Page 40 of A Little Too Forward

Watching Max move around, even if it is at a slower-than-normal speed, relieves some of the tension in my chest. I’ve been functioning on autopilot since the hospital, only focusing on getting Max the care he needs and moving him from one safe space to another.

Now that we’re here, I feel a sense of peace at being surrounded by all his things. The space is very modern and open, but there are splashes of colour that add that unique Max touch.

“Could you grab me a bottle of water from the fridge? I’m going to lie down.”

“Are you okay? Are you feeling dizzy? Maybe I should call the doctor.” My questioning is rapid-fire, not allowing him any time to answer before I’m reaching for my phone.

“Stop. I’m fine. Just tired from all the action tonight.”

“You’re sure? You’re not lying to me to stop me from fussing, are you?”

“Would that make you stop?”

I think for a second. “No, probably not.”

Max gives me a small chuckle, then winces. “I promise I’m fine. Just tired.”

“Okay,” I give in, dragging out the word. Then, he disappears around the corner.

Standing in the hallway like an idiot, I glance around, trying to figure out which way the kitchen is. It takes me an embarrassingly long time to find it, but damn, it’s a nice space. State-of-the-art everything with marble countertops. I run my hand along the cool surface and circle the space.

I stop dead in my tracks.

“No way.”

There’s an entire wall of the kitchen that’s floor-to-ceiling windows. Through the glass, LED lights twinkle in his backyard and show the gently falling snow. Yet it’s the choppy water in the distance that has me frozen in place. It’s one of the prettiest views I’ve ever seen.

And this is in the dark. I can’t imagine the impact this view would have on me in the light of day.

I must stand there for a full five minutes before I remember what I was doing. Spinning on my socked foot, I head for the fridge. There are two types of water sorted on the shelves, and I have to roll my eyes at that. It’s water. Who cares about the brand?

With one bottle under my arm, I start opening cabinets, hoping to find a bottle of Tylenol or another pain reliever. I open every cabinet and drawer but find nothing. Annoyed at not finding what I want, I head back to the fridge but this time open the freezer.

If I can’t get him a pain reliever right away, then this compress on his neck will help with some of the discomfort.

With a hurried step, I head out of the kitchen and follow the hallway Max disappeared down. That leads me absolutely nowhere but to utter confusion. He either went upstairs or down two of these hallways.

“Max?” I call out, hoping he can hear me and give me some indication of where he is in this massive house. My instinct is to go upstairs, but I’m second-guessing myself because of his state of exhaustion. Could he have gone down one of these hallways and crashed on a couch? Are there bedrooms down here?

“For crying out loud,” I chastise myself. I’m being ridiculous.

Stomping up the stairs, I then begin my door-to-door search for Max’s bedroom. I finally find him at the end of the hall in the largest room I’ve seen.

He’s changed out of his training clothes and put on a loose sweatshirt and pants. Not even leisure clothes can hide the wide breadth of his shoulders and the power in his arms. The dark heather-grey colour really brings out his blue eyes…and the heavy bags beneath them.

“Here’s your water, and I brought you an ice pack to put on your neck. Whenever I have a bad headache, I always find that helps.” I pass over both items. Wringing my hands, I’m at a loss for what to do next. “Umm, do you have a medicine cabinet or something where I could find pain relievers? Or should I get some delivered?”

“I think I have some in the bathroom.” He points across the room. “In the…no. Under the sink.”

At this point, I didn’t think anything else in this house would stun me, but I’m wrong. As soon as I see the huge Jacuzzi tub he has, I stop what I’m doing and stare at it dreamily.

“Did you find it?” Max calls, probably because I’m taking too long. I spring back into action, jumping toward the vanity. Luckily, I find the bottle I’m looking for right away.

“Here we go,” I say breathlessly, striding back into the room. Uncapping the bottle, I pour out two pills and hand them to him. Max swallows them easily, then sinks down further into his sheets.

“Sorry, babe, I’m going to pass out in a second. Make yourself at home. There’s lots of…stuff…in the fridge…” His eyes flutter closed, and his breathing evens out.

I bite my lip, trying to stop the laugh that’s building in my chest. Max looks adorable, sound asleep, cuddled up tight in his designer sheets. At least, that’s what I’m assuming they are.

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