Max Shine
Max was bouncing off the walls with excitement. PJ’s kiss had set him on fire. He couldn’t believe the fervor she showed when he pressed his lips to hers. When she opened for him and returned the kiss, he wanted to come right there in his pants. Her parents certainly knew what they were doing when they named her Pashen. That one taste of her had bewitched him. Never had a woman ignited a fire in him like that. All he could think about was tasting her lips again.
Later, when she opened the door wearing the outfit he bought her, he almost swallowed his tongue. Instead of the sneakers he purchased, she was wearing a pair of stilettos that made her look like a goddess. She had this soft, fluffy midsection that he wanted to rub and snuggle up to. Some may think she was overweight, but Max loved the extra pounds. In fact, he preferred having a little extra woman to hold onto. She wore them well and stepped with confidence. There was nothing more attractive in his eyes.
The awkwardness in the elevator dissipated when they entered his car. Apparently, she was into BMWs. He couldn’t wait for her to see where they were going tonight. He had been selected to speak at a fundraiser at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art earlier in the year and thought it was the perfect setting for a date. Tonight they were attending an intimate dinner at the museum. It was something he had been wanting to do for a woman, and now he got to share it with in PJ.
“So, Sunshine, where are you taking me?”
He loved when she called him that. It made his heart warm to think she was comfortable enough to give him a nickname. He would do his best to always bring the sun into her life.
“It’s a surprise. It’s one of my favorite spots in Charlotte.”
“Oh really? That’s great. I have been gone for so long and everything has changed so much. I haven’t really had time to explore the city and reacquaint myself. Right now, I know how to get home, to the store and work. Once things slow down at work, I plan to take the weekends and do a few hometown tours. Does that sound corny?”
“Yeah, a little bit, but so what. If that’s what you want to do, who cares if it’s corny. In fact, I volunteer to go with you. That is, if you’d like.”
“Let’s see how tonight goes first. I may get on your last nerves and then you’ll be locked in to hanging out with me on weekends.”
“Sounds like heaven to me,” Max mumbled. He was sure she heard him.
Max watched PJ’s face as they entered the museum. He was waiting for her to recognize that they were the only ones dining there tonight. Her eyes went from display to display taking in the artwork. If the smile in them was honest, she was indeed enjoying the experience, so far. When she spun around looking at the art wall hanging above them, it was like watching the joy of a child when seeing the ocean for the first time.
“Max, this is so breathtaking. Thank you for bringing me here.”
“You’re welcome. Let’s head this way to dinner.”
An attendant materialized to escort them to a private dining area where a single linen covered table and two chairs awaited their arrival. Surrounded by colorful artwork, the night was theirs to enjoy.
“How did you arrange all of this? Are we the only ones here?”
“I know the director. He’s a great guy who owed me a favor.”
“You say that like it’s nothing. I have never had anyone think enough of me to first, use a favor to make me happy, and second to make a dinner this romantic. This is very special, Max. Thank you.”
Max blushed and looked down at his hands that had been itching to touch her. He forced himself to look back into her eyes before smiling. It warmed his heart that she appreciated his efforts. Most women he had dated had a sense of entitlement, but not PJ. This caused him to like her even more.
“You are so worth my efforts. Here, let me get your chair.”
He held her chair for her to sit and then took his spot across the small round table from her. After the attendant went to retrieve a bottle of wine that he requested, Max reached out and took her hand.
“So PJ, tell me one truth about yourself that you wouldn’t normally disclose on a first date.”
She laughed and rubbed the palm of his hand with the tips of her fingers. She smiled at him and then looked away. Max watched as she squirmed in her chair and then she bit her lip. He had to suppress a groan when she did that. All he could think about was kissing that succulent mouth again. She leaned forward and whispered her answer to him causing him to choke on the water he just drank.
“I don’t have any panties on.”
“Damn, woman. Is that for future reference or are you just fucking with me?”
PJ laughed before continuing. “I’m fucking with you. I couldn’t think of anything to say, so I pulled a quote from one of my favorite movies, Boomerang.”
“So are you trying to equate yourself to Lady Eloise?”
A look of surprise came over her face as if she was shocked that he knew the movie reference. Then she snarled and leaned forward exposing a bit of cleavage.
“Marcus darling…” she growled, causing them both to laugh uncontrollably, until PJ had to wipe tears from her eyes.
Changing the subject, PJ added, “This wine is delicious. The label looks familiar.”