Smokescreen
“Max, she ever leaves your ass, I got her number. She’s a fucking miracle worker,” Matt tells the room.
“Never, brother, never,” Max replies.
“Dinner will be ready in an hour. Let’s go enjoy the appetizers,” Sara says with a crack in her voice. Everyone follows her out of the room but Max holds me close.
“Laci!” Max calls and she walks back in. “Have Dana transfer money into Stella’s ac
count tomorrow. I know how much that furniture costs. And before you argue, know there’s a bonus in it for you.”
Instead of arguing, she doubles over in a fit of laughter. “I knew it! Stella Bella, you’d never get away with it. I just won ten bucks from a bet with your sister. Poor thing thought she had a chance.”
I glare at her but can’t wiggle out of Max’s hold.
“Don’t you dare! I’ll fire you for real this time! We had a deal.”
“No, Stels, I knew this would happen, but it was fun to watch you squirm.” She winks and leaves us alone, closing the door behind her.
“This is incredible. I’m not changing anything. Knowing that you put your sense of style in here makes me a very happy man. For the first time, this place feels like I wanted it to. There are no reminders of my past mistakes. You’ve helped erase the bad memories. Each time I walk in my room, I’ll know it was you who made it perfect. Thank you.” He kisses a path from my jawline to collarbone.
“Max, I wanted to do this for you, please.”
“Stella, look at me.” His tone serious. “I wasn’t kidding, no one has ever done anything like this for me. It’s not just about redecorating my rooms to make this place more comfortable. It’s about making a place for me to come home to.”
I open my mouth to talk, but his finger hushes me.
He looks a little nervous but swallows hard and his eyes soften. “I love you, Stella. Everything about you.”
“Oh my God.” The breath leaves my lungs. My heart beats so fast, I’m sure he can hear it. My minds races and my skin tingles. I want to think it’s too soon, but it’s not. I love him too. He’s proved to me that we are the real deal.
“I love you too,” I whisper eagerly. Panic comes but only because I can’t picture my life without him. His sweet words, his touch, his ability to fill my mind with thoughts of a future.
“I wasn’t going to let us leave the country without telling you how I felt. Last night, last week, hell even on your birthday, I knew. But I waited. Today, I missed you so much and felt like a pussy. Even if you didn’t feel the same way. I had to tell you. I fucking love you.”
I open my mouth to respond, but there a knock at the door.
“You two better get out here now. There’s a situation with some player and goalie and Matt and Mason are about to ruin the perfectly nice rug.” Laci’s voice calls through the door.
My eyes scrunch in confusion. “Did she just say player and goalie?”
“Yeah, obviously your best friend is a dumbass when it comes to football.” He laughs against my neck.
“She’s a nut.”
“She’s proven that. But she’s you’re best friend so I’ll be easy on her. How long are these people here tonight?”
“Sara really wanted to have dinner before we leave.”
“Fine, then after dinner, I’m kicking them out and punishing you for lying to me.”
“Max …”
“Believe me, babe, when I get done it won’t feel like punishment.” He grins.
I secretly wish everyone would leave now.
It’s not glamorous, but this area of South America has captured me. The people have been so welcoming. There’s a huge communication barrier, but I see the small smiles and encouraging glances and that’s enough for me.
To my surprise, when we arrived, I learned Max knew the Portuguese dialect and could communicate fluently. He called a meeting with all employees and effortlessly read a statement I prepared. Workers looked around nervously, but he explained we were here to make things better and no further misdoings would be accepted. He introduced each of his team and directed our roles.