Page 71 of One Little Mistake

“No one asked you to wait like a damn puppy,” I snap. “And let’s not pretend, Natalie. I know exactly what you’ve been up to. Our circles aren’t that big. Surprised? Yeah, sweetheart, I even heard about your failed attempt to land Bishop.”

Her eyes widen, darting from side to side like she’s hunting for a lie that might stick. She freezes, stunned, but I’ll give her credit, she doesn’t stay down long.

“You’re unbelievable. What kind of crap is that? Did Julia tell you that?” she scoffs, but her voice wobbles. “God, she’s still obsessed with you. Can’t stand that you picked me, not her. But Max, you do need me. You know you do.”

She lunges at me, practically launches herself into my arms like a cat in heat. Arms around my neck. Chest pressed to mine. Her hands grip my jaw as she kisses me like we’re in some damn soap opera.

It all happens so fast, I barely register it before she’s pressed up against me—too close, too eager. I take a step back, bumpinginto the wall. I open my mouth to tell her exactly where she can shove her desperate act, but Natalie mistakes it for surrender. She slips her tongue between my lips, deepening the kiss without giving me a chance to react.

I wrap my hands around her waist, ready to push this leech off me, but just then, a muffled baby’s cry breaks the silence. I whip my head toward the sound and lock eyes with Erin. She’s frozen in place by the entryway, eyes wide with shock, staring straight at me.

Natalie reacts instantly. She pulls back just slightly, then turns around and gives my unexpected guest a puzzled once-over.

“What’s this supposed to be, Max?” she asks coldly, running her eyes over Erin from head to toe, then pressing herself against me even tighter, making it painfully clear just how close we are.

CHAPTER 26

Erin

I stare at Max with another woman, and I can’t quite understand what hurts so much. Is it the fact that he has someone? That she is pressed so close to him, kissing him, with every right to be here? Unlike me.

Reality slaps me hard, and for a moment, something sharp twists in my chest at the sight in front of me. But really, what did I expect? Max is a grown man—with grown-up needs. He has his own life. And women.

She and I study each other closely. She’s beautiful—undeniably so—but the cold calculation in her eyes ruins any good impression.

She clearly sees me as an intruder on her turf, and looks down on me with smug superiority, making sure I know exactly who she is to Max and what they share. Not that the kiss didn’t already say it all.

“Alright, Natalie, it’s time for you to go,” Max says in a firm voice. I’d overheard enough to know they were arguing—he probably hadn’t wanted to let her in at all. If he had, she would’ve known I was here.

Maybe I should’ve kept my head down and stayed quiet, but Max’s words about Natalie cheating on him while he was at sea stirred something inside me. Max is a good guy, and someone like her clearly doesn’t deserve him. He needs someone completely different. And he needs her gone—for good, not just tonight.

“I’m not going anywhere until you tell me who she is and what she’s doing here!” she snaps, yanking her arm from his grip and stepping toward me, eyes blazing.

“And who do you think I am to him?” I reply, with a mocking smile, suddenly realizing I’m the one in the stronger position here—not her.

“Max?” She shoots him a demanding look.

“Natalie, it’s over. It’s been over for a long time. I’m living with another woman. And we have a child together.”

If I’d been drinking something just then, I definitely would’ve choked on it. Max throws me a pleading look, silently asking me to go along with the lie, and the fact that this girl means nothing to him suddenly makes it easier to breathe. A small smile creeps onto my lips.

“Whaaat? You’re joking, right? Baby? This is a joke.” She laughs nervously.

“And please, keep your voice down—you’ll wake the baby.”

“This is insane. No, he’s not your kid! When would you have even had a baby? This is some kind of sick, stupid joke. I don’t believe this. No way.”

“Natalie, I don’t owe you any explanations. It’s late, it’s dark out—you should go. Now.” He moves to usher her toward the door, but of course, Natalie decides she’s going to have the last word.

“Why are you smiling, huh?” she snaps in my direction, her eyes flashing with a crazed glint. Honestly, if Max wasn’t holding her back, I’m pretty sure she would’ve lunged at me.

“Think you got him just ’cause you got knocked up? Think again! I slept with him, got it? Just last week! In that very bed you’re sleeping in now. So go ahead, keep dreaming about your happy little family—or maybe take off those rose-colored glasses.”

Max just lets out a heavy sigh and opens the door for her.

I don’t say anything. Not a word. But deep down… it stings. A little. The thought that he touched her so recently. Kissed her. That maybe she drank from my cup, maybe her things are stillin the bathroom, maybe I’ll find one of her hairs on the pillow tonight, makes my stomach turn.

“Liar!” she shrieks, trying to slap Max, but he catches her hand just in time and forcefully pushes her out of the apartment.

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