[English novel] SOMETHING GREAT (Điều Tuyệt Vời)

Something Great
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Max closed the door and headed toward me as he spoke. “Jenna. Don’t stop on my account,” he smirked. “The music and dancing becomes you, not to mention you almost being topless.” With both of his hands on my waist, he turned me around and gave me a kiss. “Hello,” he said, looking at me with such tenderness while his hand had a mind of its own, being dirty. His finger started from my collarbone, slowly making its way down my breast, making me shiver like crazy.

“I…I…was looking for something…,” I stuttered, but paused when he tugged my bra and his tongue started to caress my right nipple. “To…wear.”

“I can…help you…with that…department,” he said in between sucking my ni**les.

“Max,” I gripped his dark gray sweater that formed to his chest in a delicious way. I was glad he’d worn jeans, too.

Max pulled up and turned me around again to face my clothes. Panting and blistering inside my panties, I stood there feeling dazed and unable to concentrate. Max reached over me, slid some hangers to the left, and pulled out my pink sweater with ruffles down the buttons. “You look pretty in pink.”

After I put my sleeves through, he buttoned from the bottom, but when he reached toward the top, he purposely brushed his knuckles on the side of my breast, making me ache for more.

“There you go,” he said, closing my closet door. “You’re all set.”

I smiled shyly as he took my hand, leading me out of my bedroom door.

Chapter 30

After Max kissed his mom on the cheek, he turned. “Mom, this is Jenna Mefferd, the one I told you about.”

“Hello, Mrs. Knight.” I smiled warmly, walking further into the house on the hard wood floor. The aroma of whatever was cooking in the kitchen churned my stomach, especially since I had eaten a very light breakfast. “Oh…I bought you these flowers, and dessert.” I turned to Max, who was holding a bouquet of various flowers and a box of cheesecake.

“I’ll hold them for you,” Max said.

“Welcome, Jenna. And thank you so much. It wasn’t necessary, but it was very sweet of you,” Max’s mom greeted as she hugged me. She was a couple of inches taller than me. “Call me Ellen. And come in.” Ellen took the flowers from Max’s hand. “I’ll put these in a vase.” Then she took the box from Max. “I can take this too. Take Jenna into the family room.” She smiled.

Ellen was even more beautiful in person than in the picture. Her beautiful blonde hair, just above shoulder length, was silky and shiny. I wondered how often she went to the beauty salon. With the amount of money she had, I wouldn’t be surprised if she went everyday. And it looked like, compared to the pictures, she had a lost a few pounds. But then again, I’d heard that a camera added unwanted extra pounds on photos.

Looping his arms around my shoulders, Max guided me into their foyer and dropped his arms, allowing me to take in the grandeur of the room. With a high ceiling and a staircase on either side of the wall, it was just as big as I thought it would be. The crystal chandelier caught my eyes after that, sparkling like a star…no brighter than the stars, twinkling from the sunlight reflecting through the window above the front double doors.

“Is Matt here yet?” Max asked.

“He’s in the kitchen, helping Carlos cook.”

They have a cook? A male cook?

“This way.” Max placed his hand behind my back as he guided me further in.

“Max!” Matthew said out loud. Matthew practically ran Max over and tackled him into a hug. Matthew was just as tall as Max, with lighter hair. He was handsome too, but not as gorgeous as my Max.

“Nice to see you too, little bro,” Max chuckled, then let go. “Matt, meet Jenna.”

Matthew raked his eyes over me from head to toe. His gaze made me uncomfortable, like he was undressing me with his eyes. “Where have you been all my life?”

Max slapped his arm. “Snap out of it. She’s mine.”

“Hello, Jenna.” Matthew gently wrapped his arms around me, as if worried he would crush me, then let go. “Max and I share everything,” he teased. “Don’t we, Max?”

“Shut up.” Max pushed him out of the way, held my hand, and led me into the family room. It was like walking into a home magazine. With the finest of furnishings, the area had definitely been decorated by a professional, unless Ellen had an eye for it—probably not. It was all color coordinated, down to the pictures of the family mounted on the wall, to the crown molding I loved so much. It gave a feeling of warmth and home.

“Dad, this is Jenna,” Max said.

As soon as I heard the word “Dad,” I froze, stopped glancing around, and turned. “Mr. Knight, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” I extended my hand. A tall, handsome guy, with salt and pepper-colored hair, stood in front of me. It was amazing to see how much Max resembled his father.

“The pleasure is all mine,” Mr. Knight said. “Call me Rob.” He shook my hand. “Please…have a seat. I’ll be right back.” Then he went to the kitchen.

“My dad likes to cook, too. At least he tries,” Max said, sitting right next to me. He obviously wasn’t shy about displaying emotions in front of his parents. “In our house, men do the cooking.”

“Really?” My eyes grew wide. How ***y was that? “Whatever they are cooking in there smells delicious. And who’s Carlos?”

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“He comes when my mom calls. She wanted everything to be perfect, so that meant she wouldn’t be cooking,” Max chuckled lightly.

Matthew headed our way with open beer bottles in his hands. Max took one. “No thank you,” I said as politely as I could when Matthew offered me one.

“Then two for me,” Matthew said, and sat across from us. Leaning back into a comfortable position, he crossed his right leg over his left.

“Babe, would you like anything to drink?” Max asked after a taking a sip.

“No, thank you.” I didn’t want Max to leave my sight. Being under the microscope with Matthew was nerve wracking enough.

“So, how long are you in town, Matthew?” I asked, breaking the ice a little.

“Actually, I’ll be in town for awhile.” Matthew looked at Max when he replied.

“Really?” Max seemed surprise, raising his tone a bit. “Do Mom and Dad know?”

“They know. I’ve been doing a lot of soul searching on my trips. I know I need to settle down and help my family, especially since Dad wants to retire,” he said, running his thumb over his bottle. “I’ll be back to work soon.”

“Good,” Max said. “It’s about damn time.”

How lucky he was to have the luxury to travel and not have to worry about anything.

“So….” Matthew’s brows arched with a crooked smile. “How long have you two been…?” He paused, waiting for an answer.

My chest burned and I stiffened. Was he going to ask how long we’d been dating, or something else? Surely not the latter, but just from the little I knew of him, he would be the kind to be very blunt. Max felt my sudden movement and looked at his brother. “None of your business,” he chuckled. “And get your mind out of the gutter.”

“What?” Matthew laughed out loud. “My mind wasn’t there, but now I know.”

Being as red as I was, I might as well have drunk the beer Matthew had offered. To ease this awkward conversation, I broke in with a question. “So, Matthew….” I cleared my throat. “Max told me you’ve been backpacking through Europe. Did you go by yourself?”

Matthew scooted forward, sitting at the edge of the sofa with his legs spread apart. “I went with a friend. You should go sometime. It’s an amazing experience.” He twirled the almost empty bottle.

“I’ve always wanted to. I’ve known a couple of friends that have gone, and they say the same thing, but I think I would prefer to stay at a hotel instead of other people’s houses,” I smiled.

“We can go some day soon, babe,” Max said.

“If Max doesn’t take you, I will.” Matthew winked.

“Hey…mine, I said. Stake your claim on someone else,” Max joked.

Never having a sibling, it was refreshing to see two brothers at each other like that. And though Matthew was flirting out loud, Max took it as a joke. It was the ease and comfort they had with each other that I enjoyed observing. It was exactly like that with my circle of friends.

Max peered up when his mom walked in. “Time for lunch,” she said happily.

Max followed his mom with one hand behind my back, and Matthew followed behind us. Knowing Matthew was staring from behind, walking straight was almost impossible. It felt like he was studying me. Had Max not brought anyone to his home before? Perhaps Matthew was being protective of Max. But that sounded strange even thinking about it, since Max had told me Matthew was the irresponsible one who would never settle down and hold a job. So to hear him say that he would, Max must have been overjoyed.

Max sat next to me as we settled into our seats. Grilled halibut, assorted vegetables, baby racks of lamb, pasta salad, and the dessert I brought were all presented beautifully on the table. The flowers I brought had been placed in a vase and presented as a centerpiece in the middle of the table. Mr. Knight untied the apron he was wearing, took it off, and sat across from Max. “Carlos, this is Jenna,” Mr. Knight introduced as Carlos paced around to fill the glasses with water.

“Hello, Jenna,” he said with an Italian accent.

“It’s nice to meet you,” I said, watching him pour my glass. “Thank you.”

With a nod, he left for the kitchen.

“Eat away,” Mrs. Knight said, sitting across from me.

Max helped me filled my plate and everyone else followed after. As we ate, Max’s parents asked me questions about where I went to school, about my parents, and where I lived. From the corner of my eyes, I could see Max giving his parents funny looks. Though I was comfortable answering them, I knew Max didn’t like it. If I were in his shoes, I would’ve have done the same thing.

During dessert, Mr. Knight spoke about how he’d started the company, and what his vision was for the future. His story was long, but I was all ears. Everyone else seemed to be bored. I figured he must have told them the story a million times, but for me, it was fascinating.

As I continued to listen in awe, I jerked a little as if a bee had stung me. I was caught totally off guard. Max placed his hand on my thigh, and his pinky was rubbing me there. Hot…it was too hot. Trying not to make it obvious, I slipped my hand under the table as I listened and nodded to what Matthew was talking about without looking at Max. But Matthew knew. I could tell when he chuckled and raised his brows at Max. As I continued to smile, I tried to move Max’s hand away, but he wouldn’t let me. His grip was too strong…at least that dirty little pinky of his stopped moving.

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Luckily I was wearing jeans and the material was thick, but it didn’t matter. Max obviously didn’t like the fact that I was giving his brother lots of attention and ignoring him. In fact, my attention was all on his family. They were fascinating. They lived a life style most families dreamt about. Having the best and the finest things in life, going anywhere on vacation and not having to worry about money…who wouldn’t dream about that?

Besides spending lots of money, they were involved with charities, which made me love them even more. Max’s parents were almost like my parents: good, down to Earth, except they were financially well off and then some. Having money didn’t matter to me, but the fact that they were nice and knew that I was one of their employees dating their eldest son, and they still treated me as if I was part of their family, touched me deeply…way too deeply.

After lunch, Carlos and another lady cleared the table. Max’s parents excused themselves to attend a function, and Max and I spent the afternoon with Matthew. As Max and Matthew gave me the tour of the grand house and their amazing backyard, they told me short stories of what they did when they were growing up, what types of sports they’d played, the mischievous pranks they’d played on their nannies, and all kinds of stories to make me laugh.

Matthew had plans for dinner with his friends, so Max and I had dinner at his house. I thought he would try to seduce me, but he was being really good. After that darn pinky rubbing against me, I thought for sure he would’ve tried, but that was not the case. He stole a few kisses here and there, but impressively, I was happy to know that *** was not always on his mind, and he was taking this relationship as seriously as he claimed to be.

Max walked me to my apartment. I didn’t know if I was suppose to invite him in, but luckily he spoke first. “You made me really happy today,” he gushed as his fingers played with mine.

“Just today?” I giggled. It was that look of warmth and want he gave me that made me all shy and bubbly.

“You know what I mean. I was afraid you would back out on me.” His hand trailed up my arm, over my shoulder, caressing the side of my neck with his fingers.

Max was afraid? “Why would you think that? I told you I would go.”

“I know,” he said. His eyes became softer, sparkling against the light, looking dreamy. It was hard to resist the thought of devouring him. “It’s just that…I don’t want to scare you or push you away. I’ve never moved this fast before, so just tell me if I am…okay?”

I nodded.

Max continued. His eyes were deeply rooted into mine. “I’m a lucky man to have found you. I’ve never fallen so deep and so fast before. You’ve cast a spell on me. I’m going to be good, to be the man you want me to be, to be the man you deserve, the man you want to have a future with. I know your heart is big and delicate. You have to trust that I’ll take good care of it when you decide to gift it to me. It will be my amazing treasure, and I will hold it as my keepsake, inside my heart.”

“Okay,” I managed to say when his finger slid down further as he stared at my lips. All his words were beautiful. It made my heart full, but his touch left me starving between my legs.

Seemingly taking his time, he slowly inched his lips toward mine. He knew exactly what to do to drive me crazy. Shuddering from his touch, his hands shifted to my sides, and now they were gingerly kneading my br**sts. I lost control, as his lips were now in front of mine. As the anticipation of him kissing me grew, my heart hammered rapidly, and the heat flushed through my body really fast…too fast.

“Sleep tight, Jenna. And dream of me all night, making love to you anywhere you like, ‘cause I definitely will be,” he whispered. Every puff of air to my lips shot a shooting star between my legs.

Feeling my chest inflate in and out, I thought I was going to faint. Then Max pressed his body to mine and held me tightly. His kiss was tender and sweet, and leisurely. We were making out like teenagers. Then he pulled back slowly. His eyes were in a dream like state, and he blinked to gather himself. “You better go inside before I kidnap you.”

Waking up from my own daze, I shoved the key that was already in my hands through the keyhole and opened the door. Max ran his fingers through his hair and released a sigh. “Go inside so I know you’re safe, then I’ll leave.”

“Okay.” I gave him a fast peck on the cheek.

“See you on Monday,” he said, giving me a little shove inside the door as he closed the door in front of him.

Trying to cool down, I placed my back against the door, but I knew Max hadn’t left yet. There were no footstep sounds. Wanting to see what he was doing, I looked through the peephole. Both of his hands were on the door and his head was down. This was too adorable…too sweet… straight out of romantic movies. When I heard the sound of his footsteps, I knew he was leaving, and that made me feel empty.

What do I do? My heart had taken over my mind. I opened the door to see Max walking funny. I guessed he had what Becky had mentioned to me before, something called blueballs—when the man got really hard and was unable to release the pressure. Giggling softly, I watched him near the elevator as I tried to make up my mind.

“Max.”

Max whipped around. “Get back inside, Jenna. I need to know you’re safe.”

My heart was pounding. I had never asked a man to spend the night with me in my own bed before. The feeling was exhilarating yet frightening, because wanting to ask him was an indication that I had already gifted him with my heart. “Spend the night with me?” I asked shyly.

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Max’s lips slowly curled into a huge smile. He didn’t walk toward me…he ran.

Chapter 31

Waking up and having Max beside me was thrilling. He was sound asleep, which gave me the opportunity to study his handsome face. Soaking in the fact that he was actually in my bed and the fact that I had asked him to spend the night…well…that was a first for me. Not wanting to wake him, I slid off the bed.

Max’s phone vibrated, and though I knew I shouldn’t, I took a peek. It was a text. Call me! The person’s name was Crystal. Hmmm…it could have been a client, but it had me frozen for a second, draining my blood, sending me back to my college years. Since trust was one of the components of having a successful relationship, I had to trust Max. Just because my ex cheated on me didn’t mean Max would. I had to give him the benefit of the doubt.

Brushing it off, I went to the restroom and closed the door. I figured I could freshen up and get back in bed with Max. After I took care of what I needed to do, I stepped out to hear Becky’s loud scream. My bedroom door was open and Max was out of bed.

“Max? Becky?” I ran out.

Becky’s hand was over her heart. Her body was shaking from her labored breathing.

“Sorry.” Max’s apology was very sincere. “I didn’t mean to scare you…again.”

“That’s okay. We always have half-naked men…shirtless…jeans…did I mention shirtless?”

I knew Becky was trying hard not to stare, but how could anyone resist? Becky finally noticed me. Max turned to me with a smile and headed toward me. With a brush of his hand on my cheek, he went to the bathroom.

“Jenna?” Becky looked so surprised.

Thank goodness Becky was decently dressed. “Becky. I’m so sorry. You weren’t home last night and I didn’t know—”

“It’s okay,” Becky interrupted. “I’m just a little shocked…that’s okay. Umm…I don’t know if you got my text, but Nicole had to switch it for lunch. And umm….” She still looked distraught, seemingly thinking as her eyes shifted to my room, then to me. Her lips trembled and her eyes sparkled. I knew she was trying to hold in something, maybe a laugh. “In all the years we’ve been living together, you’ve never let a guy into your bedroom, even your ex-boyfriend. This must be really serious.”

I didn’t answer right away. Twisting my head to my room to make sure Max wasn’t by the door, I inhaled a deep sigh, then turned to Becky. “I hope so.”

Becky finally let out what she was holding, a huge, smug smile. “I hope so too.”

**

Max left shortly after, and Becky and I left to meet with Nicole and Kate. “So….” Becky started to say, keeping her eyes straight on the road in front of her. “Do you and Max talk about…you know…his past?”

“I know enough,” I said, wondering where this conversation was headed.

Becky inhaled deeply, seemingly uncomfortable. “I’m just going to say it. This question is none of my business, but do you know his *** life…like how many he slept with, or how many girl friends he’s had? You know, things that you talk about with the new man in your life.”

“Don’t worry, Becky. I know enough. I don’t want to know more. He’s mentioned he had some one-night stands, and dated many models. He had one serious girlfriend before, but he didn’t want to talk about it much.”

Becky signaled, then turned the steering wheel to the left. “Okay,” she nodded, seemingly satisfied with the answer. “Does he know about yours?”

“Yes, he does. But you already know I don’t have much to tell. Basically, I told him that I don’t mess around. I don’t like messing with people’s hearts, and I certainly don’t lead them on. I told him one-night stands are fine when mature adults agree, but I wasn’t that type. Also, I told him that I did go on many dates, but the little spark that got me interested died quickly.”

“Does he know about your ex?”

I chuckled a little. “My one ex? Yes, he knows. He knows he cheated on me. He knows I have trust issues; but then again, we’re all three years more mature now.” Knowing the other questions Becky would ask, I just answered. “Yes, he knows I haven’t in three years.” I lightened the mood a little. “And yes, he knows if he ever hurt me, you, Nicole, and Kate would hunt him down.”

Becky turned to me for a second and flashed back to the road. A light chuckle escaped her mouth unexpectedly. She hadn’t expected that to come out of my mouth. “You bet his ass we will.”

And they would, especially Becky. Though we were the same age, she was the older sister I’d never had. Living together for the past fours years had brought our friendship to a family level. Knowing we had each other made new adventures not so scary, even a possible heartache.

**

“Your ring is beautiful,” the waitress said to Nicole, setting down glasses filled with orange juice and champagne on our table.

“Thank you,” she said, glancing at her ring with a big smile.

Since it was a buffet brunch, we headed our separate ways. There were so many different types of cuisine to choose from, I didn’t know which way to go—Italian, Mexican, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and many others. Being that it was my first time, I placed a little bit of everything on my plate.

Nicole and Kate were already seated, eating, and Becky followed behind me. Soon as I sat, I dug right in.

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“Have you picked a date yet?” Becky asked.

“It’s going to be a spring wedding…maybe in April or May, but after Easter for sure. Keith and I have already started planning.” Nicole sounded so excited, I couldn’t help be excited for her too. “I’ll let you know as soon as I pick out the color and style for the bridesmaid dresses. I was hoping you all could come with me.”

“Sure,” we all said in accord.

Kate took a sip of her drink and swallowed her food. “It’ll come really fast. It’s already the beginning of November. That only leaves you with five months. You’d better get going,” Kate advised, having been through it.

“I know,” Nicole said with a full mouth. “I’ll let you know soon.”

“So…how’s Max?” Kate asked, changing our lunch topic.

“Good,” I said, turning red. That came out a little bit too chirpy and gushy.

Kate’s eyes burned through me. “Oh…my…God. You did…you really did. He must be some kind of wonderful, ‘cause we’ve tried to set you up with guys that we thought were highly qualified for our mighty queen, and nothing, but…when did this happen?”

I blushed even more since now they knew. Did I make it that obvious? “Recently,” I mumbled, gulping down my orange juice. I wasn’t good at talking about this topic, mostly because I wasn’t that experienced. Was something wrong with me? They could talk about it so freely, like it was no big deal. Maybe I needed to get with the program. They were like my sisters, and I knew I could trust them with anything, so what was my problem?

“So…ummm...did he make you sing hallelujah?” Nicole giggled, slipping a slice of beef into her mouth.

I closed my eyes for a second, then opened them, knowing I shouldn’t be embarrassed about this subject. There was a big smile on my face, and I was sure my eyes glistened like Nicole’s engagement ring thinking about the times in his bedroom, dining room, family room, bathroom, on the stairs, my room, and—I couldn’t believe—in his office. If only my friends knew, they would probably have a heart attack. With a shy grin plastered on my face, I said. “And then some.”

My three friends screamed…almost silently, smiling, and giggling. Nicole threw up her hands half way into the air. “Then…he’s a keeper. When do we get to meet Mr. Wonderful?”

**

Being at work on Mondays was no longer a drag. It meant that I got to see Max. That was, when he could get away. On occasion I was still his lunch buddy, and others times I would eat lunch in my office to catch up with work, or have lunch with Lisa and Rachel. Jake had stopped calling me at the office about two weeks earlier, when word had gotten out about Max and me.

“Hey, Jenna,” a familiar man’s voice greeted.

I peered up to see Matthew speed walking toward me with a big grin. “Matthew?” Getting out of my chair, I headed toward him. Lisa and Rachel’s eyes practically popped out.

Matthew squeezed me tightly in his arms. “How’ve you been?”

After he released me, I looked up, smiling. “Good, and you?”

“Good.” His eyes wandered, glancing around the room to Lisa and Rachel with a smile, and nodding to Dan and Eric. “I’m a floor above you. I settled in last week. Max told me to find you and take you to lunch. I mean…we three are going to lunch together.”

“I’ll be back,” I told Lisa. Matthew had already grabbed my purse and my jacket. With one of his hands gently on my back, he guided me toward the door. He was just like Max, such a gentleman. Looking over my shoulder, I spotted Lisa.

“He’s hot,” she mouthed.

I giggled inwardly as I stepped out of the office.

Chapter 32

Matthew was a sweetheart in the car, and so was his Porsche. I didn’t know what kind it was, but who cared? I should be used to it, since Max had one, too. I knew Max was turning twenty-seven, and I found out that Matthew was my age, twenty-three. He didn’t ask many personal questions…he mostly spoke about his trips and Max, letting me know what a great brother Max was and how he looked up to him. It was nice to hear Matthew talk about Max that way. It only confirmed what I already new. Max had a good heart…no…an amazing heart.

“We’re almost there.” Matthew paused, looked in his rear view mirror, looked to his right, then changed lanes. “How’s work treating you? And, what do you do…exactly? I mean…I know your job description, but I want to hear it from you.”

“Our team makes sure the magazines are delivered on time, answers any questions, and fixes problems. We’re the customer relations…the go to people. We especially take good care of companies that get mad.” I let out a short laugh.

“You have such a sweet voice. I don’t think anyone could get mad at you,” he said lightly, then turned left.

I blushed a little. “Thanks. But unfortunately people do. I haven’t had any problems at this company so far. Everyone seems very professional and respectful.”

“Good. If you have any problems, make sure you tell Max, and if Max isn’t around, let me know. I’ll take care of it. Max speaks highly of you, and he cares for you like I’ve never seen him care for anyone before. You are nothing like his ex-girlfriend. I’m so glad he moved on. Crystal was such a bit….” He stopped himself and became quiet, then his eyes cringed a little, as if he didn’t mean to burst that out. “Sorry…Max told me not to cuss around you.”

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At that moment, the only word I heard was Crystal. Recalling Max’s text, my mind began to wonder. I never wanted to know the names of any of the women he dated, but I knew one now. Not only did he date her, she was his one serious girl friend. She wanted him to call her…but why? Did she want to get back together? Was he dating her behind my back? Was he having lunch or dinner dates when he wasn’t with me? I had to stop thinking or I would drive myself crazy.

“Thanks, Matthew.” That was all I could say as he drove into valet parking. There were several cars in front of us so we had to wait our turn. “Enough about me. How do you like your job, and what do you do?”

“I do absolutely nothing.” He paused. “Just kidding. Before I took off on my little adventure, my team and I were in charge of page layouts, which order or what model to schedule in. It sounds easy, but there is a lot of work, especially since our magazine goes out on a monthly basis.”

“I can only imagine, but it seems like fun.”

Matthew’s eyes lit up and so did his tone. “Jenna, why don’t you join my team for a couple of days and see if you’d like what we do? There are so many departments in our company; you should check it all out to see what your interests are. I know you are great with customer service....” He paused and squirmed a little, like he had done something he shouldn’t have. “I looked at your resume. Sorry. Just wanted to get to know you better without asking you so many questions. After all, this is our company, and I wanted to know what you could offer. Max told me you went to New York with him.”

There was no reason to believe Max had told him about what happened between us, so why did I blush. “Oh…what did he say?” I swallowed.

“He said you helped him with the front cover, and that you had a great eye for that. He also suggested what I just offered to you, and I thought it was a great idea.”

“Really?” I sat up taller.

“Anyway, I know you’re great at what you do, since that was what you did at your previous job, but here, you have unlimited possibilities. Just keep that in mind…and it does help that you are dating my brother, who happens to think the world of you.”

“Okay,” I nodded. When my side of the door was opened for me, my high heel contacted the ground first, and I was just about to put my hand on the side of the door to get out when I saw his hand.

“Max,” I said blissfully, peering up, twisting my lips upward. The strong wind brushed up against my legs, feeling icy, cold.

“Hey, babe.” With one strong pull from my hand, my body pressed into his. Burying his face to the side of my face, he held me tightly. “Missed you, babe.”

I was warm again from his hold blocking the wind and the warmth traveling to my heart from just the sight of him. As I breathed in his scent, I repeated in my mind, please don’t cheat on me.

**

“Hello,” the waitress said too cheerfully as her eyes shifted from Max, then to Matthew, but not to me. “My name is Amy. I’ll be your waitress. What would you like to drink?”

“Hello there…Amy.” Matthew’s tone was friendly and inviting. Leaning back in a cool, relaxed manner, his eyes traced the curve of her body from head to toe.

The waitress flushed, and she looked like she was lost for words. I didn’t blame her. Matthew was good-looking and he could make any woman blush, just as much as Max could. Him checking her out confirmed what I hadn’t asked before, that he was single…I hoped so for Becky’s sake, thinking they would make a cute couple.

“Water all around please,” Max said quickly, then moved his eyes back to the menu.

“Sure. I’ll be right back.” She flashed a flirtatious smile to Matthew and left.

Matthew ordered their gourmet hamburger, Max ordered sea bass, and I ordered black peppered salmon. With a small, fresh green salad on the side, our lunch was served. Matthew was hilarious during lunch. I couldn’t stop laughing at his stories regarding his European trip. He also told stories about how Max had looked after him when they were young. Max had gotten in trouble in sixth grade because he punched a bully who picked on his brother. Those were the younger days, Matthew said. Now he claimed, in the present time, Max needed him more. I wondered what he meant by that.

Matthew and Max switched cars so Max could drive me back to work. Matthew left right after lunch for a meeting, but Max and I decided to stay for a cup of coffee.

“Excuse me,” Max said, looking at his phone. His forehead crinkled, looking disturbed. Shaking his head with a frown, he closed the phone.

“Is everything alright?” I asked, feeling concerned. What kind of message would make his face look distraught like that? And why did he keep getting those messages?

“It’s nothing, babe,” he replied, peering back at me. But I could tell something was on his mind. “Drink your coffee before it gets too cold.” His tone was stern, but kind.

Reaching inside his workbag, he placed a little box in front of me.

“What’s this?” I asked, placing my cup down. A spark of excitement shivered through me. I felt like a child looking at a Christmas or birthday present.

“I just want you to know that you’re my something great.” Max beamed a huge smile. “Open it.”

Trying my best not to get too excited, I opened the box. Inside was a key, attached to an engraved key chain that read “Something Great.”

Before I could say anything, Max jumped in. “I know it’s too soon. If I could have it my way, you would be living with me…like, yesterday…but I don’t want to push you too fast. This is the key to my place. You are welcome to be there anytime you like…preferably when I’m around. You can spend the night if you’d like.” He twitched his brows. “Come and go as you please. My place is yours. You can also walk around naked. I don’t mind at all.”

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“Max,” I blushed as I shot my eyes back to the key, but the thought made me hot. Reaching over, I picked it up and ran my fingers over the engraved words. It was so sweet and touching. Feeling overwhelmed, I felt a pool of tears. No guy had made me feel the way Max did. The insecure part of me wondered if he was cheating on me and how long it would last, but I had to stop thinking such negative thoughts, because I knew it would get in the way of me enjoying the present. “I don’t know what to say…thank you.”

Max’s shoulders relaxed, looked less nervous as he radiated a smile. Perhaps he’d thought I wouldn’t accept it. I wasn’t sure what he was thinking, but he let out a sigh of relief. “Believe me…it’s my pleasure. Don’t forget to use it.” He winked.

After we finished our drinks, I placed the key inside the box and placed the box inside my workbag. Before I had a chance to grab my bag, Max picked it up from the floor and carried it for me. Such a gentleman! It was hard to get used to sometimes, but I had to admit , I loved that kind of attention from him.

Before we parted ways at the office, Max reminded me he would pick me up for Thanksgiving dinner. Though I hadn’t forgotten, I was feeling a little bit nervous. Thanksgiving dinner was meant for family to spend time together, and I wasn’t sure if his parents wanted me there. Though Max had told me they had invited me, I was almost certain he told them he was bringing me.

Chapter 33

“Becky…you sure you don’t want me to take you to the airport tomorrow?” I asked, watching her place items inside her suitcase.

“No, I’ll take the taxi. It’s not a big deal.” Becky paced to the closet again. “I can’t believe I have nothing to wear.”

I started to giggle. “Yup…sometimes I feel the same way.”

Becky turned to me. “Didn’t we just go shopping recently? How is that possible?” She huffed and pulled a black sweater off the hanger. After folding it, she placed it inside her suitcase.

Sitting on her bed, next to her suitcase, I straightened some of her clothing items inside it. “You’re only going to see your parents, right?”

Becky slowly turned. “Yes…but one of my parents’ friends will be there with their son, whom I’ve had a crush on since high school. His name is Ryan. He was in college when I met him so he didn’t pay attention to me. Since the age difference doesn’t matter anymore…just maybe….” Becky paused. “Oh gosh…what if he has a girlfriend? Whatever…I’m just wearing whatever,” she giggled.

After she zipped her suitcase, she placed it by the front door. Then she plopped back onto the bed next to me. “Dinner with the Knight family, huh?”

I arched my brows. “Yeah,” I replied. My tone was half-excited and half-nervous.

“I’m glad you have Max while I’m off to see my parents. I’m sure he’ll take real good care of you.” The last sentence came off too playfully. “We should communicate more often. You’re here during Thanksgiving and I’m not. How did that happen?”

“I’m not sure. I think we didn’t think about it…you know what I mean.” I draped my arms around her.

“Don’t miss me too much while I’m gone, okay?” Becky hugged me back. “You know you have the whole apartment to yourself, so you can do whatever you like.” Her tone was playful, dragging out the word “whatever.”

Giggling, I told her to take her mind out of where mine was.

“You have changed, my dear. Max is bringing out the wild side in you. Little miss angel is turning into little miss devil.”

With wide eyes and stunned by her words, though I knew she was joking, I playfully pushed her off the bed.

**

Becky had taken Wednesday off and left early that morning, the day before Thanksgiving, and Max picked me up Thursday evening. Upon entering his home, his parents and Matthew greeted me with open arms. A few of his uncles, aunts, and cousins had also come to dinner. Max hadn’t told me there would be other relatives, but then again, it was Thanksgiving, so I guessed I should have assumed. But being an only child, and having cousins who were already married and had children of their own, our extended relatives didn’t get together for Thanksgiving.

Since the dining table could not accommodate the number of people in the household, long rectangular tables were set outside with outdoor heating lamps. Though it was dark, the pretty white lights that were hung in the surrounding area, like the ones you would hang on a Christmas tree, gave it a lovely ambiance, especially against the dark sky.

A table adjacent to where we sat was filled with plates full of Thanksgiving food—the biggest turkey I’d ever seen, ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, Caesar salad, cranberry sauce, gravy, and others I couldn’t remember from a quick glance. Being the eldest, Max was in charge of carving the turkey. Instead of being social, I stood around the corner where he couldn’t see me.

My eyes were set on his biceps. The way they flexed as he stretched his arm and pulled back, slicing through the turkey with the knife, while he bit down on his bottom lip as if he was concentrating, was too hot. I never thought carving a turkey could look this hot, but who was I kidding? Max could make just standing there look hot. Being hungry, I should be drooling over the turkey, but I was drooling over Max instead.

“Hey, Jenna. Are you going to fill your plate, or are you going to stare at my brother all night?” Matthew teased.

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Startled by having Matthew next to me, my heart leapt out of my chest and embarrassed warmth shot to my face.

Max, hearing Matthew’s words, peered up and caught my eyes. Flashing a satisfied grin, he slightly blushed and winked at me. “I’ll be right there, Jenna. Go fill your plate,” Max ordered.

Returning a shy smile, I took the plate Matthew offered and followed behind him.

Before we ate, we all stood around the table as Matthew said a prayer. “Thank you for our family and friends, and for this wonderful meal we are about to receive. Let us not forget how precious life is, and how every day should be lived to the fullest. And as families around the world gather around their tables to celebrate the meaning of this special day, let us not forgot the ones we loved that passed away; Grandma and Grandpa Knight, and others that meant….” He paused and got choked up.

Max looped his arm around his brother, and I wondered what that was about as he finished the prayer. Afterward, we all sat and started to eat. I had thought it may have been awkward for Matthew after that, but he played it cool as if nothing had happened and got back to being himself.

As dinner progressed, I thought Max’s relatives would ask me bunch of questions, but they mostly kept to themselves. With a smile here and there, they were friendly, but not overbearing, which I appreciated. We sat at a long table, perhaps the reason the conversations were limited.

“Do you have any plans for Christmas?” Matthew asked me after wiping his lips with a napkin.

“My parents live in San Francisco, so I’ll be visiting them for Christmas.” Max and I hadn’t spoken about what our Christmas schedule was like, so this was the first time he was notified that I would be gone.

“You’ll be gone for Christmas?” Max sounded surprised and disappointed.

My body stiffened when Max placed his hand on my right thigh, creating warmth as it spread when he slowly moved upward. Thank goodness the tablecloth was long enough to hide what he was doing. Even Matthew, who was very observant, couldn’t tell.

Placing my hand underneath the table on top of his, trying not to make it obvious, I tried to push it off me, but of course, as always, he was too strong. And if I budged a little bit more, I knew Matthew would know for sure that something was going on underneath the table. That would make me blush even more.

Sheepishly I shrugged my shoulders. “Sorry, I know we didn’t talk about this. Maybe…you can come with me?” I wasn’t sure what he would say or if he would even consider it, but I thought I’d ask anyway. After all, this would be a great opportunity to have Max meet my parents, since I didn’t know when I would see them afterward.

“Let’s talk about this later,” Max said as his eyes lit up brighter than the surrounding candlelight. His hand already on my thigh started to gingerly caress the area between my legs. I guessed he was really happy I’d asked him. The material of the sweater dress I was wearing wasn’t thick enough to protect me from Max’s pinky. It purposely stroked the sensitive area that flared the urge and heat. I had to make him stop. I was having a difficult time answering Matthew’s questions. Standing up abruptly, I excused myself to the restroom.

Hearing footsteps behind me, I didn’t think much of it, but when they followed me to the bathroom, I turned. With my back against the door, I peered up to see Max. His arms were flexed on both side of the doorframe as he pierced his eyes on me in hunger and want. I didn’t know why, but every time I was in the bubble of his arms like that, I withered from the strength of him, the dominant male side of him.

“I believe this is my stop,” he said softly, weakening me from just the sound of his voice that slid off his tongue like ice. Thankfully, the restroom was down the hallway, away from everyone else.

Quivering from recalling the words he had said to me before, I remembered how he had made me feel, and was making me feel at that moment. Back then I couldn’t do anything about it, but today was a different story.

“I think you should go in there with me,” I said playfully, gliding my hands up his dark grey sweater, feeling every curve and toned muscle.

Max leaned in to my right ear while placing his hand by the side of my breast. In a circular movement, his thumb rubbed against it, making me moan. “I’ve been wanting to do something with you all night.” His whispering hot breath sent erotic tingles to every inch of me, making my knees weak.

“To…do…what?” I asked, closing my eyes, enjoying his soft teasing nipping on the side of my neck.

“Invite me in and I’ll show you,” he dared, sucking my bottom lip, then biting it with his teeth, producing both pleasure and pain.

Somehow my hands found their way to his waist. With one hand behind me, I managed to find the doorknob and clicked it open, and with the other hand, I hooked his jeans belt loop with my finger and pulled him in.

Once inside, Max didn’t wait after he locked the door. He lightly slammed me against the wall and crushed my lips into his. His hand lifted my dress and sensually ran up my thigh to my G string behind, where he gripped my bu**ocks tightly. Then his hand shot up to my breast as he continued to devour my mouth as if I were his dinner.

With a yank, the right side of my bra was exposed. The cowlneck design of the dress made it easy access for him. Tugging my bra to the side, his tongue taunted my nipple, blazing more heat between my legs. When he sucked harder, I could not stand on my own two feet. Max pressed me against the wall with his hardness, and I could feel he was ready for me.

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“You want me inside you?” he breathed out of his mouth as he lowered himself to his knee. Lifting my left leg with his hand, my knees were bent and my vagina exposed. As he teased me with his tongue, I couldn’t take it anymore. With a hand full of his hair in my fist, I moaned while I covered my mouth with the other hand.

“Max…yes…please,” I whispered as my head thrashed from side to side. It was too much. I didn’t even know what I was saying at that point. Needing him inside me, I pulled him up and sucked his tongue the way he had done to my clitoris, and started to unbutton his jeans.

The anticipation of him being inside me was driving me crazy. I wanted and needed him, but a part of me was hesitant since we were in his parents’ house, and thoughts like “what if someone knocks on the door?” came to mind. But a part of me didn’t care. I wanted to do something I hadn’t done before, and the urge down there was burning, over powering any of my rational thoughts.

Still holding onto me, he turned on the faucet, letting the water run to cover up the sounds we were making. I took this opportunity to caress the front of his jeans. When Max moaned, it gave me pleasure knowing I could affect him so much just by touching him. As I wondered if we were really doing this in his parents’ house, the phone that was attached to his belt loop started to ring. Even after he turned the sound off, it kept vibrating. Irritatingly, the phone would not stop.

“You should get that,” I told Max, breathing heavily. “What if it’s an emergency?”

With a frustrated groan, Max picked it up. “Hello?” The look in his eyes said it all. His face turned pale and he walked out without a word, leaving me to wonder who was on the phone.

Max seemed distant toward me after the phone conversation, and though he sat next to me and smiled, something felt off. Thinking that I was worrying too much, I brushed it off, but I couldn’t help but wonder if Crystal had been on the phone. Using the excuse of being tired, Max and I left first, before the other guests. On the drive to my house, he was quiet too. Perhaps he was really tired, but he hadn’t seemed tired in the bathroom.

When he walked me to my apartment door, I couldn’t take it anymore. I had to ask the question that was on my mind. Peering up at him, I tried to read what his eyes were expressing. “Max, is everything okay?” I also wanted to ask him about Crystal, but I bit my tongue and shut her out of my mind. It would make me sound jealous, and I didn’t want to be that way.

Max didn’t answer at first. He looked at me tenderly and brushed my cheeks with his hands. “Everything is fine,” he said softly, running his thumb carefully along the line of my bottom lip.

“You can tell me anything, Max. It doesn’t seem like everything is fine. Is it work? Your family?” Instead of answering, he kissed me…deeply…passionately…to the point I wanted to rip off his clothes.

When he pulled back, the worried expression was still there, so I tried to lighten the mood. “Becky went home to her parents. Want to come in?” I asked shyly.

Max slowly curved his lips with that smirking expression I loved, then a second later, it was gone. “I’m feeling tired today. I promised to go golfing with Matthew early tomorrow morning. Why don’t we meet up Saturday or Sunday?”

I didn’t know why his rejection felt hurtful…perhaps because he had never turned me down before, not that I had offered many times…maybe just once.

“Hmm…sure.” I tried not to sound disappointed, but knowing something was wrong, I wanted to know what he was thinking and what it was that was bothering him so much.

“I’ll call you soon,” he said wearily. “Go inside so I know you’re safe.”

Opening my purse, I took out my key and opened the door. “Max—” I thought I’d try one last time.

Max jumped in before I could say another word. “It’s nothing, Jenna. Everything is fine. I’ll call you soon.”

There was nothing I could say after that. I wasn’t going to push more of his buttons and add more to whatever was going on. Since he’d assured me everything was fine, I began to wonder if he was getting tired of me and didn’t have the guts to tell me. But he wouldn’t have done what we did in the restroom if he felt that way. What troubled me the most was the phone call he’d received. There were many other times he had looked like that when he’d gotten a text, too. What was going on?

Chapter 34

The dark gray clouds spread across the sky, full and thick, getting ready to release more of what was already pouring. Shivering from the sight of lightning from my apartment window and the booming sound of thunder that always followed, I took a sip of my green tea.

“Come sit with us,” Becky said. She was sitting on the sofa with Nicole and Kate.

Kate was breast-feeding Kristen, her four-month-old daughter. Bringing her along meant she could stay longer, and we didn’t mind. She was a joy to have around. Kristen was a reminder that we were not ready to have children.

Gazing out the window, though not really looking at anything, my mind was on Max. We had spoken on the phone and he had texted every day, but something was not right…or was it just my imagination? After all, I’d only seen Luke once a week. Perhaps I was used to having Max around more since we both worked at the same place. Whatever the reason, I had to stop thinking negative thoughts. It wasn’t like he stopped paying attention to me. He was busy with work…or so he’d claimed.

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After I placed my mug down on the table, I sat next to Nicole. I couldn’t believe she was getting married…not the idea of her getting married, but the fact that it had happened so fast. One minute they were broken up, and the next week they were engaged. For me, it didn’t matter if she was with him or not. As long as he treated her well and she was happy, that was all that mattered to me.

“I was thinking after New Years, we can go shopping for bridesmaids dresses,” Nicole said, looking at each of us one by one.

“Sure,” Kate said, gazing into her daughter’s eyes while she was still feeding her. Kristen’s tiny hand was wrapped around Kate’s index finger. It was the sweetest thing I had ever seen.

“Just let me know,” Becky said, holding onto her mug of coffee. “So, do you ladies want to just hang out here all day and watch a movie on demand? I can order pizza. It’s pouring outside.”

“Let’s just do that. I don’t want to take Kristen out if I don’t have to,” Kate replied.

I didn’t blame her. The wind was howling, uplifting everything that got in the way. The weather channel said it would be like this all week. Tomorrow was Sunday. Hopefully, it meant till then.

“I’ll order the pizza,” I offered as I headed for my room to retrieve my phone. It was almost noon and I was starving. Grabbing my phone, I saw a text flash on my screen. One was from Luke, which I ignored. I guessed I should let him know I was officially seeing Max, but I didn’t want to talk to him, let alone text him, so I let it go. The other one was from Max. That made me smile…immensely.

Hello, my lady in red and my lunch buddy.

You’re too cute.

I know.

I guess you didn’t learn the word humble.

Haha…I invented the words arrogant, greatness, awesome, super.

Lol! I got it!

What are you doing?

My friends are over.

What are you wearing? G-string? Bathrobe? My T-shirt? Naked?

My face flushed.

You’ll have to come over to find out.

I don’t think your friends will like that.

True, and I don’t want to share you.

Then come over anytime. You have the key to my heart.

Awww…you’re so sweet.

I know.

Humble…be humble…lol!

But I was joking. I liked him just the way he was.

Don’t go outside today. It’s raining like it’s the end of the world.

You too.

I’ll let you go. Think of me touching, kissing, licking, and sucking all over your body.

His words were too hot. I felt a rush jolt between my legs as if he was actually there doing it.

Already feeling you!

I’m going to take a cold shower. Kissing you like crazy. TKLS

What’s TKLS?

Touching, kissing, licking, sucking.

Got it. Now I’m going to take a cold shower too.

Staring at his text, I knew I had imagined things for sure. I had worried for nothing…I hoped.

“Did you order pizza, Jenna? I’m starving,” Kate asked.

“Oh…I’m on it.” I snapped out of Max’s world and called for pizza.

**

With a good restful sleep, I got up early and decided that I was finally going to use the key Max had given me. He had told me many times before that he didn’t want to push me. Perhaps that was one of the reasons why he seemed a bit distant lately. Since it was early Sunday morning and knowing the likelihood of Max still being in bed, I wanted *****rprise him.

Leaving a note to let Becky know what I was doing, I slipped out of the apartment quietly. Making sure I had Max’s key, I drove to his place. As excitement brewed inside me, my heart pounded at the thought of how surprised Max would be. I knew he would be thrilled, so I was overly excited and could hardly contain myself from the anticipation of what I was doing.

As the elevator sped up to this floor, I held the key in my hand. When the door slid open, I stepped out and turned left. What I saw next dropped my jaw, turning my world upside down. Completely shocked, I froze as blood drained out of my body, and I felt my heart rip out of my chest.

A gorgeous blonde was striding down the hallway toward me…more like toward the elevator…buttoning her blouse. Upon seeing me, her eyes went to the key I held, and she plastered the biggest, satisfied, devious smirk on her face. Standing in front of me, she said, “You have one too. Well, you’re right on time. You must be his Sunday. Don’t forget the bananas, chocolate, and whipped cream. He really likes that.” Then she got on the elevator.

Had there been another penthouse on that floor, I wouldn’t have immediately thought she had come out of Max’s door. But knowing his was the only dwelling on that floor, I didn’t need to question it. Unable to breathe, the walls closed up on me and started to spin. As I gasped for air, I turned and pushed the elevator button with my trembling hand. I needed air. I needed to leave quickly, and get as far away from Max as possible.

Now it all was too clear…the texts and the phone calls. They had to have been from the blonde, and she must be Crystal. Max was…I couldn’t even say the word. All I could think at that point was how I wasn’t enough for him. Perhaps he needed someone more experienced, someone who could satisfy whatever his needs were.

Angrily pushing on the button, I felt unpleasant heat rush to my face, and I wanted to vomit as acid filled my stomach. Just as the elevator door opened, I heard Max’s voice.

“Crystal, you forgot your jacket!”