Max
“WHAT MADE YOU change your mind?” Alina’s soft tenor startled me. I’d been so engrossed with my e-mail I’d barely said two words since we’d hailed the cab. I insisted I accompany her to the office, using the excuse of having to run errands close by.
When I turned to look at her, she was smiling, and I felt like an ass for practically ignoring her, although it hadn’t been on purpose. I had news I wanted to share but needed to make sure everything fell into place before I brought it up.
I returned her lightheartedness, pulling her hand into my lap. “About what?”
“About us.” Tension flowed from her hand into mine.
“I never stopped wanting you, Alina. I was just pissed off and needed space. I’m sorry if I made you second guess my affection for you.” Her expression faltered. I knew she was trying to appear unaffected, but I’d obviously worried her enough for her to broach the topic. “Besides I have someone who always talks sense into me when I’m irrational. Although, if you ever tell my brother that, I’ll vehemently deny it.” Relaxing into the seat, I realized how lucky I was this woman had come into my life. I’d been drowning in loneliness until she came along, meaningless one-night stands to help take away the sting of solitude.
Since my marriage ended, I’d vowed never to get close to anyone again, instead having a mutual understanding with the women I dated. But as soon as Alina Winthrop invaded my world, I was more than intrigued. She wasn’t like anyone else I’d ever met, and while I mistook her need to initially go along with her father’s every wish as a weakness, I now saw it as a feat of strength. She had goals set bigger than her own happiness, and I had to admire that, even if I didn’t like it. Of course, it was easier to come to all these conclusions since she’d chosen to be with me, but they existed all the same.
“I’d love to meet this brother of yours. At least someone in your family has some sense about them,” she jested.
“You will. Besides, Hal’s anxious to meet you as well.”
“Oh, he knows about me?” She bumped my shoulder with hers. “What have you told him?”
Careful not to appear whipped, I glossed over the part about how I knew in my heart she was the one and revealed other truths instead.
“I told him how beautiful and sexy you are.” She blushed, the innocent reaction making her even more gorgeous. “I told him you’re smart and loyal to a fault, which is both good and bad.” She rolled her eyes. “And I told him how much of an animal you are in the sack.”
Alina’s eyes practically bugged out of her head. I’d said the last point without a flicker of hesitation.
“Please tell me you didn’t say that.” She was mortified, her blush turning crimson.
“Why not? It’s the truth, isn’t it? You’re wild in bed. The way you let me tie you to the headboard. And let’s not forget your closet full of sex toys. I mean, come on, what else can a guy ask for?” I glanced at the driver and saw he kept looking back at us in his mirror every few seconds. Alina noticed as well and yanked her hand out of mine, scooching toward the far side of the cab.
“He’s not serious,” she shouted to the cabbie, hitting me on the arm in frustration. “You didn’t really tell your brother that, did you? ’Cause it’s not true.”
“Not yet it’s not.”
The driver laughed, and Alina glared at me in response.
“You’re an ass.” She tried to keep a straight face but failed, gifting me a flash of smile as she turned her head to look out the window.
I leaned over and kissed her neck. “That’s why you love me so.” The words slipped out without thought but thankfully, she didn’t make things awkward, instead turning to give me a quick kiss.
My phone dinged with an incoming text. Pulling my attention from Alina, I swiped the screen and read the message. My sudden grin had Alina all sorts of intrigued.
“What is it?”
“News I’ve been waiting on.” A moment passed in silence.
“Well, are you going to tell me?”
“Soon. I promise. But first, how about we go out after you’re done with work. Maybe grab some dinner?”
She scrunched up her nose. “I already have plans with Daria. How about drinks afterward?”
I didn’t know anything about her plans, and it was hard not to fire a million questions at her, suddenly becoming possessive over her time. But I knew it would be a bad move, so I didn’t say anything, instead keeping my craziness to myself.
“How about Hal and I meet you two for dinner? Would that be okay?”
Alina nodded. “Of course. I’m sure Daria won’t mind.”
“Do you mind?” I needed to know if she viewed my suggestion as an intrusion.
“Of course not. If it were up to me, I’d hole up with you for the next week, twenty-four seven, but I do have to make sure I don’t alienate myself from everyone else.” She laughed, but there was truth behind her words, and I was grateful she seemed to be in the same boat I found myself in. Crazy to spend time together. All I wanted to do was steal her away from the rest of the world, but I knew it wasn’t possible.
Or obviously sane.