I shrug. “Why? She’s your sister. And she’s not feeling great.” I pause before adding, “She’s cool.”
She makes a choking noise before trying to string her words together. “Well, it’s just that she…uh…she, well…” She cringes before explaining very, very slowly, “She’s not your biggest fan, Max.”
My breath leaves me in a whoosh. I don’t understand. This has never happened to me before. I blink at her before shouting a high-pitched, “What?”
Nat continues to putter around the kitchen. “I know, right? So weird. I can’t believe we’re related sometimes.”
I’m still in shock. I ask a panicked, “Why?”
She lifts a shoulder. “Well, she says you’re a flirt.”
What the hell? My defenses at an all-time high, and I sputter, “I’m a single man! I’m allowed to flirt!”
“Preaching to the choir, babe.”
My mouth gapes. I can’t comprehend what I’m being told. “But why?”
Nat turns and comes at me, wearing a face full of sympathy. She cups my cheek and speaks gently, “Sometimes people don’t like other people, and sometimes they don’t need a reason at all. It happens, honey.”
Now I’m just sad. “But everyone loves me. I’m adorable.”
She pulls my face down to her and kisses my forehead. “If it means anything, I think you’re the best thing since sliced bread.”
I try not to pout, but it’s hard. Really hard. “Why doesn’t she like me? I like her.”
“Leave it alone.”
“No way!” Determination pulses through my veins. “Only one thing to do now.”
Nat eyes me suspiciously. “I’m almost scared to ask.”
I stride to the door. “I’m going to make her like me.”
She calls out after me, “It doesn’t work that way, Max. You can’t make her do anything!”
“Watch me!”
Challenge accepted.
Chapter Seven
Max
Just before I make my exit, I pick up my plate of pizza and take it with me. Truthfully, I’m a little pissed I’m having to prove I’m a good guy to some chick I don’t even know.
At least, I think I’m a good guy.
My stomach twists in knots.
Great. Now she’s got you questioning yourself. What a bitch.
Hey now, brain. Don’t you talk about her like that. I’d hate to have to kick your ass.
My brain smiles and nods in approval.
See? Good guy.
Knowing somebody doesn’t like you for such a weak reason sucks hairy balls. But it quickly makes me wonder if some asshole ex-boyfriend of hers was a flirt, someone who flirted with women in front of her. I shake my head at the thought of wanting to break Helena’s non-existent ex-boyfriend’s nose. No way would anyone who had a woman like that risk losing her over somethin’ so stupid.
It don’t matter. I’m determined to win her over. Mark my words; we are going to be friends. If I could just get her to see what a nice guy I am…
Standing in front of her door, I hold my plate in one hand and raise the other to knock. A few seconds later, Helena answers the door wearing the ugliest navy flannel pajamas I have ever seen. I have no idea how she’s pulling off looking sexy in ‘em. Her hair in a messy knot at the very top of her head, and I smile at how adorable she looks.
Brows bunched in confusion, she begins to ask, “What are you—” but as I move to step inside, I trip over my untied shoelace. The plate in my hand is projected forward, and in slow motion, I watch as the three pieces of pizza fly through the air and splatter across the front of her sleep-shirt.
Her mouth gaping and body rigid, she stands there wide-eyed, in shock. A whimper leaves her mouth. I stare at the tomato sauce marking her and I can’t help it.
I snort.
My laughter subsides when I see her face flush bright red. Her bottom lip quivers and her eyes brighten with tears. She nods once in resignation, then closes the door in my face.
Shit!
“Helena, please open the door. I’m an ass. I shouldn’t have laughed, but you got to admit…it was kinda funny.”
My chest tightens as I hear a sniffle from the other side of the door. Oh man. I run a hand through my hair in helplessness. This went a whole other way in my head. She would open the door, see the pizza in my hands, and smile at me. She’d tell me she was starving and that I was her hero. We’d go inside, talk and bond over pizza, and then every time we’d eat pizza together, we’d smile at each other knowing our entire friendship began with our favorite savory baked good.
Really, universe, would it kill ya to make to me her pizza hero? I’m not asking a lot here.
I hear her shuffle away from the door and I quickly knock again. “Helena, cupcake, I really am sorry. Please, open the door. At least let me help clean up.” My forehead hits the door with a dull thud. I close my eyes and hear another sniffle. “Please, don’t cry. You’re breakin’ my heart over here.”
I wait a little while longer, but she’s gone. Probably to shower.
Helena’s hot little body in the shower. Soaking wet. Droplets sluicing down her body. Her nipples beaded, and…
Fuck, brain, you dirty fucker.
I know.
I mentally high-five my brain. So does my semi.
My mind works overtime thinking of ways I can fix what I just messed up with Helena. If we’re going to be a part of the same friendship group, for the sake of everyone else, we need to find a way to get along. If it were up to me, we would get along, but I have a feeling Helena is the type to put up a fight.
I smirk. She won’t win, however hard she fights. But something tells me she’s worth the battle.
***
Nat
Max walks back into the apartment with an empty plate and looking mad.
Uh oh.
I stand and walk over to him. “What did she do?” I’m going to bitch slap her. Seriously.
He open his mouth to speak, then closes it. He makes another attempt, then another. Finally, with a sigh, he asks, “If Helena were mad at a guy,” he cringes, “what would said guy have to do to get in her good book?”
My eyes narrow dangerously. My teeth gritted, I hiss, “What do you do?”
He chuckles nervously and rubs the back of his neck.
I’m going to bitch slap him.
Seriously.
***
Helena
I can’t stop laughing at the look on Max’s face when the pizza splattered all over me.
Tears prickled my eyes and I thought about crying, but when he snorted, it was hard to not laugh. But I hid it. I had to shut the door that very second, because if I didn’t, I would’ve lost it in a fit of hilarity. I couldn’t let him see me laugh. That would not flatter my stone-cold bitch act.
And the way he calls me cupcake…Gah!
I snuggle into the covers…the covers Max had been sleeping on not hours ago. “The guy sure is something else,” I whisper into the dark.
My brow furrows as a thought crosses my mind.
Why is he trying so hard?
I ponder this a long while before my eyes get heavy. Soon, I’m drifting off. And I do it thinking about Max’s dimple.
***
Max
“If I wanted to impress a woman, what would I do?”
Nik grins. “If you were me and wanted to impress a woman, you’d just be alive.”
Trick guffaws. “Whoa. Someone get a wheelbarrow for the douche’s head.”
Ghost bites into his sandwich, shoulders shaking in silent laughter. I look to my brother and throw a balled up napkin at his head. “You’re so funny. Asshole.”
The guys laugh, but I’m frustrated. “I’m bein’ serious. It’s been a long time since I’ve had to do any of this shit.”
Suddenly, Ghost narrows his eyes at me. Swallowing his food, he asks, “Who is it you’re trying to impress?”
I don’t know why it makes me nervou
s, but Ash just has that effect on people. I laugh it off. “None of your business, Asher.” When I put emphasis on his real name, his jaw tightens. Not a lot of people out there can get away with calling Ghost by his given name. As far as I know, he only gives women he loves the honor. I clear my throat. “It’s no one.” Then I lie through my teeth. “I’m thinkin’ about dating.”
I feel their eyes on me. Quiet overcomes the table.
Nik’s the first to speak. “Seriously?”
I shrug, not sure what to say. Dating has never been an option before, but the older Ceecee gets, I guess I can start meeting women. There’s only one problem. I don’t want to meet women. I’m done with women. I had a woman—a woman I thought was a good woman—and it got me nothing but heartbreak. I loved Maddy. Loved her so much I would’ve done anything for her. But she changed. Soon after Ceecee was born, she wasn’t the woman I fell in love with.
But I stuck by her, and I would’ve stuck by her ‘til death if she had let me. I’m dedicated that way. And what was I rewarded with?
Attitude and ugly-ass words.
If you’re thinking I’m bitter from one bad relationship, you’re right. Just thinking about dating has my stomach coiled tight.
I clear my throat and straighten in my chair. “Maybe.”
Nik smiles down at the table. Looking back up, he nods. “I think that would be cool.”
Trick nudges my shoulder and jokes, “You can’t have Lola.”
I grin and poke the bear. “Nah, I want Nat.”
Ash stands suddenly, his chair squealing behind him. He points at me, jaw rigid. “Lucky I love ya, bro.”
Nik asks, “Got anyone in mind? Anyone in particular?”
I’m honest when I say, “Not really, I’m just takin’ it as it comes.”
My brother slaps a hand on my shoulder and responds, “Sometimes the best things are unplanned.”
The guys make their leave and get back to work, leaving me sitting in the chill-out room with my own thoughts for company. My thoughts consist of green eyes and attitude.
I stand, shake my head to clear it, and head back to my office. Once inside, I take my cell out of my pocket and dial the number I was given the night before. It rings, and rings, and rings some more.
“Hi, you have reached Helena Kovac. I’m unable to take your call. Please leave your name and your number, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.” Beep.
I’m suddenly panicked. “Um…Helena. Hi, it’s Max. Nik’s brother. The guy you found sleeping in your bed. The same guy who threw pizza at you last night.” Oh my God. Shut your mouth, idiot! “Anyways, I just wanted to see if you were free tonight. I mean, I know it’s Saturday and you’re probably going to the club tonight with the girls, but—”
Beep.
Fuck. I must’ve reached the message time limit.
I call again. The voicemail message sounds out again. I wait patiently for the beep.
I lean back in my chair, getting comfortable to talk to Helena. “Sorry, I’ve been told I talk a lot. Anyways, I was saying if you’d let me, I’d like to take you to an early dinner to apologize for being, well, stupid last night.” I sit up. “You know, I think I already feel so comfortable with you, because you’re Nat’s sister, and I love Nat. I mean, I know you don’t like me, but if you—”
Beep.
Motherfucker!
I quickly redial and cover my face with a hand as I cringe at myself. “The fuck am I doing?”
Beep.
I sigh into the phone. “You know what? Don’t worry about it. I…uh…I just realized I’m busy today anyways. So, um…yeah. Just…just don’t worry about it. Sorry for spilling pizza on you. If you need a new pair a pajamas, let me know and I’ll pay for ‘em. And sorry for making you cry.” I pause. “Never meant to hurt you, cupcake.”
The message still recording, I tap my phone against my temple then end the call.
Well, that wasn’t half-awkward.
I sink into my chair and wallow in self-pity.
***
Helena
Having just woken, I sit cross-legged on my bed in my spare set of pajamas, seeing as my favorite ones are still covered in tomato sauce. I listen to the three new voicemails.
“Um…Helena. Hi, it’s Max. Nik’s brother. The guy you found sleeping in your bed. The same guy who threw pizza at you last night. Anyways, I just wanted to see if you were free tonight. I mean, I know it’s Saturday and you’re probably going to the club tonight with the girls, but—”
I smile to myself then listen to the next message.
“Sorry, I’ve been told I talk a lot.” I chuckle and listen on. “Anyways, I was saying if you’d let me, I’d like to take you to an early dinner to apologize for being, well, stupid last night. You know, I think I already feel so comfortable with you, because you’re Nat’s sister, and I love Nat. I mean, I know you don’t like me, but if you—”
My face flushes bright red. Oh dear God. Nat told him I don’t like him? I’ll cut a bitch!
But he called anyways to apologize and ask you to dinner.
My brows rise as I ponder this. This is true. What do I do now?
Go out with him. Let him buy you dinner. Talk to him. Get to know him a little.
Yeah. I straighten on my bed. Yeah. That’s exactly what I’m going to do. My stomach flutters in excitement. I start to listen to the third message.
He sighs. “You know what? Don’t worry about it.” My face falls. My heart sinks. “I…uh…I just realized I’m busy today anyways. So, um…yeah. Just…just don’t worry about it. Sorry for spilling pizza on you. If you need a new pair a pajamas, let me know and I’ll pay for ‘em. And sorry for making you cry.” A slight pause, then a quiet, “Never meant to hurt you, cupcake.”
A sudden rush of anger flows through me. I delete the messages. “Fuck him.”
He’s right. I am going to the club tonight. My determination steeled, I get out of bed and head for the shower. I am going to the club, and I’m not coming home alone.
Chapter Eight
Max
I can’t shake it, this feeling I have just sitting like a rock in the pit of my stomach.
Why did I do that?
Stepping out of the shower, I wipe down my body and stand in front of the fogged mirror. I use my hand to wipe at it to look at my reflection. Yep, that’s me. I mean, it looks like me, but I don’t feel like me. Not today. In sixteen hours, I’ve thrown pizza at a girl, a girl that doesn’t even like me, asked her out, and then cancelled. I’m normally a confident guy. What is it about this broad that’s fucking with me? I’m sure there are people who don’t like me. I know how I can get. Sometimes, I’m not very likeable. But I always try. Always.
I slip my boxers on, head out of the bathroom, and look at my room. This is my last day in this room. I try hard not to think about it, or look at the boxes scattered across the floor. Tomorrow is moving day. Ceecee is thrilled…and by thrilled, I mean still not talking to me.
I slip on my black jeans and White Rabbit tee. It has my name on it. Under my name, it says ‘I’m here to serve you’. I grin. It always goes down well with the ladies. My black belt goes on next. I had a special buckle made for it that reads ‘Follow the white rabbit’. I like it, because it’s big and silver, and a lot of women think white rabbit is a euphemism for my dick.
My sneakers are hiding somewhere around here. Just as I look under my bed, my Mom sticks her head in and informs me, “We’re leaving.”
Got ‘em. Always under the bed. I fish my sneakers out and stand. “Okay, Mom. Thanks again.”
She smiles. “It’s no problem.” Her smile wanes. “She’s still angry.”
I pretend not to hear her and slip my shoes on. She steps forward and turns on her Mom voice. “Don’t you think about ignoring me, Maximillian.”
God, she’s might be small, but my mother is a scary woman when she wants to be. I grin up at her. “I would never ignore you, Mama. Never.” She glare
s at me and I sigh. “I know she’s angry, Ma. What do you want me to do? I’m not changing my mind just because she’s pissed. We’re moving. She’s got to get used to that.”
Mom’s face softens. “Don’t be upset at her for being scared to leave the only place she’s ever known.”
Well, when she puts it like that…
“I’m just upset that she’s upset. I wish I could do something to make it easier for her.”
Mom comes forward and hugs me. “Just show her you love her. That nothing will change that. That you will love her, even if she’s angry at you. Be firm with your love and her heart will gentle.”
I squeeze her back. “Okay. I will.”
Stepping back, she smiles. “Good. Now go say goodnight to her.”
I wink at my Mom before I step out of my room. Just as I exit, I almost run over two little fairies with golden eyes and dark hair. They gasp when they see me. Then it’s on.
“Uccle Max!”
“Mak!”
Tatiana and Ava, Nik and Tina’s daughters, attach themselves to my legs. “Oh my God, I’m being attacked! I thought fairies were the good guys!”
Tina steps into the hall, looks down at her babies, and rubs absently at her stomach. Geez, her belly just gets bigger and bigger. Two times the fun with twins. I mentally cringe.
Good luck Ghost and Nat.
Tina asks the little girls blinking up at her. “Grandma’s ready to go, girls. Why are you running away?”
Tatiana looks around before leaning forward and answering, “There’s a monster in our room.”
Tina widens her eyes in shock. “Well, why didn’t you say so?” She walks toward the girls’ bedroom door and knocks. “Um, excuse me? Monster? You need to leave now. We’re running late.”
Nik calls from the other side of the door. “No can do, Mommy. I need food. I hear little girls are tasty,” then he smacks his lips loudly.
Tatiana giggles, but Ava grips my legs tighter, not quite old enough to get that the monster is actually her dad trying to make a funny. Tina sighs dramatically. “Can’t I just get you some bread, or cereal, or something?”