Page 9 of Primary Seduction
“No problem. Speak to you in a few.” Trent rang off.
“He’s going to speak to his brother and get back to me. I’ll let you know what he says,” Max tells Zak.
“Whose brother?”
“Oh, sorry. Trent’s brother is a lawyer…Well actually, two of his brothers are lawyers in different areas. It will be Samuel that you’ll be speaking to. He’ll be discreet.”
Zak sighed. “Thanks, Max. That’ll help a lot.”
“No worries. Always here to help.” Max chuckled.
“What were you up to anyway?” Zak asked as they began to walk slowly again. Max had noticed that Dane had fallen asleep during their conversation.
“I’m searching for diamonds,” he said distractedly. He’d just seen a gorgeous green throw in the window across the street. “Hold on.” He crossed the road, entered the shop and immediately fell in love with the soft, velvety feel of the large throw, which would look amazing on Trent’s cream sofa. Max went to the counter and enquired about it. He bought it and exited the shop, seeing Zak in the same place he left him.
“Find what you’re looking for?” Zak chuckled, shaking his head.
“Yeah, sorry. I got distracted.”
“Really? I never would’ve guessed.” Zak laughed. “Who’s that for anyway? Haven’t you got enough throws?”
Max could feel himself getting red. He never blushed, what the hell? “Um, it’s for Trent, actually.”
Zak eyebrows almost hit his hairline. “I didn’t realise he’d hired you to redecorate his place.”
Max bit his lip. “He hasn’t, exactly.” He winced.
“Then why…?” Zak frowned.
Max blew out a breath. “Shit. Okay, I kind of put my foot in it last night, and I’m trying to make amends… even though he told me not to.”
Zak shook his head. “That makes no sense, Max. Spill.”
“Damn it! All right. I ended up at Trent’s house last night—not for that reason—but we began talking while we walked, and we just ended up there. We talked some more while we had a coffee, and I made a stupid comment about his house looking sparse. I offered to redecorate free of charge, and he shot me down. I was only trying to help.”
Zak stared at him. “You have the hots for him.”
Max stared back. “Maybe,” he said like a sullen teenager.
Zak laughed. “Trent is straight, Max. Straight. As in, he likes women. And has an ex-wife!”
“I know, I know. I’m not planning on doing anything about it. I’m not going to force him to be my love slave or anything. He’s just a nice guy.” Max felt himself getting defensive.“I can’t help it if I find him attractive…and kind.”
“Okay, sorry.” Zak tried to curb his laughter. “So, why are you buying him a throw if he doesn’t want your help?”
Max winced again. “Maybe because I’m still going to redecorate, just a little at a time?” he said quietly and ending with a question, expecting Zak to shoot him down.
Zak shook his head. “You are so in over your head; you don’t know which way is up.”
Max rubbed his forehead. “I know. I’m fucked.”
“Just slightly.”
He walked a little longer until Zak said they had to get back. Max reminded him about the party that night, then meandered back towards his car. He hadn’t seen anything else that had taken his fancy, but then again, he hadn’t really been looking after his conversation with Zak. He was an idiot. He should just leave Trent well alone. He’d have to see him at the party tonight, but he could make sure he didn’t do anything stupid. He got out his phone and clicked on his app. He would arrange a hook-up to meet him at the party. That should take his mind off Trent.
After the booking was confirmed, he drove home with a spring in his step. Maybe he’d get some work done now.
****
