4
Chapter Four
Max couldn’t believe he had missed a chance to kiss Mary. They had been so close, and then that damn phone had gone off. It felt like Mary’s mother knew how to ruin her daughter’s time when she wasn’t even there.
He wasn’t comfortable with Mary being at her cabin with Delia coming back. There was going to be a lot of drama, and Mary looked too exhausted from it. She could spend the night at his place, have some quiet, and then she could leave. Hopefully with minimal fuss.
The thought of her leaving, though, didn’t sit well with him. Max didn’t like how it was making him feel. He shouldn’t be thinking in such a manner, and yet there was something about Mary that drew him in. She was a sweet, quiet-mannered person with a gentle nature. It was surprisingly calming having her close by, even though they had barely done anything except talk about Mary’s situation.
What was it about her that just grabbed hold of him and wouldn’t let go?
They were silent as they made their way down the track to the cabin Max used, but Mary didn’t remove her hand from his. It felt really nice, her fingers soft and warm in his grasp. Max kept stealing glances over at her as they walked. She really did look lovely, her wavy hair flowing down her back, and the dress swishing around her legs as she walked. And the fact she didn’t seem to notice her beauty made her more remarkable.
Her ex had to have been insane to stray as he did. If it had been Max, Mary would have been treated like a princess.
He unlocked the door and allowed Mary inside, mentally trying to recall if he had left the place clean before he left. He had, thank God. Mary went into the open-plan kitchenette-living room and looked around. A smile curved at her mouth.
“This is really cozy. Do you live here all year round?”
“I do. It’s cheaper than having a place elsewhere when the resort is not as in demand over the winter months.”
“I thought this place was open all year.”
Max gave her a smile as he shrugged out of his jacket, draping it over the back of the couch.
“I’m the water sports instructor. There isn’t really much demand for my job during the cold months.”
“So, what do you do when that’s not happening?”
She seemed genuinely interested, and Max tried not to puff his chest out at the knowledge. He undid his tie; he really wasn’t keen on having something tight around his neck. He had just been making an effort for her.
“I normally help out with the office work or do some maintenance around the resort. I pretty much become the handyman.”
“I see.” Mary put her purse on the couch, looking a little nervous. “Do you mind if I sit down?”
“Go right ahead. You don’t need to stand on ceremony.”
“Thanks.” Mary sat on the edge of the couch and grimaced. “I don’t normally wear heels, so they’re starting to hurt my feet.”
Max came around the couch, noticing that Mary was rubbing at her ankle. He knelt before her and took a foot in his hand. Mary stiffened.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m going to take your shoes off.” Max paused. “You’re okay with that, are you?”
Mary licked her lips, and Max had to fight back a groan. How did she not know how enticing she was right now? Finally, she nodded.
“Okay. Just be careful. I’m very ticklish.”
“I’ll be gentle.”
Max made quick work of the shoe, managing to undo the tiny buckle with his large fingers, and slid it off her foot. Then he did it to the other one.
“Better?”
“Much better. Thanks.” Mary shifted back gingerly, sliding her feet away. “If I could get away with wearing flats with this dress, I would. But the skirt ends up being too long and I trip over.”
“It’s a beautiful dress.”