Did he just say she was beautiful? For a moment, Mary forgot how to speak. This should have made her push him away and tell him off for being so silly. But it just made the heat in her stomach tighten and spread lower.
It didn’t help that the expression on his face said he meant it. Mary couldn’t remember the last time Cody had said this to her and he meant it.
Mary licked her lips, which had Max’s eyes drifting to her mouth. God, he was making her feel alive for the first time in weeks, and he had barely done anything. But this shouldn’t feel right. They barely knew each other.
Sometimes, all you need is just a few minutes. Besides, you’re an adult, and you’re single. Why can’t you have a bit of fun?
A bit of fun. Like…
Oh, my. Was she actually thinking about…? Mary couldn’t believe it. She had never considered anything like this before. She was a careful person. One-night stands were something she kept away from.
But she was already hating a weekend that was meant to be hers, and Max was the only bright spot. Why couldn’t she do something for herself for once?
Max seemed to be closer now, his face inches from hers. Was he about to kiss her? Mary’s breath caught in her chest. They really were going to do this, were they?
A sudden loud ringing made Mary jump away with a gasp. Her purse was buzzing. Shit, her phone was going off. Unable to look at Max, Mary fumbled in her purse.
“I…I need to take this.”
“You could just ignore it.”
“If it’s Mom or Olivia, they’ll just keep calling.”
Max shook her head.
“You should just tell them to fuck off.”
“I’m not that brave.” Mary still avoided his gaze as she answered. “Hey, Mom.”
“Where are you? You were supposed to be here by now.”
“I…”
Mary glanced at Max, seeing him watching her. This was her chance to put her foot down and stand up for herself. If she went to this dinner with her sister, she would not enjoy herself at all. It would be a terrible evening for her.
She could go to that, or she could spend time with Max. From the way things had been going before Delia called, it would certainly be more interesting, and Mary would enjoy it more. It shouldn’t have been a dilemma, really.
So why was she dithering?
“I’m going to stay at the cabin, Mom. I think it would be best for everyone.”
“What? You’re meant to be here!”
“Nobody wants me, so what’s the point? Just enjoy yourself without me.”
Delia spluttered.
“But…but we’ve got a surprise for you. We had a date for you here. You could have joined in.”
“I don’t care, Mom.” Mary was feeling more and more confident. Plus, the approving look in Max’s eyes was spurring her on. “After what you said about me, I’m not prepared to be in your company. I’m going to do something for myself for once.”
“For yourself?” Delia snorted. “What’s more important than celebrating your sister’s upcoming wedding?”
“Quite a lot, actually. Don’t be noisy when you come back.”
“Don’t you dare talk to me like…”
But Mary had already hung up, turning her phone off before dropping it into her purse, and snapping it shut. Max was watching her, something glinting in his eye. Mary shrugged.