The Kiss

Hunter

I step out of the elevator and make my way to my car. I have my keys and my move is official.

“Mr. Abercrombie?” someone calls. I glance to my right and see Kiev. His law firm handles the bulk of our legal issues.

“Kiev. It’s good to see you?” I smile and shake his hand.

“Likewise, Mr. Abercrombie. I wasn’t aware you lived over this side.” He says.

“Just recently moved in. Do you live here? Maybe you can come over for a drink.”

“Thanks for the invite. However, I am only here to visit a friend.” He says, giving me one of his slick oily smiles and winks. I guess he is here to see a woman. Not surprising, since he is known to be a rakehell with women. We are not friends, but we do work together well enough when it comes to business matters. The man knows how to get what he wants from people, which makes him very useful.

“Oh, is that right?”

“Hunter!” Max shouts, interrupting our conversation. I shift slightly as Max approaches us. Shock registered on her face.

“Aww, Ms. Swallows. It’s nice to see you again so soon.” A broad grin spreads across my face as she nears me, but her face is twisted into a scowl.

“Are you stalking me?” She asks.

“Come on, now, Ms. Swallows. Where would I find the time?”

“You seem to have a lot of free time on your hands to harass me.” She spits.

“You may call it harassment. However, I call it concern for you and the company’s well-being.”

“Your concern is not wanted.” He says through gritted teeth. I smile. How can she be this beautiful even when she is angry?

“I wasn’t aware you two were friends,” Kiev interjects. She stops glaring at me and turns to Kiev, who has been looking at us, confused.

“Who would be friends with him?” Max frowns as she folds her arm.

“Do you two know each other?” I ask, confused.

“Not really. We only met tonight. However, we intend to get to know each other tonight, biblically.” She says as she looks at me and smirks as Kiev wraps his arms around her waist. My heart punches a hole in my chest. This isn’t happening. Not with this womanizing asshole. I know Max isn’t the type to get hurt, but I still don’t want to see her with him or any other man. If she believes she was going to sleep with him tonight, she can think again.

“Let’s go, Kiev. Hunter, never a pleasure seeing you.” Max says, pulling me from my thoughts.

“See you later, Mr. Abercrombie,” Kiev says before turning to catch up to her.

I have to stop them. My presence here alone should stop them. It happened the last time when she was in my apartment building. So, why isn’t she stopping now? Right, she doesn’t know I moved in yet, so she probably thinks I’m leaving. I should let her know. I look up and see they are already at the elevator.

“Max?”

“Hunter, I’m busy. Call my assistant if you want a meeting.” She says as she steps onto the elevator.

I sigh. She won’t listen to me. Even if I blurt it out, she will probably think I’m lying. What can I do now? I stop and think for a moment, and then it finally hits me. I may not be able to stop Max, but Kiev might be another story.

“Ah—-Kiev,” I call.

He stops and looks back at me.

“May I have a quick word with you?”

“Sure thing.” He nods, confusion marred on his face as Max glares at me. I flash her a quick smile.

“Let’s talk over there. Max, you can go up. This might take some time.”

“Don’t tell me what to do.” She glares at me as Kiev turns to her.

“I’ll be right back, doll, go up and make yourself sexier, if that’s even possible.”

He kisses her on her lips, causing me to groan internally. I hope my move puts an end to her fooling around with other men. I don’t think my heart can take much more of it.

“Okay, it’s the penthouse. I’ll be waiting.” She whispers something in his ear, then walks to the elevator. As it closes, she gives me the finger. I laugh. Why am I in love with this ridiculous woman?

“Mr. Abercrombie, you wanted to speak to me.” Kiev’s voice pulls me from my thoughts. I remove the smile from my face with a frown.

“Ahhh yes, Mr. Reinbach, I was wondering how many hours of billable work does my company provides your firm each year?”

He looks at me confused but answers.

“Thousands, you’re our biggest client.”

“Hmmm, so your firm would suffer if you were to lose those hours.”

“Yes, but why are you asking?”

“I’m just wondering if a woman is more important than your company?”

He looks at me confused for a moment, then back at the elevator, then back at me as he starts to put it together.

“Please apologize to Ms. Swallows for me. It seems something has come up.” I smile, happy he is quick on the uptake, and I don’t have to spell it out.

“I will do that. We should have a drink another time.”

“Certainly.”

We shake hands before he approaches his car, gets in, and drives off. I turn back to the elevator, ready to face Max, who is sure to be angry.

I ride the elevator anxious. I know she will blame me for Kiev leaving, but all she can do is make assumptions. The elevator door opens on what will be our floor, since I now live next door. Walking past my door, I approach hers, pressing the doorbell. After a couple of minutes, the door swings open. She is standing in lingerie and on her heels.

“It’s about time, did that asshole—” She stops as she looks at me, shocked. My eyes scan her body. This is the first time I’ve seen in lingerie and it’s better than I ever imagined. So this is what she wears for them. I bite my lips, feeling jealous, and turned on simultaneously.

“What are you doing here? Where’s Kiev?” I tear my eyes away from her body to look at her.

“He asked me to apologize. Something came up.” I say, trying not to give away my part in making him leave. But of course, she still suspects me.

“What did you do?” She asks. Her eyes shoot daggers at me. I look away, casting my eyes to the ground, pretending to be offended.

“How little do you think of me?”

“Very little. I know you did something.”

“I really had nothing to do with it.”

“So after being excited to get into my bed, you expect me to believe something suddenly came up after you were alone with him, and you had nothing to do with it?”

“Scout’s honor.” She rolls her eyes before walking away from the door. I follow her, closing the door behind me. She grabs a bottle of scotch and pours a glass before sagging into her couch. She takes a sip, then looks up at me.

“You delivered the message. What more do you want?”

“You left the door open.”

“I wasn’t inviting you in.” She growls.

“Should I leave?” She doesn’t answer but takes another sip. “What are you doing here, anyway?” She asks.

“You left your door,” I repeat.

“Not in my apartment. Why are you here? The building, you live across town.”

Here it is, the moment I have been waiting for. I can’t wait to see the look on her face. “I moved in today. I’m your new neighbor!” She jumps up, eyes wide.

“What!?” she screams.

“Surprise!”

“You must be joking.”

“I am not. I live right next door.” I say as I reach into my pockets and take out the key with the apartment design. She looks at it, eyes filled with horror, then horror slowly turns to anger.

“Move out now!” she demands.

“And break my lease. I’m sorry I can’t do that.”

“You are filthy rich. You can afford to break it.”

“Yeah, but it would not feel good. I always fulfill my contracts.”

“Bullshit!”

“It’s true. You can ask—”

“That’s not what I’m talking about. Not breaking your lease is a bullshit excuse. Why did you move in?”

“Wanted a change of scenery.”

“And that changed so happen to be next door to me? Ridiculous. I don’t want to live next door to you. I won’t allow it.”

“Well, there isn’t anything you can do.”

“I’ll buy the building and kick you out,” she says.

“You would still have to honor the lease I signed, per Chicago housing code.” She scowls.

“This is a violation of my personal space.”

“How do you figure?” I ask as she paces back and forth.

“I live here.” She says.

“And so do I.”

“Ugh, you ran off, Kiev, and now you’re telling me you live here. How am I supposed to have sex with you next do—?” She pauses as the realization washes over her face.

“That’s the point.” She says as she stops and turns to me. I smile innocently.

“I don’t know what you mean. I simply wanted a change of scenery, as previously stated.”

“Bullshit. You lying fuck.”

“Language, my love.”

“Don’t call me that and get the f**k out of my apartment.” I flash her a smile before turning to leave.

“See you around, love.” She raises her middle finger, which makes me laugh as I walk to the door. Once I am outside with the door closed behind me. I hear glass smashing against the door. I chuckle as I head back to my apartment.

After she left my apartment that night, my mind began churning. Since my presence prevented her from having sex that night. I wondered how effective would it be if I lived in the same building as her. Luckily, the apartment next door had just become available.

Within a day, I was ready to move in. I smile at my initial success. Now that she knew I lived next door, she cannot have sex with other men. My first step in winning her heart.

A week later.

“You did what?” My brother asks as I recall my latest actions in the bid to make Max fall in love with me while we play pool at Billy’s, our usual spot.

“I moved in next door,” I reply, taking another swig of my whiskey.

“Hunt…” Trig says, clearly disapproving.

“I know, but she has brought no one home in a week.”

“How do you know? Are you stalking her?”

“Of course not. I asked Norman, the doorman.”

“So you have people stalking her?”

“He watches the door, not her, and that’s not the point. The point is, it seems to be working. "

He sighs. “Just because she isn’t bringing them home does not mean she isn’t having sex. There’s always his place.”

“She likes control too much to go home with a man.”

“Wasn’t she going home with Danvers when you saw her in your building? Plus, there are plenty of hotels, and she is loaded.” I frown before picking up my pool cue.

“So I haven’t blocked all of her options, still it is a minor victory.”

He sighs and shakes his head.

“Have you gotten any closer to her, at least?” I sink the eight ball before turning back to him.

“No, she keeps her claws out when I try to approach her.”

“The man trying to steal her company suddenly moves next door. I can’t imagine what her reservations are.” I frown, annoyed. He’s my brother, but he never seems to be on my side.

“I’m not trying to steal her company, I’m trying to..”

“Monitor my vagina.” I jump at the sound of her voice. I look at Trig, currently grinning, who must have seen her approaching me. I want to punch him right, but now I was about to say I love her. What would I have done if she had heard me? She can’t know until she at least feels something for me other than hatred. I glare at Trig, annoyed he didn’t warn me before I turn to her.

“Now Max, I’m not trying to monitor your… ah, I’m just looking out for the interest of your company.”

“So you claim, but you have yet to show me the correlation between me spreading my legs for who I please and the success or failure of my company.” She glares at me as Trig bursts into fits of laughter. She turns to him and smiles. Although I have known her for years, Trig, who has been traveling and living like a nomad for the last seven years, has yet to meet her.

“Max Swallows.”

“Trig Abercrombie.”

“Oh, right, the good Abercrombie brother.” She says with a smile.

Trig furrows his brows. “The good brother?”

“Well, if you are related to this one, you are the good one by default.” I frown as Trig bursts out laughing.

“I’m the good one. Ask our parents, they will tell you.”

“Unfortunately, my brother is correct. He’s the straight-A student who stayed and took over the company, and I’m the black sheep who spends the money.”

“So you’re also the fun one? You should teach Hunter how to have fun when you get the chance.”

“Trust me, I have tried.”

“So he’s a lost cause?” She asks.

“I’m afraid so.” He looks over at me smiling and chuckles and little harder when he sees my scowling face.

“So Max. You’re the woman that has been driving my brother crazy?”

My mouth drops open slightly. I’m going to kill him.

“I—” I begin when Max interjects.

“I think you have it wrong. It’s your brother who’s driving me crazy.”

“I do not doubt that. I grew up with him, after all.”

“I am truly sorry for that misfortune. I’ve only known him for five years and it’s been 5 long years.”

“Imagine 32.”

“Oh, you poor thing. I’m surprised you’re still sane,” she says.

“Liquor helps.” She chuckles.

I frown. She never laughs like this when she talks to me. I feel a stab of jealousy run through my body. Why doesn’t she laugh like that around me? Stupid question. I already know the answer. She hates me. I felt dejected, but I shake off the feeling. I’m going to change that and I can begin tonight.

“So, Max, what are you doing here?” I ask. She turns away from Trig and turns to me, and that simple move sends my heart racing. There is no doubt I am in love with her.

“If you must know, I’m meeting friends. They seem to be running a little late. I’ll find a table a wait for them. You men can return to your game.”

My heart drops. She’s leaving already. I want her to stay. This is one of the few times I get to be around her when she is not snapping at me. Even if she is just talking to Trig, but if I ask her to stay, it will only make her want to leave.

“Oh, great. Why don’t you join us for a round?” Trig asks.

I smile at him, knowing he asked because of me. Finally, he’s being a supportive brother.

“Are you sure? I don’t want to impose,” she says.

“It’s no imposition. Please, I’ll buy you whatever you want to drink.” I say, much too eagerly, making Trig chuckle. I feel my cheeks getting hot as Max eyes me.

“As my brother said, it’s no imposition, plus I hear he’s been imposing on your quite a bit.” I glare at him, the thankfulness I felt earlier now gone. I’ll have to stop confiding in this traitor.

“So he’s told you? I was thinking he was rather shameless in his actions. You know, shame?”

“I have nothing to be ashamed of. I’m looking out for the company. I have never meant to impose on your life.”

“Oh? Does that mean you will move out, then?”

“Not a chance,” I say.

She clenches her fist. “How can you have no intentions of imposing on my life and then say you won’t move out in the same breath?”

“How is my living there an imposition? I live next door, not in your apartment.”

“You know why. I haven’t been able to bring anyone home since you moved in.” I try not to smile, but I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face.

“Oh, that’s too bad,” I say when suddenly a tall, attractive man approaches her and pulls her into his arms. Who is this? I scowl as she stiffens at first, but relaxes when she sees his face.

“Hi, love.”

He releases her and then gives her a quick peck on her lips. I feel my heart ripping out as I witness the naturalness of their relationship. I thought she didn’t get close to men, yet they seem like lovers.

“Finally, you’re here. Where is everyone else?” she says.

“At the bar.” He says.

“Good, you owe me a drink. Your tardiness forced me to converse with an asshole.” She flashes a smile at Trig. “Not you, of course.”

“I know. I’m aware Hunter hasn’t been easy to deal with,” Trig says.

“That’s an understatement.”

“Hunter? This is Hunter?” The man asks as he stares at me with daggers in his eyes.

“Yes, this is him,” Max says, and from the scowl on his face, I can see Max has passed on her distaste for me to him.

“Hunter Abercrombie,” I say, introducing myself. I reach out to shake his hands; he eyes it before finally taking it.

“Scott Whitfield.” He replies. Scott Whitfield. I play his name over in my head, wondering if he’s in our business, but his name does not ring a bell.

“So how do you know our lovely Max?”

“Who is your Max? And why are you asking him how I know him? It’s none of your—”

“We’re childhood friends,” Scott replies. Max frowns, annoyed that he told me, but the news makes me happy. He’s just a friend.

“It’s great to meet one of Max’s friends. It’s hard to imagine what she was like as a child. If you have time, I would love to know what she was like as a child.” I grin, genuinely interested in learning about the woman I love, but of course, she won’t have it.

“While I am sure that would be time well spent, I have taken enough of your time and our friends are waiting.”

“I could join you. Don’t worry, Max, I enjoy spending time with you.” I say. My first attempt at flirting with her, but it seems to have failed miserably as she glares in return.

“I’m sorry we don’t have the space to accommodate you, right, Scott?” My shoulder drops.

“It’s a large enough bar. I’m sure we can find a booth to accommodate all of us.”

Max glares at him, but he doesn’t see it. I smile, grateful that he threw me a bone.

“Great! I’ll buy you all a round.” I say before Max can come up with another excuse.

Scott grins, throwing his arms over my shoulder. “Max, why did you say he was an asshole? He seems quite good to me.” She grits her teeth as she smiles.

“Does he? Maybe I should get you two a room.” She spits before spinning and stalking over to the bar.

Scott laughs. “She doesn’t like you much, does she?”

“No.” I sigh.

“Well, as long as you’re paying, you’re cool with me. Let’s go.” Scott, Trig, and I follow behind Max as she makes her way over to her friends. I watch her hips sway in the dress. I wonder when I’ll be able to have those thighs wrapped around me. I groan as we approach her group of friends.

******

Max

I watch as these traitors, who I used to call my friends, all suck up to Hunter as he buys them endless rounds of drinks. I take a shot of vodka on my 8th or maybe 9th. I don’t remember I stopped counting after 5.

I’m annoyed as I look over to Ezra whispering something to Scott, who grabs Hunter in some form of bear hug. All I wanted was a night out with my friends after another sexless week. Instead, I run into the cause of all my problems.

Ever since Hunter moved in, I’ve been unable to have sex. The men I sleep with rarely had a place decent enough that I wanted to step my foot in, and paying for a hotel room to have sex annoys me. Why shouldn’t I be able to have sex in my bed in my apartment that I am paying for? What right does he have to move into my apartment? Now all my erections would die knowing he’s right next door. I scream before downing another shot.

“Hey, take it easy.” I look over to see Hunter standing beside me, concern in his eyes. I scowl at him. He’s the last person I want to see right now.

“Don’t tell me what to do,” I shout, pointing at him. I’m sure my words are slurring by now.

“You’ve had enough, Max.”

“I’ll decide when I have enough. You… you… you giant cockblocker..”

I sigh, resting my head on the bar top and closing my eyes. I can’t remember the last time I was this drunk, maybe after my app received its first major investor. I close my eyes, recalling the night out Hunter Abercrombie had just agreed to invest in my app. We ended up at the same bar that night, and after over a dozen drinks, I was shit-faced.

I don’t remember much, but I remember propositioning him. I will never forget the look of disgust on his face as he rejected me. Asshole, I thought, as if I’m not good enough for him. He would be lucky to have me. I open my eyes to tell him as much, but he’s no longer standing beside me, just as well I hate him. I close my eyes again, but before my mind can drift off, I feel a tap on my shoulder.

I jerk up, opening my eyes.

“Bite me, Hun..” I stop when I realize it’s Scott.

“We’re heading out, are you ok? Need me to call a cab?” I glare at him. He’s supposed to be my brother, to fight my fights and hate my enemies. But tonight he spent his time laughing it up with my arch nemesis. “Why do you care? Go tell your best friend, Hunter Abercrombie.”

I stick my finger in his chest, sliding from the stool. I feel myself falling before getting caught by two strong, muscular arms. I like the feel of these arms and he smells divine. I put on my best seductive smile as he lifts me.

“Hi there, big boy. Do you want to—” The person looks down at me. Hunter?! anger boils in my chest. Why is it always him? I inhale his cologne and feel my insides getting twisted by the black orchid scent and his natural musk. What the hell:? I need to get away from him.

“Put me down!” I demand.

“I’ll take her home.”

“To hell, you will!” I shout, but he doesn’t listen as he says his goodbyes and head toward the door.

“Put me down!” I shout again, as I try to wiggle free, but he holds me tightly. Pressing me against his hard chest. I feel my heart pounding suddenly from the closeness. I don’t like the way my body is reacting. I need him to let me go.

“Help! Help!” I start to shout. He stops as we step through the bar door into the chilly night.

“Max, behave. I’m just taking you home.”

“I don’t want you to. Just put me down. I can find a way home by myself.”

“No. You’re drunk, and I won’t feel okay if I don’t know how you go home.” His words are simple, but they send my heart racing a thousand beats per second. This is dangerous. I need to put distance between us. I grab his shirt.

“Put me down or I’m going to scream.” I open my mouth to scream, but no sound comes out as his lips crash down on mine. I push him away, trying to fight him off, but he just uses this moment to slip his tongue into my mouth. I resist as much as possible, but my head feels light as I melt into his lips. My hands release his shirt, then slip around his neck, pulling him closer.