Page 48 of Tremors of Desire
“Frankly, I’m concerned about what William may do next. And if he’ll leave gifts when Vanessa returns. And what will happen when neither of you is around?”
And what exactly is this thing between us?
But I don’t have the courage to ask him about us. If there is anus.
“I’m happy to work with you and Vanessa to walk you to and from classes when I can, and I feel certain Vanessa will be willing to do so. If neither of us is available, maybe there’s another classmate who can. We’ll come up with something to ensure you aren’t alone, Irelynn.” He squeezes my hand, a confident smile on his face.
“I appreciate it, even though I really hate to be a burden.” Turning my head away from his, I bite my lip, looking out the window.
“Irelynn, look at me.” Max squeezes my hand and I turn my face to him. “You arenota burden to me.At all. I want to do everything I can to protect you and ensure your safety. Okay?”
Nodding, I release my lip and smile at him. Max radiates such strength and confidence, which helps ease my worries about William.
As for what this thing is between me and him, I’ll just ride it out and see where it takes us.
“Is that all that’s bothering you?” His voice breaks through my thoughts again. My gaze drops to my lap for a moment, then I turn to him.
“Other than the first day of class jitters, I’m good.” A pang of guilt goes through me for not being completely truthful, but I don’t want to push anything.
He stares at me a beat, as though he knows I’m withholding something, but doesn’t press me. Instead, he squeezes my hand again and says, “Well, our first class is together, so there’s that.”
“Yes, there’s that.” I sigh, my thought turning to William. “I just hate to burden either you or Vanessa because of him.”
Max pulls into a parking space in front of my apartment, then puts his vehicle in park and cuts the ignition. Turning to me, his stare is intense. “Irelynn, it’s no problem. You aren’t a bother to me, and I’m sure not to Vanessa. Plus, I don’t make offers I don’t intend to honor.” He removes his seatbelt, looking at me with such intensity that my heart pounds against my chest.
Vanessa comes flying out of the apartment door, a huge smile on her face as she waves frantically at us.
“I guess I should get out and formally introduce myself,” Max says with a wink.
“If you don’t, she’ll come over and introduce herself, then badger you with questions.” Shaking my head, I turn my head toward my best friend and gaze at her affectionately. When I turn back to him, Max is watching me with a smile on his face.
“What?” I ask him, trying to decipher his look.
He shakes his head and puts his hand on his door. “I’m coming around to open your door.” He hops out and throws Vanessa a quick wave as he hurries around his Jeep to my side of the vehicle. Pulling open the door, he extends his hand, helping me out. Once my feet hit the pavement, he entwines his fingers with mine, smiling at me. Pushing my door shut, he and I head to Vanessa.
Her eyebrows are raised to her forehead as she watches us. From the look in her piercing emerald eyes, she highly approves of Max’s behavior.
Max holds out his hand once we are in front of her. “Hi, Vanessa. I’m Max.”
Vanessa grins, her eyes on him. She takes his hand, shaking it. “Nice to meet you, Max. I like you already. You get bonus points for opening her door and helping my bestie from the vehicle.”
Max laughs. “I appreciate that. And I like you. Especially after all the information you gave me yesterday about Irelynn.”
I groan as they both laugh. But then I get serious as I see the questions brimming in Vanessa’s eyes. I don’t want Max to suffer through any of it, especially since I know she’ll inquire about what is going on between us. Plus, I haven’t told her anything about William yet. “Vanessa, I’m starving, and I want updates on Josh. We should probably head inside so I can change, and we can leave.”
“Yes, and I need to change. I just got home right before you two got here.” She backs toward the door, throwing a wave at Max. “Nice to meet you. I hope to see you soon.” She winks at him, then gives me one of those knowing looks.
Squeezing his hand, I step closer to him. “Thank you foreverythingthis weekend. I can’t possibly repay you for it and words seem inadequate. But I’m extremely grateful.”
He smiles, his hand moving up to my face, gently pushing a lock of hair behind my ear. “You’re welcome.” He leans forward and gently kisses me on the cheek, his hands in my hair. “Call or text if you want me to come over once you and Vanessa are finished with breakfast. I can drive or follow you to class.”
My hand goes to my chest, touched by his thoughtfulness. “Will do.”
He gives my hand one final squeeze, then heads to his Jeep. “Enjoy breakfast.”
I nod. “Drive safely.”
“I will, beautiful.” We exchange one last, lingering stare, and then I head inside my apartment. I want so badly to turn around and give him one final look… and when I give in and turn back to him once more, those intense baby blue are staring at me. Desire swirling in them like a sandstorm.