Ruined: Loving An Alpha Male(33)

“And you’re dreading it already?” Tiny asked.

“I just hate the fuss is all. My family makes a big deal out of it. It’s not my thing,” I tried to explain.

That wasn’t entirely accurate. I mean I do hate my birthday and, yes, my family does make a big deal out of the day. But over the years, I’ve learned to cope. No, Alex knows damn well that for the last few weeks I’ve been sulking about Maxine. Again, I can’t wait to get him alone.

“Well, shit. We should keep up the tradition and irritate you completely with a party,” Tiny announced.

Alex laughed and kissed her.

“Great idea, baby. Hey, you guys about to eat?”

Alex guided Teresa into the living room, probably to put Pandora on my television. When they were out of sight, I looked at Max. I wasn’t sure if she was feeling guilty or regret about what just happened. She smiled shyly at me and turned to check the food.

I sighed, “Do you have enough for our sudden guests?”

“Of course. Let them know dinner will be done in a few minutes.”

She didn’t look at me, so I knew regret was filling her head.

‘Damn you, Alex.’





Chapter 7


Maxine


As I look out on the Delaware River, I wonder what the hell I was thinking earlier. I wanted to see him. I’ve been thinking about him ever since I’d seen him almost a month ago. But it was heightened even more last night at The Bar when he held me. I wanted that feeling again of being in his arms. The thought of him kissing me was too overwhelming. So, like the whore that I am, I thought, ‘Hey, why not seduce him with food? I rolled my eyes and wiped a lone tear that started to fall.

I feel like an idiot. After our monumental lapse in judgment earlier, Mason pretty much stayed away from me. Alex and Tiny were a welcome sight in a way. I think, had they not come by, Mason and I probably would’ve made a huge mistake. And I would have messed up a good thing. I smiled through the now-constant flow of tears, thinking about the whole night. Alex and Mason were hilarious. They regaled Tiny and me about the crazy times they had in the Navy.

Alex told us how many times he purposefully got Mason into fights, just to watch his opponent underestimate him and then watch as Mason would destroy him. They talked about being on the SEAL team and even about some of the friends they lost. Alex ended up bringing liquor with him, so Tiny and I got drunk off of Peach Ciroc, and Alex and Mason drank Mason’s favorite seven hundred dollar bottle of Scotch.

I was lit by the end of the night. We really had a great time talking and joking around. Watching Alex and Tiny together made me long for closeness, but it seemed I was the only one. Ever since Alex and Tiny’s entrance into our two-person party, Mason barely looked at me. Hell, he barely touched me at all. It was nerve-racking to say the least. I mean here is a guy who, not more than a few hours ago, asked if he could taste more of me. Now, I may not be fully up on seductive talk but, damn it, I knew what that meant.

And now, it’s like he turned cold. I needed to get out of here and quick. Tiny helped me clean the kitchen. She, of course, asked me about him, but I shook my head. She obviously could tell they walked into something between Mason and me. But whatever that was had exited when they came in.

I was confused, and I told her so, but she told me not to give up.

“I feel like a whore, Tiny. I mean I just got out of a relationship, for Pete’s sake.”

“Well, I don’t know about Pete or his sake or who that is. But it’s clear that there is something going on between you two. And hell, Max, it’s been over between you and Trip for a long time. You were just too stubborn to notice.” She leaned into me and said softly, “Just hang in there. Let him make the first move, if it makes you feel better about this whole thing. But if he doesn’t, you take what’s yours.”

I laughed, and she continued, “You aren’t looking for a relationship, right?”

I shook my head.

“Okay then. This is just two people getting their freak on, satisfying something that clearly has been brewing for quite some time. I think once you release that feeling, you two could probably go on your merry way.”

I hugged her tight and finished putting the dishes in the dishwasher. Leftovers were split between Alex, who insisted that I cook every Sunday, and Mason. When they left, I couldn’t bring myself to wait around for Mason to make a move. I was going home. I excused myself and went to the bathroom to try and figure out how I could make my exit gracefully when my cell interrupted my pep talk.

“Hey Mimi, what’s up?” I said into my phone.

“Hey, girl. Where are you?