The more things change

Hunter

I pull my lips away from Max, shocked, realizing what I’ve done. I kissed her. I kissed Max. Mu heart pounds in my chest at the realization. I have wanted to kiss her forever. I have daydreamed about it for years and wondered if I would ever get the chance, but I didn’t plan on doing it tonight. She was screaming and her lips were there. Those beautiful brown full lips. I bite my lips as the urge to kiss her again returns when I feel her slip her hands from around my neck and try to slip out of my arms again.

“Oh, no you don’t,” I say as I pull her closer. “If you move, I’ll kiss you again.”

An empty threat, because I wouldn’t dare kiss her again in my right mind for fear of her slapping me. Still, the threat works, because she stops moving and averts her eyes. I guess the thought of kissing me again isn’t appealing to her. Of course, it isn’t. She hates me. But for a few seconds, while we were kissing, it felt like she was as into it as I was. It made me think that maybe one day this might be something more than hate between us. I smile hopefully as we make the trip back to the car in silence. This is the first time I have ever seen her speechless. Is she still in shock or is she not reacting because she is drunk? It’s probably the latter, which means once she is sober, she is going to hate more than she already does for kissing her against her will. I sigh. Tonight was supposed to be about me getting to know her friends and showing her a different side of me so she would hate me a little less, yet I have messed that up.

We arrive at my car. Max still hasn’t said a word. Her face is blank and I can’t tell what she’s thinking.

“We’ll take my car. I’ll have someone pick up yours in the morning.” I say, hoping to get a response.

She doesn’t respond, but reaches for the door, giving her approval.

“Let me get that for you.”

I quickly open the car door and place her gently down on the seat and buckle her seat belt before walking around to my side. Once I’m settled in behind the wheel, I start the engine and begin driving home. We make our way back home in silence. I glance at her several times during the ride, trying to gauge her emotions, but I can’t read the blank expression on her face.

Once we arrive at our building, she pulls the door open quickly and slips out.

“Max, let me help you.” I jump out of my side of the car, but she ignores me and heads quickly to the elevator.

I lock the car and hurry after her, worried she might stumble and fall, but she makes it inside without falling over. I guess the kiss sobered up and now she just wants to get away from me. I sigh, expecting her to start the elevator before I arrive, but I am pleasantly surprised when she doesn’t close it. Is she waiting for me? She isn’t looking my way, but she doesn’t move toward the buttons, so I think she is waiting for me. Hope flutters in my chest as I pick up my pace. Maybe she doesn’t hate me.

I step on the elevator, press the button for our floor, and watch the door close. I stand awkwardly beside her, wanting to break the silence, but unsure of what to say. ‘I’m sorry for kissing you?’ or ‘I didn’t mean to kiss.’ seems too obvious and lame, but those are the only words running through my head.

“You kissed me,” she whispers, pulling me from my thoughts.

I guess the shock has worn off. I swallow hard and turn to her, ready to face her anger.

“Max, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have—-”

“Do it again.” She says.

“What?” I ask, stunned. Did she just ask me to kiss her again? I look at her expectantly, waiting for an answer, but it never comes. Instead, she turns her body toward mine and places her hand on my cheek, turning my face to hers. She kisses me softly as her hand moves to my hair. I stand frozen for a second. Max is kissing me. The woman I have longed for nearly five years is kissing me. My heart races with excitement and anticipation. For a moment, I forget everything else except how good she feels pressed against me as my breath hitches and I part my lips slightly, allowing her to deepen the kiss.

We stand in the elevator making out for several minutes when she suddenly pulls away, leaving me panting as she backs up against the wall of the elevator and closes her eyes. I stare at her beautiful profile, unable to believe what just happened. I touch my tingling lips and smile. Our first kiss was great, but the kiss just now was even better.

The doors ding and open, signaling our floor, pulling me back to the present. I glance over at Max as she opens her eyes.

“Oh, we’re home.” She says as she heads past me and steps out.

Is that all? Is she not going to mention the kiss? I step off the elevator, confused, as I trail behind her. Should I mention it? I don’t want to seem desperate, but I don’t want to have her forget about it when she wakes up tomorrow.

“Would you like to come in?” I look up and realize we’ve arrived at her door.

Come in. The suggestion is obvious as I watch her bite her lips. I have noticed her do it whenever she was nervous. The first time was at our investment meeting pitch, then again after the stock went public, and twice over the years. It’s rare though nowadays since her confidence since our initial meeting has only grown. But here she is, nervous. Why? She has had plenty of men in her apartment, so that can’t be the reason. So, why?

“Do you want to come in?” She repeats, pulling me from my swirling thoughts.

My heart pounds at the thought of making love to her. I would like nothing more than to tease her and have her scream my name until morning, but if we do right now, it will be meaningless, like all the guys who came before me. My heart wouldn’t be able to handle having her for one night only, so until she is mine completely, I can’t be with her.

“I don’t think I should,” I say.

A flash of disappointment crosses her face, but she soon hides it. “I guess nothing has changed since that night in the club. Good night, Hunter. Thanks for bringing me home.” With that, she walks into her apartment and closes the door.

Five years ago

Max Swallows is wrapping up her pitch to my group for her new app. The idea is innovative with a broad customer base and she does an excellent job of highlighting ways to monetize her app. Her pitch is brilliant, and I can’t believe this is the girl who looked like a deer in a room filled with lions moments before her pitch began. This is a different woman, her confidence and knowledge shining brightly as she talks about her app.

Her team also looks professional and prepared for their presentation. They have done a lot of research and know exactly what they are talking about. Their ability to answer questions during Q&A shows me how well-prepared they were. Still, my mind isn’t on the app. Instead, I find myself watching the curve of her lips, the fullness, the shape of her nose. Her big brown eyes. The way her chest swells when she laughs. How her skin glows under the lights. She is stunning. I am drawn to her in a way I haven’t felt for anyone. Ever.

“Mr. Abercrombie.”

“Huh?” I look up confused and realize everyone around us is staring at me. I sit back in my chair and clear my throat.

“I’m sorry, what were you saying, Ms. Swallows?”

The smile on her face falls. Crap. Now she probably thinks I’m not listening to her.

“If my pitch bores you, I can leave.”

My heart drops at the thought of her leaving.

“No, please don’t. I am sorry, Ms. Swallows. I was distracted, but I am very interested.” In more ways than one. I mentally curse myself as my eyes drift back to her lips. I need to get it together. I’m acting like a teenager with a crush.

I clear my thought and tighten my tie. “Please go ahead, Ms. Swallows. I am listening.”

She smiles and takes a deep breath before starting her pitch once more.

“The Market is right where we want it. This would be a new innovation with the functionality of older apps. After introducing it to individuals, we can then introduce it in schools from kindergarten to college and also businesses that need a more streamlined method of training their employees. It is not a question of if this app will make you richer, Mr. Abercrombie. You and I both know it will. The question is, how rich do you want to be?” she asks confidently.

Damn, she really knows how to sell herself. If I wasn’t already sold on the product itself, I’d buy shares just because I wanted to see her speak every day.

“Mr. Abercrombie?” She calls, pulling me from my thoughts once again.

I glance at her as she waits patiently for an answer; fortunately, I heard the question, this time.

“One can never be too wealthy, Ms. Swallows. I want to be as wealthy as you can make me.” She looks at me and smiles and once my heart pounds. What the heck is wrong with me?

“Then do we have a deal?” She asks.

I shake off my feelings as the time comes to talk business. I decided the moment I saw the idea that I wanted to invest. And her pitch only solidified that feeling. I stand and make my way over to her.

“I would normally discuss this with my team beforehand, but I do not want to wait, since I hear Butch Williams is also interested. I would like to invest in your idea, at whatever price you list for 30% equity. What do you say?” She leans over and whispers to her lawyer, then stands and smiles.

“Deal,” she says as she reaches out her hand for me to shake.

As our hands touch, electricity courses through my body, and I feel something shift inside of me. Something powerful. I’ve always been attracted to beautiful women, but there’s a difference between being turned on by a pretty face and finding yourself inexplicably drawn to someone. This is different. There is no doubt in my mind now. Unfortunately, she is now off limits that we are about to be in business together.

“Great. We’ll get the contracts ready by noon tomorrow for you to sign.”

“That sounds great. I look forward to our partnership.”

“So do I,” I reply.

“Well, I should head out.” She says as her team begins to exit the room.

“Oh, okay,” I say, waiting for her to leave, but she doesn’t move.

“Is everything okay?” I ask after several minutes.

“You’re still holding my hand.”

My cheeks heat up when I look down and see that indeed, I am. Shit. I release it immediately.

“Sorry.”

“It’s fine,” she replies softly. “I am new to all this, so I hope you don’t mind if I ask you to hold my hands once or twice.” She bites her lips and I can once again see the nervous girl that entered the room. Cute. The word slips into my thoughts before I can stop it.

Crap! Did I just think cute? I must be losing my damn mind. I turn away quickly.

“I don’t think that’s a good thing. I can recommend someone if you need guidance.” I say, hoping to create some distance between us. Holding her hands through it would only bring us closer and make me want her more.

“Oh. Okay, whatever you recommend.”

“Essie.” I spin to see the lawyer =standing at the door. Did he call Essie? I frown as she looks at him and smiles.

“I’m coming, James.” Why is she smiling at him like that? What is their relationship??

“I have to go. Thanks again for the meeting, Mr. Abercrombie. I won’t let you down.” She reaches out to shake my hand, but I can’t allow myself to touch her again, so I spin and walk away.

“I hope you don’t.”

“I won’t” are her last words before I hear the door close behind me.

I turn and catch her back as she walks away with him, relaxed and laughing. I feel a bitter sting settle in my chest. Am I jealous? I am, but how can I be jealous over a woman I hardly know, who is not mine? I ask myself, but I already know the answer. I want her. Badly. I want to possess her. Own her. I want to fuck her senseless until neither of us could ever forget the taste of each other.

But I cannot act upon those desires. This is business, and I don’t mix business with pleasure. This is a crush. It has to stay a simple crush. Nothing else. No matter how badly I might wish otherwise.

With my feelings in check, I make my way to my office, email my team to get the deal done, and began working hoping that keeping busy would keep her out of my head. And it works. Two hours pass by quickly as I work through several contracts.

“Hunt.” I look up as my brother comes barging into my office. When did he get back?

“Trig, back from Switzerland so soon?”

“I was in Bali.” He says as she walks over to me with a bottle of whiskey and two glasses.

“My mistake. How was it?”

“Amazing. The air is fresh, the women are fine, and the food is delicious. You should come one day.”

“And who will run the company?” He rolls his eyes and sits before me.

“The company wouldn’t fall into ruin if you take a week off, Hunt.”

“And how would you know that? You don’t even know how the company is doing financially.”

“I keep getting those huge dividend checks, so I think you’re doing pretty well. Plus, I keep up today with the day-to-day happenings, like today I heard you closed the ‘Teach Me’ deal.”

“You’re spying on me?”

“I am keeping watch over my favorite brother and our family legacy.”

“I’m your only brother, and if you cared about our legacy, you’d help me instead of running off on trips.”

He frowns as he pours himself a glass of whiskey. “You know working isn’t my thing.”

“No, spending money is.”

“Ahh, you know me so well, brother.” I roll my eyes, which makes him chuckle.

“If you’re done annoying me, leave. I have work to do.”

“Don’t you think you were hasty with this deal? You didn’t even run it by the team.”

“Are you questioning my decision?” I frown.

“No, no, of course not. I reviewed the presentation an hour ago, and I agree it is a great idea.” He says but I can sense a but, coming.

“But,”

“But this is the first time you’ve done a deal at the end of a pitch. You’re always thorough when you invest. I’ve seen you research for months before deciding, even when the investment was a sure thing. I was just wondering if anything he did amazed you.”

“He?” I furrow my brows.

“The Max fellow. What did he say that convinced you?”

“She said nothing special to convenience me. Her pitch was great, and I didn’t want to lose to Butch, who would have snatched her right up if she had left here without a deal.”

“She?” He furrows his brows. “I thought the developer was Max Swallows.” I nod.

“It is Max Swallows. She goes by, Max.”

I pull up her file on my computer, recalling I wanted to know why the lawyer called her Essie. My heart skips as her picture comes up, along with her name. Esmerelda What a beautiful name, just like her.

“Why are you smiling?” Trig asks.

My cheeks get hot as I quickly click off her profile and turn to him.

“Nothing. Her real name is Esmerelda Maxine Swallows.”

“Esmerelda? A little old English. Maxine isn’t much better. I see why she chose Max.” He says.

“I think her name is beautiful,” I say, feeling defensive.

“Oh, do you?” He eyes me suspiciously. “What else do you think is beautiful? Do you think she is beautiful, too?” He smiles mischievously.

“She’s now a part of Abercrombie holding.”

“That is not what I asked you. So you think she’s beautiful. That’s why you closed the deal so quickly. You wanted to keep her close to you.” He laughs.

“Shut up, Trig.” I snap. “Now go away. I have work to finish.”

“Fine, but I’ll only leave if you agree to come out with me tonight.”

“Don’t want to, I’m busy.” I glare at him.

“I’m lonely and just wanted to spend some quality time with my brother, but if you’re busy, I understand.” He stands and turns to leave.

“I’ll call Max and see if she wants to celebrate.”

“What?” I jump from my seat as he spins and smiles.

“What better way to celebrate her contract than dinner with me?”

“You wouldn’t dare,” I say through gritted teeth.

“I don’t want to, but I’m lonely, so it looks like…”

“What time?” I interrupt, already knowing his game.

“I’ll meet you at your building around 9.”

“Fine. Now hurry and leave. Some of us work for a living.”

“Yes, boss.” He winks, then leaves.

*****

Later that night, we are seated in VIP at the hottest club in town, Vixen, with our two cousins, Spender and Dylan. The vibe is nice, and the music is chill and light, and even though I was blackmailed into coming, I do not hate it. It’s something to do on a night I would have been at home and with the noise, I’m thinking less of Max or Esmerelda I prefer that name. I wonder why she doesn’t use it?

“Essie, come on.”

That voice. I peer towards the sound and sure enough, it’s the lawyer from earlier and behind him is the woman responsible for my current emotional turmoil. She enters the VIP section dressed in a body-hugging chocolate brown dress, which accentuates every curve of her figure. It clings to her hips and shows off her long legs.

Her hair falls over her shoulders, framing her face perfectly, while her lips look plump and red. As soon as I spot her, I feel myself hardening and my heart pounding. Shit. I take a sip of my scotch as I try to calm my raging hormones and my heart.

The lawyer from earlier leans in close to her ear. A little too close for my liking. His hand rests on her shoulder, and he whispers something. She tilts her head back and looks directly at me. Her eyes sparkle with mischief as they take me in. She gives a slight smile and nods slightly, then waves at me. I do the same, hoping she doesn’t come over to talk to me for fear she might see my hardened manhood. Luckily, she turns and heads to the other side of the VIP section with him.

I watch them as they walk away, his hand moves from her should and settles on her ass. So they are together. I feel the bitter taste of vinegar settle in my stomach. Feelings jealously that I have no right to have. I watch as she sits on his lap and kisses him. Fuck!

“Who were those two?” Trig asks, catching me staring.

I glance down at my glass of scotch and give him an embarrassed smile.

“That’s Max.”

“Max? Your Max?”

“She isn’t my Max.” He peers over as the man’s hands slide up her body.

“You are right. That’s his, Max.”

“Shut up!” I growl as I throw back my drink.

“Don’t worry man, I’m sure you can steal her once you’re working together.”

“I don’t want her,” I say, trying to convince myself more than him.

“Then why can’t you stop looking at her?” He chuckles.

“I am not looking at her. I was looking at the waitress.” I raise my hand and call the waitress. “Another round of drinks. We’re here to have fun.”

“That’s more like it.”

Trig slaps my shoulder and returns his attention to the woman he was talking to. I turn to Spencer, but he is also engrossed in a conversation with his brother and two women. I look around for someone I can talk to, but none of the women interest me, not like Max.

I look over and see she is now dancing with him. Great. She is having the time of her life. As she should be. She is young and beautiful and our deal just made her a millionaire. It will make my company a lot of money too, but instead of being elated, I feel like crap. Yet no matter how much it hurts to watch her; I can’t look away. So I spend all night watching them flirt, laugh, and dance. By the time the night ends, my feelings have somehow grown deeper for this woman I barely know. A woman I can’t have.

I watch her leave with James, unable to do anything. I walk out of the club alone into the chilly night. Trig, Spence, and Dylan have taken their dates home. I usually go home alone whenever we go out, but tonight I feel more lonely than usual. I know it’s because of her.

“Hunter Abercrombie.” The sweet melodic sound of her voice calling my name stops me dead in my tracks. I turn and find her looking at me. She looks a little messy, her hair sticking to her neck, and her shoes are in her hands, but she is still beautiful. She smiles at me, making my heart pound so fast I think it might burst through my chest.

“You look hot.” She says slurring her words. It’s clear she is a little drunk, but I am focused on her, thinking I’m hot. That means she is attracted to me. Does she feel the same way I do?

“How about you come back to my face, so I can sit on your place… ah did I say it to right?” She mumbles.

Okay, so she isn’t a little drunk. She is completely smashed. Where is that guy she was with? I look around, but he is nowhere to be found. How can he leave her alone? What if something happened?

“Where is your friend?”

“Somewhere, but I’m not talking about him. I know you like me. You didn’t want to let my hand go. Why don’t you come back to my place?”

“I can take you home so you’re safe, but I’m not interested in anything else,” I say.

She frowns and steps back. “Why not? You like me.” She says it as a fact.

I do, but she is drunk, has a boyfriend, and we are business partners.

“I don’t sleep with my business partners,” I answer simply.

“You’re an investor.” She says.

“Yes, but it would be—”

“Fun.” She walks closer to me, ensuring I get a full view of her breasts as she leans in. I can feel my breath getting short as my erection strains against my Jeans. She looks down and smiles when she sees it making a face bright pink.

“Come on, your friend admits what you won’t. You want me.” She whispers against my ear, sending shivers down my spine. I’m tempted to say to hell with it and just go with the flow, but I stand firm.

“That’s just an instinctual reaction. We can’t react to all our primal urges, Ms. Swallows, or we would be no better animals.” She steps back and looks at me. I see the pain in her eyes as my words hit her. Was I perhaps too harsh?

“I’m So—”

“We are all animals, Mr. Abercrombie. I’m sorry for disturbing you.” She spins and walks away. I hurry after her, but James grabs her from behind.

“Babe, are you OK? I’ve been looking for you.” He says.

“I’m fine. Hunter here took care of me.” She says without looking back.

“Thank you.” He nods at me; she wraps her hand around his waist and leans her head on his chest. I feel my chest tighten as I look on.

“Come on, let’s head home.” He says.

They walk arm in arm, leaving me to watch them. I have never been this jealous of a man. Maybe when Trig was born and mom started paying him more attention than me. But as an adult, I’ve always had everything I wanted. I never coveted something, anything, another man had until I met her and she wasn’t mine.

Present

The memory is probably not a pleasant one for her, nor was it for me. I was rude to her trying to be professional, but here I am five years head over heels in love with her, but like that night, she only wants sex. She’s right. Nothing has changed since the night at the club. I sigh and turn and head for my apartment.