Page 58 of Maximum Dare
“Yes.” Max glanced back at me with a smile.
She lowered her voice to a whisper. “Do you think that’s wise? Considering.”
“Considering…?”
“Seriously?” she hissed.
Max slid out to join her in the hallway and closed the door behind him. I heard their footsteps moving away.
The scent of a familiar cologne wafted up around my face. I was wrapped in Max’s robe and it felt fluffy and warm, so luxurious. Dipping my head, I sniffed the collar and was enveloped in his dreamy essence. This was like being engulfed in a Max hug—the kind you leaned into, never wanting it to end…
Pushing to my feet, I strolled over to the walk-in closet and peered in at the shoe cabinet in the center. I would feel dreadful borrowing any of his mum’s things. I knew she wouldn’t want me to.
I heard the sound of murmuring voices in the hall. I headed over to the bedroom door and pressed my ear against it, eavesdropping on their conversation.
“Daisy’s a sweet girl,” said Max. “Give her some time and she’ll settle down.”
“She can’t stay!”
“Keep your voice down, Mum.”
“She just can’t.”
“What’s the harm?”
“Think of your brother. It’s his party.”
He let out a frustrated sigh. “She’s been through enough.”
“No one forced her into that pool.”
“It was a mistake. She didn’t know it was a swimming pool. She fell in.”
“What if she sues?”
“Don’t be ridiculous. She’s worried about Nick. That’s what this is about.”
“She’s only worried about getting him back,” his mum said, and then sighed. “You’re going to have to change. Your tuxedo is wet.”
I turned and headed back into the bathroom. Still wearing the oversized robe, I tried another door on the other side of the room. Mercifully, it opened to an empty hallway. Hurrying down the spiral staircase, I ignored the disapproving stares of a few guests and a handful of staff lingering nearby and made my getaway through the foyer and out into the chilly evening air.
Barefoot and looking as straggly as a drowned rat, I rushed toward the valet. “I need my car.”
After enduring his amused smirk, I waited—hopping from one frozen foot to the other—for what felt like an eternity before he drove my Mini Cooper around to the front of the house.
I climbed in feeling relieved, and quickly headed off down the driveway.
Maybe this dare had really been about getting an answer. Even if it wasn’t the one I’d hoped for.
I sent out a silent prayer that I’d never see any of those people again. Of course, after the way I’d behaved tonight I had a virtual guarantee.
I hadn’t wanted to see the disappointment in Max’s eyes…couldn’t bear to hear him say goodbye with an air of disdain. Even if I deserved it.
Mercifully, the gate swung open right away and let my Mini escape out onto the poorly lit lane. I leaned forward to better see the glow of my headlights on the dark road.
The only comfort I felt came from the heat blasting out of the vents and from being enveloped in a snuggly bathrobe that smelled likehim…Max Marquis.
There are no such things as ghosts.
