Ugly(140)

Max’s face doesn’t falter, though I’m sure he wouldn’t be happy. “Would you?” he asks as he stirs his coffee. I shake my head. “Because it’s too busy, right?”

I shake my head again. “No, although I’m not keen on just how hectic it seems. I mean, we’ve been in the deli for only a few minutes and I already feel exhausted looking at everyone rushing around. But no, that’s not the reason.”

“What is it?” He lifts the cup and tastes his coffee. “God, that’s awful.”

I smile but then I answer, “Because I’ve never really had a family. And now I do, and I don’t ever want to let them go. I have Shayne and Liam and you.”

Max reaches over and cups his hand over mine. “Thank you,” he says.

I smile at him, and turn to watch the bustle of a city that never sleeps.



I took a nap after lunch, and then had a soak in the bath in our room. Max went downstairs because he ‘had something to do’ and said he’d be about an hour or so. I took advantage of that and used the bath.

When he returned he was quiet and not his usual self. But I didn’t pester him to find out what was wrong. I’ve learned with Max he’s big on communication, and when he needs to say something he will. Pushing him to tell me what’s wrong, will result in him saying he’s fine.

“Come on, we’re going to be late,” he says. I come out and Max’s eyes light up when he sees me. “You look beautiful.” He comes toward me looking quite suave in his tailored suit.

“Thank you.”

“Have you got a jacket or cardigan you can take?” I’m wearing a black pair of pants, low heels, and a top Shayne convinced me to buy, because apparently ‘it looks so hot on you’. It’s a black corset top with red ribbon.

“I do, hang on, I’ll get it.”

I put it on, and walk back out to Max. “You sure I look okay?”

“You look so much better than okay.” He leans down and kisses me on the lips. “Come on, Snowflake, let’s go.”

“Where are we going?” I ask as we get in the elevator and travel down.

“I can’t tell you that, but you’ll enjoy it.”

He leads me out the front, and we cross the road, to where a horse-drawn carriage awaits. There’s a man in a top hat and suit holding the carriage door open. “Good evening, Mr. Sterling, Miss Anderson. I hope you enjoy Central Park.”

“Central Park?” I squeal in delight as I half skip to get into the carriage.

“Central Park,” Max confirms as he gets in and sits beside me.

The ride starts, and my eyes are wide open as I watch all the sights. The outer loop of Central Park is nothing short of breathtaking. I feel like a princess as Max pours us champagne and the horses trot along in all their majestic glory. “This is like nothing I’ve ever seen before,” I say in awe.

“It’s the most perfect sight I’ve ever seen.” I turn to see what Max is looking at, and it’s me. “I want to tell you something, Lily. And I want to tell you now, so I know you’ll remember it for as long as you live.”

“What’s that?”

“I love you. I think I’ve loved you from the moment I first saw you, I may have even loved you before then. You’re perfect, beautiful and rare. Just like a snowflake.” I run my hand down his cheek, feeling the scruff of the stubble already coming through. I open my mouth, but Max holds his hand up. “Please, don’t say anything. I just need you to know how I feel.” He leans in and kisses me sweetly.

I understand what he’s saying. He knows I’ve been through a lot, and he also recognizes how I’m not quite ready to say those three important words. Because once I say it, I’ll mean it for the rest of my life.

“Thank you,” I whisper.

“We’re going to the theatre to watch Matilda and then, I’m taking you out to dinner.”

“Won’t it be too late?” I ask as I rest my head on his shoulder.

“It’s not a school night,” he chuckles and kisses my temple.

I lay against Max, watching the city go by, and know I’m the happiest I’ve ever been.





“Lily,” Peter calls me into his office.

“Peter, you need me?”

“Two things. Did you make a decision about New York? And there are two police officers downstairs who want to see you.”

Cold instantly blankets me and I suddenly feel ill. “What?” I say as I quickly back up to hold onto the wall.

“My God, Lily. Sit down,” Peter says as he rushes from behind his desk and helps me over to the chair opposite his. “Do you want some water?”