My body is so ready for his touch, I can’t even try to fight it. He groans as our mouths part and our tongues clash. My hands claw down his shoulders, across his back, feeling how strong he is, how ready to protect our family.
A voice hisses in the back of my mind, warning me to stop, reminding me we’re here to discuss what to do about dad.
But how can I think about dad at a time like this?
I must be the worst daughter in the world.
Maxton senses something is off, and the kiss comes to a natural end.
Taking my hand, he leads me to the center of the room, as the stars watch from all around us.
“This is like we’re half in the game, half in real life.”
I giggle as he pulls my seat out, even if nothing’s funny. There’s just so much fuzzy emotion bursting out of me. I have to let it out somehow.
Sitting down, Maxton tucks my chair in and then walks around to his side of the table. “That’s a good way to look at it. I didn’t think of that. But yeah, you’re right. It’s a good middle ground.”
“Do you find it easier in the game?” I ask. “Being with me, I mean.”
“No. I prefer being with you in real life. You’re so much more beautiful than your avatar. Your voice is sweeter.”
I shake my head.
“I’m serious.” He’s quick to retort.
“But it’s objectively not true. Let’s say Genevieve was real, this tall princess with perfect features, and the voice like an angel… would you say the same?”
He reaches across the table and takes my hand. His eyes pin me in place. It reminds me of the way he looked when he appeared at my door, me wearing just my PJs. When I thought he was there to talk about a possible job opportunity.
But now I can see the expression for what it is, desire, and it intoxicates me.
“Yes. I’d say the same because it’s true. You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”
“I don’t think society would agree—”
“I don’t give a fuck about society,” he growls. “I don’t care what other people think is beautiful. I’m telling you, Maddie, that I think you’re the most beautiful woman alive. You’re the only woman I’ll ever want. Our bodies are screaming out for a future together, for a family. Every time I look at you, I see all of that. And let’s not forget that curvy sexy body of yours, either.”
My cheeks flush and I feel it spreading down my neck, all over my body. Every inch of me feels like it's sparkling with the stars.
“Okay. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to fish for compliments.”
“You deserve to be told. There’s nothing to apologize for.”
When he releases my hand, I look down at the menu, my belly rumbling. I’ve eaten hardly anything all day, which isn’t usual for me. I was just so freaking nervous about tonight.
“I guess we should talk about you-know-what,” I murmur.
Maxton sighs. “You’re right. I know you’re right. But, as selfish as it is, I don’t want to. I want to focus on you.”
“So do I, but… I guess we should at least decide what we’re going to do. Otherwise, we won’t be able to relax.”
He nods. “Yes, so here’s what I’m thinking. We tell your dad, get it all out there, and hope he understands.”
“You make it sound so simple.”
“Steve is a good man. He’s been at my side for years and he’s always tried to encourage me to find a relationship, someone I’m passionate about—”
“He might feel a little different when he finds out who you’ve chosen.”
“I know. But there isn’t a world where I let you go, Maddie. That reality simply doesn’t exist. When we were playing all those games together, and I was falling… falling for you…”
Was he about to say falling in love?
The idea should seem ridiculous. We’ve only been dating for a couple of days. Or are we even dating?
And yet I know I can’t say it’s ridiculous. I can’t even try.
Even if we’ve only been physically together for a little while, we share a wealth of history. Sure, those experiences weren’t real, but they felt significant. They felt like we were forming a bond.
In any case, Maxton quickly moves on, leaving me to wonder.
“I’d often think about meeting you, about how it would go. But nothing prepared me for how my whole world would change when I finally laid eyes on you.”
“You’d seen me before,” I murmur.
“Yeah, when you were a kid. I never even noticed you then. You were a little computer girl, in braces. Sure, I was happy for Steve, that his daughter was following in his footsteps, but you were invisible to me. Now… hell, Maddie. I could go fifty years without seeing you and still remember every single detail of your gorgeous body.”