Chapter Six
Max opensthe door to a huge room about the size of my whole flat. In the centre is the biggest bed I’ve ever seen. I’m talking massive. I could lie across it horizontally and would still fit with room above my head and below my feet. Behind it is a floor to ceiling wall as the head board. I guess that at least gives me some privacy from prying eyes, given the bloody wraparoundwindow.
“Max, surely this isn’t where I’ll be staying?” I askagog.
“This is the spare room. So, yep, this’ll be where you’restaying.”
“The spare room? My spare room is a six by six box. This iscrazy.”
Max shuts the door behind us and leads me over to the bed. “Sit down for a minute while I draw you abath.”
I watch as he walks behind the bed, and a moment later I hear water running.Surely not?If there is a bath behind the bed, it must mean it’s positioned in front of the window! I’m not getting into that. I walk towards the sound of running water, not surprised to find a bath sitting directly behind the bed and in front of the window. I mean, it’s a gorgeous whirlpool bath big enough to comfortably fit a group of people, but the whole universe cansee.
“Oh no,” I say, waving a hand in the air. “It’s hardly relaxing knowing any old Tom, Dick and Harry will be able to see me butt naked.” Now I am closer to the window, I catch a glimpse of my reflection. I look like shit.Fantastic.
“Why didn’t you tell me I look like the dead?” I say, touching my fingertips against myface.
“Why would I? I’m happy to see you. I don’t want to send you awayagain.”
“So, I do look likeshit.”
“I didn’t say that. Who did that to youanyway?”
“It’s a long story, and I’m tired. Can you ask Bryce to fill youin?”
“Of course I can. Do you want to get in then?” Max asks as he pours some bubble bath into thewater.
“I’d love to, but I won’t, not while the whole of Surrey can seeme.”
“Blinds,” Max saysloudly.
“What…?” I start, then almost jump out of my skin when blinds start to drop from the ceiling in sections along thewindow.
“You’ve got to be kiddingme?”
Max just shrugs, then presses a button on the side of the bath. The water starts tobubble.
“Wow.”
“I can dim the lights, make it a bit morerelaxing.”
“Sure,” I say helplessly. This is beyond unbelievable and completely alien to me. I mean, the chalet in France was impressive enough, but this place takes it to a whole new level ofimpressiveness.
“Dim lights,” Max says in the same clearvoice.
“I think I should start calling you JamesBond.”
“Whatever you want, Icy,” he respondssoftly.
Icy. It’s the first time I’ve heard that nickname in weeks. I’ve missed it. I’ve missedhim.
My eyes flick up and he holds my gaze for a moment before reaching towards me. The air crackles between us as he gently rests his palm against my cheek. I stand still, not sure how to react in the moment. I feel all over theplace.
“So, erm,” I stall. “I need to get these off.” I don’t know why I suddenly feel shy, but Ido.
His hand falls away from my face. “Sure, go ahead. I’ll stick around in case you need my help. I don’t know if you’ve ever cracked a rib, but undressing can be prettypainful.”
I know he’s seen me naked before, but I just feel weird right now. Perhaps it’s the culmination of a pretty emotional day, but whatever it is, I need a momentalone.