Arbor Days.
Huh.
“Ready?” Max asked.
I had been in such a daze that I didn’t realize we had parked. I felt my helmet being slid off my head and I tried to fix the shocked expression on my face. Arbor Days was one of the trendiest clubs around here. Just on the outskirts of town, it was a fabulous restaurant I couldn’t ever afford during the day. And at night, it turned into a lounge and rooftop dance club with live music, great food and drinks, and college kids of all sorts trying to barge their way in and get a taste of things.
“It’s so good to see you.”
Max’s breathless words made my heart stop. It finally pulled me from my trance and I gazed up at him. He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear before he cupped my cheek. His touch felt warm. It sizzled my skin and made the hair on the nape of my neck pucker. His grin sent my gut humming and I felt a flush working its way down my body. I had no idea why in the world this man made me feel the way he did, but I never wanted it to end.
I smiled. “I missed you too, Max.”
He groaned. “Say it again.”
I giggled. “I’ve missed you, Max.”
His lips approached my own, nipping, but not kissing. I gasped as I felt his breath pulsing against my skin. When I leaned in to kiss him, he fisted my hair softly. He held me where he wanted me as his eyes found mine. And I sat there, waiting for his command.
“Say it one more time, gorgeous.”
I blushed. “I really missed you. Please, let’s not go that long before we talk again. Okay?”
He grinned. “Good girl.”
I squealed as his arm wrapped around my waist. He picked me up, his lips still hovering over mine as he steadied me on my feet. I went in to kiss him again, but he pulled away. Not being able to kiss him made me whimper. And with that sound came a cocky little wink that promised so much more to come. His hand patted my ass and I pressed myself against him, seeking comfort within his warmth.
More and more, he had started to feel like home.
And I wondered if I felt the same way to him.
We walked up to the front door, our arms threaded around one another. But we didn’t have to wait like everyone else. Max patted the bouncer on the shoulder, and after they each exchanged a smile, he let us in. Both of us. Without so much as checking our IDs. I heard people grumbling behind us. Judging us. Getting ready to gossip about us.
And I found it all so thrilling.
Max led me up the stairs. Up multiple flights of stairs, until we emerged onto the rooftop. The live music thumped and jello shots were already making the rounds on silver platters. People were grinding against one another on the dance floor. Swaying and bobbing to a rhythm all their own. I couldn't help but stare. Everyone looked so happy. And as Max pulled me to a rounded table tucked away in a corner, a scantily-clad woman walked up to the table.
“What can I getcha?” she asked cheerfully.
Max looked down at me. “Rum and Coke?”
I shrugged. “Sure, yes. A rum and Coke for me.”
The woman’s eyes fell to Max. “And for you?”
“Just a beer. Whatever your best is on tap that isn’t dark. Then water after that.”
The woman pouted. “Just one?”
He nodded. “Just one. Got precious cargo with me tonight.”
For a split second, I wondered what that cargo was. Until he pulled me close. Then I realized what he was talking about. I was the precious cargo.
I love this man.
“All right, a rum and Coke and only one beer that isn’t dark coming up. Any food for you two?”
Max’s voice sounded far off. “Not for now. But maybe later, if she gets hungry.”