Page 76 of One Little Mistake

I barely manage a single breath—just one—before I’m pinned against the cold wall.

Max’s lips crash onto mine, and I can’t believe this is actually happening. The taste, the scent, the groan—intoxicating.

I like touching him. I like how his stubble scratches against my skin. I like knowing he wants me.

Why else would he be here?

His hand grips my waist, pulling me closer, anchoring me to him. I’m trembling all over. I clutch at his shoulders and accidentally pop the top button off his shirt.

I rise on my toes to meet his height, kissing him back, but I can’t fully let go.

“N-no, wait…” I whimper, when his fingers tug my dress upward with clear intent.

“What?” he pants, bracing his forehead against the tile near my head.

His whole body’s strung tight. Ready. Wound up.

“Not now,” I whisper, unable to fight him… but not ready either.

Pause. A long one. His breath fans over my skin, sending a wave of goosebumps down my spine.

“Yeah,” he exhales. “Sorry.” He takes another breath. “This isn’t exactly the right place. Let’s get out of here. Grab Tim, go back to mine, just the two of us. Keep this night going?” he murmurs at my ear, sending the ground out from under me.

If his hands weren’t holding me up, I’d probably collapse onto the tiles.

“No, you… you don’t understand,” I murmur, biting my lip.

I have to tell him the truth now or he’ll think I’m just pushing him away.

“I can’t. Not yet,” I whine softly, pressing my nose into his neck, so he knows it’s not about him, so he won’t think I’m trying to get rid of him.

“Damn. I didn’t think…”

Max kisses my temple, pulling me close again, his hand stroking my back gently, soothing.

We stand there in silence. Breathing each other in. Leaving light kisses like promises. Until someone tries the bathroom door, a jiggle of the handle, then silence. We spring apart like we’ve been burned, quickly straightening our clothes.

We exchange burning glances, wait a beat in silence, then step out into the hallway when it’s finally empty as if nothing happened.

“Stop flirting with that clown,” Max hisses under his breath through clenched teeth, and I can’t help but smirk.

Jealousy? Seriously?

Soft music plays in the background. The couch where the girls are lounging has been moved toward the window, giving a perfect panoramic view of the city lights.

The guys are still at the table, loudly debating something. Max and I go in opposite directions. I drop into an armchair angled toward the living room—and toward Taylor.

“You look a little flustered,” Vivienne teases, giving me a knowing wink.

I smile in return.

“So… has the ice finally cracked?” she leans in with a grin.

“He’s a pretty decent kisser,” I say with a playful shrug. “Tall, hot, and scratchy,” I add mysteriously, and we both burst out laughing.

“He seriously needs to shave that ridiculous beard—if that’s what you were talking about,” Vivienne rolls her eyes, and we melt into the girls’ chatter.

But I can’t stop my eyes from drifting back to Max. And every time I catch his gaze, that invisible cord between us pulls tight again. Heavy. Intense. Wanting.

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