Page 42 of Deal Breaker
“You’re incorrigible.”
Autumn looked past me. “And where is my brother this morning?”
“Still in bed for all I know.” I tried to make it look like I wasn’t bothered, but Autumn wasn’t my best friend for nothing.
“Are you okay?”
I didn’t get the chance to answer as Jodie barged through on her way to the bathroom. “What are you two whispering about?” She clocked Autumn’s attire and winked. “Don’t need to ask where you ended up last night.” She held up her hand and Autumn high-fived her. “I’ll get coffee when I’m dressed.” The bathroom door banged behind her, the shower starting up soon after.
“We’ll talk later,” said Autumn, touching my arm. “I know we have to check out soon.”
I nodded and watched her go into her bedroom, humming quietly to herself. Deciding to take advantage of a few minutes’ peace and quiet, I poured myself a mug of coffee and added some sugar and creamer. The sun shone, and despite the slight chill in the air, I headed outside to sit on the picnic bench on the front porch.
Pulling my sweater over my hands, I cradled the mug between them, sipping the warm, sweet drink and feeling the caffeine slide through my veins.
Birds chirruped and, in the distance, I could hear the sounds of the lake splashing against the shore. Had things been different, I would have loved more of an opportunity to explore the resort. Its peaceful nature was exactly what I needed right now.
Footsteps crunching over leaves caught my attention. Was it one of the rangers again? I cringed, hoping it wasn’t. I didn’t need another awkward conversation.
“Hey. Where did you get to this morning?”
I glanced over in the direction of the familiar voice.
Max.
Dressed in sweatpants which hung low on his hips, a college sweatshirt, and sneakers, he breathed heavily, as if he’d just been for a run.
“We need to check out soon,” I said, for want of breaking the silence, not willing to directly answer his question. “I hoped you’re packed and ready to go.”
“I’m not.”
I frowned. “Well if you want a shower, you’ll have to wait. Jodie’s in there now, and Autumn…” I ground to a halt, not wanting to rat his sister out on her choice of last evening’s entertainment. “Is next.” I took another sip of coffee, stalling for time.
“I’ll get one later.”
My nose wrinkled. Thank God we weren’t travelling back with him.
Without waiting for an invitation, Max sat down next to me. He rested his elbows on his knees and stared directly ahead of him, out towards the lake.
“Don’t drive back with Autumn and Jodie. Drive back with me.”
Tempting though it was, I didn’t know what we’d talk about for the 90-minute journey. “Thanks, but it’s okay, I’ll go back with the girls.”
His head dropped, gaze focused on the ground. “Please, Sophie. Stay with me today and come home with me tomorrow.”
His request was the last thing I’d expected.
“Max, I don’t know.” My voice came out as a whisper. “I… this weekend has been—”
“I honestly didn’t plan any of it,” Max cut in. “But in the end, it had to be now or never. Once Autumn had changed her mind about us being together, I knew I didn’t want to wait any longer. Christ, Sophie, I’ve waited long enough! And last night was everything.”
My insides contracted. His words echoed my feelings. I hadn’t wanted to wait either. I couldn’t even begin to describe how I felt about last night.
And I was beginning to like this version of Sober Max much more than yesterday’s.
“What do you say, Soph?” He looked over at me, green eyes full of hope and optimism.
I considered my options. I could get in the car with Autumn and Jodie in the next half an hour and head back to New York. I could sit on my sofa and wonder what might have been. Or I could take a risk. Even though it wasn’t really a risk, because Max and I were destined to be together. It might have taken a few years to get there, but it was totally worth it.
