Page 3 of Maxwell

A bachelorette party. Hello.

Women at bachelorette parties tended not only to be in a good mood, they welcomed attention—as long as you weren’t creepy. The competition was lower because most men assumed the group was off-limits, but Maxwell knew better. The bride was untouchable, but her single friends? They were fair game. They’d come to celebrate and forget their responsibilities for one night. They laughed louder, flirted more easily, and rarely minded attention from the right man.

Two of the women were on their feet, grinding on each other, while the other two remained seated, chatting and laughing.

Maxwell’s eyes were immediately drawn to one of the seated women. She wore a red, sparkling halter top and her hair was scooped up in a loose bun on top of her head. Her defined features included high cheekbones, a pointy chin, and a soft jawline. There was nothing subtle about her appearance. All of her features, including her generous lips, were show-stopping.

She used her hands while she talked, making a point with big gestures and animated expressions.

“The one in the red top,” he said, staking his claim right away.

“Cool. I had my eye on the one in the catsuit shaking her ass. Damn, she’s fine. Look at all that asssss.”

Nothing else needed to be said because they both knew what to do. Maxwell and Jayson had been each other’s wingmen for years, including the occasions when Maxwell had returned to Atlanta from his Boston residency.

He flagged down the server and sent two bottles of Ace of Spades to the women’s table. One bottle of champagne could be seen as a nice touch, and a table of women might be thankful. Two bottles drew attention and deeper appreciation, yielding better results more often.

He and Jayson watched as the bottles were delivered, and the women accepted them the way confident women always did—as if they deserved it. The server pointed up to the VIP section, and when the women looked up, both Jayson and Maxwell lifted their glasses in a silent toast.

Normally, one of two things happened. The women might indicate their thanks and then continue enjoying their night out—without male interference. Or, they’d invite them over.

The friends huddled together in a brief consultation, and then the one in the catsuit turned in their direction. She crooked her finger, beckoning them down in a come-hither manner.

“Score,” Jayson whispered.

They didn’t rush. After telling their friends where they were headed, they took their time going downstairs. At the table, names were exchanged and Jayson pulled the catsuit-wearing one aside, while Maxwell was able to squeeze in where he wanted to be—right next to Jasmine, the beauty in the red top.

Up close, he had a better view and could see the gold undertones in her light complexion. Her eyes were hazel-colored, warm, and friendly, making it hard to look away. She leaned back, crossing one denim-clad thigh over the other as she boldly watched him.

“So, Max, do you often spend thousands of dollars on champagne for women you don’t know?”

“You don’t think you and your friends are worth it?” he asked.

“We’re definitely worth it,” she said with impressive confidence.

“Good. To answer your question, nah, I don’t do this often.”

“Why’d you do it this time?” Jasmine asked.

“Because there was one particular woman I wanted to meet.” Maxwell paused for effect.

“And who might that be?” she cooed.

He let his gaze travel down her shapely body and bit his bottom lip, ensuring she understood he appreciated what he saw. “You.”

Chapter Two

Jasmine released an earthy, sexy laugh of amusement, bringing her glass to her lips.

“I’m not kidding,” Maxwell said.

“I didn’t say you were,” she remarked, taking a sip.

Angling her head to the right, she considered him with unexpected directness. Normally, women at this point in the conversation played the shy or coquettish role. Not her. She looked at him as if she were having a mental debate, trying to decide something.

“You and your friend are some characters, aren’t you?” she asked.

“We like to have fun,” Maxwell said.