As we’re packing up at the end of the day, I catch that asswipe Max out of the corner of my eye. He’s lingering by the front desk all creepy as fuck. Britt locks up her office and heads toward the door where the two of them exchange a few words. I grind my teeth in aggravation as I watch. The urge to hit something is nearly overwhelming when Britt follows Max out to the parking lot where she climbs into his car.
Son of a bitch!
I’m not a good guy, not by any stretch of the imagination, and I don’t deserve a woman like Britt, but I’m positive Max might be the worst thing for the naive sports therapist, even when compared to me.
4
Britt
After dodging Max’s offers to drive me home the last few days, he traps me by the front desk. “Britt, you headed out?” His smile is forced, likely a result of my recent avoidance tactics. He’s been acting strange lately, especially around K, and it has me on edge. More so than usual. Work is my sanctuary and Max is ruining it with his bizarre behavior.
“Yes,” I respond as cheerily as I can manage seeing as I’m going to my parents’ house for dinner tonight. It’s hung over me all day. I’m dreading dinner more than a trip to the dentist’s chair.
“I’m about to leave myself. It’s pretty hot out so I figured you wouldn’t want to walk.”
It’s hot every damn day from May through October, I think. Instead of voicing my sarcastic response, I accept his offer, unable to come up with a reason to decline except the fact that Max makes me nervous lately.
“Sure. Thanks, Max.”
He grins, the smile more natural now that I agreed to the ride, which allows me to relax a little.
Max cranks up the A/C, letting the blazing hot car cool off a little before pulling out of the parking lot. “So,” he begins, his eyes never leaving the congested streets. “What’s up with the new guy?”
“Who?” I play dumb, knowing exactly who Max is asking about.
I catch Max rolling his eyes. “Killer. What a stupid name.”
Although I agree on the name thing, I’m not going to give Max the satisfaction of knowing he’s right. Plus, the way he’s always putting down K makes me defensive for some reason.
“He’s doing well. Once he hits the circuit, he’ll be unstoppable.”
Why I want to rub K’s success in Max’s face is a mystery. I guess it’s the fact that no one else here bothers to look past the tough exterior K projects. No one else sees or understands the similarities we share and hide from the world. Despite his attempt to cover it up, I see him. Inside, he’s damaged. Like me. And that makes him even more attractive in my eyes.
Max scowls. “We’ll see about that.”
“We will,” I agree.
Max pulls into my apartment complex and stops in front of my building. I grab my purse and when my hand reaches for the door, Max speaks. “Did you maybe want to get something to eat tonight?”
My head whips around in shock, wondering if I heard correctly since he’s on my left. “Are you asking me out?” I blurt without thinking. Max turns bright red and drops his gaze to the steering wheel. His thumbs rub back and forth over the worn leather on the wheel.
“Yeah, I think I am.” Nervous eyes flick over to my face.
Crap. I don’t think of Max that way. How are we supposed to work together if I turn him down?
“Ummmm, I’m having dinner with my parents tonight,” I stammer.
“Oh.” He looks crestfallen, biting on his lower lip. “Okay. I’ll see you Monday, Britt.”
Nodding, I hurry out of the car, eager to be away from such an uncomfortable situation. Once inside, I lock the door behind me and sag. Jesus, I need Max asking me out like I need a hole in my head.
I hunch over and start giggling uncontrollably. I did have a hole in my head. It shouldn’t be funny, but for some reason I can’t stop. After fifteen minutes of ridiculous, near-hysteric laughter, I wipe my eyes and check the clock.
Crap.
Now there really will be something for my mother to be mad at. I’m going to be late.
* * *