Seductive Secrets (The Debonair Series Book 3) Page 16

  Embarrassed, I tuck my chin, looking back to my hands.

  “Determination is the key to success,” Max says, impassively.

  “I was also there when you landed your first big ten eighty. You remember that?” Fred asks.

  It pulls a laugh out of me and I look up to him. “I bit the snow so many times that day. I was covered in bruises and barely able to walk the next day.”

  “But look at you now. A household name.”

  I blow a breath. “Not quite.”

  “You’ve always been humble. That’s your mother shinning from you.”

  I don’t respond. The last thing I want to talk about is my parents.

  “Max,” Fred switches. “I heard you bought land to expand further. Again. Business must be doing well.”

  “It is.” I don’t have to see him to know pride is billowing off him. “The plans are finalized. I’ll be expanding the vineyard and leaving some land open until I make up my mind as to what I want to do.”

  Feeling jealous that I haven’t heard much about his plans with the land, I raise my view to him. “I bet your girlfriend could give you a few ideas.”

  His fucking lips tic. “If I had one, I’m sure she could.”

  Fire burns in my chest and I’m sure he feels my glare.

  “It’s located close to the winery?”

  “Actually, it borders my land.”

  “Hmmm,” Fred grunts and then shifts, leaning up on his elbows. “Which side of you?”

  “The east of me.”

  “Do you know who you were bidding against?”

  Max shakes his head. “I don’t. That information wasn’t available. Never good for business.”

  “Was it a lot of land?”

  “About eighty acres.”

  When Fred’s eyes hit me, my stomach sinks and before I can stop myself, I ask, “Does it have a house sitting about an acre in?”

  “Yeah. I think it sits off Fawn Creek Road.”

  I gasp. I’ve been punched in the stomach. Disgust curls my lips. Hurt shatters my fucking soul. I can’t breathe. I can’t get enough air. “It was you,” I choke out, not even trying to hold the rage burning. “Excuse me,” I grit, slamming to my feet and storming off.

  How damn satirical can the universe be. It was him. It was Max fucking Lauder who broke my heart months ago and bought my grandparents’ land out from under me. I tried so hard but he kept countering and then the final offer…I couldn’t touch it. And it killed me when I lost it. My family’s property was within my reach, and it fell just short of my fingers.

  I stomp past my room and slam through the glass doors leading to the rooftop terrace, hoping it’s empty. Glancing around, only one couple is hiding in the corner enjoying their conversation. I go the opposite direction for my own privacy.

  Dropping into the lounger, my body deflates. The city lights blur through my tears, reds and yellows, whites and oranges bleeding together and creating squiggly messes.

  “I didn’t know,” Max says softly behind me.

  I jump slightly, not expecting anyone, but I don’t turn and face him. Instead, I wipe the tears on my cheeks. “How’d you find me?”

  He breathes out. “We’re on the same floor. Avery, I didn’t know it was you.”

  I close my eyes. “I had my lawyer meet with you to explain…” Anger blasts through me and I stand, spinning toward him with my hands balled. And his normal stoic face…well, that just pisses me off even more. “For months, I begged and begged. That land was my grandmother’s. My dad built me a small practice area out back where I spent hours learning to board. When my parents died, my grandmother had to sell it. And to find out you ripped it away again…”

  He arches his brow. “How do I know this wasn’t some elaborate plan of yours? A way to use me, to hurt me?”

  “Are you fucking kidding me?” I laugh through the animosity ripping from my throat. “If I had known it was you, I would’ve never given you a second glance. What kind of person hears the story behind it and then raises their bid?”

  He shoves his hands in his pockets with his eyes crinkling at the sides. “I’ve had my eye on that land for years.”

  “You’re fucking heartless,” I snap.

  His jaw flexes. “Business is always heartless.”

  Despair submerges me. “Well, congratulations on both your land and proving how callous you can be.”

  Turning on my heel, I storm away, pushing back through the doors and into the hotel toward my room.

  “Avery, stop.” Max snatches my wrist, spinning me toward him. “I didn’t—”

  “Get your damn hands off me,” I snarl, and immediately he lets go.

  Two more doors. I fish my keycard out of my clutch, swipe it, and shove through, slamming it behind me. Except Max stops it with his foot.

  “Avery…”

  “Get out,” I shout.

  “No.” He moves closer. “You find out I bought the land, have me fall blindly in love with you, and then shred me. How do I know you didn’t purposely do it?”

  His glare flicks to mine, so intense my soul feels it.

  “You’ve hidden your entire life from me as I opened mine to you. How do I know this wasn’t your plans?”

  “I’m not your type of heartless,” I blast back.

  “Then tell me why I wasn’t good enough for you.” All the pain, all the hurt, bellows out of him.

  And it breaks me. I look away.

  “Fucking tell me something, Avery.”

  “Everyone leaves me when I tell them about Maddi, including her worthless father,” I fume. “Fucking forgive me for being leery. Forgive me for wanting to protect my daughter and myself. We weren’t supposed to be serious, Max. I haven’t wanted a relationship in years.”

  “Then why did you allow me to fall in love with you if you knew you didn’t want anything with me?” he gruffs, sardonically. “Why did you lead me to believe something else?

  “Because I…” I stumble.

  “Say it, Avery,” he grits.

  I look him in the eyes. “Because I fell in love with you.”

  He crushes into my lips, slipping a hand into my hair and pulling me closer, deepening the kiss. It’s desperate and urgent, and all my emotions I’ve experienced today come crashing into me. I kiss him back with all my might.

  I’m frenzied, wild to feel him. I shove his suit jacket off his shoulders and rip open his shirt, buttons breaking and bouncing off the floor. Blindly, he finds the zipper at the back of my dress, lowers it, and pushes it off me. It puddles on the floor around my feet, leaving me naked in nothing but my thong and heels. I fumble on his pants but then release them, pushing them off his hips. He removes his mouth from mine, bends to pluck a condom from his pants, and then jerks me into his arms, lifting me.

  He shoves my back into the wall, holding me with his body while he rolls his condom on underneath me. He lines up and slams me down onto him.

  I hiss at the stretch, digging my nails into his shoulders as he gyrates his hips, moving in and out of me. His mouth stays on my chest as he bucks upward. I rock against the wall as he thrusts hard. His breath comes out in short spurts as he pushes deeper, and then by my ass he carries me to the bed where he lays me down gently before barreling back into me.

  He’s standing with my ankles in his hands, plunging into me unrestrained. His unfocused eyes glazed over with passion, darker and more depraved than I’ve ever seen, sear me. Static electricity charges my skin. My muscles coil tightly. I grip the sheets, arching my back, and my mouth falls open as my mewl rushes out into the silence.

  Ravenous, Max slams into me, bringing my orgasm more power, and it fiercely reels me into its wicked delight. Convulsions explode and I no longer can hold back my cries.

  Max grits his teeth and closes his eyes, pumping into me. His grip on my ankles tightens and he leans back, rolling his hips and blessing me with deep dips and perfect drives.

  Carnal and sinful eyes fall back on me w
ith so much adoration and desperate with love, my chest feels heavy.

  “Fuck,” he bites, rooting himself and groaning as he climaxes.

  Every muscle in his body vibrates. He squeezes his eyes shut surrendering to a damn potent orgasm. His breathing is labored as he catches his breath, keeping his eyes closed.

  Slowly he pulls out, rids himself of the condom and tosses it into the wastebasket beside the television before moving in beside me. He holds me, nestling his face against my neck.

  We lie in silence, my satiated mind still racing. Being with him. Being without him. Loving him. Hating him. Exhausted from my high adrenaline emotional roller coaster, I fall into a slumber.

  Something stirs me and my eyes spring open to see Max sleeping beside me. His breath is steady, face relaxed, lips without any tension. His handsome features are natural and not holding a drop of emotion. It’s just him…

  My anger is still just under the surface and I can feel it beginning to boil my blood again. Quickly, I slip out of the bed, grab some of my clothes, and get dressed in the bathroom. I straighten up, wiping the mascara out from under my eyes, and run my fingers through my hair.

  Pulling open the door quietly, Max has shifted to his back, one arm behind his head, the other holding the empty spot where I was. I sneak to my purse…

  A damn Avery special in progress.

  “Where are you going?”

  His voice startles me. I yelp, clutching my chest. “Holy shit!”

  He sits up. “Are you leaving?”

  I try to swallow my tears but they spill over anyway. “You and I were over the moment I didn’t tell you about Maddi. You were right. I didn’t trust you enough, but more importantly, I didn’t trust myself. Now, you’ll never trust me.”

  “Avery—”

  “And knowing how cold-hearted you can be, regardless of the circumstances… I hate knowing you even possess that side. It’s contradictory to everything that made me fall in love with you. But worst of all… I hate you for it.”

  “So, you’re leaving?” he says, begrudgingly. “Even after earlier?”

  “Earlier was a mistake,” I admit, lying to myself.

  His jaw is clenched as our stares linger and then I walk out the room…

  Max

  Two months later…

  I can’t say I’ve handled Avery leaving well. I spent the greater part of the week after searching for the answers at the bottom of a whisky bottle. I didn’t even show my face in the office. Losing someone you love will make you lose interest in all the things you love—my winery being one of them. I tried texting and calling her a few times, but to no avail. She never responded or answered.

  Every time Easton and Zach stopped in, I’d want to fight them just to get them to leave. I wanted to be alone to wallow. I wanted time to myself. Time to work through my emotions. The ones that touched every fucking spectrum of the emotional wheel. I’ve ranged from hurt to pissed, heartbroken to over it.

  I moved through them.

  I picked myself up and put one foot in front of the other.

  Two weeks after sobering my ass up, I let my heart lead the way. Call it part of my healing, but I needed to do what I felt was right. At my attorney’s office, I had him sign part of the land that included the house to Avery and deliver it on a date I specified. I didn’t have to put a lot of thought into it. It was the right thing to do.

  Jade comes into my office, annoyed being an understatement. “That stupid wine cooler under station three has gone out again. Can we replace it?”

  I peer up from my papers. “Again? This is the first I’ve heard of it.”

  “The week you were off on your drinking vacation, it went out twice.”

  “Then why haven’t you already replaced it?”

  “‘Cause you’re the boss and I needed to have you sign off on it first. But if you’re saying I can buy what my little heart desires, count me in.”

  “I trust you to make the right business decisions.”

  She bobs her head. “Right. Business. Yep,” she jests taking a seat in the chair. When her smile morphs into concern, I know what’s next. “Are you okay?”

  “I am,” I reply simply.

  “Did you go through with the deal?”

  Jade can’t grasp why I did what I did, and I wish I’d never said anything to Zach about it. Slowly, I pull a breath in, exhaling it through my nose. I don’t care to talk about it, but I answer anyway. “I did.”

  “You’re sure about it?”

  “Yes, Jade. I don’t need the house. I was planning on tearing it down anyway.”

  I watch her tears well up in her eyes. “I’m so sorry, Max.”

  This is what happens when she doesn’t listen to me. I’ve told her so many times to not plan, not to put all her “my brother needs a good woman” in one basket.

  I smile. It’s fake, but it’s a smile. “Shit happens.”

  “You know I’m here if you want to talk?”

  That won’t be happening. “I’m fine, Jade,” I’m sterner this time.

  But she doesn’t listen. “Are you though? Like deep down okay or are you playing macho man and hiding it?”

  “I’m giving her the house and land for my own personal closure. I’m moving on. I’m fine,” I lie. I’m still fucking heart broken, but I’m doing what I have to so I can move past this.

  She walks around the desk and wraps her arms around my shoulders, kissing my cheek. “I love you, butthead.”

  “Love you too,” I tell her and then swallow the itch at the bottom of my throat.

  “Maaassss!” Caleb comes screaming through the door.

  “Tyke!” I smile, scooping him into my lap. He genuinely makes me happy. “How was your day?”

  “Goo,” he replies. “Pway san.”

  “You played in the sand?” Deciphering what he’s saying takes a damn detective.

  “Uh-huh.” He nods. “Down.” He points and I move him.

  “Figured you’d need a pick me up since you’re still pissing on your feet,” Zach smiles at the door. “You up for Lucy’s this weekend?”

  I arch a brow. “Preferably not.”

  “Our house for supper then?” Jade chimes in.

  “I’m good.”

  She shoves my shoulder. “I really wasn’t asking.”

  I chuckle. “And I’m really good, but you don’t listen.”

  “That’s because we know your brooding ass pretty well,” Zach says. “Guys trip. Douchebag, douchebag number two, and me. Hit a cabin or fly our asses to Florida and enjoy some damn warmth. We’ll have a guys’ weekend. A mancation.”

  “Not without me,” Jade bellows out.

  “What part of mancation did you miss?” Zach teases.

  “I’m really fine,” I say.

  “When’s the last time you’ve gotten laid?” Zach asks.

  I tilt my head, gawking him. “Do you really want to be jealous?” I bluff, unless you want to call jerking off getting laid.

  “Pffft. I have to beat him off with a stick,” Jade speaks up and I want to gag. It’s one thing to joke with my best friend. It’s another hearing your sister is involved.

  Zach must see the agony on my face and he busts out laughing. “Well, my offer stands. Get out of the house for a little bit. Guy time. Get shit off your chest.”

  “Daddyyy,” Caleb interrupts. “Potty.”

  Zach grabs his hand. “Alright, little dude. Let’s do it.” He looks over his shoulder at me. “Saved by the pee. Think about it.”

  There’s nothing to think about. Right now, I’m not interested in drowning my worries in pussy. Although a fabulous Band-Aid to get your mind off things, it’s momentary. I’ll get myself back up to par on my own time.

  Avery

  I’m decorating the house for Maddi’s birthday to surprise her when she comes home from school. I got Ryan to pick her up and I’ve planned a total girl’s night—Raven, Maddi, Miranda, and me. We’ll make the cake for her party tom
orrow and then do whatever my little girl’s heart desires. It’s going to be a slumber party where we’ll sleep on the floor and talk about everything.

  She’s growing up too fast and I can’t get her to stop.

  I’m confused when the doorbell rings. Ryan never knocks or rings. He just comes in…against my wishes.

  The delivery man holds a box. “Are you Avery Taylor?”

  “I am.”

  He hands me the box and places the clipboard on top of it. “It requires a signature. I need you to sign here.”

  There’s no return address, no indication who it’s from. I set it on the counter and grab a knife to cut it open. Inside is another box, wrapped in purple paper with a sticky note labeling it to Maddi and an envelope with another sticky note instructing not to open it without Maddi.

  Who the hell would send Maddi a birthday gift? The first name that comes to mind is Aaron, but I’m positive his time in prison hasn’t changed the asshole he is, so I quickly dismiss it.

  Just as I slide the knife under the flap to cut it open and disregard the note, in walks Ryan with a springy Maddi behind him.

  “Happy birthday, baby girl!” I shout.

  She’s beaming as she takes in all the million streamers and balloons. “Momma! You’ve been busy.”

  I fold her into my arms and kiss the top of her head. “I have. Do you like it?”

  “You’re so over the top.”

  I giggle. “It’s your birthday. Of course, I’m over the top. Eight years ago, you were placed in my arms and made me love you even more.”

  Ryan eyes the box before nudging it. “What’s this?”

  “Nosy,” I tease and then shrug. “It just came. I was instructed to wait on Maddi.”

  “Ooohhhh. I have a secret amirerer,” she squeaks.

  “Ad-mirer,” I correct her and hand her the small box.

  She tears into it, shredding the purple wrapping paper, and needing no help ripping the flaps. She lets out a squeal, pulling out a stuffed snowman, a red scarf, and several pairs of pink socks.