Page 51 of About That One Night
With a deep breath, I follow Audrey out of the room, ready to face whatever the day brings—including, inevitably, Max.
Chapter Thirty-One
Zoe
The ceremony is a dream,with Audrey looking radiant as she exchanges vows with the love of her life. The sun filters through the canopy of tropical foliage, casting a magical glow on the happy couple. I stand beside Lily, and we both watch with teary eyes as Audrey and Liam promise forever to each other.
I can’t help but feel a pang of longing. Someday, I hope to find someone who will look atme as if there’s nobody else more important in the world—Someone who will love me the way Liam loves Audrey.
The reception is set close to the ocean, with a perfect blend of shade and tropical beauty. Palm trees sway gently in the breeze, and the sound of waves crashing nearby adds to the idyllic atmosphere. Tables are loaded with an array of delicious food, from fresh seafood to colorful tropical fruits, and the drinks are a mix of refreshing cocktails and fine wines. It’s great not having to sit down to a five-course meal while trying to make small talk with whoever the wedding planner or the bride decided to sit us with.
If I ever get married, sign me up for one of these short, sweet, and swoony destination weddings. Audrey and Liam look blissfully happy as they share their first dance as husband and wife. Their joy is infectious, and soon everyone joins in.
As I watch the newlyweds, I feel a tap on my shoulder. I turn, my heart racing, and find Max standing there, looking as handsome as ever. He holds out his hand and asks, “May I have this dance?”
I nod numbly, letting him lead me back onto the dance floor. As we sway to the music, I can’t help but wonder what this dance might mean for us.
I know I need to talk to him, to clear the air and figure out what this all means. But the thought of facing him terrifies me. What’s there to say? Other than, “You left your watch on my nightstand,” or, “Can we repeat it again for the next few nights?”
Either one is better than admitting that my heartis starting to confuse our agreement and maybe . . . well, maybe it should be over. How stupid would I be to keep this going? It’s Tom all over again. Thankfully, I know his expectations and I can end this before things get . . . well worse, because with Tom I never felt the pull I do with Max.
“You okay?” Max asks, his lips close to my ear, sending a shiver down my spine.
I nod.
“Liar,” he mouths, a teasing glint in his eyes. “You’re thinking about last night, aren’t you?”
“Shh.” I glare at him, feeling a mix of annoyance and embarrassment.
“You can’t tell me you didn’t love it—all of it,” he says suggestively. “I recall you saying, ‘Faster, Max, deeper. Yes, more.’”
“Shut up. That was . . .” I start, my cheeks burning.
Max smirks, leaning even closer. “Admit it, Zoe. You loved every second. The way I touched you, the way I made you beg for more. You’re still thinking about it, aren’t you?”
I try to maintain my composure, but his words and proximity are making it difficult. “Max, we’re in public,” I hiss, glancing around nervously.
He chuckles softly, clearly enjoying my discomfort. “Doesn’t change the fact that you want it again. Want me again. I can see it in your eyes.”
“Max . . .” I warn, my voice a mix of frustration and longing.
He presses a quick kiss to my ear, his breath hotagainst my skin. “Just say the word, and I’ll give you everything you crave, right here, right now.”
“Max, stop,” I say, though my resolve is weakening.
He pulls back slightly, a wicked grin on his face. “Fine, I’ll stop . . . for now. But don’t think for a second that I’ll forget the way you screamed my name. The way your body trembled under mine.”
I swallow hard, trying to steady my racing heart. “You’re impossible.”
“And you love it,” he replies confidently, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
I roll my eyes, but I can’t help the smile tugging at my lips. “Maybe. Just a little.”
“Thought so,” he says, giving me a wink. “I went to buy a couple boxes of condoms in case . . . in case you want an encore.”
I look up at him, my heart pounding like a drum against my rib cage. Max’s smirk is still there, teasing and playful. The suggestion hangs in the air between us, heavy with the promise of more nights like the last. My cheeks are still burning from our earlier conversation, but now it’s not just embarrassment that’s making them hot—it’s anticipation, too.
“Is there anything else you can think of other than sex?” I ask, shaking my head.
