After dinner, Jessy took the kids upstairs, then returned to sit with us at the table. I sipped cautiously from my glass, still marveling at the tasty meal we just had. “You’re a really good cook, Jessy,” I beamed at her. “Thanks for the meal. It was fantastic.”
She rested her elbows on the table, leaning her jaw heavily on the heel of her palm, and smiled back. “Thanks for coming to see us, too. We really love having you around.”
I nodded, warmed by how kind she was. Her simplicity and hospitality were too endearing for someone who lived on money. I was glad that she knew her roots, and her kindness was all thanks to her parents’ upbringing. “So, you clean and sweep as well?”
She nodded. “Of course. The house is my station,” she glanced at her husband who was watching us converse intently. “But Samson is so paranoid about me losing the baby even though I’m in my eighth month. He got me a cleaner and gardener, but I dismissed her earlier today because she wasn’t feeling so well.”
Gah, she was also a kind employer as well. What was there not to love about this beautiful, pregnant lady?
We lapsed into a comfortable silence that was broken by Ryan’s cough. “So, Elaine. Tell us about yourself. Where you’re from… what you studied… all the good stuff.”
My heart began thumping as I struggled to decide where to start. “Well, I’m an English major, and was an indie editor for four years in Manhattan.” My eyes locked with Max’s, and he leaned back with a proud smirk. “Since I moved to New York, it’s been hard finding a workplace where I fit in like in Manhattan, so I work for Max now as his assistant. Our relationship is meant to be strictly professional because of his status in the media, so we’re not… meant to be seeing each other at all.”
Samson chuckled, landing a fond slap on Max’s back. “You always go for the forbidden ones. So rebellious.”
“Of course,” he held my gaze, and I felt my panties dampen when he circled his toe on my inner thighs, pushing into my clit through the thin fabric. Fuck. I sucked in a deep breath, trying to act normal while darting my eyes anywhere else but him. “She’s simply the most irresistible forbidden fruit I’ve ever tasted. Right, Cherry?”
“Huh? Oh, yeah.” I dealt a sharp slap on his ankle, and he retrieved his leg sharply with a scowl. Ryan and Jessy’s eyes met, and they grinned at each other knowingly.
“Naughty kids,” Samson muttered, shaking his head. I dropped my head, face flushing with embarrassment. They knew what we were up to underneath the table.
“So, you two met five years ago, and still remember yourselves so well?” Jessy prodded, as she stared between us eagerly.
My cheeks burned brighter. “Y-Yeah. It was a one-night stand.”
“Her cowgirl game is insane. She made me cum so hard, I almost lost my shit.” Max added with a smirk as he forked a piece of strawberry pie that we were having for dessert and guided it into his mouth.
Jessy and Samson’s jaws dropped on the table, while Ryan burst out laughing, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
I was horrified as well. “I don’t… I don’t even know what you’re saying! I’m a virgin, please.” I chuckled. “M-Maxy,” I spluttered. “We’re eating for Christ’s sake! Table manners are advised and watch your language.”
“You know you love it when I’m uncouth, Cherry,” he winked.
I shook my head, dragging a palm down my face in exasperation. “What in the world would I do with you? You’re hot and stubborn.”
And sweet. And loving. And romantic… I could go on and on about him. Such a dreamy man with an awesome family to match. I was truly a lucky bitch.
“But then,” I paused, narrowing my eyes as I thought back to that night. “Max lied to me about his identity, and we’d already promised ourselves before we started fucking that we’d be honest with each other since we felt a genuine connection. He didn’t keep to his end of the deal, and I was pissed. So, I left without taking his contact or wanting to have anything else to do with him. I felt hurt.”
“And for that, I’ve said sorry over a million times already,” he rolled his eyes. “Tell her why Ryan. Tell her why we had to keep our identities a fucking secret.”
Ryan nodded. “Most of the people in that club barely knew us, and we wanted to have a fun night without the paparazzi on our tail, hence why we didn’t want to give our identities out. He wasn’t the only one who had to lie, Elaine.”
“Exactly. And I was trying to make her understand that. You’re way more stubborn than me, Cherry. I even scoured all over Manhattan for your address but couldn’t find your exact location.”
“Well,” I shrugged with a cheeky grin. “Maybe we weren’t destined to be together back then. I’m glad I dodged a bullet. Who knows what would have gone wrong?”
He rolled his eyes. “And now? Do you think we’re destined to be together?”
“Go fuck yourself with that shit,” I snarked, and the table erupted in laughter again with Ryan punching the air in glee.
“I love you! What a befitting response.”
Max gave him the middle finger. “Screw you, Ryan.”
The evening was going far better than I expected. I was having fun, and the conversations were all flowing naturally. It was more than I asked for.
“That snark won’t keep this dick away from you when we get home, Cherry,” he grumbled.
“I’d love to see you try.”
“You two should cut it out,” Jessy laughed. “Well, Elaine. We’ve got a special family get-together this weekend. I’d love it if you come along with Max.”
My heart dropped to my stomach. “Oh, um…” I glanced at Max for backup.
Instead, his face brightened. “Yup. I second that idea. We can make a hasty trip back to Manhattan right after. Or I’ll take you to Vegas for a change.”
“I don’t understand,” Ryan leaned forward, his face puzzled. “You two have been visiting cities together?”
Max smiled proudly. “Yes. We both spent the weekend over in Manhattan.”
Ryan and Jessy’s eyes locked across the table in some kind of surprised acknowledgment.
Max continued. “I didn’t inform anyone because Manny told me not to.”
“Yes, and he didn’t tell me we were coming over here as well,” I pouted. “This brother of yours sure does love keeping secrets.”
“Why didn’t you tell her that you were bringing her over?” Jessy frowned.
“Because… Elaine would find a fresh excuse not to come. I know her. Those fucking excuses are rattling and insincere.”
They whipped their eyes at me. “And what do you have to say to that, Elaine?”
I shrugged. “He’s right. I would’ve made up something so I wouldn’t have to attend.”
“What?” Jessy spluttered. “Why?”
“Max hardly knows me. We reunited barely two weeks ago and now; he wants me to meet his family on such short notice. I don’t think he’s sure about this whole… stuff, even though I feel he’s genuine this time around. I want us to take things, step by step, one at a time.”
I noticed Samson’s head crinkle at my answer. Maybe it intrigued him.
Max sighed with a dreamy expression on his face. “I love it when you speak frankly, Cherry. It’s cute.”
I blushed, and it felt as though our surroundings fade, leaving just the both of us there, staring at each other in a world of white and gray.
Ugh. Cora’s k-drama influence on me was messing with my head.
“So,” Jessy chirped once more. “Will you come? I’m looking forward to seeing you there.”
I sighed. I supposed I could spare an hour. “Is there a color or dress code?”
She shrugged. “Nope. You can wear anything. I’ve got a few gowns you could borrow. They’re nice.”
I smiled through my teeth. “Thanks, Jess but I think I can afford a new dress myself.”
“Leave it to me, Cherry,” Max interrupted. “I’ll get you something stunning for the occasion.”
“Don’t worry, Max. I can handle it.”
“I insist.” I watched his nose flare in determination. God, why was he so pushy? It was cute before, but now it’s annoying.
“Leave her, Max. You’ve got to understand that it’s not all women that want you to buy them stuff. We’re more than capable of getting stuff by ourselves,” Jessy said, coming to my rescue. Max opened his mouth to say something but closed it back. I was glad he knew he couldn’t trade words with Jess.
“Thanks, Jessy.” I stuck my tongue out at Max, laughing victoriously. “Thanks for the invitation.”