Page 45 of Billionaire's Desire
She looks up at me, her eyes searching mine, and for a moment, I think she’s going to let me in. But then she shakes her head, her expression closing off.
“I’m sorry, Max,” she says, her voice barely audible. “I just can’t.”
And with that, she turns and walks away, disappearing into the night.
I stand there for a moment, feeling helpless and lost, wondering how I can help her when she won’t let me in.
A few minutes later, I see the top of her head as she boards the yacht. Without a second thought, for the third time this evening, I chase after her.
“Maggie, wait up!”
Her beautiful dress still clings to her, but now, her arms are covered in goosebumps.
I am not sure if it is the weather, or the conversation we were having.
A quick glance at her face shows that she is still crying.
My heart breaks at the sight.
“Sweetheart. Please don’t cry.” The endearment falls off my lips so naturally.
She lifts her face to lock her big beautiful brown eyes with mine.
“Maggie,” I say, my voice gentle. “Please, just hear me out.”
Fuck! I want to hold her so badly, but I don’t think she would let me.
Tears streaming down her face, her voice cracking up, “Max, I don’t know what to do,” she says, her voice trembling. “I feel like I’m falling apart.”
“Let me hold you together.”
I can tell that my declaration has surprised her as much as it has me.
A sharp inhale leaves her.
“Max…” her voice is barely above a whisper.
“You’re not in the right state to be alone. Let me take you somewhere safe.”
She hesitates for a moment, looking at me with a mixture of fear and uncertainty.
“Where would we go?” she asks, her voice barely above a whisper.
The thought slaps me from nowhere, “My cabin.”
“Your cabin?” she stutters. “That’s not professional.”
“Why not? We are friends, aren’t we? And right now, I am inviting my friend over to unwind and talk after a long day. There is hardly anything wrong with that, is there?”
I am surprised that my weak explanation actually wins her over.
My heart rate increases as she nods her head once in agreement.
The sound of the water lapping against the sides of the boat is soothing, and I hope it will help Maggie calm down.
“Welcome aboard.” I say cheerily.
She does not smile, but her shoulders lift a little.
