Page 48 of Blurry Little Lines
I take a long sip of my coffee before placing it on the end table and take a deep breath, anticipating what comes next. “Then let me be your resuscitation.” I jump forward, throwing myself into his arms. Max’s mouth devours my body as his skin covers mine. The man lasts through our shower, and doesn’t let go until I’m withering under the bedsheets, crying out his name for a third orgasm. These memories will forever be needed. Sleep consumes me in record time.
I wake up in his arms as Max’s dick grinds against my back. My leg lifts over his hips, granting him better access to dish out a quick orgasm. No words are spoken as we trade soft smiles while getting dressed. I have no idea what this means, but I don’t want to ruin anything with words. We walked a few blocks under a rare sunny clear sky to pick up the kids from school. The evening passes with pizza, laughs, and board games like we’re the picture-perfect family. My heart is getting too comfortable with Max living here, and my mind is dreaming out loud.
Chapter 19
Max
I pick the strings on my guitar quietly as Kelsie finishes putting the kids to bed. One of her favorite songs crosses my mind as she comes around the corner.
“It’s a shame your pretty voice is reserved for nighttime lullabies.” I nod, encouraging her to sing for me.
“Well, someone was always too shy to sing with me at our talent shows.” She smirks and takes a seat next to me. “You know I’m not one to sing solo for a crowd.”
“And you know singing for the public is not my thing.” It would take serious desperation to perform for a crowd, even though I know my voice can drop panties. “Come on, you can’t resist this song.” I start to play again.
“Dancing where the stars go blue,”she begins, and I duet with her for the hell of it.
“See, we could have been selling out venues all over the world.” She laughs as I hand her the weird ass frozen strawberry tea. “You don’t have to be this attentive, Max.”
“I know, Kelsie.” My heart warms, knowing she appreciates the little things. “I want to do things for you.” She takes a sip and remains quiet as she finishes her tea. Then she walks over to the kitchen to set her mug in the sink.
“Max?” Her voice barely cuts through the sound of me lightly picking my guitar strings.
“What’s running through your mind, half pint?” Her nickname rolls off my tongue, knowing she needs me on the best friend level to talk. She slowly walks toward me. Her hands rest in front of her stomach as her fingers fidget.
“I…” Her eyes dart around the room and rest on the couch arm next to me. “I need to tap out. I can’t handle this.” I set my guitar to the side, giving her my full attention as I decipher her confession.
“You can’t handle me living here? Solo parenting? Our bodies exploring each other?” I remain seated to give her the height authority for confidence.
“I can’t handle us,” she says on a strained breath, stepping right in front of me. “I know my reality, but I keep finding myself believing in this alternate life of ours. Playing house has been fun, but,” she pauses and swallows roughly as her glassy eyes lock with mine, “I didn’t expect to start falling for you, Max.” My lungs deflate as if a freight train crashed into me. “We can’t risk the solid friendship we have built. I need to tap out before I’m too far gone.”
Tell her, dumbass.
“Okay, Kelsie. Whatever you need.” I nod and run my hand through my hair as I try to find the best response. “I remember what we said. You’re only tapping out of my hands exploring your body, right?” My throat constricts around my Adam’s apple. God, I want to touch her again, but I won’t play on her vulnerability.
“Just the sex part...” A small smile gives life to her dimples. “I need my best friend, and my kids need you in their lives.”
“Come here.” I lift my arm to the back of the couch, and she sits beside me with reluctance. “My best friend really started to fall for me.” I didn’t mean to state the last part out loud.
“You’re not mad at me, are you?”
“With being honest with me? Kelsie, of course not. I want your honesty. Always.” I kiss the top of her head. “You weren’t the only one who ended up wide awake and make-believing.” She tenses and looks up at me. “It’s pretty easy to get caught up in your charm, Kels.”
“We can’t—” Her voice breaks before she takes a deep breath through her nose and stands. “I can’t handle the blurry little lines with us. You’re my friend.” Her eyes focus on the bottle of wine on the counter as she debates numbing her pain.
“Kelsie,” I begin, but she cuts me off.
“I’ll have myself under better control after you move back into your place.” Her arms cross as she takes a slow breath. “I enjoyed exploring what my body is capable of with you. Feeling desired for a brief moment was a confidence boost that I needed. So, thank you.” The tug of her smirk tells me she’s on the verge of tears. “Goodnight, Max,” she whispers and stands, disappearing down the hallway.
My hands slide down my face as I push the past few minutes away. I knew taking myonly exceptionto bed would fuck me up more than I already am. Life was easier without knowing the taste of her, the feeling of her hands as they roamed my skin, or my ears hearing her pleasured cries I pulled from her soft lips. Tonight, Kelsie proved she’s stronger than I am. There is no way I’d dare attempt to play with her emotions after the courage it took to admit her true feelings for me. In a way, I thank her for reiterating that nothing lasts. I don’t get emotional over women, but I’ll be damned if tonight doesn’t sting my eyes.
And as I walk to my room moments later, I let the knife in my gut turn as I pretend to not hear her soft sniffles.
Chapter 20
Max
Eric finishes his bench press and winks, giving away his answer to my ‘what did you do this weekend’ question. I have now been back at my own place for a few days and haven’t heard from Kelsie. My mind runs a constant reel of wanting to send a text her way or go to her penthouse, but I’m giving her the time she asked for. Eric, on the other hand, never fails to remind me how desperate I am for Kelsie’s touch again.