“I was.” I throw my hands up. “I don’t know getting in the zone,” I say and this time he lunges forward and grabs me around the waist with both hands, bringing me close to him. “I was not ending this,” I say finally in a whisper.
As his head leans down he whispers, “Last chance to walk.”
I lean in closer to him and right before our lips touch I say, “Irresistible.”
And in that moment, I know my mother was right. I am in love with him. Hook, line, and sinker, as they say, but I also know I choose him. I will stand next to him in a fucking tsunami as I hold on to his hand. His kiss isn’t hungry, it isn’t rushed, it is soft, delicate, like he is savoring every single second, as one hand leaves my waist to go up and hold my face close to his.
We stand here the both of us holding on to each other almost in fear that the other person will disappear when we hear a knock at the door and then it swings open.
“Are we going?” Denise stands there as she wears a black, full-length dress that has a split down the middle. “You look like a fucking princess in that dress.” She laughs as I bend to pick up my shawl and purse.
I close the lights as my hand holds on to Max’s as we make it into the limo and we make our way over to the gala.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Max
I hold her hand in mine the whole way there, not letting it go for a second, because I know once we get into that gala I won’t touch her till she comes home with me tonight. I know it isn’t what we planned since her parents are staying at her house, but no way in fuck I’m not bringing her home. Once I see that we have arrived I pick her hand up and kiss it before getting out. I wasn’t ready for the whole red carpet photo session. The only good thing is she will be right there. I get out first as I lean in and hold my hand for Allison and then Denise.
We walk in together as the ladies pose on each side of me. Reporters scream my name, as we don’t speak to any reporter before walking in. Making our way through the lobby of the hotel, we see almost everyone is dressed up to the nines. We also see a slew of celebrities that are all walking in and waving hello. Once we get to the ballroom the music is already coming out of the doors.
“Here we go,” I say to them as my fingers brush with hers. My pinky wraps with hers right before we walk in and then stand here, taking it in. I’m blown away. The whole room is a soft blue and wherever you look is something about winter. Snowflakes hang from the ceiling all are lit up. Tables are all around with white silk tablecloths and huge white flowers. We walk in a bit more as my hand goes to her lower back.
“Look out,” Denise says and we look up as Zoe and Zara come to us. Both are dressed in baby blue dresses that hug their every curve. I shake my head, watching Cooper behind them.
“Max,” they both say.
“We flipped a coin and I won the first dance,” Zoe says as Zara folds her hands over her chest.
“He’s saving the best for last.” She follows as Cooper comes to Allison.
“You look beautiful.” He kisses her cheek. “Is your guy coming?”
“Nope, he’s traveling this week, but he’s due back tonight so.” She turns and says, “I came with Denise and Max.”
“Honey,” Parker says beside Cooper, “that dress is perfect for you.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
Cooper sees someone he knows and waves at them. “There is Ken.” Then he looks at Allison. “His son is just out of med school. We should set you guys up.”
“Dad”—she shakes her head—“I’m happy with my guy, but thanks. I’m going to get some champagne. Tonight we celebrate.”
Denise smiles and nods, following her to a waiter who is handing out champagne.
“When does the dancing start?” Zoe asks, winking at me.
“Look, there is Ryder.” I point to them and they both whip their heads around and look at him.
“Dibs,” they both say at the same time, speed walking to him.
“I said no to those dresses,” Cooper says, looking at Parker. “Why, why, why do you go behind my back?”
“Pick your battles, Cooper. It was that or a mini dress. I chose the lesser of two evils,” Parker says. “Why don’t you go and bid on some silent auction items? I see a nice condo in the Rockies that would be a great getaway.”
He leans in, kisses her lips, and smiles, walking away to the auction table.