272

MAXINE

The moment he saw me enter, a smile lit up his face. "Good morning, Maxine," he says, his voice sounding as smooth as silk.

"Morning," I replied, forcing a smile. I have to be strong. I have to play my part.

He rose from his seat, crossing the room with that easy grace of his. His eyes never left mine for even a second. "You look beautiful," he muttered, reaching out to brush a strand of hair from my face. I felt a shiver run down my spine.

I hate myself for it. I needed to stay focused.

"Thank you," I say. I saw the way his eyes darkened with amusement. I forced myself to relax. I couldn't let him see how much he was getting to me.

"I’ve been thinking," he said, his hand playing with my hair. "I think we could be good together, Maxine. Don’t you?"

I swallowed hard as he stepped closer, invading all of my senses. I didn't want to think about how his body felt nice against mine. I didn't want to feel the way his touch made my skin tingle. But I did. I couldn't help it.

"I think,