Page 4 of Primary Seduction
Max could see her face coming closer, and he knew she was going to kiss him unless he moved. He turned his head away and slid to the side, making her hand slip off his neck. He stood abruptly, and his laptop fell to the floor. He winced, hoping he hadn’t broken it.
He looked back at the woman. “Look, I am flattered that you like me, but I’m gay, remember. I’m only into men, not women. Like at all. Sorry.” Max didn’t know why he apologised, but she just didn’t seem to get the hint, no matter how many times he told her.
“Okay,” she said. Max didn’t trust the look in her eyes but chose to ignore it.
“Right. I’ll get on with these designs.” He picked up his laptop and retreated to the dining room again. He blew out a breath as he began ordering the supplies needed. If everything went to plan, he’d be finished within two days.
Of course, nothing went to plan because the woman was a bitch. Max didn’t usually call women bitches but this one was, without a doubt. He was just very grateful she’d already paid for his services. He didn’t think she would have given him the money otherwise.
Since their…altercation…she found fault with everything relating to the dining room, even though she had agreed the plans were good before it happened. First, the curtains were the wrong fabric, then the table wasn’t solid pine like she wanted, then the pictures weren’t famous enough. He was at the end of his tether with it all. Instead of the two days he had hoped for, it had taken him four days, and even then, she still wasn’t happy with some things, but he was putting his foot down now.
“I’m sorry, but I can’t change any more aspects now. I have another client starting tomorrow, and I’ve delayed as long as I can. It might be better if you find someone else to change the items you don’t like.” Max lied through his teeth, his next client wasn’t booked in until Monday and it was only Wednesday now, but he’d had enough.
The woman huffed. “Well, it will have to do then, won’t it. Even though it looks like a disaster. What will people think?” She huffed again. “Fine, finish what needs doing today. But don’t think I’m going to recommend you to anyone.” She walked out of the room to Max’s relief.
He blew out a breath. Luckily, everything was done. Other than tidying his stuff away, he had already finished everything, she just hadn’t realised it.
He called to her when he left two hours later but received no response. He let himself out of the house, ensuring the door was firmly shut behind him. He didn’t want anything to come back and bite him about that.
****
Several hours later, he entered Crush. He was meeting a guy in about half an hour and wanted to get in a drink before then.
He wore his best tonight: perfectly tailored black trousers, which cost him a pretty penny; a crisp white shirt, ironed to perfection; and a beige suit jacket that he loved. He knew he was dressed too smartly for the “date” later, but he loved the feel of being comfortable, as well as sexy, in what he wore. He didn’t have to look smart to feel comfortable, but sometimes he wanted to.
He ordered a beer from the bartender, and then turned on his stool and rested his elbows behind him. His gaze roamed the area, seeing regulars and strangers intermingled throughout. He caught a guy staring at him from a booth near the back but moved his gaze away. Although the guy was hot, Max didn’t have the energy—or inclination—to flirt tonight, which was why he’d arranged a hook-up through AN.
Someone walked into his line of vision, and he peered at them. Mmm-mmm.
“Max?” the guy said, his voice deep.
Max nodded and smiled. This was going to be a good night.
****
Chapter 1
Present day
Max
Max blew out a breath as he sat sprawled in his seat at Crush, gazing at the public display of affection before him. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Trent trying to adjust himself subtly. Interesting. He’d known Trent for just under a year now, having met initially at Asher’s house one night, and then many times since when Sean and Asher’s relationship took off. He knew Trent had an ex-wife and two daughters and, as far as he knew, was straight. He’d be surprised if Trent found that PDA hot. “Hey, Trent. Wanna get out of here? These two lovebirds are going to end up fucking on this table any minute now.” He had a nice buzz going, the alcohol warming his body and his libido. He never drank in excess when he was around Sean—since his best friend’s parents died in a drink drive accident, Sean was wary of alcohol and being drunk.
Sean broke away from the kiss and snapped, “Hey! I heard that!” garnering a chuckle from Asher, even as he pulled Sean closer.
Max noticed Sean’s entire body relaxed as he leaned into Asher. “We all know that was just about to happen, and you know it too!” He tilted his beer bottle towards Sean, raising his eyebrows, daring him to disagree.
Sean’s face flushed a deep red in answer.
Max laughed. “My point exactly.” He turned to Trent, who had snorted his beer at Max’s words. “Want to head out? I need some fresh air.”
Trent stood unsteadily. “Yeah, sure. I won’t be driving in this condition so may as well walk.”
It was Max’s turn to snort. “If youcanwalk.” Max bumped shoulders with him as they called their goodbyes to everyone. Max headed over to Tom to thank him for the free drinks. Tom was the manager of Crush and had worked closely with every member of the crew to ensure they had what they needed to make the Garden Bar happen. It had been great working with the whole team. He hadn’t done as much compared to others, but his expertise had come in handy with the lighting aspects.
“No problem, Max. You’ve worked as hard on this extension as everyone else, and I’m grateful for it.” They shook hands, then Max brought Tom into a hug.
“It will be a huge hit tomorrow, you’ll see,” said Max, releasing him.
