It was exactly 8 PM when I got out of the house to go over to Max's place. The rain was pelting down hard, and I didn't have an umbrella, so I got drenched pretty badly.His eyes widened in surprise when he pulled open the door and saw me standing there, all wet and shivering. “My goodness, Elaine,” he gasped, pulling me inside at once and holding me close, getting himself wet as well. “What's wrong with you? Why didn't you come with an umbrella?”I wanted to tell him I didn't have one but he was already dragging me with him toward the stairs. “You naughty girl. Don't you care about yourself? Come on, let's get you cleaned up.”“Wait — ” I clamped a hand on his wrist to stop him. He swiveled around, a look of relief crossing his face when I crashed my lips against his. Groaning, I locked my arms around his neck, shoving my tongue out to meet his. We savored each other's mouths, our lips moving in sync for a few minutes before I drew back for air. “I'm so sorry,” I blurted out honestly
“And there you are, all glammed up!" Jessy cooed excitedly as she helped me apply some cherry-scented lip gloss. She drew back to let me stand and take a full look at myself in her vanity mirror and I gasped, tongue-tied.The gold-colored, short, sequinned dress she'd lent me stuck to my body like a second skin, the sharp slit at the side exposing my shiny, porcelain thighs. My hair was rolled up into a curt bun, and a glittering tiara was balanced on my head with studded diamonds. Jessy had also given me her personal crystal bangles and expensive necklace. I felt like a midnight queen. The gown was strapless, and my makeup was completely top-notch. I was buzzing with nerves and happiness. I'd never looked so... glorious and to think it'd taken the whole day for me to get ready. I hadn't caught a glimpse of Max since the day started, and I knew he missed me as well.I turned to her with tears streaming down my eyes. I didn't care if it would ruin my makeup or not. “I can't even — ”Sh
MaxLeading Elaine into the tastefully decorated living room, my jaw went slack at how sizzling the atmosphere was. The entire room was set into a lovely Amazon theme and I was really impressed with the decoration company. We caught sight of Jessy and Samson making their way over slowly, due to Jessy's pregnancy. She looked radiant in a long, silver gown with no make-up and her hair cascading down her shoulders. Elaine took her arm from Samson and looped hers through it. They both smiled at each other and giggled.Seemed like they'd hit it off quite better than I imagined.“Attaboy,” Samson patted my back fondly as he leaned against the bar counter. “Your girl looks stunning tonight. I'm surprised that she bodied that dress quite well.”“Yeah,” I mumbled, distracted by the way Elaine threw her head back as she laughed. So tender and gracious.“Quit staring now, and tell me what you'd like to drink. Hey, John,” he waved at the waiter, snapping his finger for him to come forward. “I'll
Max The party began winding down a little past midnight. Jessy and Samson had already retired upstairs to tuck the kids in, while Ryan and Elaine gossiped in low tones as they shuffled their feet on the dance floor. Everyone was exhausted but happy, and while I observed things from my position beside the bar counter, I realized that for the first time in years I was enjoying this, and it was all thanks to the lovely woman whispering in my best friend's ear at the moment. “Well, this is sickening,” Manny snorted, no doubt following my gaze to the dance floor. “I haven't seen you look so smitten over a woman before. And it's...quite odd.” I turned to him with a glare. “Shut up.” He nudged my side. “Can't blame you, man. She's lovely.” I shrugged. “Tell me something I don't know.” We both lapsed into silence once again, watching her. “It must be a weird feeling for you, right? I mean, falling in love with someone wholeheartedly for the first time.” “Yeah,” I nodded without looking
Elaine I lay naked beside Max, listening to him snore softly while my heart hammered wildly against my ribcage. It was a dreary Monday morning and we'd just gotten back from San Francisco where we had fun over the weekend. I'd called Cora before we alighted the plane to sleep with Finn for the night and make sure he didn't come out while I figured out a way to tell Max. I couldn't hide it from him any longer. The bond we shared at this point was too sacred, too important for deception. All through last week, working beside him at the office was bliss. He became more understanding, more patient, and more professional, and we snuck in a lot of kisses between edits. It had become natural to wake up beside him every morning. It felt more than right. I sucked in a deep breath, bracing myself for what I was about to do. I even muttered a silent prayer before shaking him lightly. “Hey, Max.” “Huh?” he replied sleepily, turning to face me. “Sweetheart. What's wrong?” I swallowed a hard lu
ElaineIt was a little past five when I left the house with Finn for some fun time at an amusement park nearby. Cora was flunked with work, and needed the space. I needed to clear my head off my wandering thoughts about Max. He still hadn't called, and I wasn't expecting that he'd listened to my voicemail as well. Right now, I was trying to see the bright side of things and spend time with my little man.I'd also called up Jessy to narrate what had transpired between Max and I, as well as promise to have the dress she borrowed me washed, ironed and returned tomorrow. She was sympathetic, and offered to help talk to Max but I declined. I needed him to truly forgive and come for me this time, and not because he felt pressured to do so.“Careful, sweetheart,” I called out to Finn as he raced around with little, gangly kids his age. The evening breeze soothed my skin and helped me process my thoughts more clearly. Plus, I felt a certain kind of peace I'd never experienced before, even tho
Max Thirty minutes later, I pulled up in front of Samson's mansion and got out, taking the elevator up to the top floor. It was almost seven PM so Jessy was preparing dinner in the kitchen, while the kids were probably sleeping in their room, judging by how peaceful the entire house was. I met Samson perusing some paperwork in his study. He glanced up when I walked in. “Have a seat, please.” I rolled my eyes as I plopped down on the swivel, leather chair across. “Make it snappy, I need to go rest. What did you want to discuss with me that you couldn't wait till tomorrow?” He smirked, then gestured to the leather couch at the corner. “Father?” I jumped in fright when I detected a movement in the darkness, Dad's mischievous face was the first thing I saw. “Holy fuck. Good evening, Father. Didn't see you when I walked in.” “It's fine," he nodded, placing a hand on my shoulder. I stand still as he turned and sauntered over to the window, taking a peek out at the vast compound below. “
Elaine I blew out a breath as I glanced out the window, and down the road, anxious. We just finished having dinner, and Cora was helping Finn with his homework. It was a little past eight, but I was still holding out hope that Max would show up. I'd sent him two texts already, asking if he could still make it, and although he didn't reply to them, the two arrows signified that he'd seen it. I'd have preferred it if he'd just called and we discuss things on phone. But this situation required a physical meeting. At least, I thought it did. I was almost half-dozing when I heard the sound of a car pulling up just outside the fence, close to the gate. I peered out the window, relieved to see the familiar Aston Martini. He made it! I couldn't even find the right words to express my relief. As well as the sudden spike in adrenaline. Fuck. I quickly ran into the kitchen and tapped Cora's shoulder hastily. She whipped her head from Finn's book to me and I leaned down to whisper in her ear