"They slipped briskly into an intimacy from which they never recovered."

************

Max's POV

"So, then I told her that I have commitment issues because my mom left me when I was a kid-"

"But your mother didn't leave you," I interjected as Cole went on explaining one of his last encounters with some girl from last night's frat party.

He nodded, "Of course, my mom is the best but that line works on girls like a charm," He winked, holding his bag by its strap as he casually threw it over his shoulder, "I spent the night at her place and now she doesn't even expect me to call her back," He added, a giddy smile over his lips as he looked ahead, dreamily sighing as he recalled back memories from the night before, "Man, life is good sometimes."

I rolled my eyes at him and tucked my hands into my front pockets, his happy state annoying me because I would do anything to just go back to my old ways. Instead, here I am trying to win a specific girl over while she on the other hand goes and sets me up with a random girl from the coffee shop. God, I can't begin to describe my annoyance at what she did.

Life does suck sometimes.

"Speaking of hot girls-" Cole's voice interjected, whistling lowly at the sight ahead of us. A group of girls, five or six were standing by the building's entrance, the same one we were making our way into.

His words had me lift my eyes up, indirectly taking a quick look at what he was pointing at. Among the six of them, my eyes only spotted the ginger-headed one. The sight of her made me lower my speed, taking my sweet time to cross the distance from the gate to the building's entrance, just so I would gain more time to look at her.

She was the only silent one, hugging the books to her chest as she listened to whatever the blonde one was explaining. Against her better judgment, she rolled her eyes at what the girl said but when she realized that, her eyes widened and she looked around, making sure no one saw or caught her annoyance. My lips twitched, she really was like no one. Unique in every aspect, inside out.

I paused when I reached her side, invading the group's space but I could care less at the moment, "Hey," I said, my eyes only on her. Her gaze flickered to me, startled at first, and then, her eyes widened a bit. They drifted to the blondie before they went back to me, "Uh, hey," She said, a bit nervous for some reason.

"We are still up for today?" I asked, just fishing out for a conversation, knowing very well how she won't miss out on our tutor session unless it is urgent.

"Today?" She asked like she didn't understand, "Uh, no, no, we are not."

The hell-

Lines etched my forehead, "What do you mean no?" I shot back.

"It means no, leave me alone," She grumbled out, her eyes glaring at me before she tugged at the sleeves of the girl beside her, "Come on, Tanya, let's go," She said, pulling her friend along and she walked past me, her shoulder brushing mine as she left.

I looked over my shoulder dumbfounded, trying to understand what the hell just happened but miserably failed. What the fuck changed since last night? Wasn't she the one who called me up at night and tried to sneakily check if I had slept with the girl or not?

My jaw ticked as I watched her walk further and further away from my line of sight. I turned my head back, my gaze falling on the blondie, whose eyes didn't leave me since I got here. She smiled when she noticed my stare, her smile a bit too familiar, "Hey, Max."

Oops, she knows me.

Which means one thing; I must've slept with her, I just don't clearly remember it though, must've been one of those drunk times.

I gave her a forced nod before I moved back to Cole's side, who was trying his best to hide his chuckle, "Dude, that was harsh," He commented when we stepped away, "You totally got rejected without even trying."

I shot him a glare and he wiggled his eyebrows, "Who was the red-headed one?"

First of all, her hair isn't red, it's ginger, and second of all, yes she is been rejecting me since day one but who's complaining...

"It's Valerie," I mumbled and lines etched between his eyebrows as he tried to place her name somewhere, "Ohhh," He said, his eyes widening in realization, "The girl you're tutoring, right?"

I nodded and he seemed impressed, "Wow, you didn't tell me that she is so damn ho-"

My glare and the tightening in my jaw had him stop midway. I dared him to finish that sentence and being the good friend he is, he didn't. His throat bobbed, "Uh, uhm I meant..." He mumbled nervously, fishing for a word to cover up for what he was just about to say but when he didn't find any, he closed his mouth shut. Good.

"Anyways," He changed the subject as we walked into the class hall, "Wasn't that Stella?"

My eyebrows furrowed, "Who?"

"The blondie...Stella?" He said with a matter-of-a-fact tone as if I am supposed to know who the hell Stella is, "Dude, did you forget her? You left the spring rave with her last semester."

Oh, I did think she was familiar. Stella...I really do have a problem with remembering names.

"How come you remember who I slept with better than I do?" I questioned, curious but slightly disturbed as I took my seat. Students were coming in and out of the big hall, waiting for the professor to join us.

Cole sat right next to me, only so he could copy my notes as usual, "Oh, I just wanted to bang her too back then but you beat me to it," He replied, a bit of disappointment in his tone, "Couldn't break the bro code after."

I rolled my eyes, "If she wants to, you can bang her all you want, I could care less," I said, leaning back into my chair as I tried to understand why in the hell did Valerie treat me like that. She is becoming an expert in bruising my ego one time after another.

"Oh, really?" Cole asked, enthusiastic and I nodded.

"What about the red-headed one?" He added after a while and my head immediately shot into his direction, his tone teasing but I was in no mood for his antics now, "You as much come near her, Cole, and I swear to god I will-" He raised his hands up in surrender, making me pause in my threat because I was ready to mess up his face if he dares to think of that.

"Okay, okay," He said, waving the white flag, "I won't, I promise," He added, his lips twisting into a big grin as he pretended to flip through his notebook.

"What?" I shot out, annoyed.

He shook his head, ever so innocently, his smile as big as his stupidity, "Nothing."

I rolled my eyes and tried to focus on the lecture as the professor turned on the slides and started explaining. Unfortunately, my mind kept drifting back to Ms. gingy. God, she really knows how to throw me way off guard.

I mean, at first, she totally checks me out at the gym, then she goes and sets me up with some girl. After that, she calls me in the middle of the night, disturbed at the thought that I went out with the girl that SHE had originally set me up with. Then, out of nowhere, she doesn't even acknowledge me as I speak with her.

I mean, what the actual fuck?

Midway through the class, I sensed Cole scribbling something over my notebook. I leaned forward to see what he was doing. He looked at me and offered a sheepish grin as I read the letters scribbled at the upper corner of the paper;

'M + V = <3 4 ever'

I huffed out loudly. He was gonna drive me insane after this, I was sure of it. So, I didn't hesitate when I stepped over his feet and pressed, as harshly as I can. He whimpered and flinched away, giving me the look of someone who had just got betrayed.

The professor looked in our direction, getting disturbed, his eyes warning before he carried on explaining. I ignored Cole for the rest of the session only to hear him mumble some incoherent lyrics under his breath every now and then as he took notes. I tried to listen carefully to what he was singing only to come up with this;

'Max and Val
Sitting in a tree
K-I-S-S-I-N-G!'

He didn't stop, no, he carried on, very happy and delighted in his little bubble, his head swaying from left to right as he whisper-sang;

'First comes love
Then comes marriage
Then comes baby
In a baby carriage!'

I groaned loudly. I swear I wanted to bang my head over the desk. I am never going to hear the end of this.

**********

"Hey!" Valerie said with a smile as she took a seat across from me.

My eyebrow raised at her audacity, "Excuse me, do I know you?"

She rolled her eyes rather extravagantly as she pulled up her books from the bag, getting way too comfortable considering what she did to me this morning, "Don't be dramatic, kidney boy, I had my reasons."

I crossed my arms over my chest, my eyebrow arching, waiting to hear her reasons. She paused in her movement and sighed, knowing I ain't dropping this anytime soon, "Ugh, okay," She grumbled and I shot her a glare. I came to the coffee shop after classes only because I wanted some caffeine, not that I was hoping she'd be here. No, not at all.

"Stella," She said and my shoulders dropped down in defeat, I knew that was gonna come and bite me in the ass, "She is the friend I told you about," She said and I recalled her words from before, "You know, the one you slept with and never called back and cried her eyes out to me?"

My throat bobbed, I was being painted as the bad guy here. Which I wasn't. Every girl that got into bed with me knew exactly what she was getting into, no one told them to build dreams and hope to be the exception to the rule.

"You don't even like that Stella girl," I pointed out, recalling her bothered looks this morning as Stella went on talking about something.

Valerie nodded, "Yeah, but I will still be on hashtag team female no matter what," She ever so honestly said, reflecting how she would rather be on the girl she hated's side and just not on mine.

She opened her notebook and pushed it to my side, ever so casually changing the subject, "Anyways, now let's start."

I scoffed, "Yeah, in your dreams," I grumbled, I was really annoyed and I was gonna act childish, and I didn't care.

Her eyes shot up to my face and they grew a bit wide, "You won't tutor me?"

I shook my head, "Not after you insulted me a thousand times since the morning."

Her expression fell down at my words, gone all the teasing and the playfulness, "Really?" She whispered. Her lips involuntarily formed a small pout. My gaze fell there, and I almost backed away from my decision. Why does she have to be so damn cute?

My throat bobbed and I looked away from her. I tried to stick to my decision and nodded my head as my eyes found hers again, "Yeah. Since I am the worst guy on campus, why don't you go and find someone else to help you pass this course," I remarked, pushing the notebook back to her side, each word tightening the lines etching over her forehead and between her brows.

"But-" She tried to say but found no words. Her gaze fell, her shoulders slumping down and I knew I was gonna back out on my decision any minute now. Damn her and damn my weak heart...

My jaw tightened and before I could speak, someone invaded my personal space and took the little space right beside me. An arm was casually thrown over my shoulder as a very enthusiastic, "Hey!" came from Cole.

Valerie's eyebrows pulled closer as she looked at my friend interfering in my life. Cole leaned across the table and extended his arm, a friendly gesture I was gonna beat his ass later for it, "It's Cole," He introduced, pulling on a charming smile.

Valerie stared at his extended hand before her gaze flickered to me, a bit confused. Understanding that he is my friend, she looked back at him and placed her hand in his, shaking it, "Valerie." Yeah, of course. I am the only one who had to wait a month to learn her name, while she is out there donating it for just everyone...

"Nice to meet you, Val," He said with a big grin, already on a nickname basis. I hate him sometimes.

Valerie offered him a small polite smile in return, "Likewise," She said. Is she nice to everyone but me? The hell-

"So, what are you two studying?" Cole fished for a conversation. He sensed my murderous glare so he didn't look once at my side as he picked up the notebook from over the table and went through the pages. He winced, "Ew, Microbiology, I hated that course," He dropped the notebook like it was about to infect him.

"I barely passed it," Cole carried on with his conversation with Valerie, "The only C I felt accomplished getting."

Valerie nodded her head, smiling back, "I can relate."

Cole turned his face to me, and he proudly tapped his hand over my shoulder, "Whereas our genius boy over here got the highest grade in class," He winked and my glare promised him pain only after Valerie leaves.

He brushed it off like its nothing and looked back at Valerie, "You know what, you guys need to blow off some steam," Here it comes, "My parents are out of town so I am throwing a small party tonight, you should come," he turned to me, a smirk pulling up the corner of his lips, "Both of you."

Valerie shook her head immediately, "Uh no, thanks," She declined, "I don't exactly do parties."

"Oh come on, it will be a small gathering, not too crowded, I promise."

"Uh, still-" Valerie tried to politely decline again.

Cole turned to me, winking, "I am pretty sure Max knows how to convince you otherwise," He said tapping his hand over my shoulder before he retreated away, "Don't forget to buy some snacks," He finally got up to his feet, "Everyone will be bringing something."

He turned his gaze to Valerie, "I will be waiting for you two, don't bail on me," He said, waving goodbye before he disappeared away and out of the coffee shop.

Valerie's eyes flickered to me, "We aren't going, right?"

She sounded so against the idea that I wanted to annoy her as she does to me. The side of my lips pulled up in a small smirk as I leaned across the table, crossing my arms over it, "Actually, you do owe me around seventeen hours, so-"

Panic swirled through her eyes and she shook her head, "I will pay them some other time-"

I shook my head, "Nope," I said, "If you want me to tutor you again, you will come with me to Cole's party."

Her eyes slightly widened, "That's blackmail!"

I nodded, "Yeah, so?"

"You are so mean," She mumbled, making again that soft beautiful tilt in her lips.

I nodded, "And so are you, now what is your decision, gingy?" My eyebrow raised, "Are you in, or are you out?"

Her throat bobbed, lines etched her forehead and she let out a low sigh, "But you know that I finish late here sometimes," She tried to fish for excuses.

I nodded, "I can wait for you."

She rubbed an anxious hand around her neck, "But I won't have time to change."

I shook my head, "No problem, you can keep wearing what you are wearing now, it's a small gathering anyway, everyone is dressed casually."

"But, Max...can I not go, please?" She hated the idea so much, I started to feel that there was something else to it than not wanting to spend time with me. Interesting.

"I gave you your options, you pick," I insisted, leaving no space for negotiation. I was now more intrigued by the reasons for her immense dislike of the idea. Oh gingy, imma unravel your secrets one by one, just wait for it.

She rushed a hand over her face, her jaw tightening in utter frustration, "Fine," She grumbled out, not satisfied at all.

She leaned back into her seat, crossing her arms over her chest and glaring at me. I smiled in return, her elevated annoyance decreasing mine.

I leaned forward and snatched her notebook to my side, "Come here," I ordered, tapping at the available space beside me that Cole was occupying. She raised her shoulders up, acting childish and refusing. My eyebrow raised, "Come on, gingy," I added, flipping through the pages.

With a very loud sigh, she got up and circled her way, coming closer and sitting down right beside me, her thigh pressing against mine and when I turned my head, looking at her, we were in dangerous proximity again. Just like I love it. My little smile had her roll her eyes, so very annoyed by me and everything I do.

"I like it when you are annoyed," I mumbled as I picked up a pen, ready to start the lesson. She didn't hesitate as she punched my arm, her punch barely causing any harm, more like a caress. My eyebrow raised, "Gingy, you don't need excuses just to touch my arms."

She scoffed, "Yeah, I was dying to feel your biceps," She said, mockingly.

I nodded, "Yeah, it looked like it yesterday at the gym," I commented and she rolled her eyes, "Gosh," She grumbled under her breath, followed by incoherent words, or maybe curses.

The strand of her hair that keeps falling over her eyes was adding to her annoyance. She blew air up from the corner of her mouth, trying to move it without using her hands. When she failed, she groaned. She was really agitated after the whole party subject was brought up and I really needed to figure out why. I chuckled as I moved my hand, doing it for her as my fingers tucked the loosened strand behind the ear.

I sucked into a deep breath when I retreated my hand back, the softness of her skin and hair had the tip of my fingers tingling, aching to touch her again. I rested my arm over the table, I fisted and unfisted my hand, containing that feeling in as I focused on her notes rather than on her and everything she is.

I felt her mouth so near to my ear as she threatened, "Do that again and I will stab this pen into something precious you have," She hissed, the sweet scent of her shampoo invading my nostrils and my lips twitched, turning my head to hers, our noses almost touching from how close she was to me now, "What precious thing?" I asked teasingly and her gaze drifted down to my lap, nodding her head toward it, "That thing."

"Always fishing for excuses to touch every...part of me, huh," I added teasingly and her eyebrow raised, scoffing, "Only in your dreams I would touch...that," She muttered the last word with absolute disgust.

I shrugged, "Actually, in my dreams, you do more than just touching," I casually said, my voice level was normal but the group of friends that passed our table heard bits and pieces of our conversation and they curiously cocked their heads to our direction, "I could give you a detailed explanation of what you usually do, with your hands, with your mouth..." That alone had Valerie's eyes grow a bit wide, "Max!" She shot out, and a bit of pink rushed to the top of her cheeks almost instantly, her throat bobbing at the image I just drew in her mind.

I gave her a wink and when she kept silent and out of sorts, I spoke again, "How about you stop fantasizing about my dick now and we study before your shift starts."

Her face was all types of flustered and she focused her sight on the notebook ahead of us, pretending to concentrate there only. She nervously bit at her lower lip and my heart did that thing again, the one beyond my control, the one where it beats one beat faster and one slower, causing something in my stomach to move...what the hell is that and why does it happen every time she is around and this close to me?

"You are so cute, Valerie," I couldn't help but comment with a low chuckle, addressing her red face and the way she was nervously flipping through the pages, pretending to study.

Without looking at me, her jaw tightened, picking up a highlighter and marking part of the text written over the paper and she grumbled out, "And you are so infuriating, Max."

Oh, I am so going to win her over, one way or another.

**************

Later that day...

Valerie's POV

"Venti Blonde Vanilla Latte, double espresso shot, fat-free milk with five pumps of white mocha, two pumps of pumpkin spice, an extra caramel drizzle, topped with vanilla sweet cream cold foam and extra chocolate syrup on top," I ran out of breath as I called out for the specific drink some psychopath has ordered. Jesus, what happened to plain ol' filter coffee?

The brunette came closer and took her drink, flashing me a thank-you smile as she took her first sip. I cringed on her behalf, I mean why mix so many shits together. She hummed in satisfaction, somehow liking it as she walked away toward her table. Like I said, psychopath.

I ignored her and was ready to turn back when a specific someone got closer and leaned across the counter, his presence has become so familiar to me that I immediately knew who it was without the need to turn and face him. I internally groaned and when my eyes met his green ones, he smiled, "Hey," He said, so innocently.

I hate him.

I rolled my eyes, "Why do I feel like my day passes with only you," I commented with an annoyed tone. He is everywhere. Literally.

His eyebrow raised, "Because you are so damn lucky."

I pretended that he didn't exist. I took a cloth and started to wipe the counter, purposely pushing his arms from over the wooden top so I can clean under it and force him further away from me, "Why are you here anyway?"

He tapped his forefinger over the surface of his watch, addressing the time, it was only then that I realized how the day almost reached its end. Time does pass so fast when your life is falling apart, doesn't it? I looked at my phone, checking the time, "I still have fifteen minutes before my shift end," I addressed, indirectly asking him to leave me alone till then.

He nodded and circled his way around the counter. He ever so normally opened the small barrier separating the working area from the seating area, "Hey, you can't be here," I was about to push him away, "Only employees are allowed to get inside."

He nodded his head and leaned closer to me, snatching the coffee shop's hat from over my head and placing it on top of his, he fixed the black cap and casually commented, "I was thinking to apply here as well, need any new employees?"

"Only if I get fired because of you now, then yeah."

He regarded me with a knowing look before his gaze drifted behind me, "Oh, we got a customer," He moved around like he owned the place, "Act professional, gingy."

I raised my arms up in the air in utter annoyance. God, what wrong have I done to have this boy come into my life? Actually, I've done plenty of mistakes. Yea, I deserve this misery, don't I?

"Welcome, what can I get for you?" Max said, taking his place behind the cashier, a big charming smile breaking into his face because the person standing across from him was a female. Big surprise there.

The girl smiled nervously, very much affected by his charm for some reason and I rolled my eyes, we are such a weak gender sometimes, "Uh, one flat white, please," She said, ever so shyly, a bit of redness coating her cheeks.

"Sure," He looked at the cups then averted his gaze back to her, "Size?"

"Large," She said.

He winked, "Nice choice," He picked up the large cup, "Your name?"

"Melly," She said back with a knowing smile and Max nodded as he scribbled her name, "Okay Melly, that will be--" He looked at the screen, pressing something, his eyebrows pulling closer in a total loss, then he shook his head, failing to do it, "You know what, that will be on the house."

My eyes widened, "What the-" Before I could protest, he pushed the empty cup at my side, more like pushed it into my chest, shushing me up, "Flat white, large, quick," He ordered and I shot him the hardest glare I could master to which he nonchalantly shrugged off, totally unaffected.

"Oh, thanks a lot, that's so sweet of you," Melly said, flirtatiously smiling. For fuck's sake, "What's your name, it's the first time I see you here."

Here we go...

He nodded, leaning across the table and making up a whole conversation with the girl. I kept glaring at them as I prepared the coffee for the missy as fast as I can. When I was done, I slammed it against the counter, pushing Max out of the way, "Your drink is done." I stressed out, my eyebrow raising, indirectly asking her to take her shit and head out.

She gave me a weirded-out look, her expression changing a hundred eighty degrees as she flashed Max a wide smile, waving her hand bye to which he returned with a wink. I elbowed him in the stomach forcing him to look at me and he groaned, startled, "You are gonna pay for that, you know!"

He rolled his eyes like it was no big deal before he pulled his wallet out. Lines etched his forehead as he pulled some cash out, "Does fifty bucks cover it?" He said casually and I crossed my arms over my chest, "Fifty? For a flat white?"

He sighed, "Whatever, you can keep the rest as a tip since you give such good service," He said, ever so sarcastically as he folded and dropped it inside the tip box. I took a mental note to take it out of there later and shove it up his stuck-up ass.

Right then, the coffee shop's door opened and Aubrey walked inside, "Hey V," She greeted, her gaze occupied by her phone, typing something as she walked closer to our side. When she was done, she pushed the phone inside her pocket and her gaze fell on Max, her amused eyes drifting to the hat he was wearing, "Hey Max, didn't know I hired you."

"You didn't and you never will," I shot back, tiptoeing so I can reach for my cap. I snatched it from over his head rather harshly and took it back. He shot me a glare as I apparently messed up his hair in the process. He ran his hand through it, trying to fix it.

Aubrey looked between us with narrowed eyes, suspicious of our behavior, "Anyways, you can leave now Val, thankew!" She said with a bright smile, and I let out a relieved sigh but then remembered how I am not going home but to a damn party, with stupid Max, and my anxiousness swept back in with a bang.

"Kiss Reneè for me," She added and I nodded my head with a forced smile, my pulse escalating with every passing second, "Sure."

Max made up some conversation with Aubrey since he doesn't know how to shut up. I rolled my eyes and went to the back room to remove the apron and wash my hands. Looking at myself in the mirror, I slightly winced, I looked so tired and sleep-deprived per usual. Not giving a damn about what his friends will think of me, I picked up my things and came back up front to where Max was waiting for me.

He smiled, so brightly, why is he so damn happy, "Shall we?" He asked and I nodded with a sad defeated sigh, "We shall."

We bid Aubrey goodbye and left the coffee shop. We silently walked toward the parking lot. Now, that we were really going to the damn party, my heart rate increased again, and my nerves tightened with the instinct to just bail on him and run far away from here. I haven't been to a party since...well, let's just say it has been a while.

When we reached Max's car, my anxiety took the best of me, my mind taking me back to that day. From how he leaned down and pecked my lips before he opened the door for me, he always acted like a decent gentleman, part of why I never expected him to be a sick bastard. How he carried my things and placed them in the backseat before he joined me in the car, his hand holding mine all the way, throwing all types of nice and romantic words in my face, and like the love-sick naive girl I was, I believed every damn word, thinking how lucky I was for someone like him to fall in love with just plain normal me.

Max's hand over my arm was an innocent gesture, one that pulled me out of my train of thought, making me slightly jump, flustered, "Sorry," I mumbled, my dry throat bobbing in nervousness.

Lines etched Max's forehead, trying to understand why I zoned out all of a sudden and what got me so jumpy. Much to my luck, he didn't question it, instead, he took my bag and placed it with his in the trunk before he opened the door, ushering me to get in. Trying not to overthink again, I just got inside and fixed my seatbelt, hoping this night to end as fast as possible.

Max got in as well and without muttering a single word, he pulled the car out of the parking lot and outside the campus.

"You okay?" Max asked after a short while, apparently not very comfortable with the silence.

I shifted in my seat, fixed my position, and nodded my head, "Yeah."

I tried to drift my thoughts away from the past and focus only on the moment, even if the present moment sucked big time, it still is not the past, I needed to understand that. Max is not David. I think he isn't. I am not sure. I don't trust a single person on this planet except for Reneé.

I sighed and shook my head. Don't overthink, Valerie, don't. I moved my hand and lowered the sun visor down, sliding open the little mirror there to take a look at my state. I rubbed a hand over my cheeks, kicking some color back to my pale skin. I removed the hair tie that secured my ponytail and allowed my hair to fall down all over my shoulders, changing something about me so I don't look like I came out of a coffin.

I ran my hand through the strands, trying to fix it as much as I can with no hair product or even a brush in sight. When I didn't look too bad anymore, I closed the mirror and lifted the sun visor. I turned my head to the left when I felt Max's eyes on me. His lips were titled up softly, "You should always do your hair like this," he commented as if anyone requested his opinion.

I rolled my eyes, "Great, now I have to cut my hair," I mumbled, always trying to do the exact opposite of what he likes or prefers.

His expression fell at my comment, and he shot me a glare, "You wouldn't dare," He grated out, hating the idea so much, "If you cut it, I don't know what I'll do to you."

I rolled my eyes, "Why is that?"

He looked at me and by look, I mean actually look, almost like he could see right through me, "I love your hair," He said, softly.

"And why would I care about what you love?"

His fingers tightened over the steering wheel, breathing loudly as he shot out, a bit of frustration seeped into his words, "Why do you hate me so much?"

I raised my arms up, frustrated as well, "I don't know, ask yourself!"

His jaw tightened and he kept silent after, not liking where this was going. He kept his gaze focused on the road and I snuck a look every now and then, feeling slightly guilty for ruining the mood. Why did he get angry, anyway? Did I wound his ego again? Looks like I did...anyway, whatever.

I noticed him pull into the parking lot of a supermarket, I was about to question but then remembered how Cole asked him to bring some snacks. When he parked the car, he unbuckled his seatbelt, "You're coming?" He asked, his voice neutral now.

I nodded and went down, following him into the market. He pulled a cart and headed for the snacks aisle with me on his side. My gaze drifted around the various types of food and my stomach made low noises, reminding me that I didn't eat. Awesome. I am gonna become malnutritioned if I keep skipping meals and forgetting to feed myself.

We paused by the chips section, Max dropped two bags into the cart and looked at the pringles cans, there were only two flavors left, the red original one that I adore and the spicy one that I hate, "Which one do you like?" He asked, for some reason taking my opinion, "Original or spicy?"

"I hate anything spicy," I said, glad that he will get the red one since I am allergic to the other.

He nodded and dropped two spicy ones into the cart. The asshole. I shot him a glare, why ask then if he'll just end up getting what he wants? He is so infuriating in every damn thing he does.

I rolled my eyes at him and decided to keep silent. I hugged myself, hoping my arms would shush down the sound my stomach keeps making and embarrassing me. I looked around me, maybe I can buy something to suppress my hunger before the stupid party.

"I will meet you at the cashier," I said, not waiting to hear his response as I left his side and headed to the different aisles, searching. I reached the bakery section on the other side of the market, the smell of fresh sweet pastries pulling me in. I paused behind the glass containers, the smell so addictive I felt like I could eat them all at the moment.

I admired the cheese croissants, they looked so mouth-watering I had to buy some. I'll have to get two so I can give Max one. My eyes widened when they read the price tag, 10 bucks for only one. What the hell! If we are in Paris it would be cheaper. Jesus Christ!

I placed my hand in my pocket, checking how much cash was on me. I stared at the 10-dollar bill and the 1-dollar bill I have. I facepalmed, and I forget to gather my tips from the coffee shop. Damn Max, he got me so frustrated there that I forgot. I sighed, I could get one croissant with the little money I had but that would be so rude, I must get Max something as well. I searched between the products, for any two things that would sum up to ten bucks but unfortunately, not two quantities measured up to my tiny little budget.

I sighed in defeat and pushed the stupid bills back into my pocket, I guess I will just feed myself when I get back home. I turned around and slightly jumped when I saw Max a few meters away from me. I gulped down and rushed my hand in my hair, trying to act so casually.

His gaze drifted around us before it fell on me, "Are you gonna get something from here?"

I shook my head, "No, I was just looking around," I said with a casual shrug, before I walked closer to his side, pushing my hands into the pockets of my cardigan, "Are you done? Can we leave?"

He nodded, "I just need to get myself an aftershave from there before leaving," He pointed at one of the aisles, "Is that okay?"

I nodded my head and I walked alongside him, "Yeah, yeah, sure."

When we were in the personal care product aisle, I roamed around as Max picked up what he needed, my eyes drifted into the many many products that I desperately needed. A hair spray, some face creams, body washes, shave creams, and body oils...man, I've been neglecting my own personal care for too long. I must arrange my next month's budget accordingly.

"Which shampoo do you use?" I suddenly felt Max beside me, asking me the weirdest question as he looked ahead at the different types of shampoos.

My eyebrows pulled closer, not understanding him before I leaned forward and picked up the strawberry-scented shampoo I prefer to use, "This one."

I was ready to put it back in its place when he snatched it from me and dropped it in the cart. My eyebrow raised, "You do know that is for women, right?" He is insane, I swear.

He nodded his head as he pushed the shopping cart toward the check-out area, "Yeah, I didn't buy it for me."

"Then who did you buy it for?"

"For you," He said, casually addressing the matter as he started placing the products over the counter, "So you can use it when you sleepover at my place."

I chuckled, because he was so funny, "Sleepover at your place?" I laughed again, "Why would I ever do that?"

He gave me a knowing confident look, so sure, "When I finally convince you to sleep with me, of course."

I laughed again, "You really do live in your little fantasy world, don't you?" I mocked his ambitions.

He nodded, smiling, "Yeah and I plan to make you live with me in that fantasy world too," He said, winking, all coy and flirtatious.

I shook my head at his nonsense, in his dreams will I ever sleepover at his house, let alone sleep with him. He is so full of himself even though I repeatedly keep bruising his ego.

When he placed the bags in the trunk, he was about to get in when his phone buzzed. He gave it a fast look before he turned to me, "Hey, I forgot to get something for Cole," he said, holding the keys up and throwing them at my side. I caught them in my palm as he said, "Get inside, I will be quick."

I sighed as I unlocked the door and got inside, settling in my seat. This night doesn't seem to ever end. I went through my phone, flipping through it randomly as I waited for Max to get back. True to his word, he was quick because moments later, the door got opened, and he get inside, an extra bag in his hand.

He opened it and pulled out a box, a box of mini croissants. My heart dropped into my stomach, thinking he caught me there calculating my budget and contemplating what to buy. Before I could dwell on it, he opened the box and picked up one, stuffing it into his mouth, "I just realized that I didn't eat anything yet and these smelled so good," He explained, chewing on it.

He pushed the box to my side, "Do you want some?"

When I remained immobile, a little embarrassed as I tried to understand if he actually is just hungry or if I was caught. He gave me a confused look, and he seemed totally unaware, maybe I am just reading too much into it again, anyone would kill for these damn croissants, "Did you eat dinner?" He asked, curious and I shook my head. I didn't even have breakfast.

He nodded his head toward the box, "Then eat some, it's better than having alcohol entering an empty stomach later at the party," He commented and I shook my head, "I won't drink," No way in hell. I picked one of the yummy pastries and my stomach clenched tight when I took my first bite.

"Will you drink?" I asked, I mean he will be driving me back, isn't he?

He shook his head as he reached for another mini croissant, "No, I will be driving." Phew.

"Also, I haven't been drinking much lately," He added, lines crossing over his forehead as he seemed to think it through, "I think I haven't drank at all after the whole-"

"Accident?" I said the word on his behalf and he nodded his head, "Yeah," His lips tilted, a bit amused at himself, "It's weird how one single thing only could change your perspective on almost everything."

I nodded, "Exactly," I murmured, lost in my thoughts again, relating to that sentence more than he can ever imagine.

**************

Max's POV

Every time I think I have this girl slightly figured out, she does or says something and takes me back to ground zero, making me suspect if I will ever be able to break through to her.

The vibe radiating off her the whole drive to Cole's house was so negative, she keeps shifting in her seat, her gaze getting lost outside the window as she keeps anxiously playing with the hem of her cardigan. There was something so off about her body language, I was now sure that I am not the reason behind it. We've gone out before, me and her, and she was normal compared to this.

She is scared, almost like this was bringing back memories she disliked. If only she would tell me what the fucking problem is, maybe there is something I can help with, maybe I can assure her that there is nothing to be scared of, that my friends were normal college students, who loves to drink and hang out, that I would be by her side the whole night anyway.

She let out a low sigh, her eyes drifting to the box of mini-croissant situated in the middle between us, and she took another one, taking a bite. I rubbed a hand over my mouth, trying to cover my smile, satisfied that she was eating and not hungry anymore. When I noticed her staring at those pastries with a sad look, I had to go back and bring her some.

I pretended that I was the hungry one, just so she won't get uncomfortable and eat as much as she wants. I figured that she hasn't eaten anything yet today, I can see that she doesn't take care of her health the proper way, damn it, she barely has time for it, between classes, and the coffee shop and I don't know how many other part-time jobs she takes on herself, she can barely catch a breath and that leaves me bewildered.

I would help her in any way I can, but if I only suggest the idea, I know that she would beat my ass and never speak to me again. I must figure out a way sooner better than later or the girl will fall down sick from tiredness and malnutrition.

When we arrived, I noticed Valerie warily looking around, trying to study her surroundings, trying to analyze whether she is safe yet or not. I shook my head at her silliness and went down, opening the door and shaking her out of the haze she keeps getting sucked into.

She got out, her eyes flickering up to me, big and innocent and so damn beautiful. Why does she have to be so hard to obtain? All I wanted was to wrap her in my arms and tell her it was all okay, that whoever had once hurt her can never hurt her again. Not when I was here.

Her throat bobbed and I brought my hand forward, gently wrapping it around hers, my fingers tangling up with her soft little ones and she allowed me, seeking comfort in the little touch as I grabbed the snack's bags and headed to the door. I felt her tighten her grip on my hand, inching closer and leaning into me. I both hated and loved that. Hated that she was scared of this world for some reason and loved it because she was so close that her strawberry scent enveloped my lungs whole, calming me down.

Light music echoed from inside the house and there wasn't much noise seeping out, proving that it wasn't crowded, and to that I was thankful, the last thing she needed was a drunk crowd of college students to add into her anxiety.

Before I knocked, I turned to her, checking one last time.

She lifted those eyes up, and they were the total opposite of this morning, where she glared and threw snarky comments in my face. Now, they looked slightly weak and my chest tightened. They looked like they trusted me, because I was the only one familiar to her here. Deep down, her instincts are urging her to trust me, but her trauma, whatever it was, kept fighting me back.

"You won't let anything bad happen to me, will you, Max?"

"Never."

I spoke without even thinking. My pulse accelerated at the vulnerability of her tone, my heart became a frantic drumbeat in my chest, and my stomach twisted into a hundred different knots. Blood pounded in my ears and I felt so fucking hot all of a sudden, I wanted some air because I wasn't able to breathe even though I was still standing outside and in the open.

I gulped down, trying to keep myself at ease as I rang the bell. Moments that felt like years later and Cole opened the door, he was wearing a silly party hat and a colorful party horn blower in his mouth. The sight of us had him break into a big smile, blowing the horn and it made an annoying squeaking sound that had us wince.

"Welcome to my kingdom," He said sarcastically bowing down and leading our way in.

I dropped the bags by the entrance and all I felt after was a hat being pushed on the top of my head, Cole placed one on me and on Valerie's as well. He handed us both horn blowers and I shot him a glare, I feel like I just walked into a three years old kid's birthday party.

He smiled sheepishly, "It's the party's concept," He commented, and right then James, another friend of ours from the football team, walked out of the kitchen and called Cole out on his bullshit, "He had these left over from his young brother's birthday party."

Cole waved his middle finger at James before he looked at us, "Well, it's better than them going to waste," He looked at Valarie and threw her a wink, "Am I right?"

He picked up the bags and looked through them, "What did you bring?" He mumbled to himself as he disappeared into the kitchen.

I turned to look at Valarie, whose hand was still tightly wrapped up in mine. My lips twitched at the silly party hat Cole had forced on her. Her eyes met mine and she couldn't hold back her smile, her eyes on my hat as well, "So very manly, kidney boy," She commented with an arched eyebrow.

I nodded and placed the horn blower in my mouth, making disturbing noises as I blew into it.

She chuckled lowly, her face slightly more relaxed as she realized that it wasn't that crowded or scary in here. I pulled her alongside me and we he headed for the pool. As I expected, there were around five guys from the football team and five girls, two of them were the guy's girlfriends and the other three were Cole's friends.

We exchanged greetings with the little crowd before I led Valarie to an empty seat to rest on. She sat down, finally letting go of my hand and suddenly my grip felt so hollow and empty, it left me aching. Cold air wrapped with my fingers and I fisted my hand, hating the absence of her touch more than I should.

Cole came back with bowls of ships and beers and the crowd gathered, those who didn't know each other talked, introducing themselves. Valarie was the newest one in the group, and they made her feel welcome without overwhelming her with questions. A relieved breath pushed out of my nose when I saw her smiling, making up little conversations here and there, getting back into her actual snarky strong self.

I had previously texted Cole to be on his best behavior and make sure everyone behave as well. I didn't want her to be uncomfortable and I knew my friends weren't too bad of company. They were good and fun to have around.

James and Cole were having a silly debate over whether vaccinations should be mandatory or not. I rolled my eyes at how defensive they got...your typical medical-students-gathering-for-a-beer conversation.

Cole was so against the idea, "I mean these vaccinations haven't been yet tested for their long-term effect," He protested, "What if in the future I turn into a mutated frog or something, huh?"

I facepalmed while Valarie sounded amused as she softly laughed at his antics, "Don't worry, I am pretty sure you'll find a princess to kiss you and bring you back to your human nature," She said mockingly and Cole's lips lifted up in a smirk.

He gave her a wink, "Does this mean you're volunteering?"

The fuck-

Valarie winced, "God, no, I hate frogs."

Cole looked around the crowd, "Who volunteers to lick me when I turn into a frog?"

"Who said anything about licking?" Valarie interrupted.

"Ohhhhh, now you seem interested," Cole said, wiggling his eyebrows teasingly, "Are you pro-licking Val?"

She went on with his teasing and shrugged and this was getting way too annoying, Cole needs a new lesson on what behave well actually means, "I am, only if I am licking something tasty."

My blood pressure hit the roof at her words and the rest of the crowd erupted in whistles and "Ohh, yes!" and "Go, Val!" and I wanted to drag her out of here right now and give her a whole lesson about what licking actually is.

"Define tasty," Cole added, his eyes drifting to me and he gave me a secretive wink.

Valerie sipped on her coke and leaned back into her seat, casually shrugging and purposely not giving him an answer. James slapped Cole's back, much to my happiness and they went back into their debate.

Valarie turned to me and smiled, so warmly, her eyes glistening with something that resembled freedom, and the look in her eyes was one that is slightly thankful for me dragging her into here. God, her face, those eyes, her lips, her hair, even that stupid hat, she was a ripe for kissing, for me to yank closer and claim in front of everyone in here. But I couldn't. She still drew that line wide and clear.

I sighed and shook the thought away. Despite this little licking turn of events, deep down I was fucking ecstatic that she was letting go of her insecurities and having fun. I watched her interact with the other two girls, they gushed when they figured out they share a class together and already planned a lunch and shopping date together. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes...Girls.

I leaned closer to Valarie, "I will be back in a bit, will you be okay?" I whispered in her ear, needing to make sure.

She flashed me an appreciative look and smiled. She nodded her head, her relaxed peaceful face calming down my heartbeat and I let out a low breath out, allowing my muscles to relax, giddy that she was liking this too; Spending time with me and my friends.

I went into the hallway and picked up my bag, pulling out my medicine pills that needs to be taken at this time. I walked into the kitchen and filled up a glass cup with water. Swallowing down the pills, I drank the whole cup, letting it wash them down. I didn't go back yet, I stood there, my fingers traced the cup's edge as my thoughts got lost somewhere.

I was brought back in when light footsteps neared me. I cocked my head to the side, my eyes falling on Valarie, her face was all flushed, full of color and life when compared to today's morning. The girl really needed to let off some steam.

I pulled myself away from the counter and to her side, "Are you regretting coming here?"

She shook her head, her smile so contagious, "Actually, it's the opposite," She said, "Your friends are nice." Well, yeah, what about me? Aren't I nice? Didn't I stay by her side all night long till she was able to let go of her shell? Don't I get a little tiny appreciation, damn it?

"Thank you," She stepped closer to me, "I was acting weird earlier for no apparent reason," She shook her head, strands of her hair slightly flying around her, she sounded flustered, like she couldn't find the right words to express herself.

I shook my head, taking one step in and we were breathing the same air, "I am glad you are having fun."

She started up at me, her throat bobbing at the closeness, "Uhuh."

My lips tilted up and I removed the silly hat from over her hair. She chuckled softly as I placed it away and she fixed the frizzy strands that flew away with the hat. The music surrounding us from every corner was light and calm and I found myself saying, "Dance with me."

It wasn't an order, but it wasn't a question either and when she didn't say anything, my arm gently snaked around her waist, my palm pressed into her lower back, pulling her into me. Her eyes were focused on my chest and I could swear I am able to feel her heart racing, pumping so damn hard as she lifted her eyes to meet mine.

She hesitantly brought her hands up, allowing them to rest over my shoulders as I swiftly lead her way, swaying lightly to the soft rhythm. She was hesitant and a bit distant at first but as the moment swept us in, she got more comfortable, melting into my arms.

Her arms climbed up and she edged forward, the side of her head resting against my shoulder. My eyelids dropped down when her hair got all in my nose and everything about her scent and touch sent goosebumps erupting all over my skin.

She edged backward slightly when the rhythm took a higher note, her eyes meeting mine as I brought one hand up, it moved the length of her arm before it settled at the side of her neck and rested at her cheek. My touch and the music, the moment as a whole had her eyelids drop down slightly, sinking into it and leaning closer to my palm, letting herself go.

I couldn't help myself from edging my head forward, not when she opened her eyes and seemed to be beckoning me closer, to do it, to take those lips and finally learn what they taste like. I bet they'd be like nothing I've ever tasted or experienced before, the clenching of my heart is enough proof of it.

I've never felt like this prior to kissing any girl. I experienced excitement, lust, fucking adrenaline but never did I...feel, and damn it, this feeling was both torturing me but it also tasted so sweet. A faint line between pain and pleasure.

Her lips parted, ready for my assault because her gaze was focused only on my lips, on how close they were. I used my fingers at the edge of her chin to tilt her head up, to angle it in the appropriate way so I can delve into her sweetness.

The air pushing off her nose clashed with mine, both of our insides a mess as my lips pressed into hers, they were about to move against the plump softness and I was about to let out a sound of pure intoxication of how good they felt but the loud voice of someone so near pushed me away, immediately breaking the contact of our lips and skin, stopping this before it got the chance to start.

Valarie got shaken back in and she stumbled backward, trying to build distance between us. I turned to the sound's source, my eyes falling on Cole, whose eyes were wide when he realized what he just did. My jaw ticked and I glared at him, I was more than ready to beat the shit out of him now.

He gulped down, "Oops," He said, staring between us guiltily.

"I should..." he pointed outside, "I should just...leave and go."

He disappeared somewhere, "I think Max is testing the pro-licking theory-" I heard him say to whoever asked him about me.

I groaned loudly and knew that the moment was fucking ruined. Awesome.

When I looked back at Valarie, I knew that she was internally scolding herself for falling weak. She licked her lips, "Uh, can we leave...now?" She asked, her tone urging me to say yes no matter what.

I nodded my head, "Yeah sure," I mumbled, "Let's bid them goodbye and we can leave."

We said goodbye to the rest of the crowd and Cole whispered a couple of sorry's beside me, to which I ignored before we headed outside the house and into the car. The rest of our drive was silent and damn nerve-wracking, I couldn't even get myself to look at her side because I could sense how uncomfortable she was. Thankfully, her house wasn't that far away and it was minutes later that I pulled the car into her street.

"Fourth house to the left," She whispered, for the first time informing me which house actually belonged to her. I followed the directions and paused by the assigned house's driveway. She looked outside of the window, searching the place as if trying to figure something out. When she saw the lights illuminating from inside, she hesitated and shifted in her seat, a bit anxious.

If I didn't know any better, I'd say she didn't want to get in. Her teeth dug into her lower lip, thinking something through, contemplating her chances before she turned to me, "Can I ask something from you?" She murmured, again that vulnerable tone of hers ruining me, "And if you don't want to just refuse immediately, okay?"

I nodded my head instantly, ready to do anything. It felt like she was about to ask me to kill someone for her. Fuck it, I was ready to do even that when her voice wavers like this.

"Can I stay at your place tonight?"

Her whispered request had me inch closer to her, making sure I heard her correctly, "I just," She shook her head, "I don't want to be home today," She added, her eyes spotting the shadow behind the closed curtains of her house, apparently having a problem at home she doesn't want to deal with tonight, "If it is okay with you only," I was shocked, absolutely taken aback, "or you know what I can just get out, nevermind-"

My hand rested over her arm, stopping her from leaving and rambling nonsense. I nodded my head, "Of course, Valarie," I said, because it must be something really uncomfortable for her to ask me something as such, considering her trust towards me wavers.

She tucked her hair behind her ear, "I just..." She looked so uncomfortable as she tried to explain her reasons and I shook my head, "You don't need to explain anything."

A low breath pushed out of her mouth, her shoulders falling down, relieved that she doesn't have to tell me why was she running away from her very own house, even if it is for one night. I roared the engine again and gave her a knowing look, checking that she wasn't making any hasty decision, "Shall I go?"

She stared at me for a long second and nodded her head, "Yeah."

I pulled out of the street and headed toward my home, with her on my side. It is definitely not something I expected to ever happen. Specifically, not today.

"Would your parents mind?" She asked, her voice low with a bit of embarrassment.

I shook my head, "My parents don't interfere in my life in that way," They do interfere in every damn thing, but not in the way she is thinking of now.

When we reached my house, I parked my car next to dad's and went down. Valarie was still sitting inside and I was hoping she didn't regret her decision yet. I opened her door and she gave me a look of hesitation before she went down, nervously biting at her lips. I picked up our bags from the trunk, my hand resting over her lower back as I led her way to the door.

I pulled my keys out and tried to ease her anxiousness by saying, "Don't worry, my parents would be in their room by now," I said, affirming to her that she won't have to face them at this time and explain anything.

I opened the door and ushered her to get in and like I stated, no one was in sight, the only light illuminating the house was coming from the kitchen. Mom leaves it open for me on the days that I come back late. We climbed up the stairs and reached my room. Shit, this feels weird. U didn't expect that I will be letting her into my room tonight.

It was only because she needed a place to stay in and nothing else, I'd be wise to remember that. Nothing more.

She walked in and I think she was really contemplating her decisions by now. I rested my hand over arm, "Relax," I said, "Valarie, you can trust me," I hoped she fully would, "I am just trying to help you out as a...friend." Fuck, I hated that word so much, I don't do friendships but if I had to so I can support her in whatever problem she is facing, then I must, "Nothing more, I promise."

My words were genuine and she could feel that genuinity because her shoulders relaxed down and her lips slightly tilted in a small smile as she reached for my bed and sat down at the edge, her gaze flikceirng all over the place, checking every corner before she faced me, "So, this is the room you keep trying to lure me in, huh?" She said, trying to add some playfulness into the tension surrounding us since we almost kissed.

I smiled and nodded, crossing my arms over my chest, "Nothing like you expected, huh?"

She shook her head, "Definitely not," She said, honestly, "I expected to see used condoms on the floor," She looked down, checking under the bed, "And some bras and thongs lazily thrown all over every corner," She said, smiling as she faced me.

My eyebrow arched, "Well consider yourself lucky, gingy, you are the first girl to sit on that bed," I told her the truth.

Her eyes widened and she shook her head, "I would never believe you in a million years," She winced and got up to her feet, looking at my bed with a wary look, "I just thought of the type of things you did on that bed."

I shook my head, "Seriously, I never brought a girl into this house before," I said and her eyebrow raised, "So what, you are a virgin?" She said, ever so sarcastically.

My eyebrow raised, "Definitely not, but if I wanna sleep with a girl, I usually do it in her house, so I can leave first thing in the morning," I explained and she rolled her eyes, "Such a gentleman."

I winked and she shook her head, "But your mother said-"

I sighed, "My mother was acting like a typical mother and trying to figure out if you are my girlfriend or not."

"Oh."

I nodded, "Yeah. Oh."

She bit again on that lower lip and I remembered how close I was to fucking doing that myself. Great, now I mad at Cole again.

"She better not see me in here, or she will really think I am you girlfriend."

I shrugged as I inched closer and sat by her side, "Don't worry, she knows I don't do the girlfriend thing." Yet. I was so fucking ready to do it if it meant having Valarie as a constant in my life from now on-words.

"So, never had a girlfriend?" She asked, in utter disbelief.

"Never," I said, "What about you?" I asked, shifting the topic toward her, "Ever had a boyfriend?"

I noticed how the light dimmed in her eyes almost instantly, proving my theories right, "Yeah," She whispered and raised one finger, "One."

The one who probably made her so untrustful the way she is, who built up this heavy wall and taught her one hell of a lesson. I felt warmness spread over my chest just at the mere thought of it, that she had someone, and he had her, but he chose to hurt her in some way. My fingers tightened into a fist over my thigh. I wanted to know who he is.

"Anyways," Valarie said, snapping me out, "How will our sleeping arrangement work?" She asked, looking around the room.

"If you give me a heavy blanket, I can sleep here," She added, pointing at the floor and she must be insane if she thinks I will let her sleep there.

My eyebrow raised, "You will sleep here," I patted my hand over the bed.

Her head whirled around to face me, "And you?"

I pointed at the floor, "I can sleep there," I fought the urge to ask her if we can sleep on the same bed. I wanted her to feel comfortable and to trust me so I had to suck it up.

She looked at me guiltily, "I am sorry," She mumbled and I shook my head, "It's nothing," I added as I got up and opened my closet, "I can give you something from me to wear," I suggested and she looked down at herself, nodding in appreciation.

I pulled out anything that was small on me but it still would be too big for her sake. I handed her the shorts and t-shirt, "Bathroom is second door to the right," I explained, "You can find extra towels and toothbrushes under the sink," I added, wanting her to feel like she was home.

She nodded, "Thanks," She whispered before she headed there.

I used that as a chance to change my clothes as well and make whatever bed I will be able to make over the damn floor. I sighed, it's not like I am gonna be able to peacefully sleep with her so damn close.

When I was done, I heard her little knock on my door, "Come in," I said and she opened the door, walking inside. My jaw ticked and I looked away from her almost immediately, because if I stared too long, I will prove her exactly why she shouldn't trust me. Fuck. Those legs. My own t-shirt hugging her and reaching her thigh. Her soft hair cascading down around that beautiful face. Why does she have to be so perfect? It actually hurts to look at her.

She moved closer and I saw her from my peripheral vision as she placed her folded clothes beside her bag, she checked her phone one time, typing something before she locked it and pushed it inside the bag.

She came back to my side, her eyes falling over the comforter I've threwn into the floor to sleep on and her guilty eyes met mine again, her teeth chewing that damn lower lip. I fixed the bed for her to get in immediately and stop torturing me, "Hop in, you must be tired," I moved out of her way and when she pulled herself under the comforter, I turned the lights off, blinding myself from seeing her.

The lamp on the night stand was on still as I navigated my way back, I fixed the pillow and rested my head on it. I felt two eyes on me and I turned to my right, looking up as she clung to the edge, her eyes on me only, "Max," She whsipered.

"Yes, gingy," I said.

She extended her hand forward, "Come sleep here," She mrumered.

"I am not gonna let you sleep on the floor," I said. I was still a gentleman, damn it.

"No, the bed is big enough for us both," Oh, damn it, she is gonna make me break promises like that.

"Come here," She urged again, "I won't be able to sleep with you uncomfortable down there."

I looked at her face, checking and she seemed a hundred percent sure. So, who am I to deny her that?

I pulled myself up and climbed on the other side of the bed, fixing the pillow next to hers as I laid down. Her gaze was on mine and she seriously requested, "Don't kiss me."

I gulped down, it felt like she didn't mean it now, almost like she meant never kiss me.

"Only if you don't lick me," I tried to make the conversation playful, "I heard you are pro-licking."

She smiled, "I won't."

I sighed, "Then I won't as well," I so will, just at the right place and time, not now.

"Come here," I mumbled, urging her to inch closer and she believed the innocence of my gesture, how I only wanted to hold her all night long because instead of protesting, she inched closer to me, sinking into my arms.

Her back pressed into my front and my arm went around her waist, pulling her in. I smiled, her scent was gonna imprint itself over my bed and I couldn't be happier at that fact, "If you ever tell anyone we cuddled, I will refuse and say that you are lying," I said.

I felt her chest vibrate, "Believe me, I will be the one to deny it."

I let my eyelids drop down, never expecting having someone just lay there by your side be so damn soothing, "Goodnight, gingy," I murmured.

I felt her relax in my embrace as she mumbled, "Goodnight, Max."

*************************

Hope you liked the chapter!

see ya soon <3