Page 35 of Maximum Dare
Ted’s assistant approached me to return my handbag.
I noticed that Max was staring at me intently, tilting his head as though he were intrigued. Maybe he was trying to work out what his brother saw in me. Or maybe he was trying to look into my soul. That’s what it felt like when Max Marquis’ focus was solely on you.
He knows. He knows you’re falling for him.
“I have to go now.” I pivoted and hurried toward the lift.
Ted called after me, “You don’t want to stay for a drink?”
With a wave and a shake of my head I hurried out.
Summoning the lift, I waited for the doors to open, my heart racing with a swirl of emotions. I’d kissed him. That alone had me reeling. Making eye contact with Max now was impossible.
A hand rested on my shoulder. I knew that touch, that presence.
“At least let me escort you out,” said Max, his voice husky. “I won’t take no for an answer.”
With a quick nod, I stepped into the lift.
Max followed me in and stood watching me, as though he wanted to make sure I was really okay.
I couldn’t stand the embarrassment any longer. “I’m sorry I kissed you.”
He did that thing with his lips…that curling of the mouth that ended in a devastating expression of joy. “Really?”
“Yes, it won’t happen again. I was just so glad to be alive.”
“That’ll do it.”
“Do what?”
“Inspire you to be spontaneous.” He lowered his sights on me. “Daisy?”
“Yes,” I said breathlessly.
“Are you going to do the honors or shall I?”
“Excuse me?”
He leaned over and pressed the DOWN button.
I let out a sigh. “You know that gold envelope you gave me yesterday?”
“Yes.”
“It was for membership to a Dare Club. That’s what this was all about.”
Max’s expression was inscrutable.
“Did you know about it?” I asked.
He smiled. “I must admit that I love seeing you in those glasses.”
“You have a lovely taste.” I gulped. “I meant youhavelovely taste. In things. Like glasses. And hotels. This place is so nice.”
“Daisy,” he said softly, his tone seductive. He moved closer until he was towering over me.
I felt an electric charge in the air, a crackle of volatile chemistry between us.
