“Yes, but it’s not a good time. I had an argument with Rita tonight and things got heated. She’s not exactly my biggest fan right now.”
Understanding washes over her face. “It was about me wasn’t it?”
“You and me, babe. Us. But I don’t give a fuck about her opinion, she’s the least of my worries. I need you to do something for me.”
“Anything.”
“Call my mom, get her here or go to her. Do not let her near the hospital. No matter how hard she tries to convince you, don’t let her near there until I call you with an update.”
“Okay, honey, but why?”
“Because it’s the same place my dad died and I’m not sure she can handle it.”
I go through my checklist one last time making sure everything is packed. Our flight to South America is in less than two hours and from the amount of luggage in my room, you’d think we were traveling for six weeks, not six days. I tried to postpone the trip, but Max wouldn’t budge. He’s been working endlessly to ensure we could be gone for the week.
Edward’s condition hasn’t improved since he arrived at the hospital ten days ago. Doctors think he had a stroke along with the massive heart attack. Since he’s not strong enough for surgery, they’ve been keeping him sedated and comfortable. The few times they’ve tried to wake him up, he’s become agitated. Max has been in countless meetings with the board of directors and executive team. He keeps me updated on any news, but I’ve stayed away from the hospital and the Hurst & McCoy offices.
Max told me what Rita said to him on the phone as well as the constant comments she makes regarding our relationship. I personally think she should be more worried about her husband lying in a hospital bed, but apparently she wants to harp. Even with Max’s disdain toward Edward, he visits the hospital every few days out of respect. Unfortunately, also out of respect, Sara, Matt, and Mason have gone by as well.
The only good thing that came out of this situation is that Erica dropped out of the photo shoot and asked to do solo shots when they knew more about her dad. Even though she’s a shallow, spoiled bitch, she seems to really love her father. She’s at the hospital all day, every day. Max thinks she’s genuinely terrified of losing him. But with her out, it opened the door for Max to pressure me to do the damn photo shoot with him again. He was relentless, even when I threatened to cut off sex for a week. I finally agreed and the ban on sex lasted twelve hours.
The shower shuts off and Max comes out of the bathroom wrapped in only a towel. My eyes roam over his body, appreciating his physique. He catches me and drops the towel, exposing his erection.
“That’s not fair.” My pulse starts to races. “We have to leave in ten minutes.”
“Bella, I own the plane. We can be late.”
“Should have decided that before I told Laci to ride with us.”
“Come here.” He opens his arms and I practically jump into them. His skin is still warm from the shower and the smell of his body wash fills the air around us. “You feel so good.”
“You do too. Are you okay?”
“Yeah.”
“Do you want to talk about anything?”
“Not really, it is what it is.”
“Max, since Edward’s heart attack, you’ve been different. Quieter, distant, sidetracked. I’ve tried to give you space, but I’m at a loss here. What can I do?”
“Be you. Love me the way you do. Take care of me. You’ve made the last two weeks more bearable.”
“I haven’t really done anything. You won’t let me,” I say softly trying to hide the hurt in my voice.
“Kiss me.”
I lift on my toes and touch my lips to his. He grabs my ass and pulls me as close to him as possible. His tongue runs along the seam of my lips, teasing me until I whimper. He smiles against my mouth and then dives in hungrily. Our tongues thrash together, each one trying to dominate. He wins and I submit to his kiss, crawling up his body at the same time. His arms support my weight and I wrap my legs around him, rocking against his hard length.
“Stella,” he moans.
“Changed my mind, we can be late. I need you now.”
His eyes grow dark and he lowers me down. Once my feet hit the floor, he yanks my leggings down and twirls me around. “Hands on the wall. Don’t move them.” He pulls my hips towards him and slides in easily until he’s completely filling me. I push back into him, needing him to move, but he remains still.
“Be still, let me look at you. Fucking perfect. I love this view.” His hand snakes around and his thumb circles my already sensitive clit. A small cry comes out as I bite my lip. His mouth comes to my ear and he whispers. “I feel you clenching against my cock. Every muscle surrounds me, making me ache to pound into you until you scream my name. But instead, I’m going to go slow. Feeling, savoring, memorizing every stroke.”
My head falls forward as my core spasms. “Move, Max, don’t torment me.”