Page 56 of The Sidekick

“You have blackmail on me, too. Get over it.”

“You’re right,” I agree and smirk. “Like, why you’re really on vacation? Or the fact that you’re not really a bodyguard? Hmm, what else…”

He glares back at me, “Not another word until it’s my turn. A deal is a deal.”

I wish I could do a good villain cackle right now. My voice chokes out before I can needle him further.

Max has just come out of the house with a trash bag, looking like his usual grumpy self. He’s in a pair of low-slung pants and nothing else, barefoot, as he stomps to the waiting can on the sidewalk. I have a chance to look at the changes in his achingly familiar form. He’s lost a little weight, but his muscles are bigger. Did he take up weight training?

“Get your ass out there and put him out of his misery.”

“Misery? I thought I was supposed to tell him to kiss my butt?” I’m confused about what this mission is supposed to be now.

“Do you want to?” He asks me seriously.

“No. I want to hug the crap out of him.”

“Bye, Tera.”

“You’re not going to drive away and leave me here, are you?” I narrow my eyes at him.

“Of course not. Now, you don’t have to be mean but don’t take any shit. If it looks like he’s going to get violent, I’m saved in your phone.”

“I don’t think he’ll-”

“Don’t interrupt me. Don’t go all submissive and give in to anything he wants. You need to set firm ground rules before you jump his bones.”

“I hate you right now. I’m not going to-”

“Don’t interrupt me. You’ve done all your reading or studying or whatever on being submissive. You’re in control here, not him or anyone else. No jumping in feet first, got it?”

I stare at him.

“Do you got it?” He asks again with a raised brow.

“Sorry, I was just making sure you were done,” I sass him.

“Get out of the car, smartass.”

I stick my tongue out at him and get out. The door has barely shut behind me when he revs the engine and takes off with a sharp squeal of wheels on pavement. I stand there gaping as the smoke from the tires settles around me. That jerk had better buy me new tires after that stunt.

And he just left me! In my car!

“Tera?” A hoarse voice calls from across the street.

It pulls my attention from the long-gone car over to Max. He’s standing at the curb, staring at me with his fists clenched at his sides. His muscles are tense as if he’s ready to attack me. That doesn’t bode well.

“Hi,” I mutter with a tiny wave at waist height.

He starts cursing as he marches towards me with determination. He doesn’t stop to check if cars are coming, his litany of cuss words following behind him like a dark cloud on the breeze. Once he reaches me, he doesn’t hesitate to wrap his arms around me and bury his face in my neck.

The warmth and comfort that washes over me causes my whole body to sag in his embrace. I melt into him without thought, enjoying the sensations greedily after being away for so long. It’s been too long since someone gave me something as simple as a hug. I had to learn how to self-soothe instead.

When I realize what I’m doing, I stiffen up. I’m falling right back into old habits. Jumping in feet first without checking the water. I promised myself I wouldn’t do that again, and I’m failing at my first test? No way.

I lift my hands feebly and pat his sides, refusing to return the sudden strangling hug.

Babygirl,

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