“Okay, now that we’ve established all this, I have a suggestion.”
“What?”
“Pedro may be able to help.”
“Already on it. He’s watching out around the community center to see if this guy ever shows his face. He’s also keeping an eye out at the factory. “
“But make sure he knows not to approach him.”
“We’ve already talked about it. He knows to call me immediately.”
“He’s still a boy, Max, make sure he’s safe.”
“You keep doing what you’re doing and I’ll handle the rest.” He tugs me out of my chair and into his arms. “Now that we’ve cleared this up. Why don’t you let Jake drive you to your office? I’ll meet you there and bring lunch for everyone?”
“What are you going to do?” My voice is laced with suspicion.
“I’ve got some calls to make.”
He doesn’t elaborate further and a nagging feeling starts to grow. It’s clear he’s still hiding something.
“I’ll go get my things, they’re in the bedroom.” I sidestep him and walk towards his room.
He must sense something is bothering me because he follows and shuts the door behind him. “Stella? What’s going on in your head?”
“Are you still keeping secrets? I’m not keen on being in the dark. It started with you having me watched in the bar that night. It’s fine if you can’t share your business life, but this is the third time—third time—you’ve hidden things from me. First it was Erica, then in South America, now this. We’ve been home for five days Max. You didn’t think to tell me what was going on? I’m not sure I’ve made myself clear so I’ll do it with no room for misinterpretation. I will not stand being kept in the dark. I love you like I’ve never loved anyone, but this is the last time I’ll allow you to keep things from me. It’ll hurt like hell, but you’ll watch me walk out the door if it happens again.”
Surprise washes over his face and then his eyes turn hard. He stalks to me and tugs me into his tight body. “You will never walk out my door. I won’t allow it. I’ve waited too long to find you to lose you. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about what was happening. From now on, you’ll know.
“I had you watched the night at the bar for purely selfish reasons, I told you that. As for hiding things, yes, I may have a secret or two going on, but none of it is critical to our relationship. Maybe I just want to surprise my fucking girlfriend this weekend.”
“I’m beginning to wish we never got out of bed this morning. Everything was so perfect,” I mumble into his chest.
“It still is, my Bella. Trust me to take care of you. This will be over soon. And I meant what I said this morning, the rest of our lives.”
My mind is still in chaos, but my heart melts at his words. “Okay, Max, but no more hiding things from me.”
He doesn’t answer but nods his head against mine.
“Now, I’m going to enjoy spending your money and introduce the mountain man to my staff. I’ll apologize in advance if he quits before the day is through.”
“Babe, go easy on him. He’s helping me out.”
“One question, why does he know Erica?”
“He watched her for me a few times when I suspected she was using again. He’s the one who helped me get her busted and into rehab. He’s more than a bodyguard, he’s a friend. She never met him.”
“Wow.”
“Yeah, so I owe him for this. He knows what you mean to me. He agreed to leave his current assignment and come to you.”
Thoughts of the miserable Max surface and I have a new appreciation for the man in the next room. “Okay, we’ll take it easy on him.”
Max’s hand goes under my chin and lifts it so there is no choice but to look at him. “I love you.”
“I love you too, but next time you promise me a naked meeting, you better follow through.” I joke, trying to lighten the mood.
“You got it. Now kiss me before you leave.” He lowers his lips to mine in a sweet yet searing kiss.