2

Bailey watched the other group for a bit, and then she went on to dance with a few guys that asked. She was having a good time, and though she was drinking only soda, she was starting to feel the heat in the club as it was getting hotter with the night going on. A few hours later, she was sitting down when a slow song came on, and she looked over to see Max’s eyes widen and then he looked to her. That was her sign.

She got up and walked over as she saw the other woman who was trying to be like a shirt to him with the way she was hanging on him. Bailey smiled at him as she walked up, “Max?” she asked in a louder voice. Gavin wasn’t there at the table, and as far as she knew didn’t know she was there. The woman turned and glared at her.

“He’s busy.” She said as she looked over Bailey.

“Bay.” He said as he took a step back. “I thought that was you.”

“I was just coming over to see if you wanted to dance?” She asked as she smiled at him.

“Of course.” He said as he ignored the other woman, who was now fuming. Max led her out to the dance floor and then took her in his arms. “Thank you.” He said softly in her ear as he bent down. “I thought I would have to do something like run.”

“She is a little clingy.” Bailey laughed.

“Worse part, I just found out she is dating one of Gavin’s friends,” Max said. “However, it is plain to see she wants a slight upgrade.”

“To you?” Bailey asked, and he laughed.

“You know you really should be a little nicer to me.” He said as he pulled her closer.

“I am nice enough,” Bailey said. “I did help you, after all.”

“You did,” he said as he just swayed to the music with her in his arms. He could see the woman he just escaped on the sidelines glaring at the two of them. “I am grateful for it. I have a feeling I will be paying for this, though. She looks like she is ready to kill both of us.”

“Hell hath no fury,” Bailey said as she tipped her face up to look at him.

“When did you grow up?” He asked out of the blue. He looked down into her eyes. The striking blue was there, even in the darkness of the club.

“About the same time you did.” She said as she laughed slightly.

“Bay.” He said as the song ended. He looked at the table and then back to her. “Are you ready to leave?”

“Actually, I am,” Bailey said. “I have done my good deed for the day.”

“Then come with me.” He said as he led her to get her coat, and then he started to walk her out to the fresh air. He had his hand at her back and led her to her car.

“Are you coming with me?” she asked.

“Well, I did come with Gav.” He chuckled. “You can just bring me to your place, and I will get an uber or something.”

“Fine.” She said with a sigh.

They didn’t talk in the car. To her, it was pointless to make small talk with someone who was like a brother to her. She had known him for her entire life.  He was six years older than her. So there was nothing that he didn’t know about her from her childhood. Though it also worked both ways. “Gavin isn’t going to be happy with you.” She finally said as the silence between them was growing awkward.

“I don’t care,” Max said as he looked at her as she pulled into her driveway. He got out of the car and then went to her side as she was struggling with her seat belt. She looked at him as he opened the door and then helped her get untangled. He was chuckling.

She placed her hand in his as he helped her stand. He knew he needed to take a step back, but instead, he took on closer to her. “Max,” she said as she now found herself pinned against the car. “You’re drunk.”

“I haven’t had anything to drink.” He said as he smiled with her that close to him.

“Then what?” she asked, and he lowered his mouth to hers. The pressure took her by surprise. This was someone she thought of like a brother. He started to feel her relax, and then she sighed softly. He took the chance and then swiped his tongue over her lips. She opened them slightly, and he invaded her mouth. Her hands found his shoulders and then to the back of his head. His hand braced her back, and then he deepened the kiss even more.

When he pulled back, he looked down at her as she started to open her eyes. “I think things changed.” He said softly.

“What things?” she asked softly. She felt the heat in between them.

“I always saw you as the small annoying one.” He said as he lowered his head again to nip at her mouth, “Somewhere you grew up and turned into a beauty.”

“Max, now I know you’re drunk.” She said as she pulled back only to find the car there. He chuckled.

“Tell me, you don’t want me.” He said, confident that he already knew what she wanted. “Tell me you didn’t want that kiss to last longer.”

“I wish I could.” She said, “That just goes to show how long it has been.”

“Bailey, don’t,” he said as he kissed her again. This time was more gentle. Though it was making both of them feel the heat of the night though it was cool all around them.  He looked at her in a new way. “Can I come in?”

“Yes.” She replied breathlessly.

“Good.” He said as he followed her in. He then closed the door behind them, and when he locked the door, he knew he wasn’t leaving anytime soon.