Pure Passion by M. T. Stone, Megan Hershenson Read Free Book Online

reaction I was looking for from Max.  His
jaw practically hit the floor when he turned and realized it was me.  It’s
really cute how he’s trying to down play it now.  Too late, buddy!
    “Oh my god, Lara! You look amazing!” Hadley shrieked as she
came running toward us.  “I just love your top and those shorts are so short…
Rahr!”
    “Thanks, Hadley. You look great, too,” I replied, as I
caught a glimpse of Derek giving Max a slap on the back.  Busted, Derek! You
didn’t think I’d notice that?
    “Well, Derek, did you talk to Hadley?” I asked, hoping to
hit Max with another positive development.
    “Yes!  That’ll be great!” Hadley answered for him, still
bouncing up and down with excitement.
    “Yeah, we both think it’s a great idea,” Derek added, as Max
sat there looking a little bewildered.
    “Can we tell him?” Hadley asked impatiently.
    Wanting full credit for the idea, I took the initiative to
spill the beans, telling Max what Derek and I had been discussing.  We could
all see the tension come out of Max’ face as I mentioned that he could move his
workshop into the unfinished bedroom.
    “I’ve been trying to figure out how I was going to afford an
apartment or something big enough to combine with my workshop.  At this point,
I can’t afford both,” Max revealed.
    Not being able to afford both must not have been an easy
thing for Max to say.  I could see his eyes darken as the words left his lips. 
I wanted to tell him that it’s not a big deal, and there’s more to life than
money.  It was obvious to me that his financial condition was the main thing
taking a toll on his emotions.  He definitely saw it as the reason why Celeste
had strayed and his life turned upside down.  After seeing his beautiful work,
I knew it was only a matter of time before he would be a huge success.
    “I’ve got a surprise for you guys, too,” Max said, after a
few moments of silence.  “It’s felt like I’ve been stuck at a crossroads in my
life, and after last weekend, the feeling became overwhelming.  I went and
visited J.T. and had him do a piece for me,” he explained, unbuttoning his
shirt and pulling it down to show us his new tat.
    “Wow, that’s gorgeous!” said Hadley.
    “Killer, man!” Derek added.
    While those two commented on the work, I completely focused
on his abs.  “They are amazing!” I said, staring at his six-pack.
    “Eyes up here, Miss.” 
    Oops, busted!  “Oh, you got a tattoo.  Yeah, that’s
nice, too.” 
    He laughed as though I was joking, but it was no joke.  I
had no idea who J.T. was and I didn’t care what type of ink he had on his
shoulder.  I just wanted to glide my hands over his stomach and up along his
sides.  My God, is it getting hot in here?
    We ordered a round of drinks and had something to eat.  It
was very surreal as Max smiled at me and touched my back.  So many nights I had
spent thinking about how perfect my life would be if Max were in it .  I sure
hope I’m not dreaming right now.  I’ll be pissed!  I should ask Max if he‘d unbutton
his shirt again… 
    All four of us had a great time chatting and planning our
move.  In fact, it was the best night in recent memory.  By closing time, we
had everything all planned out.  Max wanted to move in right away, before even
seeing the house.  He was willing to help Derek finish the work in the kitchen
and the downstairs bathroom in exchange for the first month’s rent.  It took
some time, but Hadley and I convinced Derek to let us move in right away as
well.  The only stipulation was that if we whined once, we would be sent
packing until all of the renovations were complete.  As long as Max is
there, I won’t be whining.  I guarantee it!
    Derek and I had to work all day Saturday so we decided to
all meet at the house on Sunday afternoon.  Derek wanted Hadley and me to see
everything before bringing our things, because he wanted to make sure we knew it
wasn’t the