Page 95 of Mr. Wilde

“Maybe, if you weren’t glaring at me like you are scrubbing me from existence,” I counter.

He shifts awkwardly. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I was already anxious about what I’d say to you. This wasn’t a circumstance I’d prepared for.”

“What wasn’t?”

“A boyfriend.”

My eyes widen. I have to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing at the sheer absurdity of Sam being “boyfriend material.” Sebastian would have a field day with that.

But Max’s venom has morphed into pure, unadulterated hurt. My heart breaks a little for him. I know exactly how I’d feel if the roles were reversed.

“Sam is not my boyfriend,” I reply softly. “I’m temporarily staying with his brother and his family. He asked if I’d meet him here to help with a personal issue. We’re barely friends.” I hope the reassurance helps, even if I don’t owe it to him.

“I miss you,” he blurts.

I blink, stunned into silence. This might be the most honest thing he’s ever said to me.

“Will you have dinner with me?” He looks around the busy lot. “I really want to talk... somewhere a little less populated. Is there any chance you’re free tonight?”

“Yes.”

“Can I come by around 6:00?”

“Sure.”

A beautiful smile crosses his face. It becomes clear the bright summer sun isn’t the only thing making his blue eyes sparkle. “Great. I’ll see you then.”

I begin to turn away when a realization hits me. “So if you didn’t scrape my accounts, how did you find me? Did Gianni tell you where I was?”

Max shakes his head, a playful smile curling one corner of his lips as he heads back toward his SUV. “No. It was Lala.”

It’s ten minutes until showtime. My hands tremble as I smooth the fabric of the little black, form-fitting dress I’m wearing. Part of me was worried it might not fit, given how well I’ve been eating here with Sebastian, Bella, and their family. But working out with Bas has managed to keep me from putting on too many extra pounds.

Glancing back in the mirror, I let out a long sigh. I’ve got my hair styled in loose waves and my makeup as close to perfect as I can make it. I’ve stuck to neutral shades with a subtle pink lip gloss.

Pink.

I think I’m going to dye it back soon. I miss it. Almost as much as I’ve missed this man.

No more hiding, Cassidy. I need to face life again. It’s been years now, and those men are locked up tight.

I bite my lip, my reflection looking back at me with a mix of defiance and fear. Somewhere during our conversation tonight, I need to verify he had nothing to do with their transfer to maximum security. Even though it’s a big possibility. Max may have assured me he hadn’t crossed the line by scrubbing my personal data, but given the work he’s been doing, it’s not beyond the pale that he would’ve done something to avenge me. It’s the man I know Max Wilde to be.

Well, the part he’s let me see, anyway.

Knock, knock, knock.

I open the guest room door to see Bella smiling at me. “Cassidy, your date is here.”

I want to correct her. Tell her this isn’t a date, merely an overgrown man-child here to speak his mind. I can’t let myself even consider there could be more to it.

Sure, Cass. That’s why you’ve spent all afternoon trying to get my sexy on.

He probably won’t divulge anything personal. He’ll simply try to convince me to work on another project or keep him company while he’s in town.

“Thanks, Bella.”

“You look beautiful,” she says, her eyes warm. “That guy doesn’t stand a chance.”