the parents will leave us alone. At least for awhile. That ‘awhile’ is going to be worth all of this as long as I don’t have to listen to one more female tell me about how all the other girls hate her because she’s friends with only guys,” he shakes his head as if he’s replaying it all over in his head. “Besides, this is for you too.” He juts his chin at me, and I bite on my bottom lip. Maybe I’m the only one who is going to get hurt then. I used to want the same thing too, but now I feel like this is going to hurt me more than any blind date will. Before I can fully interrogate that thought, he grabs my hand and my heart

shoots off like a rocket. I melt into a puddle of pathetic. I can’t help it. When he touches me, looks at me, or smiles at me I feel high. The cruel world blurs in the background. “Let’s go, she’ll be there soon.” He squeezes my hand, and escorts me through the house. “I need to change first!” I proclaim, but he just ignores me. Inside the truck I fasten up as Max tosses my belongings in the back. “You haven’t called,” I blurt out before I realize what I’ve said. Shut up Rae! He glances at me and then back to the road. Raising my brows, I purse my lips and look out the window. What was I expecting? This isn’t real. Pulling up to his house right outside of Nashville I can’t help but look at its beauty. It matches the others on the block. Two stories with windowpanes all over one side. He throws the truck in park, and hesitates before getting out. “I’m sorry I didn’t call. I just… I feel like things went further than you wanted them to the other night and I felt out of line for it,” he replies in one breath of frustration, his eyes not quite meeting mine. He must be talking about the night we were in his truck. Rubbing my collarbone, I swallow hard, shaking my head. “No, that… that’s not it at all,” I stumble on my words. My intention that night not entirely clear. His blue hard eyes find mine and I suck in a tight breath at their distinct coldness. I wanted everything that happened that night and more… but deep down I’m scared to death of getting hurt. Knowing crossing that line will be just that. “It’s what I’m telling myself, Rae.” He jerks his door open and gets out. What does that mean? I follow him inside, and when he flips the lights on my eyes slowly take everything in. I walked into the kitchen first, the living room just beyond that and doors to the right. The ceiling is high with a large ceiling fan lazily brushing fresh air onto us. Clothes are flung everywhere, and there’s a pyramid of beer cans on the table. “This… is not going to work,” I mutter, stepping into the living room. “What?” he shrugs. A bright pair of blue panties catches my eye. Using my pointer finger and thumb like tweezers, I tug them out of the gray chair and hold them up. They’re so small I couldn’t fit one leg in them. Is that the kind of girls Max is into?

“Your mother is never going to believe a steady girlfriend stays over here.” I shake my head, dropping the lingerie to the floor. Resting his elbows on the counter I can tell he’s flustered and annoyed. His hat drops to the granite as he runs his hands back and forth through his hair. “Why don’t you cook, and I’ll break out the hazmat suit?” I suggest, trying to help. I can tell his mother coming over here has him undone. Slowly he lifts his head. “You sure?” Putting my hands on my hips I swallow hard. This is going to be hard. I hate cleaning. “Mhmm.” I give a tight lipped nod. “Thanks. I appreciate it,” he confesses. “No problem.” Going through his cabinets I grab a trash bag, and a bottle of bleach. I clean out all the trash I can find, and all the spare clothing girls have left behind. How does a girl leave not noticing she’s missing a shoe, or panties? I vacuum, start laundry, make the bed, and did I mention bleach? While in his room putting a pair of boots away, I find a candle on the dresser, it’s filled with change so I dump it out and pick the wick out. Smells like lavender. I take in his bed, and can’t help but run my hand over his pillow. Grabbing it I bring it to my face and inhale the smell of Max and Irish Spring. Closing my eyes, I wonder what it would be like to sleep in the same bed as Max. I wonder if he snuggles or likes his space? I place the pillow back on the bed, and grab the candle. Taking it into the living room, I set it on the ledge of the kitchen counter. “Do you have a lighter?” I ask. “I don’t let females have fire in my house,” he answers seriously. “Why, because you’re afraid they might light you on fire in your sleep?” I joke. “Exactly.” He glances at me, and I can tell he’s serious. I bite my lip to keep from laughing. “I woke up to a girl pouring a travel size fingernail polish remover on my crotch with a lighter in the other hand,” he informs. “That should tell you so many things,” I bust out in a giggle. “Yeah, women are crazy.” He points at me. “And you’re the oddest one I’ve met.” I hold my hands up. “I promise I’m not going to catch you on fire. Or your stuff,” I swear. For now anyway. “Check the left drawer,” he juts his elbow out as he continues to chop and mince vegetables. Fishing through the drawer I find an orange lighter. I look at it, wondering if it’s

the lighter that nearly had his nuts roasting on an open flame. “So why did she try to catch your balls on fire?” I ask, lighting the candle. “Slept with her sister,” he replies honestly. I stall, my heart sinking at the reminder of how many girls he’s been with. He sets the knife down and looks up for the first time since we started our chores. “Wow.” His eyes look around with praise. “Doesn’t even look like the same house, does it?” I laugh, crossing my arms to admire my hard work. He scrunches his nose. “It smells like girl shit in here.” He glances at me with an unamused look on his face. “As opposed to dirty underwear and stale beer?” I tilt my head to the side. “Or maybe you prefer roasted nuts?” I bite my lip in attempt to keep from giggling. “Not funny,” he replies dryly, popping a carrot in his mouth. He freezes, shoving the half chewed carrot to one side. “You don’t have any travel size flammables with you… do you?” I lift my right shoulder and sigh. “That’s for me to know, and for you to find out.” He chuckles. “See… crazy bitch, right there.” He points at me, before continuing his cooking. I can’t help but lean over the counter and watch. A man knowing his way around a kitchen is a turn-on. “Max!” The familiar voice of his mother, yells from downstairs. “Here we go,” he mutters under his breath. Turning around I find… oh shit, I can’t remember her name. Her eyes find mine and they squint with a devilish look. I take notice they’re not as vibrant as Max’s. She’s wearing a slick white dress with a big black belt in the middle with short black boots on. Her blonde hair is piled high on her head in an array of curls. She’s the epitome of country. “Rizzy, nice to meet you,” she smirks. I can’t tell if she’s trying to get my name wrong, or genuinely just doesn’t remember. But if that look on her face tells me anything, it’s she’s trying to be a bitch. I hold my hand out to shake hers. “Betty, nice to see you again!” I say in the most cheerful demeanor I can muster. Her eyes flash when I get her name wrong. “Wow, and I thought I was bad with names,” Max replies, biting into a dinner

roll, clearly not seeing what is going on. “Mom, this is Rae. Rae, this is my mom, Becca,” he reminds us. Becca doesn’t acknowledge her fail as she steps past me to place a bottle of wine on the table. I snap my fingers, gathering her attention. “Becca, that’s it. The last guy I screwed, his mom’s name was Betty.” I shake my head, my tone serious. Me being nice isn’t getting me anywhere with this woman so what’s the point? Max’s mouth drops, and the bite of bread he just took falls to the floor. “Charming,” Becca sneers, a smile pulling at the corner of her mouth. Her right hip popped out, and hand placed on it delicately. I shrug, proud of myself. Her eyes take me in, reminding me I’m wearing pajamas. Thankfully, she doesn’t say anything. “Let’s eat!” Max slaps his hands together, attempting to break the tension. If I really were seeing Max, I would have done two things by now. Run, or set Mommy Dearest straight from day one.

SITTING at the table I help myself to some of Max’s spaghetti. It’s smells amazing. “So how long is Dad out of town for?” Max asks his mother. She waves her hand around. “I don’t know. Tomorrow I think.” Slurping a noodle into my mouth his mother arches a brow in my direction. Sauce slaps against my cheek as I take in the last inch. “Do you have any garlic, babe?” I question. Wanting to add some to my spaghetti. They both freeze, the tension in the room thickening. “What?” I look between them both dumbfounded. “Surely Max has told you he’s allergic to garlic with you being his serious girlfriend and all.” Becca raises a brow, her tone skeptical. My eyes flare in panic, and I can’t breathe. A foot kicks me hard under the table, a cold ache running up my calf. Glancing at Max I find him staring at me, conveying I better cover my tracks and fast. I glare at him. He should have told me he was allergic to garlic long before. “Oh, he has. That is why I was just going to add some to my plate and not the entire dish of spaghetti.” I think on my toes. It was a terrible cover up but I warned

Max I was bad at this. She nods, seeming to accept my answer. “So why didn’t you stay with your Dad?” Becca continues the conversation. “Your dad stayed behind?” I ask, curious why he didn’t come home too. “Yeah, Dad does more work out of town than me. When you’re an architect you get more pay in bigger cities,” he shrugs, reminding me what his dad does without really telling me. I narrow my brows, curious about Max more than his dad. “Do you not like taking jobs out of town? Not that I’m arguing, I love having you here.” Smiling, I reach across the table and take his hand in mine, really selling it. He squeezes my hand, and I feel it all the way to my gut. Butterflies flapping around to the point I feel sick. “I don’t like being alone,” he replies softly, as if he’s embarrassed to admit it. My face grows somber, not expecting an honest answer out of him. His mother freezes, her fork mid-air. “Son?” she whispers, seeing him vulnerable taking her aback. He inhales a large breath, lifting his head from looking at his plate. “It sucks traveling in planes and long car rides to the sound of your own mind. Anyone would get bored,” he states, his tone of voice taking a different direction than before. His mother seems to relax with that answer, but I’m not convinced. It sounds like Max is lonely, not bored. Max might be hard on the outside, and more of a prick than a woman would care to take home to her parents, but I can see deep down he’s a softy. Becca stands from the table, and she wobbles on her feet. “I think I had a glass too many of that wine,” she giggles, sitting back down. “Are you okay?” Max asks concerned. I glance at the bottle on the table noticing it’s empty. I had a glass and so did Max, meaning his mother polished off half a bottle by herself. Damn. She smiles lazily, her cheeks becoming flushed. “Let me get you to bed. You can stay here tonight,” Max offers. Standing from the table, he helps his mother up and into a room. Knowing Max won’t clean this up, I grab the plates and head to the sink. Scraping food into the trash and washing plates. Moments later I feel him standing behind me before seeing him. “She okay?” I ask, not taking my eyes off the white plate as I scrub it to its death. “Yeah. I think with the wedding coming up she’s just stressed out,” he replies,

shutting off the sink. “I’m not done,” I inform, reaching for the faucet. He grabs my wrist to stop me, and my eyes fall on the hand to hand contact. My stomach knotting with a flame that can only be put out by Max. “You’ve done enough cleaning for one night,” he states, pushing me out of the way with his large body. His tone telling me I have no fight in this. Not arguing with him, I find a dishtowel and wipe my hands off, desire pulsing through my veins so fast I feel like I drank a bottle of wine. “I should get home, it’s getting late,” I say softly. “About that,” he turns, leaning back against the countertop, his arms crossing in front of his large chest. I tilt my head to the side, not liking his tone. “I need you to stay here tonight.” “What?!” My outburst has him rushing to me and slapping a hand over my mouth. The feel of him against me, and the way his sexy eyes look down at me I can’t help my core tightening. “My mother is already asking questions about us. I need you to stay the night with me, in my room,” he whispers. His hand slowly falls from my mouth, his index finger catching my bottom lip. I’m not strong enough. I’m not strong enough. I’m not strong enough. “I promise to stick to the rules,” he gives a curt nod. Him acting like a gentleman makes me want to jump his bones that much more. Nervous, I play with my bottom lip and look at the counter mindlessly. “Okay,” I mutter, scared out of my mind of what is in store for me tonight. I follow him into his room, and he rubs the back of his neck anxiously. “So, does one of us sleep on the bed, and the other on the floor?” I arch a brow, curious how this is going to work. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. If my mother comes in here in the morning and sees us sleeping apart it will raise questions.” He makes a point. Turning I look through the clothes he grabbed from my place, hoping there’s something to sleep in rather than my pajamas that are bleach stained now. There’s a pair of stretch shorts, a tank top, and a bra. Really? Dropping the clothes, I turn around to ask for one of his shirts and find him shirtless and tugging down his jeans. Holy back porn. It’s outlined in muscle and is a golden tan. Holy shit he has lower back dimples too. My eyes skim along his bare skin, wishing it were my hands instead. My hands strangle themselves, my mouth parting to allow the labored breathing to pass. His jeans drop to his feet, and he bends over to kick them off. That round ass on display for my pleasure. My eyes scan the white tight briefs cleaning to his tight—.

Wait, are those bananas? “What are you wearing?” Using the back of my hand I try to hide my smile. Standing upright he looks over his shoulder, a devilish look crosses his face. “These?” He tugs on the elastic band of his briefs, making the banana prints dance. “They’re underwear,” he responds like I should know that. “I know they’re underwear. I just didn’t peg you for a banana-wearing kind of guy,” I laugh again. “I bring a whole new meaning to banana hammock, baby.” He turns and the smile on my face is wiped clean when I see the length and girth of that bulge in his underwear. I quickly turn, my cheeks on fire. My heart beats in my chest to the point I don’t feel like I’m breathing, and I cup my collarbone. “I- I need a shirt to sleep in,” I stammer, changing the subject. Taking a calming breath, I turn around finding him flinging a shirt at me. Trying to make a comeback from my sudden embarrassment I decide to undress right here. Give him a taste of his own teasing. I pull my bottoms off, and Max has no shame in watching them fall to the floor. A flame ignites in the pit of my stomach as he stares at me with an intense glare. One that tells me if he could, he’d dominate my ass. Turning, I take my shirt off, and then my bra. I look over my shoulder, making sure Max can’t see the girls. He standing there, his arms crossed in front of his chest as his eyes look everywhere but at mine. I’ve never done anything so provocative before, but the way Max is staring at me fuels my risqué behavior. I toss the bra over my shoulder at him, and slide the shirt he gave me on. It falls to my thighs, and is cold and crisp against my skin. My nipples perk at the chill, and I turn to find Max still watching me and his cock even bigger. Seeing he fully checked me out, I don’t feel so ashamed for returning the favor. I skim across his hard cut chest, his six-pack fully on display. The last time I saw it I was drunk and even got to feel it, but that memory does no justice to seeing it sober. His hips dip into a strong V shape, and his strong thighs and long legs tell me he’d be hard and fast in bed. “Shall we?” Max holds his hand out, gesturing toward the bed. I clear my throat, and dart my eyes elsewhere. “Yes, of course,” I mutter. My mouth is suddenly dry, and my tongue feels like sandpaper. My legs feel wobbly as I push them to move and walk to the bed.

MY HANDS TREMBLE as I pull back the comforter and slide in between the sheets. This wouldn’t be so bad if we didn’t want each other so bad and there weren’t rules. It’s fraying my nerves. Rolling over, my back facing him I hear him turn the lights off blanketing the room in a sea of darkness. My body feels sensitive to the lightest touch, my core throbbing with desire to the point it hurts. “I never knew it would be this hard,” he mutters. I sigh, relieved it’s not just me struggling because sometimes I feel like it is. “I know what you mean,” I admit. “I was talking about my dick. Are we talking about the same thing?” he replies seriously, but I can tell he’s toying with me. Covering up his moment of being vulnerable and making me look like a dumb ass. “No, I was talking about your cock. I was surprised to see it so hard too. Maybe it’s those little boy underwear making it look so manly,” I retort. The bed dips, and in a millisecond I feel Max slam his hands on each side of my head, his hard, warm body resting its weight on mine, and his minty breath in my face. He thrusts his hips in between mine and my eyes roll in the back of my head. My hands defy my brain and slide against his smooth chest. “Does this feel like it’s lacking?” he growls, as the tip of him brushes against my clit. My heart is beating in my chest so wildly I can barely breathe. The red flag of heartache waving in the background starting to blur. I know in my heart I can’t accept Max as a one-night stand. I am genuinely attracted to him on levels way past attraction. The way he makes me laugh. The feel of his hand on my hip when we’re around a crowd. I want more. “Rules,” I breathe out in a rush of lost air, desperate to get them out before we pass a line I can’t come back from. He fists my hair, and my mouth pops open with surprise. “I have the worst fucking blue-balls, Rae and it’s your goddamn fault. I see the way you look at me, and know you want this as badly as I do,” he states with a dominant tone that has my eyes fluttering with lust. He smashes his lips to mine not giving me a chance to think too hard on what he’s said. My body melts into him, my fingernails clawing at his back as I arch into his warm chest. Dexterous fingers dip below my panty line and my mouth parts to allow that hard breath that is burning my chest to escape. He’s leaning on one elbow hovering above me as his fingers walk down the little

patch of pubic hair and find my swollen clit. My legs tingle, and my toes curl with anticipation. “Oh God,” I moan, pressing my back into the bed, my eyes roll into my head. Using two of his fingers, he slowly circles me into a realm of delirious bliss. My hands fling to the pillow my head is laying on, clawing at it as Max works me into a bundle of ecstasy. His jaw clenches, nostrils flaring as he watches me give myself to him. Heart and all. One of his fingers trails off, pressing lightly into my wetness, but not near deep enough. He spreads the wetness around on my clit, and then returns his finger back to my arousal. His teasing is making me delirious, and my toes curl wanting more. I feel like I may combust if he doesn’t give me what I want already. He leans down, his lips a hair’s width away from mine. Using my hands, I press against his chest, my eyes searching his wildly. “Okay, but we can only do this once,” I breathe heavily. He smirks like the devil. “You think you can just moan my name once, Rae?” Dear God, give me strength. My head presses into the pillow, my eyes squeezing shut to the point I see stars dancing behind my eyelids, and a powerful warmth rips through every one of my limbs as I lose my breath. A simple, yet powerful moan erupts from my lips and like that, he’s taking my cries into his mouth. The connection heightening my satisfaction that much more. My hips gyrate against his palm as my release slows its beautiful assault on my body. Slowly he pulls his mouth from mine, and I open my eyes. His blue irises lock with mine as he slowly withdraws his finger from my heat. I begin to unwind. My legs straighten, curled toes relaxing. The sound of a rip grabs my attention. Before I can ask what the noise was, Max is in between my legs, and shoving down his briefs. His length springs free and my mouth falls open with surprise. It’s as big as I thought it was and more. Grabbing my hips with impulsive need, he suddenly freezes. His eyes falling on my hipbone. Pushing myself up on my elbows I look at what he’s looking at and notice his thumb rubbing circular motions on the pineapple tattoo that marks my skin. “I got it shortly after that day. I couldn’t afford to get away, but I did eat pineapple and got this tattoo. A reminder to protect myself; my heart,” I whisper, his soft thumb tickling my skin as he studies it. His eyes meet mine, flaring with a deep desire that has my breath hitching in my

throat. Making my chest constrict with emotion. I smile, and reach for his scruffy chin. “Don’t go getting soft on me,” I state softly. His eyes cut to mine, his brows narrowing. “There’s nothing soft about me, not right now,” he replies ruggedly, pushing the tip of his hardness against me to prove his point. He sheathes on a condom, grabs me under each of my knees jerking me to him like I weigh nothing. “I’ve wanted to do this ever since the day I stole the bride,” he confesses on a growl so sexy all I can do is whimper in response. Removing his hard grip on my hips, he works himself inside of me ever so gently. His bright blue eyes never leaving mine as he stretches and fills me with every glorious inch. It burns so good I can’t help the expression that crosses my face. Between a cry and pleasure. I inhale a large breath as he hits the back of me with one last jerk of his hips. I whimper as my back arches off the mattress. I find myself pushing at his chest as my legs wrap around his thighs pulling him closer. My body battling with the pain and pleasure rocketing through me. He swoops his hands under me, sliding along my back as he thrusts in and out of me. “Do you feel that?” he asks against my ear. “That’s me fucking you, Rae.” He kisses the shell of my ear, thrusting into me with one hard jerk of his hips. I can’t contain the moan that rips through my entire body. His own back arching with every slow drive in and out of me. His hips grind and swirl as he hits something inside of me that has me seeing spots every time. I roll my lips onto one another, as I stare into his blue eyes. They’re glossed with pleasure, a look crossing his face I’ve never seen before. My stomach suddenly knots, my heart thuds a little harder in my chest as we just stare at one another. Not speaking a word, our bodies are doing the talking. Which is probably for the best, because it seems like we just piss each other off when we talk. But goddamn if our bodies don’t get along perfectly. He lowers my back to the bed sliding his hand out from under me. Lowering his head, he slips a hard nipple into his mouth. An audible gasp rips through me. His warm tongue circling the nub before letting go of it. I groan, turning my head and clenching my eyes shut. Pleasure rippling through me to the point there’s no turning back. He grunts, his hips jerking, and his body stiffening. A warmth spreads through my abdomen and my eyes pop open. Finding those aqua eyes staring at me intently as we both fall into our release

together. My hands fling to his head pulling on his silky hair. His mouth parts, his eyebrows narrowing in. Opening my legs, I let him take me to a place no man has ever taken me before. Every muscle in our bodies chasing the ecstasy over the edge. Every breath burning throughout my chest as we push through our exhaustion. The look in his eyes staring into my own. “Fuck, those eyes,” he mutters under his breath. I smile, cupping his left cheek. Slowly he rolls over onto his side of the bed and a blanket of cold air hits every part of my body in the worst way. When he pulled away, he took a piece of my heart with him. Reality washes over me like a cold wave on a winter day. That wasn’t just sex. Rolling my lips onto one another I stare at the dark ceiling. He stands, his ass cheeks clenched to perfection as he heads to the bathroom. I thought a fake relationship would make my life of being single easier. I had no idea I would slowly fall for my pretend boyfriend, wishing for the first time since I had my heart broke…that I could try my chances at love one more time without being terrified.

10

Rae

Sun filters through the blinds, splitting across my face in a ray of warmth that

wakes me from my sleep. Yawning, I slowly roll over and come face to face with a sleeping Max. His eyes flutter open and a devilish smirk crosses his face. I pull the sheet up, covering my own smile and morning breath. “We broke all the rules,” I mumble with a sleepy voice. He chuckles, his smooth chest rising and falling with the action. “We did,” he smirks. I shrug, the silky sheet lacing through my legs making me feel sexy. I feel a lot of things. Sore, happy, scared. A combination of falling for someone. “Want to, uh… break them again?” I raise a brow, my voice sultry. I want to be terrified, I admit. But I can’t go through life scared to fall in love again. If I do, it’s a recipe for being alone. I’ll always wonder if Max was the one. His hand reaches out gripping me behind the head, catching me by surprise. Just as he pulls me close the bedroom door opens. “Hey Max?” Becca walks in the room, her makeup flawless and dress without wrinkles. You couldn’t even tell she drank last night. Quickly I right the sheet to cover my naked body. “Mom!” Max barks, grabbing a pillow to cover himself with. “Macy is having a disaster with her dress so I need to get going. Don’t forget this weekend everyone is heading to the resort,” she informs, acting as if Max and me aren’t completely naked. “Macy reserved you and your plus one,” her eyes land on me and I swallow, “a cabin for the week.” “A week?” I ask, a little surprised. I thought this was a wedding day, not a getaway.

“Yes, is that a problem?” She shifts on her feet, her hands resting on the doorframe. “No, I just wasn’t aware is all,” I reply, knowing I’ll have to do some serious begging on Quinn’s end. “I wasn’t either,” Max huffs, eyeing his mother angrily. “Well, it’s a nice place and for the price we’re paying we might as well get what we can out of it. We’re showing up early so we have time to get everything decorated, go over the schedule and all that good stuff. Plus, everyone will be able to meet Rae.” She smiles so bright I squint in annoyance. “Anyways, my car has been towed, mind driving me to pick it up, Max?” she asks while putting in an earring. He glances at me, his mouth gaped open as if to object to his mother so he can take me home instead. “I can call a cab,” I offer. The last thing I want is to put his mother out, she already dislikes me. “What? No, I’ll take you home,” he insists. My head falls forward with a giggle, my hair falling in my eyes. “Max, I’m a big girl, I can call a cab. Take your mom to get her car,” I state. He sighs, looking up at his mom with a displeased look on his face. “I’ll be out in a second, Mom,” he says with obligation high in his voice. She gives a tightlipped smile and walks out. Max stands, his perfection of an ass greeting me hello this morning. He grabs a pair of jeans and shuffles in them before putting on a shirt. Sliding to the end of the bed I retrieve my own clothes. “Call Quinn to pick you up, I don’t want you in a cab,” Max demands with a possessive tone. His feet coming into view as I’m putting on my own shoes. He looks over his shoulder, a pensive look on his face. “What?” I ask a little uneasy. “We don’t have to do this wedding thing you know,” his brows furrow, a misplaced tone I don’t recognize deep in his voice. Pulling my shirt over my head, I look at him flabbergasted. “What? No, we can’t miss your sister’s wedding. We have to go,” I tell him. “Why would you not want to go all of a sudden?” He turns back around, his shoulders tensing as the room grows silent. “No reason,” he replies, but I don’t believe him. Something is wrong, but what? I pull on my shorts from yesterday and when I look up I see a brass key in my face. A haze of terror washes over me staring at the key. “What’s this?” I ask skeptically, taking it from his fingers.

“Lock up when you’re done, and …I’ll see you around?” I glance up from the key, finding smiling blue eyes looking back at me. “Sure,” I smirk wolfishly. I finish getting dressed and pour myself some orange juice and call Quinn to come get me. I twirl the key in my fingers, replaying everything from last night and this morning. It was the best sex I’ve ever had. The way his fingers played me into a rhythm of ecstasy. His hard slick body on mine. I wonder if it was just fun for him or if he’s overthinking it right now too.

11

Rae

“Thanks for the change of clothes,” I tell Quinn.

“No problem. I figure showing up at work in your pajamas would be in bad taste. But your fresh bed fucked hair is out of my control.” She shrugs and I quickly pull down the sun visor to inspect it. “So you obviously slept with him. Was it awkward this morning?” She interrogates as she turns a corner a little too quickly. “I was nervous it would be, but it actually wasn’t,” I tell her. “I wanted more this morning and the way he pulled me to him I think he did, too,” I confide in her. “Oh lawd, you’re falling for him,” she rolls her eyes, her tone full of sarcasm. “No I’m not. It was just… different. The sex was nothing like I’ve experienced, it was as if my whole body was under a spell, the world was lost to us. His mother was in the other room so we had to be quiet and I swear it made it that much more intense,” I justify, never admitting it out loud that I am terrified that I am indeed falling for Max. “Yeah, you call it whatever you want, but that sounds like making love, not fucking,” she clips. “Was he like a Coke can?” she asks with a raised brow, her tongue sticking out. Using her hands, she makes a shape of a Coke can. “There is something really wrong with you,” I silently laugh with a scrunched nose and she giggles. “All I know is he was the best I’ve ever had, and the definition of a man,” I respond softly, remembering all of it. Still feeling him inside of me when I move or sit down. I look out the window, not wanting to talk about me and Max to her anymore. Whatever it was last night, it was personal and anything but fake. We pull into work and she shuts the car off.

“We’re early,” I point at the clock on the dash. “I’m hungry, maybe I can snag one of those bananas before we start our shift,” she informs, getting out of the car. I chuckle, I’ll never look at a banana the same again. Max “You really like this girl don’t you?” Mother states more than asks as I drive her to the tow company. This is the third time this has happened as she refuses to park in my driveway because my truck has a small oil leak. “Of course you do, I haven’t met a female since Marissa.” Just hearing my ex’s name makes me want to go into a blind rage. “And if I recall, I never saw tampons in your bathroom when you were with that girl, so this girl…” Mom shakes her head. “You must really love her.” I raise a brow at my mother. “Yes Mom. Because I let Rae put tampons in my bathroom that is the endearing act of love,” I silently laugh, wondering where she comes up with this shit. I lean forward and turn the music up to avoid anymore of her prying. Her head snaps my way, her brows rising. She pushes the off button with haste. “Mom, I’m not talking to you about this,” I warn her. Not that I would even know where to begin. Last night wasn’t like anything I’ve experienced before. I see Rae as a friend – the type that you want to fuck but you’re afraid your dick might ruin the friendship part. “Well, just make sure she has something to wear to the wedding. Her taste in apparel is something else.” She rolls her window up, turning on the air conditioner. “I’d rather her wear nothing, but I’ll see what we can do,” I jab, and my mother laughs. “If you think that’s going to make me blush and turn the other way… you don’t know me very well. I invented sex.” She leans over slapping me in the back of the head. I have nothing to say back to her about that. I just pull into the lot. She opens the door and carefully gets out. “Call me later. Let me know if you need me to take Rae shopping, too,” she offers sincerely, but if there’s one thing other than my dick that would run Rae off… it’s my mother. I’m not sure what the hell happened between us last night, but I’m not ready to let her go until I figure it out. “Got it, thanks,” I give a curt nod, looking out the windshield.

12

Rae Two days later

Sitting at the bar I open my phone to make sure I hadn’t missed any calls from

Max. It’s loud in here, so it’s possible I didn’t hear anything. But there’s nothing. Sighing, I take a swig of my beer and look out amongst the crowd. Quinn is dry humping some hot guy out on the dance floor having a great time and I’d normally be by her side but I’m just not in the mood tonight. My mind is elsewhere. Who am I kidding, it’s been elsewhere since I left Max’s that morning. Shoving my hand in my pocket I pull out the key he gave me, twirling it in my fingertips. The club lights shining amongst its brass color. “Just go see him!” My head turns, finding Quinn looking at me expectantly. I place the key back in my pocket, and ignore her. “Go!” She shoves me, and I eye her angrily. “I can’t just show up, what would I say?” I holler above the music. “Tell him you forgot your favorite pair of underwear. Who cares?” She grabs my beer taking a huge sip. He’d probably believe it considering how many pairs I found in his house. Quinn’s eyes widen and she slowly lowers her beer. “What?” I follow her sight and just as the crowd splits I see Max sitting in a booth with his phone in his hand acting bored. My heart skips a beat, and my stomach knots. “Go to him,” she whispers in my ear before walking back on the dance floor. Watching him from afar I wait to see if anyone is joining him. Maybe some buddies, his sister, maybe another female? Minutes pass and nobody shows up, in fact he looks lost.

Pulling my lip between my teeth I think about going over there, but not before I bust his balls first. I grab my phone a smile on my face. What are you doing? –R The screen’s light flashes on his face and a sexy smirk fits his face as his fingers begin to slide across the screen. If I didn’t know any better, I would think he was happy I messaged him. Sitting at home. You? –M I look back up at him, curious why he’s lying. Tucking my phone in my back pocket I decide to just go over there and ask him myself. I strut my way over to his booth, and place my hand on the table. His eyes slowly rise to mine before they flash with surprise. “Sitting at home, huh?” I laugh. He flips me off, setting his phone down. “Why’d you lie?” I come right out and ask. His chest rises, as he looks down at the table. “Do you want to dance?” he asks, looking up under hooded eyes. I look over my shoulder. The song “This Is What You Came For” by Calvin Harris is playing. His hands grab my hips, his nose brushing against the back of my neck. “Don’t think about it, just do it,” he whispers into the back of my ear. I smile, a wave of warmth pressing against my back from his hard body. “I was going to say yes,” I tell him. His lips pull into a smirk and he urges me forward. My fingers snapping to the beat as my head sways back and forth. Finding the dance floor, his chest to my back still, his hands rubbing up and down the side of my body as I get lost to the rhythm. I can feel his eyes on my every move and it makes me feel sexy. His hot breath on the back of my neck, his hips grinding against my backside. He smells like my favorite soap and beer, my body instantly comes alive with the recognition. My nipples press against my top in an aching manner, my body desperately wanting his hands to go lower. His teeth nip my earlobe and it’s like a firecracker went off at the site. My skin glistens in a sweat of arousal and tension, the remedy for this euphoric torture rubbing along my backside. His lips skid along the back of my neck, and my lips part with a harsh breath. “You want to get out of here?” he whispers in my ear. I turn in his hold and his head falls back in a cocky demeanor, a sexy smirk pulling at his lips. I want to smack it off his face. I lean in, bite at his bottom lip before kissing it softly. My world exploding from the contact. “Yes.” The words fall off my lips like a silent prayer.

Like a match to a flame he grabs my hand and pulls me through the crowd. He passes bartenders, dancers, and not one person notices we are going in the back. Max I can’t wait any longer, I missed her and need her. Every man in this bar is looking at her, and I can’t stand it. I come across a door in the back and try the handle. It’s open. Pulling Rae in front of me I shove her in before looking back and forth to make sure nobody sees us. Turning around, Rae jumps in my arms, her mouth on mine. The taste of beer takes over my mouth, the smell of her intoxicating on its own. I push her against a shelf full of alcohol. Her arms wrap around my neck, and I kiss her chest. Feeling her sweaty warm skin beneath my lips, my fingers dig into her ass cheeks. My dick strains against my pants wanting to be reunited with Rae now. Her hands cup my cheeks, her teeth nipping my tongue before taking my world hostage with one kiss. A growl vibrates through my chest. When I’m with Rae it’s like our bodies talk their own language. My hands have a mind of their own, feeling and touching her all over. Her thighs thick and firm, her stomach tight and sexy, and her tits fit my hands perfectly. I lower my head and nip at the mound of her breast, and she moans a breathy sound, her legs spreading further apart. Her hands reach above her, holding onto the shelf above. Sliding my hands up her thighs I hike her dress up revealing light colored lacy panties. Delicately, I trace the design and her head lolls back. Gritting my teeth, I rip the material and she whimpers in response. The sound combusting on the tip of my length. “You’re all I can think about,” I confess. “Yeah?” she asks sexily. I smile, my eyes falling to that pretty pink pussy waiting just for me. “Do you like that? Knowing I’m thinking about you when you’re not around?” I ask with a heavy voice. Her body trembles beneath my touch. Looking up through hooded eyes I spot a bottle of expensive rum right behind her head. I grab it, pulling the top off with my teeth. I take a swig, the taste of coconut filling my mouth. My other hand firm on her hip I suddenly have the urge to taste her. Holding the bottle above her sex I smirk and tilt the bottle forward. Cold rum splashes over her pink lips, her body tensing in my hold. I drop the bottle to the floor and devour her clit. The taste of musk and coconut fucking delicious; an aphrodisiac.

Her hands tangle in my hair, her head slamming against the bottles as a moan of pleasure rips through her chest so hard she loses her voice. The warmth of my mouth, and the coolness of the alcohol working havoc on us both. She rolls her hips against my face, as she loses control of herself. I feel her pussy pulse against my tongue telling me she’s close so I pull away, I want to feel her come apart on the tip of my dick not my mouth. Turning her, I hike her dress up over that smooth ass. Taking control, I grab her left hand and raise it above her head on one of the racks. Using my knees, I spread her legs apart, my hand skipping down her spine before landing on her creamy backside. Her head falls back with a sexy sigh and it’s taking everything I have to take my time with her. I unbuckle my belt, and shove my pants down far enough to let my length out. With one jerk of my hips, I work the tip of my cock into her warm pussy. Resting my head on her shoulder I want more of that earth shattering bliss, I can’t take my time. I thrust in and out of her so hard the shelves rock behind her. She smells fucking amazing and it’s like a vortex right to my dick. Did she always smell this good or is it new?

MY HANDS SLIDE up her back and tangle into her hair, our rhythm picking up to where bottles begin to crash to the floor. The aroma of peaches, mint, and hard alcohol wafting around me. A spark fires in the pit of my stomach before an inferno crashes me into a full body orgasm. She moans loudly, her eyes closing as she becomes languid in my hold. The door is suddenly opened and we both look to find a bartender red-faced and wide-eyed taking us both in. “Shit!” Rae squeals, pulling her dress down. Grabbing myself, I pull my jeans up and push my length inside my underwear. Quickly I grab Rae’s hand and push past the bartender. “Get back here! You’re going to pay for this!” the man yells.

Rae LAUGHING, we run through the crowd, snaking through groups of dancing people. Quinn reaches out grabbing my hand, but with Max tearing me through the sea of

bodies I can’t grip onto her hand good enough. She jogs after us, the summer night air sticking to my body as I follow Max outside. “Wait, Quinn is coming!” I tell Max. “She’ll find us,” he states, his hand on my back, he guides me to the truck. He unlocks the passenger door and I climb in. Going to his side he climbs in behind the steering wheel. He runs his hands back and forth through his gorgeous blond hair, his chest rising and falling as he laughs. He glances at me, his face going soft before reaching out, grabbing my hand. “You’re a lot of fun, you know that?” he chuckles, and I blush. His other hand reaches out pulling my chin up, making me look him in the eye. The song “Let Me Love You” by Ariana Grande can be heard from the club, the bass vibrating the truck. “Come here.” He pulls me into his lap, my legs straddling his lap. The smell of coconut from the rum lingering on my skin. His lips kiss me once, then twice before fully taking my mouth into his control. He squeezes my thighs, deepening the kiss to where I can barely breathe. I don’t know what is going on here but I’m too scared to dissect it. Fearing I will ruin everything with my big mouth. His hand slides over my back, his other keeping my head right where he wants it. My every breath is filled with the scent of him, my every taste of him. This man is taking over everything, dominating my world to the point I can’t live without him. He’s in the air, in my mind, inside of me. A knock sounds at the window and Quinn’s face is right there. I glare at her, angry she’s interrupting. “You guys have the whole club looking for you,” she informs. “What did you do?” she giggles, looking between us both. I glance at Max who is looking at me with a serious face. “Anyways, I’m calling a cab home, you coming?” “Get in, you’re not calling a cab. I’ll take you home,” Max’s voice is hard, and sexy. “Okay,” Quinn responds, no fight in her voice. She opens the back door, and climbs in. Reluctantly I climb off his lap and over to my side of the truck, but he refuses to let go of my hand. His fingers interlocking between mine he makes it clear he’s not letting go. My palm is sweaty, my fingers aching from his large palm taking mine captive but I wouldn’t let go if I had to. We drive in silence to my place. Every now and then Max looks at me with an unreadable look. The tension in the truck so thick I can feel it on my shoulders. He pulls up to our place and Quinn gets out.

“Thanks for the ride,” she says before heading to our door, leaving us alone for a minute. Looking at the floorboard I slowly look at him under my eyelashes. His jaw is clenched, his eyes dark and smoldering. “I guess I’ll see you around?” I state softly. A piece of me hoping he asks me to come home with him. He nods, before letting my hand go. Looking over my shoulder I smile at him, winking at him. He winks back, and I go weak in the knees. The simple act of walking nearly impossible. He waits until I get to my door before driving off and my world crashes with a cold void when he’s out of sight. I already miss him.

Max SHE’S EVERYWHERE. I can smell her on my skin. Taste her in my mouth. Feel her warmth on my hand. I rub my chin, contemplating why this urge to turn this truck around and demand she come home with me is so strong. I went out tonight to get her off my mind, I never thought I’d see her there, or fuck her in the supply room. But hell if I wouldn’t do it all over again. I want to call this whole thing off, but doing so would mean I would have to explain why and I’m not ready to do that. Because I will have to be honest, and the truth will tear her from me. I haven’t felt like this in a long time, and I’ll be damned if I’m in a hurry to chase it away.

13

Rae

“Girl, wake up!” My mattress is kicked, the impact jostling me. Opening an eye, I

glare at Quinn, hoping my bitchface will silently tell her to fuck off without me having to do so. “There’s a huge package here for you!” “Is it six foot, blondish hair, and the bluest eyes you’ve ever seen?” I mumble, and she cocks a brow at me not seeing my humor. “Unless someone murdered Max and put him in a gift box, I don’t think so,” she clips, crossing her arms. Throwing the blanket off myself, I slip out of bed curious what this mystery package is. Stumbling like a zombie, I head into the living room and see a big white box with a black silk bow tied around it. I freeze, suddenly wide-awake. Quinn stops next to me as we eye the package like it might contain a bomb. “Did the carrier say who it was from?” I ask her without taking my eyes off the gift, knowing damn well who it came from. “No, it was on the front step when I opened the door this morning,” she informs, twirling her red hair between her fingers. Slowly I step up to the package, my finger running along the silk that wraps around the white cardboard like a vise. I pull at it, unraveling it from its beautiful state. Grabbing both sides, I shuffle it off finding a bunch of white tissue paper. Tossing the lid over my shoulder I move the paper aside and find a gorgeous white and black dress inside. My hand comes to my mouth to hush the gasp of surprise. “That is drop dead gorgeous!” Quinn swoons. Taking the dress in my hands I unfold it and it’s even more breathtaking. It’s an off the shoulder design, falling

mid-thigh if I have to guess. It’s white with sheer black flowered lace covering it. I’ve never had something so sexy and delicate. A card slips from its hold, landing on my toes. I bend down and grab it. Finding something as beautiful as you was a failed task, but I thought this would come a close second. See you tomorrow. — MAX My heart dives a little deeper for this man as I re-read the card. Who knew he could be so sweet and romantic? “Go try it on,” Quinn encourages. Holding the dress up, I’m almost afraid to try it on. What if I rip it or get something on it? I open the fabric and look at the tag. Aside from the bold Tiffany stitched into it I also notice it’s just my size. “Tiffany’s? That had to cost him.” She shakes her head, looking over my shoulder. My mouth agape, I shove the dress against my chest with a gasp. I was scared of the dress before I saw the tag, now I’m terrified. It’s too much. It goes to show how different Max and I really are. I don’t come from money or upper class anything, it’s one of the things Jacob hated about me. I’m down to earth and don’t expect anything like this. “Oh, by the way, I need you to cover my shift for the week,” I inform Quinn, almost forgetting to tell her. Her head whips my way in a state of alarm before her eyes narrow in on me. “Girl,” she points at me. “You owe me!”

IN MY ROOM I go through my things deciding what to pack for the week. I hope they have a washer because I don’t know that I have enough decent clothes for an entire week. I rummage through my drawers and find some light pink lacy lingerie, and of course bright green. I grab both, shoving them in a suitcase Quinn let me borrow. After packing I shower, making sure to shave everywhere. My heart is beating harder with every passing hour knowing Max will be here tomorrow to pick me up and whisk me away.

14

Max

P ulling up to Rae’s house I turn the truck off and sit there. My hands gripping the

steering wheel. This is as fucking real as it gets and I’m terrified. But the way I feel when I’m around Rae makes me fearless, she sets my soul on fire and my pursuit for that won’t cease until she’s mine. I just hope I don’t lose our friendship in the process of that. After the wedding, I will tell her everything. Taking a deep breath, I open the door and get out, making sure to put on my baseball cap. Taking my hands out of my pocket, I knock on the door. It swings open and Rae’s bitchy friend Quinn stands there with her hip cocked out and a snarky look on her face. “Is she ready?” I ask, stepping inside. “Rae! He’s here!” she yells over her shoulder, her eyes raking me up and down. “Thanks for giving me the dress size, “ I say softly so Rae can’t hear me. She smiles, that act breaking her bitch face. “Of course, but don’t make me regret it,” her clipped tone defying her cheeky smirk. Rae appears around the corner with a suitcase in tow grabbing my attention. She’s like a ray of fucking sunshine as she bustles down the hall. Her blonde hair flowing around her oval face. A nude pink top and tight blue jeans fitting her thighs perfectly. “Hey,” she greets. “You ready?” I try and mask my emotions as she has them everywhere. She nods. I step around her, grabbing her suitcase. It’s heavy as hell. “What the hell is in here?” I ask with a dumbfounded look.

“Just some things I needed,” she looks at me with an obvious look. Did she pack her whole fucking room? “See ya Quinn.” They hug and I maneuver around them. I toss her shit in the back and open the door for her, when she passes by a trail of honey and lily scent assaults me. She slides into her seat and I can’t help but lean closer without her knowing to inhale a deeper breath. She turns, a smile pulling at the corner of her mouth. Nervous I was caught just sniffing her like a fucking tool, I smirk and shut the door. That never happened. Rae “How long is the drive?” I ask, propping my feet on the dash. Max sighs, getting comfortable in his seat. He’s got one hand dangled over the steering wheel, and the other hand rubbing at his chin in the sexiest way a man can. “About an hour, do you need to pee?” He glances my way before looking back at the road. “Why would you think that?” I ask with a laugh. “Because, don’t women have to pee every ten minutes?” he asks casually. I roll my eyes. “That’s a lie, and no I don’t have to pee.” I do. I chew on my inner cheek and look out the window. There is something between us, but we’re both scared of what that is. Caring about someone, and wanting something more means putting yourself out there. You’re vulnerable, and naïve to reality. I thought I loved Jacob, but comparing that to how I feel about Max right now, I’m second thinking what my past feelings had been. Max is the first man I’ve let in my life since the day my heart was broken, and he’s mended my cracks and filled them with hope. I don’t know what’s next, but I’m feeling Max. He’s everywhere. The sound of silence deafening, I lean forward and turn the stereo on. Time passes by as I watch the trees go by, and the sound of the truck lulls me into a slumber. An hour later a bump in the road wakes me, and I slowly sit up in my seat. The windows are down and the wind is slapping me in the face. My legs sticking to the seat in an uncomfortable sweat. “Where are we?” I ask, half asleep, the sun blinding me to the point I can barely open my eyes.

“Here,” he replies. “And, by the way,” I look his way. “You fart in your sleep,” he smiles and I panic. “You were probably smelling your socks, I don’t fart,” I retort seriously. He chuckles, sitting up straighter in his seat. “My socks?” he asks confused. “Yeah, don’t men have stinky feet?” He shakes his head, still smiling. Pulling into a paved driveway there’s cute little cottages spaced sporadically around the land. They’re made out of stone and look rustic. Green foliage and vines laced around them. There’s a giant lake that trails around the bend of trees as far as the eye can see. Amongst it all is a tall white building that oversees it all. There’s a ton of cars parked in front of it, and people walking all over. I began to sweat, the reality of what I got myself into weighing heavy. “Here we are,” Max mutters under his breath. He’s leaning over looking out the windshield. “It’s beautiful,” I whisper. It’s very romantic and simple. He looks my way, his eyes narrowing. “Don’t be nervous, you’ll do great.” “I’m not nervous,” I lie. He scoffs, and I eye him. “I know you, and you’re nervous. Look, just stay away from Uncle Bernie, he’s handsy. Grandma Agatha is brutally honest so I would keep away from her if your feelings are easily hurt,” he informs, giving me tips to survive his family for the week. I nod, looking out the window. I know he’s trying to help, but I’ll never remember those people. “Other than that, I’m not sure who all is coming. There’s over one hundred people invited,” he continues. I think I just threw up in my mouth; that is a lot of people. I hate weddings. Why am I here? Why am I doing this to myself? The questions assault me like nunchucks to the heart. He parks, and as I’m lost in my own torment a warm hand grabs at my hand. Squeezing it reassuringly. My eyes peek under my blonde bangs, finding blue irises silently telling me he’s got me. “Hey!” We both look up at the voice, finding Becca, his mother approaching the truck. A woman with dirty blonde hair that matches Max’s, right behind her. He gets out, and I do the same. “Where is she?” the younger woman asks and I freeze where I stand, knowing

she’s asking about me. “Rae, this is my sister Macy,” Max introduces me to the younger woman. The bride. I muster a big cheesy smile, trying to mask my fear of being here. “Hi, congratulations.” I tuck a hair behind my ear and walk around the truck. Macy holds her hand out, and I shake it. She looks so much like Max with those blue eyes and blonde hair. “Mom has told me so much about you,” she says cheerfully. I glance at Becca, curious what all she has said. I laugh, and feeling uncomfortable I look at Max for backup. He catches my cue and struts over to me, placing an arm around my waist. Instantly my world is better. The weight that was sitting on my chest to the point I couldn’t breathe is lifted. “Let’s not interrogate her, huh?” Max states playfully, and Macy smiles and takes a step back. “Right, sorry. It’s just I’ve only met one of Max’s girlfriends before and let’s just say—” “Macy!” Max barks, and I jump. “Right,” she clears her throat. “You’re staying in cottage three, right in front of the lake,” she tells us, but I can’t take my eyes off Max. The way he reacted about the girlfriend has me off guard. I remember him talking about a girl who was cheating on him when we first met, is this the same girl? What happened to them? He turns us, his grip on my waist possessive. “Oh, Max. I invited Jacob, he should be arriving tomorrow.” My heart slams in my chest. My palm clutching it to ease the hatred and poison rushing through my blood. “You what?” Max looks over his shoulder, his brows furrowed together. “I invited Jacob. I thought you’d be happy to see him,” she shrugs, and Becca looks at Max confused. “Why would I be excited to see him?” He shifts on his feet. “What is wrong with you? You guys grew up together why wouldn’t she invite him?” Becca clips, her face pensive. His hand taps my hip, urging me to move forward. It takes everything I have, but I put one foot after the other and follow him back to the truck. Jacob will be here. I haven’t seen him since the day he ran out on me. What will I say to him? What will he say to me? How does Max feel about this? It’s official. Weddings fucking suck!

15

Max

P ulling up to the cottage I can’t help but keep glancing at Rae. Her face is pale, her

jaw clenched. She’s not that ray of sunshine she was moments ago. It’s as if a dark force has taken over her and made her into something I’ve only seen one time before. Her wedding day. I rub at my chin, the thought of Jacob being here unsettling. What if he tries to mend things? What if he wants her back? Throwing the truck in park, my stomach knots. I can’t let that happen. Getting out, I walk around the truck to open her door, but she just sits there when I open it. I sigh, pulling my hat backwards. “Are you okay?” I ask concerned. Her head snaps my way as if she didn’t realize I was there. “Yeah,” she smiles, but it’s fake. Not quite reaching her eyes. She slides out, and I grab our shit. She leads the way, her head down and I open the door to let us in. It’s small, cozy, and fucking romantic. Its roof slanted limiting the head room. There’s a small white metal frame bed in the corner, and a small loveseat adjacent to it with a fluffy white blanket thrown over it. The windows are open and blowing sheer curtains around. Throwing our luggage on the bed it squeaks a loud ungodly sound. I narrow my eyes at it, wondering how the hell me and Rae will even fit on the damn thing. Looking up, I spot the bathroom across the room, it’s got a small deep tub shower, and toilet and sink. It’s small, barely one person could fit in the damn room. Rae sits on the couch, her fingers trailing through her hair frantically. “Fuck him, you’ll be fine,” I finally address the elephant in the room. Her brown

eyes cut to mine, a true smile pulling at her plush lips. I step over to her, and kneel. Grabbing her chin, I force her head up, if I have to tear the confidence out of her I will. “You have me by your side, and if he comes near you I will drop that motherfucker,” I continue, and she laughs, her eyes watering. “I’m fine. It’s just… a shock is all,” she admits, her forehead wrinkled as she tries to make sense of it all. “I get that,” I whisper, taking her fingers in mine. She looks down at them and the way her body swells with my touch makes me want to lay her out and fuck her torment right out of her. But I’m not a prick, I know right now is not the time. “I’m going to use the bathroom,” she informs, standing. She makes her way into the small room, her ass swaying as she does so. Falling back on the couch, I groan. There’s a deep desire within me demanding I take Rae back to my house and fuck her into realizing I’m her man. Rae Cool water splashes across my face, the arctic rush doing nothing for the inferno inside my chest bursting into a fit of rage and confusion. Looking at my reflection, hands gripping the marbled counter I silently tell myself to get it together. I’m not that naïve girl I once was. I am independent and strong, and feel nothing for Jacob anymore. Turning, I wipe my hands and cheeks off with a towel that is imprinted with two peaches. The fabric rough against my skin. After I’m done using it I wonder what to do with it. Do I put it back? Not sure, I throw it on the counter and walk out. Max is doing pushups, his biceps bulging with every dip, his back flexing with every lift. My heart flutters, and an audible gasp tumbles from my lips. He stops, lifting his chin to look at me. I clear my throat, the sexual tension painful. “Let’s go see if they need our help?” he asks. “You sure you don’t want to do some crunches or something?” I ask seriously. His lips twist to the side like I’m being ridiculous. “Exercising helps me think, smartass. You ready?” “Yeah, sure,” I agree, some fresh air would do me well. Meeting everyone at the chapel, Macy instantly takes her brother to help put together the dance floor for the rehearsal dinner.

“Where is Beau?” Max asks. Macy rolls her eyes. “Chasing pussy I’m sure,” she huffs under her breath. Max smirks with a shake of his head. “Are you going to be okay?” he lifts a brow in my direction. I nod, not sure what I’m going to do but I’m sure I can find something around here to help contribute. “She’ll be fine. I need help decorating the pews.” Becca steps from behind me, handing me a mason jar. I give a tightlipped smile and Max and his sister walk away. “So what are we doing with these?” I ask, mustering a smile. “You put a candle in them and place them alongside the aisle runner,” she points to the wide runner making its way to the altar. “Got it,” I smile. Taking jar after jar I place purple candles in them and place each one along the aisle. Every now and then I stand upright and look out the floorto-ceiling window behind the altar finding Max and another guy hammering away at the floor outside. He wipes his forehead with his arm, and tosses the hammer on the ground. His skin is flushed from the summer sun, and his shirt is dirty. The way he smiles and laughs at the guy is a turn-on. He grabs the bottom of his shirt and pulls it over his head. His hard chest and packed abs glistening in the sun. My mouth parts, my tongue sliding across my bottom lip. “Holy shit,” I murmur, my eyes fucking him through the glass. As if he can feel me looking at him he glances at the glass and that cocky smirk pulls at his lips. He winks, a handsome smile making me weak in the knees. “You must be Rae?” Startled, I turn around finding a tall leggy brunette. “I am,” I smile, feeling a little flushed. “I’m Renee, nice to meet you.” She shakes my hand firmly, her manicured fingers standing out. “I’m a family friend, and when I heard Max was bringing a date I knew I had to run right over and say hello.” She tilts her head to the side eyeing me. Feeling suddenly uncomfortable I look away, making sure to keep smiling so I don’t come off rude. “You know, you’re not what I expected,” she says with a tone that catches my attention. “Oh yeah?” I reply. “Yeah, Max normally goes after girls who look, well, like me,” she shrugs, her long fake lashes reach her brows. My mouth gapes open, my eyes widening at her statement. “Well, I guess he just got tired of the same old thing,” I clip and that fake smile she was blasting across her tanned face falls. “Excuse me?” she gasps.

“Renee, I could use your help in the kitchen, dear,” Becca suddenly interrupts, taking her by the arm. Renee looks over her shoulder, her bitch face firmly in place. Macy walks up to me, watching her mom escort Renee out of the room. “Don’t mind her, she’s had a thing for Max since we were kids,” she informs. “She’s been trying to become a doctor for a while now, so to hear how you’re a doctor and Max’s girlfriend I’m sure she’s just jealous.” “Doctor?” I ask, confused why she thinks I’m a doctor. She glances at me. “Yeah, Mom said you were a doctor,” she replies with a confused look, and I’m reminded that’s what Max told everyone. “Oh yeah, sorry I thought you said something else,” I play it off. Her brows narrow before she finally smiles. Max walks inside, his shirt over his sticky shoulder and my sex suddenly pulses with the need to have him. His eyes catch mine in knowing, and my eyes fill with lust. “Done, go make sure it’s to your liking, sis,” Max tells her, never taking his eyes off me. “You look dirty,” I say. My eyes raking up and down his body unforgivingly. The sight of him all filthy and sweaty doing unspeakable things to me in this church gives double meaning to dirty. “You have no idea,” he replies wolfishly. Stepping forward, he fists my hand and pulls it. “Going to the cottage to cool off, give us a shout if you need us,” Max informs everyone as he walks out of the church with me in tow. Just outside the steps he turns, grabs me under the legs and struts across the field. My heart beats a mile a minute at his alpha demeanor. Making it to our door he opens it with one hand and kicks it shut with his foot. He cups my throat and presses me against the back of the door. His eyes staring into mine with a silent message, one I can’t translate. They look possessive, and daring. Hard, yet inviting. He kisses me, and my back arches into him just as his palm takes my breast greedily. My nipple aches wanting the thin bit of fabric to disappear. My hand drops, grabbing onto his hard cock. The jeans he’s wearing not doing anything to hide it. He groans, and both of his hands fist my hips turning me in one swift move, my back faces the bed. Letting go of me he steps back, his tongue slipping across his bottom lip, his head cocked back. My chest rises and falls with desire, my body desperately needing him inside of

me. Max made love to me on that bed, it was slow and tortuous in its own way. My body sensitive and flushed from being used. Biting my lip, I roll over onto my stomach and tilt my head to the side, my head contemplating picking Max’s brain. Obviously we are way past faking our attraction for one another. He turns his head, his eyes looking back at me and nerves get the better of me. “What?” he asks out of breath. I lower my head, scared asking him will ruin what we’re doing. Fingers grab at my chin, forcing me to look up into cool blue eyes. “You have something on your mind. What is it?” his tone much softer. I shrug, looking at the window with plaid curtains. “I’m just curious what this all means,” I gesture to us and the bed. He sighs, looking up at the ceiling. “Good question,” he mutters. I narrow my brows, not sure what that means. His finger traces circles on my cheek, his Adam’s apple bobbing in his strong throat. “To be honest, every time I try to analyze it, it scares the shit out of me,” he informs honestly. My lips part, his touch undoing me. I both hate and love how he affects me. I’m so into him I can barely breathe when he’s away or near. “I’m scared too,” I admit, lowering my head, I kiss at his wrist. A knock sounds at the door and both of our heads whip in the direction of the door. “Yeah?” Max hollers. “Your mom is looking for you. Food truck arrived,” an unknown voice informs. Max groans, sliding to the edge of the bed. “Why don’t you get a shower and cool off, it’s hot out there. I’ll be back later,” he glances over his shoulder waiting for me to reply. Swallowing the lump in my throat, and pushing all the thoughts and what I want to say about us to the back of my head, I nod. My fingers playing with the trim of the blanket. Buckling his belt, he steps outside, and I fall on my back. This is the scariest thing I’ve ever done.

Max

I DIDN’T GET to the room until late last night and Rae was already asleep. I thought about what I wanted to say to her the whole time I was helping my mom and sister with setting chairs and tables. Then they got into an argument about placement. I just sat back and drank a beer until they figured it out. I was going to tell Rae yesterday I wanted the next step in whatever the hell we were doing. At least I think I was until Uncle Henry came knocking on the damn door. Maybe I should tell her this morning? “Is this okay?” Rae asks, twirling in a light white sundress. “Babe, it’s just breakfast,” I remind her. I don’t know why she’s so freaked out having breakfast with everyone. Nobody is even going to pay attention to us. “I know it is, but I want to look nice,” she mutters, slipping on some brown wedges. I stand up and walk over to her. Grabbing her by the waist I twirl the lock of hair that escaped her messy ponytail. “You’ve been in that bathroom for fifteen minutes, it isn’t getting any better than this, babe,” I inform her. She laughs. “You’ve clearly never been in a relationship because women normally take way longer than what I do.” She raises a brow at me while spraying on some perfume. “I’m so nervous.” She rubs at her forehead anxiously. Who knew my family could make someone so uncomfortable? Maybe I’ll wait and talk about relationships later. Like when I’m wearing her thighs as earmuffs.

Rae “RAE, would you like some eggs?” Becca raises a brow at me, a spoon full of eggs held mid-air. “Oh, no thank you,” I smile. She takes a step back. “Something wrong with my eggs?” she clips and I swallow hard. “No, I was just… On second thought, why not?” I shrug, not wanting to hurt her feelings. By the looks of it, nobody has asked for her eggs. She slops a good helping on my plate and steps over to Max. “Eggs, dear?” “Sure,” he responds before looking at my plate. Just as his mom goes to Beau Max leans toward me. “Don’t eat those, she’s bad about getting the shell in them,” he whispers, his

hot breath tickling my ear. I giggle, pushing them around on my plate. “So Max, how are you and your dad doing with the business,” a woman with a sun hat asks Max. “Eh, we don’t always see eye to eye, but it works,” Max replies, biting into a biscuit. “The whores prancing around in their hawty tawty tutu’s and slutful pearls,” an older lady at the end of the table rambles off. My eyes widen, but nobody else seems to take notice of her. “Maybe if Max wasn’t making friends everywhere, we would see eye to eye,” a tall man bitterly states walking into the room. He’s wearing a blue dress shirt and khakis and has familiar blue eyes. Max’s hand rests on my thigh as he glances at me. “Dad this is Rae, Rae this is Mark,” Max introduces. Mark stops at my chair, his hand resting on the back. “Well I can already tell she’s too good for you,” he winks at me and my stomach knots. A charmer, father like son, I see. “She is, I agree,” Max replies and my eyes fall to his. I can’t tell if he’s serious or just going along. Either way my heart is falling for him with every line. His thumb and index finger trace circles on my inner thigh and my breath hitches. “And the muff divers! You know they never come on to me, so how true lesbo could they be?” the older lady rambles off again. “Mother!” Mark barks and she raises her hand, flipping him off. “Don’t mind her, she has dementia,” Mark smiles at me. “No she doesn’t, Grandma Agatha is just like that. You’ll learn to tune her out,” Max tells me before taking a sip of orange juice. “Oh,” is all I can manage as I observe Agatha. She’s hunched over, glasses falling off her nose. Her faded dyed red hair silky looking. “Don’t eat all the food,” the familiar voice is like a shard of glass to the heart. My nostrils flare and I freeze in my seat. “Jacob!” Macy cheers, but I don’t see her as I’m focused on the scrambled eggs on my plate. The hand on my thigh squeezes me into reality and I look at Max. “Max?” Jacob steps behind me, addressing Max, and thankfully ignoring me. “Jacob,” Max responds dryly. “How was the drive Jacob?” Becca asks Jacob from across the table. “Long. Customs messed up my luggage as usual,” he bitches, which is usual.

“You’ve hardly touched your food Rae, are you feeling well?” Macy asks, and my cheeks warm. “I’m fine,” I squeak. A hand rests on my shoulder and I feel sick to my stomach at the touch. “Rae?” I turn in my seat coming face to face with Jacob. He looks the same. Pale, expensive clothes without so much as a wrinkle, and piercing brown eyes. I give a tightlipped smile. “Jacob,” I greet, the word falling from my lips like a curse word. “Do you guys know each other?” Becca questions from behind me. I turn in my seat, grabbing my glass for a drink of water. “This was my fiancée,” Jacob grits between his teeth. “Ex,” I bark out hatefully and Grandma Agatha starts chuckling like a loon. Everyone looks at me and my face turns red. The intensity making my body temperature rise. “Can we talk?” Jacob asks, just above my shoulder. I look at Max who has an unreadable expression on his face. “Sure,” I growl, throwing my napkin on the plate. Max grabs my wrist halting me. “You don’t have anything sharp on you, do you?” I look at him confused before realizing he’s nervous I might commit murder. “Not that I would judge you, but you know… it’s my sister’s wedding,” he winks, and I silently laugh. Just outside the dining room I come face to face with Jacob. He’s staring at me with wide eyes, and my hands are balled into fists. “Why are you here?” he asks, his tone much softer than what I’m feeling inside. I’m angry, and hurt. Things I wanted to say to his face after our wedding on the tip of my tongue. Things I wanted to do to him raging in the palm of my hands. He turns, his hands running through his hair frustrated. “Are you with Max?” he finally asks, turning to face me once again. “Yes I am! So what?” I yell, not caring if everyone hears me in the next room. “You’re doing this to hurt me, aren’t you?” He rubs at his chin, his hurt eyes believing my life still revolves around his. “I could give a shit about you, don’t flatter yourself.” I cross my arms, sneering at him. He takes a deep breath, his wild brown eyes looking me up and down uncomfortably. “Hey,” he tries to get my attention, his tone softer. I continue to look at the

floor. Cold hands grab at my chin, forcing me to look up. “I’m sorry,” he shrugs, and I pull from his grip. The double doors swing open and Max shoves Jacob in the chest. “Keep your hands off her,” he demands, his tone a warning. “Easy, man,” Jacob steps back, his hands in the air “You should leave, the only reason you were invited is because Macy thought we were still friends,” Max doesn’t hold back and his hatred toward Jacob surprise me. I hate Jacob for obvious reasons, but why does Max? “Are you going to let one girl get in the way of our friendship?” Jacob seems surprised. Jacob’s eyes fall to mine and I raise a brow, lost with the conversation. “Boys!” Becca suddenly appears, separating them. “What in the world is going on?” she yells, looking between them. Max grabs my hand, jerking me close. “Nothing, we were just leaving,” Max growls. Winding down the hall I can barely keep up with Max he’s walking so fast. “Max!” I call after him, but he doesn’t stop. “Max, you’re hurting me!” I cry and suddenly he stops, jerking open a closet door. He pulls me in front of him and shoves me inside before closing it behind him. “What is going on Max?” I ask, the room blanketing us in darkness. “Look, I know something is going on and I demand you tell me!” “Remember when we first met I told you my woman was cheating on me with someone?” he asks. “Yeah,” I reply, remembering the woman that broke his heart. “I found out shortly after who she’d been not just sleeping with but having an affair with Rae, and it was Jacob,” he tells me. I open my mouth to respond but every word catches on my tongue. I have nothing to say. We were both wronged by the same person. “She was the one he was cheating on me with?” I gasp, the puzzle finally making the perfect disaster. “It used to matter, but it doesn’t anymore, can you understand that?” he implores, his head tilted to the side. “You’re mine, that is what matters,” he growls, pushing me against the wall softly. My mouth parts, my breath harsh. His fingers trail in between my thighs, and little butterflies flap around wildly in my stomach. “What are you doing?” I breathe harshly. Leaning his forehead against mine, his eyes flash with an unknown look. “Seeing him look at you like that and him touch you… I don’t know. I just need

to feel you,” he whispers, his confession making me weak in the knees. He’s jealous, and for some reason that lights a fire in my panties like no other. He tugs my panties to the side and his fingers dive into my heat. My head falls back on the wall, and he kisses the cup of my throat. With every jerk of his wrist, waves of pleasure surf down my legs and curl my toes. Using his other arm, he grabs me under the ass and lifts me. Quickly, I wrap my legs around him as he continues to pump his fingers in and out of me. Turning us, he slams us up against the door, and his fingertips hit me just right. My eyes clench, my sex pulses and I see stars as the peak of my pleasure sears through me. The door suddenly gives out from our weight, and we fall to the floor. Somewhere in the mix, I ended up on top and my bare ass greets Macy and Becca standing in the hall. Using my hands, I push myself off Max, and pull my panties up. My face feels as warm as a chili pepper and probably looks like it too. This is so humiliating! I look anywhere but at their faces, which look pale and wide eyed. “Really, son?” Becca asks, unamused. Max’s jaw is clenched tight, his hard stare not giving anything away. Macy opens her mouth to say something but quickly turns on her heel and heads back into the dining room. Becca looks at me with a tightlipped smile, as she elegantly flicks her bangs out of her eyes. “Are you two ready to have breakfast now?” Becca questions, before turning away. “I see why you like her, son,” she rambles off over her shoulder, winking at me before she jerks the dining room door open and disappears inside. “You do have a nice ass,” Max shrugs, and I just want the floor to open up and swallow me whole.

BREAKFAST IS AWKWARD, and quiet. The only thing you can hear are the sound of forks scraping plates, and everyone is staring at me like I should be wearing a scarlet letter on my shoulder. After what Becca and Macy just witnessed, it’s probably accurate.

Afterwards we return back to our cabin were Max proceeds to screw me within an inch of my life in the shower. Bubbles and hot water to the point my skin is flushed with a crimson tone. My body feels so used and abused I hardly recognize it. It’s like Max can’t keep his hands off me, like I might disappear tomorrow. Stepping out of the shower, Max wraps me in a towel and takes me to the bed. Lying down with him he holds me tight and before I know it I’m drifting off into a slumber.

Max ALMOST ASLEEP, my phone rings waking me. Sliding my arm out from under Rae I notice it’s Dad. He needs me at the chapel. Shit. I get dressed and head over there. Dad is outside helping hang tea lights. “What is up, Dad?” I ask, shoving my hands in my pocket. “You and Jacob need to fix this bad air between you two. This is Macy’s wedding and she feels like this is her fault.” He eyes me over his shoulder. “She has enough on her plate trying to keep your brother away from her bridesmaids.” “That’s stupid. This has nothing to do with her,” I inform bitterly. My parents know nothing about why me and my ex split. They only know the child wasn’t mine because of her adultery, so naturally they wouldn’t suspect why I hate Jacob. “Regardless, fix it,” he demands, acting as if I’m a child. Scoffing, I turn around to find Macy to set things straight. Heading inside I run into Jacob before her though. “Well, well,” he sneers, an arrogant smile on his face. “I know that smell from anywhere.” Referring to the smell of sex I presume. I get in his face. “You better watch it,” I growl. Smacking his lips cockily, he turns his head. “Does she know you are doing this to get back at me?” He squares his shoulders and I slam my fist into his mouth without a second thought. His head whips to the side, blood dripping down his lip. I step back, my jaw clenched to the point I feel my teeth near cracking. “Leave, while you still can,” I breathe heavily. “You knew I was coming, and you decided to bring her to get back at me! Admit it!” he continues, and regret fills my chest. I walk away, not wanting to discuss this with him anymore. Shaking my head, I walk outside. I admit it. I knew he was coming and I didn’t tell Rae because when this whole thing started I just wanted her to be my Plus One not caring what she felt when she

got here as long as she got here. Me falling in love with Rae was never in the cards. I fell hard for her and didn’t tell her about Jacob because I needed to see for myself that she didn’t still love him. That she could love me.

Rae WAKING up naked and alone I feel cold and uneasy for some reason. Rubbing my arms, I find my dress and step outside in search of Max. I find Grandma Agatha standing by the lake by herself. She’s in nothing but a huge white lace bra and a white slip that is flapping in the breeze. Panicked she might walk into the lake and drown, I jog over to her. “Agatha!” She looks over her shoulder and smiles cheerfully. “You shouldn’t be out here by yourself,” I state out of breath. “Ah, fuck the lot of them.” She waves them off with a pack of cigarettes in her hand. She notices me looking at the pack and lifts them up. “Want one?” After the day I’ve had, it doesn’t sound so bad. I take one and she hands me a lighter to light it. Smoke fills my lungs and I have the urge to cough. “I don’t normally smoke,” I inform her, blowing it into the evening air. “And I don’t normally shit myself and make Becca clean it up, but I did today,” she turns, eyeing me wildly. I cough, slamming on my chest to ease the vise around my lungs. She laughs. “I’m kidding. Sorta,” she chuckles, flicking the ashes off her cigarette. The air stops blowing, the crickets chirping as silence falls over us. “You love him,” she states rather than asks. “Excuse me?” Maybe I heard her wrong. “And he loves you. I can tell by the way you look at each other. Me and my late husband John used to look at each other like that,” she sighs, her words of wisdom hinting maybe she’s not bat shit crazy. She turns, cigarette in hand. “Don’t let the road of the past stand in the way of a future of endless possibilities.” Her words of wisdom are insightful and deep. “I won’t,” I reply, my eyes narrowed. I’m not sure what her words mean entirely but they sit heavy on my chest. “Agatha!” We both turn at the voice, finding Mark and Becca looking at us. “Are you smoking?” Becca looks at her puzzled. Agatha looks down and throws them at

me. “What, no? These are Rae’s she was trying to get me to smoke one,” she lies, and they both look at me. My mouth falls open, my heart beating in panic. “Come on, let’s get you cleaned up, Mom.” Mark pats her back. “The rehearsal dinner is in a few minutes.” Becca looks over her shoulder, eyeing the cigarettes. I just sigh, and take a drag off my own. What else am I to do?

I DO my hair and get dressed in one of my dresses. I want to wear the one Max got me, but I will wear it tomorrow to the actual wedding. Going through my suitcase I find a black strappy dress and match it with my black heels. I apply some light makeup and then some gloss. “You look great,” Max compliments. I turn with a bashful smile on my face. “Thank you,” I reply. He smirks as he rolls the sleeves of his blue button up dress shirt up. The blond stubble on his cheeks too much to resist, I walk up to him and rub my palms against it. His eyes fall on mine and I sense something is wrong. They’re not bright or full of lust like usual. “Is something wrong?” I tilt my head to the side. He opens his mouth to say something, but then his phone rings. “Max?” I ask again. “Yeah, we’re coming,” he replies with a sigh, ignoring me. He shoves his phone in his pocket and looks away. “Come on, we’re going to be late,” his informs, his tone husky. Stepping outside, his fingers lace with mine and we head to the chapel to rehearse. “Okay, so when do you want the flower girl to come down the aisle?” Becca asks Macy who looks like she’s stressed to the max. “Before I walk down! We’ve been over this!” Macy barks and their dad groans in frustration. Macy’s eyes fall upon us and they soften. “Oh thank God. Max, tell Mom this is my wedding!” Macy throws her hands up in a flustered mess. Max heads that way, and I take a seat in one of the pews. I watch as they all argue and fight. Mark walks down the aisle imitating the exact steps Macy should take and it’s quite entertaining to watch. “So how long have you guys been together?” The sound of Jacob’s voice licks a

flame of anger down my spine. I look over my shoulder finding him right behind me, resting his head on his arms. “Fuck off, Jacob,” I bitterly respond. “Look, we need to talk,” he insists. “Whatever you have to say you can shove it up your ass,” I clip. “It’s about Max,” his serious tone has me looking at him. His face is lax, his eyes hard. I glance at Max who is laughing with his sister. “What about Max?” “Let’s go eat and dance, shall we?” Becca’s voice cuts through the room, grabbing everyone’s attention. Max’s eyes land on Jacob and I, and they harden. He marches toward us. The way his strong presence takes over the room is something I don’t think I’ll ever get used to. “Let’s go dance?” Max holds his hand out for me to take. I smile, and stand. Stepping past Jacob, Max’s eyes linger on him longer than necessary. There’s something going on and the way Jacob is so eager to tell me, I have a feeling I’m not going to like it. Heading outside, the little lights they hung the other day shine like stars in the sky. A DJ is set up near the building, and there is a buffet of finger foods and a classy looking bar serving unlimited alcohol. I head for the booze. “Hello, what can I get you?” a hired bartender asks. “Um, two shots of tequila with a lime, please?” I ask, my mind having a hard time functioning on the most simplest of tasks. She pours the drinks, and puts a fresh lime on a napkin and slides it over. I bite the lime and down the shots. The alcohol warms my limbs, and I smack my lips at the liquid courage that buzzes through me. The DJ plays “Strip It Down” by Luke Bryan and firm hands slide around my hips. “Dance with me,” Max whispers and my heart warms with love. Max tugs me out onto the dance floor. My back to his chest as our hips begin to sway to the beat. Everyone makes their way to the dance floor, even Agatha is dancing to her own beat. He kisses my neck, the feel of his arms wrapped around me blinding out everyone around us. His hand touches mine and he turns me quickly, the spin making me giggle. He grins, pulling me close and singing a couple of lyrics. He looks at me and that unknown tension that was once there fills his eyes again. I silently plead for him to tell me what is going on, for anything that Jacob tells me will make it that much worse.

The song ends, but Max doesn’t let go. He keeps swaying his hips and looking deep into my eyes. As if he’s afraid to let me go. Taylor Swift sings “Wildest Dreams” and the spell that Max is under breaks. “Oh no, your father is drinking again,” Becca whines to Max. We look at the bar and find Mark fisting a tumbler of amber liquid. Max looks down at me and sighs. “When my dad drinks… he thinks he’s God’s gift to women,” he informs and I laugh. “I’ll be back.” Max kisses my cheek and accompanies his mother to the bar. “Would you reject a man asking for a dance?” My head snaps to the side finding Jacob looking at me sheepishly. “Are you serious?” I raise a brow. “Unbelievable,” I mutter. Walking off the dance floor, my arm is suddenly jerked making me come to a complete stop. “Are you in love with him?” Jacob asks with a pensive look. “Why do you care?” I implore him, reaching my limit with his intrusive questions. He shakes his head, and looks up at me with devilish eyes. “You know you’re only here to get back at me right?” He narrows his brows at me. My face goes lax, my heart skipping a beat. That can’t be true. “That’s a lie. We didn’t even know you were coming, not everything is about you Jacob,” I clip dryly. Each word laced with hate and resentment. Jacob laughs, rubbing his chin with one hand while the other remains in his pocket. “Oh, he knew.” Jacob stabs me in the heart with those few words. “He called me and asked if I was coming. He just wanted revenge,” he informs me. My chest aches as my heart sinks to the pit of my stomach. My head lowers as I replay the last few weeks with Max. How this whole thing was his idea, and even when I told him it was going too far, he was adamant we kept at it. I mean nothing to Max, this is all… fake. “Rae,” I hear Max whisper behind me. I turn, a tear slipping down my cheek. “Is it true?” I tremble. “It’s complicated. I was going to explain but—,” Max takes a step forward and I hold my hand out to halt him. “When?” I tilt my head to the side. “Before or after you fucked me?” I yell, catching a few people’s attention. “Before or after you made me fall in love with you!?” I cry, tears streaming down my face. I fell for him and he let it happen, and for what… revenge of a past lover? “Just let me explain,” Max voice comes out rough, filled with pain and concern.

My heart is telling me to listen, but my mind is telling me to slap him in the face. “I think you’ve done enough,” Jacob jeers from behind me with a condescending tone. “Fuck you! The only reason you told her was to hurt her and we both know it!” Max points at Jacob. The two of them fighting over me like I’m an object and not a person. I don’t find it sexy, I find it humiliating. “You think I’m just going to let you run off with my girl?” Jacob shouts. My jaw drops, his girl? Rage bubbles in my chest and I see red. Turning, I knee Jacob in the nuts without a second thought. The force on impact releasing everything I ever wanted to say to him after he broke my heart in the church. His face scrunches like he ate something sour, and he falls to his knees cupping his junk. “Let’s get something straight,” I state bitterly. “I’m. Not. Yours.” I push through clenched teeth. Turning, I glare at Max. “And you, how could you?” I ask with an exasperated breath, emotion thick in my tone. “You deliberately lied to me, you used me, and made me act like someone I wasn’t for nothing!” I shout upset, my fingers straining with the amount of rage rushing through me. He runs his hands through his hair, looking off into the distance with a distressed look. He can’t even look at me to see what he’s done because of his need to get back at Jacob. Stepping forward I shove him, and he takes a step back, his eyes looking at me like I’ve lost my mind. “You’re an asshole! The biggest asshole I’ve ever met.” I slap him on the chest, shove him in the shoulder, and elbow his hands when they try and calm me. “Rae, you can’t fight me, you’re like a My Little Pony. Cute and adorable,” he states with humor in his tone. I stop my assault and groan frustrated. His size, and strength is no match for my anger. Rubbing the back of my neck, Max reaches out to me and I jerk away. His touch confusing more than ever now. What is real, what is fake? “Rae,” he whispers desperately. Finally, I look up, my eyes bloodshot from crying. “It’s over,” I sob, before walking into the night.

Max I

WATCH

her disappear into the night, her black dress swaying around her legs from

the light wind. Jacob groans, and I look down at him. The piece of shit. He did all of this on purpose, to hurt me and Rae. I step over him, grab him by the shirt and jerk my fist back. “MAX!” Macy cries behind me. A growl vibrates my chest, my knuckles turning white from the grip I have on him. “Let him go son, he’s not worth it.” Agatha appears to my left. Breaking my focus from Jacob. “Go find her,” she encourages. I shove Jacob to the ground, my chest rising and falling with the anger pulsing through me. I never should have let this get this far. I love Rae, and it took me losing her for me to really see it. This unbearable burn in my chest overtakes anything I’ve ever felt. Including when Marissa screwed around with Jacob. Looking up, everyone is watching, feeding off the drama. Looking at Macy I silently apologize and run after Rae. I should have told Rae in the cabin, but I was afraid of losing her. A lot of good that fucking did me, because now I may have lost her for good. I haven’t opened my heart back up to a woman in over a year… and I go and fuck it up.

16

Rae

“R ae!” I keep walking, my heels sticking into the soft grass. “Rae, wait!”

He grabs my shoulder, turning me around in one swift move. “Would you fucking stop and listen to me?” he asks out of breath. “What? Isn’t this what you wanted? The fake breakup? Tell me, was anything real? Was everything fake this whole time?” I ramble, my voice shaking with emotion. I feel so stupid, so broken and pissed off. I swore I would never act like someone I wasn’t and here I am dressing up like a damn Barbie acting like I have my shit together when I don’t. I’m a cussing, wild, mess and I love it. I love who I am. “You know it wasn’t.” He narrows his brows. I stop, looking at him. He sounds serious, and looks it but how do I know for sure? What parts of him and I are real and fake? “I don’t know anything!” I yell, turning away and continuing my walk back to the cabin. He grabs the nape of my neck and forces me to him. Our lips smash together to make one. His soft mouth soaks up my tears and feels so warm, but they’re not enough. Not this time. I shove him off, his eyes worried and wild as they look at me silently pleading. “It’s over, Max!” I whisper. Heading up the steps to the cabin I walk inside and lock the door. Sliding to the floor I drop my head into my hands and cry. I never should have broken the rules with him. I never should have taken flight with my heart. Then I wouldn’t be experiencing this out of breath, heart crushing feeling all over again.

Crawling over to the bed I grab my phone and text Quinn. Can you come get me? –R Nothing, she doesn’t reply. Damn it. Standing, I toss the phone on the bed and go to the bathroom to wash my face. I look terrible. It’s my wedding day all over again. Smeared makeup and a broken heart. I snatch the towel off the rack and clean my face up, scrubbing until my cheeks are raw with those damn peaches. A knock sounds at the door but I keep my focus on the mirror. “Rae, let me in,” Max’s muffled voice sounds through the door. I don’t reply. “Rae, where am I supposed to sleep?” “Maybe you should sleep with Jacob, you two are one in the same. Maybe you should fuck each other and soak up each other’s assholery!” I scream, making not a lick of sense. “I –I knew he was coming at the beginning and I didn’t tell you because I was too worried about myself. I’m sorry.” Biting my bottom lip, I close my eyes. “I let my guard down with you. It wasn’t intentional, it just happened,” I confide. “I let you see a part of me I haven’t shown anyone in such a long time, Max. Only to use me for some stupid ex-girlfriend who broke your heart?” I bite out each word with hostility. I hear him sigh from in here. I can see him in my head. Leaning against the door, one hand pressed against the wooden frame while his head gently lays against it with his eyes clenched shut. “It was more than that. Jacob got her pregnant,” he says that last bit so softly I’m not sure I heard him. I step closer to the door, my brows furrowed. “We were trying and kept failing and he fucking knocked her up. I was beyond… I don’t know what was going through my head,” he admits, his tone holding so much emotion I have to cover my mouth to hold back the sob. Jacob is a real piece of work. I can’t imagine how Max felt knowing he couldn’t get his fiancée pregnant, but Jacob did on accident. “Why didn’t you just tell me? We could have… we could have had fun torturing him together. But instead you deceived me, made me fall for you, and broke my fucking heart,” I state with a shaky voice. “Because, I loved you but wasn’t sure if you still loved him.” The pain in his voice almost overtakes my anger, but it doesn’t completely. Why would I still love Jacob after all this time? “So you were testing me? After everything we’ve been through you couldn’t just ask me?” I snap bitterly.

“I needed to see it for myself,” he says with regret in his voice. “Just… just go away,” I mutter, not sure if he heard me but I don’t care. I need to be alone, to make sense of all of this. I clutch my chest, the pain of not having his trust spearing through me. Kicking my heels off I climb into the small bed, and hide under the covers. My phone clutched in my hand. This is why people are scared of falling in love. This pain right here.

Max “YOU’VE GOT to be kidding?” I glare at Mom. I came to her in hopes there was another cabin, but there isn’t. “I’m not, it’s the only bed available,” she clips, not happy with me either. I sigh. I’m not sharing a room with Jacob. I’ll kill him. “I’ll sleep in my fucking truck,” I growl. “Just give the boy a key to his cabin, Becca,” my dad sides with me, and Mom turns her head so fast it looks near exorcist. “No, he got himself into this mess he can lay in his bed.” She glances at me. “Or his truck, whatever he chooses.” She places her hand on her hip and eyes me with disappointed eyes. “I mean really Max, what were you thinking setting that poor girl up?” her voice rises. I shake my head. “I was thinking about shutting you the hell up and out of my business, but that was before I got to know Rae.” She gasps, clutching her chest. “I care for Rae, I care for her so much it makes everything else seem insignificant in comparison,” I mutter, the hurt in my voice noticeable. Mom’s face softens, and she rests her hand on my shoulder. “I’m sorry I’ve been so hard on you, but only you can make this right,” she sympathizes. “How?” I shrug. “She won’t even look at me.” Her silence is killing me. I want her to yell at me, slap me in the face and get it out of her system. She gives me a tightlipped smile. “Making it right doesn’t mean you’ll walk away with the girl, you’ll just sleep better at night knowing you did right by her by not letting her leave on this note.” Mom pats my cheek before walking away. She’s right about one thing. I’ll never sleep the same at night again. Not without Rae by my side. Heading into the storage room where Macy is keeping the decorations, I find the cooler where there’s an abundance of fresh flowers. I pick and pull from them until

I come up with my own array of colors. Surely she won’t notice a few missing. I head to our cabin and rest them outside the door. I can still smell Rae’s perfume, so she’s still here. I glance at my truck as I’m getting tired, but if I sleep in there I might miss Rae leaving and I can’t let her leave without talking to her. I sit on the steps and lean against the door. She’s not getting out of here without talking to me.

Rae WAKING up this morning my eyes are swollen and burning. I head to the bathroom for a shower, hoping the warm water will help. After the shower, I pull the dress Max got me out of my bag and slide my hand along it. I want to wear it, but I’m not staying for the wedding. I can’t, not after last night. Biting my inner cheek, I opt for wearing it anyways. My walk of shame will be classy as hell. I slide into it, the dress fitting snugly. It’s gorgeous. I let my hair air dry and fall to my shoulders in soft curls and waves. I check my phone to see if Quinn has called and find a missed text. Give me the address. –Q I think about staying and talking to Max, but like him, a piece of me is scared to give my heart over to anyone. Especially after what happened last night. Did he get the answers he was looking for when he saw me come face to face with Jacob? Biting my nail, I give the address to Quinn and I get a thumbs up in return. If Max wants me, he’s going to have to prove it. Because after last night I’m not so sure he believes he loves me. I open the door and it feels oddly heavy. I peek through the gap and see Max sleeping against the door. I slowly shut it, not wanting to face him. I just can’t. I want to keep my shit together and seeing him or Jacob this morning will result in the opposite. Besides, I’ve ruined Macy’s wedding enough. I wait on the bed, watching the sun rise above the lake. Agatha is by the lake smoking again and I grin. I love her. Quinn’s car pulls up the drive and I take a deep breath. I open the window and throw my suitcase out before climbing out. Glancing around, I don’t notice anyone so I continue my escape, praying I don’t rip this dress. When my toes reach the grass I straighten my dress, look over at the cabin one last time silently saying goodbye to Max before heading to Quinn.

“Classic Rae, running from heartbreak.” My head whips to the left finding Jacob walking around one of the cabins. He’s dressed in khaki shorts and a blue polo. I would usually think he was attractive and mature, but all I see now is an insecure little boy who is dressed like a dork. My vice is tall and rugged, wearing a blue hat backwards that brings me to my knees, and wild blue eyes that makes me lose my breath. He’s not Max. “You manage to pull your balls out of your throat?” I taunt, referring to me kicking him in the nuts last night. He smirks, shoving his hands in his pockets. I want to hurt him more. Not just for what he did to Max, but me. The car door shuts and before I can see what is happening, Quinn is pepperspraying Jacob in the face. Dropping my suitcase I run to her aid, grabbing her purse she dropped on the ground and I start hitting him with it like a pissed off grandma. He falls to the ground, crying like a little bitch baby. Clawing at his eyes that are now puffy and red. Snot pours from his nose, mixing with the slobber bubbling from his mouth. I keep hitting him with the purse, over and over. The damn thing feeling like a brick rather than a purse. What the hell does she keep in here? “Okay! Okay!” Quinn grabs at my arms, causing my assault on Jacob to come to a halt. I point at him, unshed tears filling the brim of my eyes. “You have taken enough away from me. Away from Max,” I cry. He just had to tell me about Max, and he did it with a shit eating grin. “If I see you again, I’ll spray that pepper spray up your ass.” I threaten out of breath, handing Quinn her purse. Taking a step back, I grab my suitcase and follow Quinn back to her car. “I feel like teenagers all over again,” she laughs as I throw my shit in the back and get in. Resting my head on my hand I give a smirk and slump back into the seat, not seeing the humor in any of this. “So tell me all about it, we have a long drive home and I’m hungover as hell,” Quinn requests as she backs out of the drive.

Max “HEY, you need to get your tux on, you’re late!” Dad shoves me awake and I groan. My body aches, the concrete steps already hot from the rising sun.

“What time is it?” I ask. “Time to get your ass dressed!” he barks frantically, before tossing a key to the cabin in my lap. I wake up instantly and stand, the flowers falling to my feet. “Rae?” I open the door looking around for her. Her stuff is gone, and a lone window is open, the drapes blowing in the breeze. I cup the ledge, looking out at the driveway. She’s gone. She came into my life climbing out of a window, and she went out of it just the same. Not able to control my anger I slam my fist into the wall, a loud crack sounding. Squeezing my eyes shut I moan from the amount of pain radiating through my hand. “Did you break it?” Turning I find my dad staring at me with an amused grin. Glaring at him I look back at my hand. “No, it’s fine.” It’s definitely broken. “Come on, you’re going to miss the wedding,” Dad states, jutting his head toward the church. I give a silent nod, and look for my tux. I dress in my tux, my mood sour and unmotivated. The bag of frozen peas on my purple hand doing nothing for the pain. I want to chase after Rae, but I need to be here for my sister. I’ve screwed her big day up enough as it is. I sit in the back and smile when told to, and say what I’m supposed to when needed. The whole time I’m looking at the clock, wondering what Rae is doing or thinking. Will she ever forgive me? “You alright?” I look up to find Beau looking at me with concerned eyes. He looks so grown up in his tux I can’t help but smirk. Inhaling a breath, I run my hands down my slacks to smooth out the wrinkles. “You look good,” I reply, not answering his question. He shakes his head, tugging on his tie as if it annoys him. “Weddings are stupid,” he grumbles uncomfortably. Leaning back in my chair run my finger under my chin. “Here’s to love and laughter and happily ever after’s,” I state sarcastically, gaining a warily look from my brother. Focusing on the floor I think about how Rae and I would be if I just told her the truth. The room suddenly goes silent catching my attention. Glancing up, the room is empty and Macy is looking at me with smiling eyes. She’s in her wedding dress and looks beautiful. I stand.

“Macy, you - you look gorgeous,” I whisper. Her dress is slim and trailing behind her, her veil poufy in her hair. She strides over to me, her steps smooth as if she’s been practicing. “Max, the day that bitch Marissa broke your heart I lost a piece of my brother. You weren’t yourself… until you found Rae. These last few days feel like old times and I’ll be damned if I stand in the way of that,” she lifts her chin, her words strong. “Go after her,” she insists. “No, I’m not leaving you on your wedding day. I need to be up there, supporting you,” I explain. She shakes her head. “As the bride, and my big day… I want you to go after her, Max. She loves you, if she didn’t, she wouldn’t have been so hurt,” she shrugs. I sit down, and let my head hang. How did I let all this get to this point? “What happened to your hand?” she asks, tapping the bag of peas. “I ran into a door,” I lie. “You punched a wall didn’t you?” her cocky tone not lost on me. “Why do you assume that?” “Men are stupid, they get angry and try and take on a wall. It’s the dumbest thing I’ve seen.” She shakes her head, her lips pursed. “Well, that’s not what fucking happened,” I continue. She might have a point, but I won’t tell her that. “Mhhhm. You’re not allowed in that chapel, Max. So unless you plan on making a bigger scene… go find Rae!” Her voice rises. She grabs at the bottom of her dress and turns to leave. “Macy…” She looks over her shoulder, her brows furrowed. “I love you,” I tell her and her face softens. Her eyes tearing up. I’m not one to be emotional or tell my family how I feel, but I can’t help it. She gets me, and even on her big day she’s looking out for me. “Love you, too,” she sobs. I stand with my arms out and she hurries back to me. “Okay, stop crying. You’ll look like a beauty pageant loser.” I rub her back. She slaps my chest. “You’re such an asshole,” she laughs. As soon as she leaves I head toward my truck, undoing my tie in the process. I’m going after my woman, and I’m getting her back! Peeling out of the driveway, I speed all the way back home, the hour drive feeling longer than it is. The whole time I’m thinking of what I’m going to say, what I’m going to do. I have nothing. I’m scared. This woman scares me beyond my own reality.

Pulling up to Rae’s house I knock on the door like a madman, and it’s jerked open. “What!” Quinn snaps. I push past her, needing to see Rae now and not caring to hear she’s not here bullshit. “Seriously, Max,” Quinn complains, following after me. “Where is she?” I ask, looking around the place. I make it to her room and find her suitcase sitting on her bed, but no Rae. “She’s not here, she took my car and said she needed time to think,” she informs. I stop, trying to think where she would go. “Did she say where she was going?” I ask, making sure to watch her face to see if she’s lying. “No, I have no idea. I mean, where would you go if you needed space?” she shrugs and there’s only one place I can think of that Rae might go. Our spot. I clasp Quinn’s shoulders. “You’re a genius!” She doesn’t seem as excited as I am that I might have figured out where Rae is. In fact, she looks pissed. Before I can turn around I’m slapped across the face. A blazing heat licks across my cheek. I rub the ache, eyeing her wildly. “That is for breaking her heart!” She crosses her arms. “What’s left of it anyway.” I nod in knowing, and walk out. Getting in my truck I head toward the old carnival. I haven’t been back since the day I found out that baby wasn’t mine. Twenty minutes later I pull onto the dirt road, the trees more overgrown since the last time I was here. There’s spider webs and birds everywhere as I slowly travel down it. I pray she is here. I need to see her to explain how I messed up. I spot Quinn’s silver car and my heart skips a beat in relief. I found her. I put the truck in park before I come to a complete stop and get out. Looking across the rides I find her sitting in a scrambler bucket looking out at the lake. She’s wearing the dress I got her and she looks fucking beautiful. I stop, taking the image in and programming it to memory. The vines are laced up the poles in a vast of greenery. The bucket she’s sitting in rusted and faded. Her hair is wild and sexy, and that dress fits her like a damn glove. Dragging my hands down my face, I head to her. Climbing on the ride it whines from my weight, but she doesn’t look my way. “I screwed up,” I mutter, not sure what to say. She doesn’t respond, and it’s killing me. I slide into the bucket with her and grab her face, making her look at me.

“Like you, I put everything I had into Marissa, and when I found out Jacob was messing around with her behind my back I told myself I would get revenge on him. I was hurt, and felt like the only way I would ever move on was by hurting Jacob. I admit it, when I saw you that day outside my construction site I had it in mind to stick it to Jacob. I not only had his ex, but you were fucking hot. Along the way of all that I lost sight of my vengeance and opened myself up to you. I fell in love with you, Rae. I regret lying to you, but I don’t regret breaking the rules,” I breathe heavily, my eyes searching hers to understand my anguish. She pulls from my grip, her tongue trailing along her bottom lip. “The line of fake and real crossed for me weeks ago. I was scared you didn’t feel the same but when you said I was yours… it was like that last bit of me holding onto my heart let go. I gave it over to you, and when Jacob of all people told me that I was nothing to you but a tool to get back at him… I just…” she shakes her head, tears filling her eyes. Grasping the nape of her neck I force her to look at me again. “You are not nothing. Do you understand me?” I gently squeeze her neck and her eyes flutter with unshed tears. A tear slips from her brown eyes. “What do you want from me?” she whispers. I lean in, my mouth brushing against hers. “To kiss me,” I mumble. “To continue to break the rules and know from here on out this is as real as it gets, Rae. I love you, and if you run… I’ll just chase you.” She hesitates at first, her eyes wild and glossy. My heart beats in my chest nervous she’s going to pull away and I will have to follow through with my words and chase her again. “You really love me?” she asks with glossy eyes. Resting my head against hers I look her in the eye. “I really love you.” She looks down, licking a tear that has fallen onto her bottom lip. “Don’t ever lie to me again,” she demands, and presses her lips against mine. I kiss her back taking her broken heart and making it mine. I wrap my arms around her and breathe her in, elated she forgives me. She opens her mouth and I take control. My tongue massaging and tasting every inch of her mouth until I can’t breathe. Gasping for a breath she pulls back, her eyes hooded with lust. “Wait, aren’t you missing your sister’s wedding?” she asks panicked. I nod reluctantly. “I am.” Her eyes widen. “We have to go!” She pushes me, urging me out of the bucket. “What?” I ask confused. “Look, if we are going to be a real couple going forward, the last thing I want is

to give your mother or sister a reason to hate me! Let’s go, maybe we catch the last bit of the ceremony.” She grabs my hand interlocking her fingers with mine. I smile, and follow her to my truck. “You want to go down the slide first?” She tilts her head to the side and eyes me like she might kill me for asking her to go down it again. “Only if I get to push you off the slide.” She raises a brow and I can’t help but laugh.

SITTING in the pew we are just in time to watch Macy walk down the aisle, which is what I wanted to see out of everything. Macy’s eyes catch mine as she makes her way toward us. Her eyes fall on Rae and I and she smiles, her face flashing with excitement that I wrangled the girl. I wink, and she goes back into emotional bride mode. I can’t help but notice that Jacob is gone, which I’m thankful for because I might go to jail if I ever see him again. Looking over my family I notice how they have all come together for Macy, despite our differences. We are all different and have our faults but we are here for one another when we need it. I never expected to love Rae but it’s no wonder I did. She is like my family. She gave the word love a meaning that I won’t let escape me again. I was living life angry and by the seat of my pants thinking I was happy but I was trapped in my own torment. It wasn’t until Rae walking into my construction site and turned my life upside down that I realized I wasn’t really living at all. Looks like my Plus One, became my only one. Wow, that sounded fucking cheesy.

THE END

EPILOGUE

Rae Four Months Later

L ying in bed the sun wakes me, but I’m too tired to actually wake up. The bed feels

so warm and cozy, and with the snowstorm outside there’s no reason to get out. I’m not going anywhere. Plus, getting out of bed results in me rummaging through the fridge for everything and anything to eat. My phone buzzes on the nightstand and I reach over to grab it. Make sure to stay home! The weather is bad. –Becca She’s been messaging me a lot the last month, must mean she’s over being mad at me for pretending to be a doctor. Which is Max’s fault to begin with. She is always checking up on me and inviting me over. I think when she realized Max wasn’t letting me go, she’d better make the best of it before Max let her go. Max’s parents know about the fake relationship but mine don’t. I don’t plan to tell them about it either. It doesn’t matter. We’re real now, and that is what everyone should focus on. I hear the front door shut, and realize for the first time Max isn’t in bed. I had kept that brass key and moved in with him three months ago, and don’t regret one moment of it. The bedroom door creaks open and I hear a whimper that has me looking over my shoulder. I pop out of bed. A puppy! A freaking puppy! He got me a dog! I fall more and more in love with this man every day. Max sits down on the bed and pets the puppy on his fluffy head, his cute ears flopping back and forth. “What do you think? Do you like him?” He looks at me with hopeful eyes. “The

guy said I had to come get him today or he was going to sell him to someone else, so I drove an hour away to get him.” My smooshed baby face fills my face like it does when I see anything cute. I pick him up, and he’s literally a little ball of fur. He’s black and white, with a little brown and black wet nose. “He’s adorable, I love him already. But where are we going to keep him? He’s going to get big,” I question, not taking my eyes off the puppy. He’ll be running through walls and taking out doors as chew toys in a month’s time. “Big? How big?” Max’s tone giving off he has no idea what kind of dog this is. I raise a brow. “Have you seen Beethoven? This is that dog,” I tell him and his face goes from smiling to worried. “Oh shit,” he stands, adjusting his hat nervously. “Maybe we should find a smaller dog?” The puppy whines. “Oh no, we can’t give him back. He doesn’t want to go back. Do you?” I say in baby talk. I set him on the floor, wanting to see him run and play. He sits there looking up at me. Max rolls over and watches him. “What is he doing?” “Um, I think he’s peeing?” I guess. A second later the little pup wiggles his butt and races forward, leaving a little circle of pee behind. “I’ll get something to clean it,” I laugh. Inside the bathroom I grab some toilet paper. It will have to do for now. At work they have some odor-out stuff I can buy. Stepping out of the bathroom the puppy is tugging Max’s banana print underwear around the floor. Leaning down I soak up the accident with a napkin. Grabbing the dry corner, I stand straight and turn to head back into the bathroom to throw it away. I trip on my own two feet and land right on Max’s head with the wet pee napkin. “Oh my God, I’m so sorry,” I laugh, trying to peel myself off him. The napkin sticking to his face. He tugs it off, tossing it in the wastebasket beside the bed. “Still falling for me I see,” Max winks. “I see you’re still full of yourself,” I purse my lips. “A puppy, what was I thinking?” Max shakes his head observing the dog sniffing around. “I hope you know what you’re doing, because I don’t have a clue,” he sighs. “Just think about when we have the baby, we’ll really be clueless,” I tell him softly. He stills, processing what I said. Slowly he turns, looking at me with wide eyes. “What? Are you…” His eyes drop to my stomach, his face lax.

I walk over to him and he grabs me by the waist, his large hand resting on my belly. “I am, I was waiting for the right time but now feels pretty right,” I laugh. His hands rubbing at my belly gently, his eyes glossy. The puppy barks, and I lean over the edge seeing him wagging his tail at me. Reaching down, I pick him up and he hops over to Max licking his cheek. “You’ve got a family now, Max. You better take care of us.” “Oh, I will.”

THANK you for reading and reviewing.

AFTERWORD

I f you made it to the end of this book I am over the moon you took a chance on my

contemporary romance. In life I always strive to make people laugh because in return it makes me feel good. Like a remedy for the fucked-up-ness of life. I was scared to release this book. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever written and that alone makes me have self-doubt. The whole time I kept wanting to go back to my roots and have Max beat the shit out of Jacob with a bat- but I didn’t. I stepped out of my box and tried something different and at the end of the day I am very glad I did and will be writing another book under Missy Blake.

JUST REMEMBER that when times are tough that maybe it’s a chance to unfuck yourself rather than it being rock bottom. You gotta start somewhere to go up and at least you get to decide how that develops.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This book would not be possible without Kim Jones, my husband, and my mother pushing me along the way. SO many times I self-doubted myself and they were there cheering me along. I want to thank my betas. I hounded them left and right with changes and what they thought. They were troopers. Thank you InkSlinger for helping me embark on this new journey. Big thanks to Brie, always by my side and helping me with whatever I might need. Thank you Sara and Sommer for helping me with the cover. Sara did the cover and Sommer helped me get my head around a contemporary cover. Thank you bloggers for reading my work. I know you guys get lots of submissions, so for you to read Plus One is very appreciated. I also want to thank my kids. They handled burnt dinner because I had one more chapter to write, and they endured the tornado of a living room because I was too involved to even attempted to clean up. They get it, and I love them for it. Thank you, the reader. Whether you’ve read all of M.N. Forgy’s work, or this is the first time, your support means the world to me. Literally I can’t thank you enough and words are what I do! Never would I have thought two years ago that this is where I would be and I have all of you… my friends, to thank for that.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

M.N. Forgy is a soccer mom by day and a saucy writer by night. She started writing at a young age but never took it seriously until years later, as a stay-at-home mom, she opened her laptop and started writing again. As a role model for her children, she felt she couldn't live with the "what if" anymore and finally took a chance on her character's story. So, with her glass of wine in hand and a stray Barbie sharing her seat, she continues to create and please her fans. Stalk her @M_N_Forgy Author-MN-Forgy-625362330873655 www.mnforgy.com [email protected]

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