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I shake my head. And I think that’s it, but then I open my mouth. “You made me smile.”
“I’m good at making people smile. And I’m good at having fun, and being friends. I like you, and I think you like me. We could have fun this weekend and just see what happens.”
“And that’s all you want? When did you split up with Caroline?”
“What does she have to do with it?”
“Because I get the sense you’re not a just see what happens type of guy. I get the sense that you’re an all-in-or-nothing type of guy. But if it’s recent with Caroline, then maybe you’re just looking for a quick weekend thing. If not…” I meet his dark gaze.
Max grunts. “You don’t waste any time getting a read on people, do you?”
“Trick of the trade,” I tell him coolly.
“It’s been almost two years since Caroline dumped me,” he admits.
If he hasn’t had a relationship since then, Maximus Steele is ready to start again. More than ready—eager, excited and looking for someone.
That someone should not be me.
I’m a closed-off workaholic with walls taller than the ceilings of this condo. There is no way Max, or anyone, will be able to bust through in the short span of a weekend, let alone a year of weekends.
But why then, do I have this pang in a corner of my heart thinking of Max with someone who isn’t me?
I’m relieved with the door opens and Nick and Dexter step out, both carrying plates. “Got a little dicey in there with the toast,” Nick says in a hearty voice, reverently placing a plate before me. “But I managed to get it to the optimal toast colour.”
“It looks beautiful,” I assure him, and turn to Dexter. “Thank you for making me breakfast.”
Dexter smiles shyly and takes the seat beside Max. “The boat is meeting us in an hour, so we’ve got some time.”
“Boat?” At my confused expression, Max looks contrite.
“I forgot to tell you last night. We booked a snorkeling excursion for this afternoon. Come with us.”
The offer has me automatically shaking my head. “No thanks.”
“Come,” Dexter urges. “It’s gorgeous out there. You might like me after a day on a boat.”
“Thanks,” I smile tightly. There is no way I’m stepping foot on a boat. Getting me into the water would be enough effort. “I’ll stay here. I have a book.”
Max raises an eyebrow. “Are you planning on reading that book?”
“I usually don’t have a lot of time for reading, so it’s time I start.”
26
Maximus
“Ilike her,” Dex says later as we walk down the beach to where the boat will meet us. “Even though I’m a little frightened of her.”
Cady saw us to the door with a smile, promising to take care of the breakfast cleanup. I felt bad for leaving her, but she clearly had no intention of coming with us.
“You should never be scared of your woman,” Nick says heartily. “Except if they dress in black leather and want to paddle your ass. I can totally see Cady with a whip, by the way.”
“She’s intense,” I say. The image of Cady, red hair in a high ponytail, wearing skintight black leather and brandishing a whip, makes my balls tighten. Not that I’m into that, but anything to do with Cady makes my balls tighten.
“She thought you brought her down for a foursome,” Nick guffaws. “I thought she was going to nail you one for sure.”
“I get why she thought that now,” Dex adds. “If that’s what she’s used to.”
