A giggle escapes through her tears, which is the exact reaction I was hoping for. The sound of it eases the heaviness of the moment.
Sniffling, she lifts her face from my chest, revealing a slightly pink nose and red-rimmed eyes. The sight of it has me dropping a kiss on her forehead, my lips lingering as I silently vow to always fix what hurts.
By the time I pull back, I see her eyes have fluttered close, a tranquil calm settling over her face before she reopens them.
“You always make it better,” she says, her voice a mere whisper.
Good because that’s what she has always done for me. She’s always been my anchor in the storm.
“I’m sorry for showing up and falling apart on you like this,” she adds. “Especially when you’re so busy. I was just really sad and didn’t want to be alone.”
That confession hits hard. “You never have to apologize for needing me, Elle,” I say, my thumb sweeping away a stray tear from her cheek. “Let’s just give it a little more time before we worry too much, okay?”
Her response is a gentle nod.
“Why don’t we stay here tonight?” I suggest, pulling her in closer. “We can make some popcorn, watch a movie, or just talk. Whatever you want.”
A grateful smile touches her lips, a glimmer of hope breaking through the sorrow. “I’d like that.” Her soft agreement further eases the moment.
“Good. Me too.” I drop one more kiss to the top of her head, lingering just a second longer before stepping back. “Go on up. I’ll be there soon. Just need to lock up.”
Nodding, she heads for the stairs. “Take your time. Bear and I will start the popcorn.” She pats her leg, motioning for him to follow.
His tail wags in excitement as he happily trots behind her, the sound of their footsteps fading as I enter my office.
Despite her reassurance, I try to make it quick and rush through my task, refusing to leave her side for too long.
Less than a minute later, I hear the gentle patter of footsteps echo through the shop again. Assuming it’s Elle, I venture back out.
It’s not Elle.
Shock anchors me in place, bringing me to a hard stop as I come face-to-face with a voluptuous brunette in a trench coat.
“Maxine,” I utter, my surprise more than evident.
A seductive smile dances across her lips as she leans against the charger. “Hey, stranger.”
“What are you doing here?” I ask, forgoing any kind of greeting.
Our relationship doesn’t warrant unexpected visits like this, and it’s not something I appreciate when I have Elle upstairs.
“I came to see you, silly. You left me no choice since you haven’t returned my messages.”
I curse myself as I’m reminded of her texts. I meant to respond but forgot. Given our understanding, you would think my lack of response would dissuade her from showing up here, but I guess not.
“Sorry, I’ve been busy.”
“Too busy for me?” she pouts, pursing her lips in an effort to turn me on, but it does quite the opposite.
“Yeah,” I respond bluntly, refusing to beat around the bush. “Look, I’m sorry I didn’t respond. I meant to. Things have changed and—”
She shrugs off her trench coat, letting it drape in the crook of her elbows, exposing scantily clad lingerie. “You were saying?”
Christ.
I quickly avert my gaze, my jaw tightening in frustration. “Put the damn jacket back on, Max.”
She bristles at my tone. “What the hell is going on with you?”
Before I get the chance to respond, Ellie emerges from the apartment. “Hey, what kind of seasoning do you want for the popcorn?” she asks, her attention on the small glass bottles she holds in her hands. “We have dill pickle, chipotle, and—” her voice falters mid-sentence when she catches sight of Maxine standing before me in nothing but lingerie.
This is not fucking happening right now.
Elle’s face cycles through every emotion. First shock, then hurt, then … anger.
Fuck.
“Jesus, Gunnar,” Maxine snaps, pulling the trench coat back on as if this is my fault. “You could have warned me.”
“I’ve been trying to,” I grit, unsure how she hasn’t comprehended that yet.
“Gunnar?” Elle’s voice is small, reflecting the turmoil of emotions warring across her face. “What’s going on?”
“Just a misunderstanding, sweetheart,” Max answers before I can, her tone laced with bitterness. “Nothing to worry yourself over.”
“Watch it, Max,” I warn.
Her tone puts Elle on the defensive. “I’m sorry, who are you exactly?” she asks, looking ready to brawl if necessary.
