After running home to grab a few things, showering to make myself look a little less haggard, and calling both Howie and Mal—I finally jumped in my car and hit the road. I’ve gone over what I’m going to say a million times in my head as I sped toward Mage Hollow. But none of it feels exactly right. I know Max gets me, but there’s a part of me that’s worried maybe this isn’t what he wants.
I took his acceptance of my leaving as a sign of understanding, but what if he was just letting me down easy—relieved that I was the one who had to go? What if asking him to work directly across the hall from me for the long haul is too much pressure?
I pace the front yard of his parents’ house for the third time, darting behind a row of bushes twice when I thought someone might’ve seen me.
"Get it together, Sadie," Beth’s voice whispers in my ear—or at least it feels like it. She’s not actually here. "He’s waiting."
"I know! Okay! I’m going," I whisper back like a lunatic on the front lawn talking to myself.
I take three deep breaths as my feet climb the steps, propelling me forward until I’m standing at the door. I can hear voices inside, and it sounds like his entire family is laughing at something someone said. After waiting a few more seconds, the noise inside calms, and I raise my hand—knocking twice.
Stepping back from the door, I don’t have to wait long before Mabel opens it.
"Sadie? What are you doing here?"
"I was hoping to talk to Ma—"
My words are cut off by the man himself as he wraps me in a tight hug and lifts me off my feet. Max peppers my forehead and cheeks with kisses.
"I didn’t knowwhenorifI’d ever see you again," he says, releasing me. I’m sure my face is filled with shock—that wasn’t the greeting I was expecting. "Sorry, that was a little much."
"No…" I sputter, failing to form words. "Can we talk?"
Max tips his chin at his mother, and she closes the door, giving us privacy. He wraps his hand around mine, linking our fingers. "Sure. Here? Or should we walk?"
"The car, maybe?" I dart my eyes to the large bay window in front of the O’Reilly’s home, noting at least four pairs of eyes glued to the spot were standing.
Max follows my gaze. "Yeah, a drive would probably be good."
Moving to my vehicle, we duck inside. I turn the ignition and back out of the driveway. I don’t go far just a few houses down, before I park on the street. Just being near him makes me want to spill everything, but I know this needs to come out just right.
Turning slightly in my seat, I reach for his hand. "Let me start by saying that all the things I’m about to tell you are going to feel like a lot." Max smiles at me, and any anxiety I’d been feeling melts away. "I know that we have only been hanging out for a short time, but I meant what I said on the boat. I love you, Max. And I’ve realiz—"
"I love you, too." He leans over the center console and kisses me. "Sorry, continue."
A laugh escapes me. "As I was saying, I’ve realized that no matter how hard I work or what accolades I collect… none of it matters if I don’t have someone to share it with. You made me see that my life could be so much more than it is—that I could have love, happiness,anda career." He nods along, still grinning at me. "The past week has been a nightmare. Between work stuff and missing you, I’ve never felt more alone. And I thought thatwas the way it had to be, that it wouldn’t be fair to want this… until today."
"What changed?" he asks, squeezing my palm. "Actually, wait. Before you tell me, I love you too. Obviously, I already told you that. And I have been the same… barely getting through the days without you. I don’t care what it takes. I’d sacrifice everything just for the chance to date you, Sadie Wells—for the chance to see where this goes."
I bite my cheek hard, trying not to laugh at the irony of the situation. We both felt the same way, but the minute we stopped communicating was the minute we were both miserable. I don’t think we could have had a conversation to avoid this—it had to happen—but it just goes to show that if we’re honest about how we feel, nothing is impossible.
"Do you want to work for the Flames?"
"I always have, but that’s not an option."
"It is." I reach out, running my hand down his cheek. "Levi told me to tell you he will double whatever Nash offered you. There’s only two tiny catches…"
His eyes widen, and he cocks his head to the side. "I, what? I don’t understand."
"Johan, the equipment manager Levi hired, backed out. The job is yours if you want it, but the office is directly across the hall from mine. Oh, and you’re not allowed to break my heart—according to Levi." I hold my hands up in surrender.
"Yes."
"That’s it? No other questions?"
He shakes his head. "No other questions. I have always wanted to be there, but seeing you across the hall is a bonus. And I couldn’t break your heart if I tried… I care about you too much to ever cause you pain intentionally."
Folding myself over the console between us, I kiss him hard. It’s chaste at first, but Max deepens the kiss, angling myhead slightly and licking into my mouth. We savor each other, exploring like we’re coming home for the first time in forever. A soft moan escapes me, and Max bites my bottom lip, pulling slightly. I’m lost in him, but for the first time I feel seen.