Max continued to hold me as we followed behind them. As we weaved through the crowds, I looked for Becky, but I couldn’t find her. Perhaps Matthew had taken her home, but it was hard to find anyone when we were moving fast and away from the massive crowd.

When we got to the other side of the exit, the bouncers told us to wait for their return. It was my chance to pull away from him. “Max, I’m not going home with you.”

Max looked hurt and frustrated. “Jenna, don’t do this.” Max reached for me, but I backed away. “Jenna, let me explain.”

“I already know you kept something from me. What else are you hiding? How am I supposed to trust you?” Tears started to pool in my eyes. I was not good at fighting back, but I was so hurt, the words just flowed out. Unable to think clearly, and hearing Crystal’s words in my head, I asked a dumb question. “Are you seeing Crystal?”

“What? Who told you this?”

“That’s not an answer Max,” I said sternly.

“Jenna….”

The bouncers came back in. “It’s clear, but we’ll have to hurry. Your car is with the valet right in front. The doors are open, ready for you.”

“Thanks,” Max said, reaching for me again.

I shook my head with my arms crossed.

“Jenna, I’m not letting you go. Either you come with me willingly, or I’ll carry you out. You’re coming with me one way or another. Your choice.”

I knew he wasn’t lying. Instead of letting Max protect me, I stepped in front of the bouncer. Max was unhappy about that, but he knew at least I would go home with him and that was enough.

THERE WAS NO WAY I was going to let Matthew take me home. Besides, I wanted to party some more. It was going to be difficult to dodge him when he wouldn’t stop following me wherever I went.

“Look, Matthew. I’m glad you want to be a good friend and take me home, but Aaron is more than capable.”

Matthew glanced over to Aaron, and looked back at me. His eyes drilled through me with anger. “You take a good look at him? Do you see how drunk he is?” He turned the bar stool around so I could see, then he swung me back to him. Matthew was right; Aaron’s coordination wasn’t all there on the dance floor. “There is no way in hell I’m going to let you get in the car with him. In fact, I’m going to tell one of the bouncers to make sure he doesn’t put his sorry ass in his car. If you want to call someone else that’s fine, but I’m going to wait until that happens before I leave.”

“I don’t need a babysitter.”

“Apparently you do. And just where is this so called boyfriend of yours? Why isn’t he here? Did you two get into a fight?”

“Lots of questions. I don’t want to answer them.” I waved my hand. Feeling tired, I yawned as I covered my mouth.

For some strange reason seeing me yawn made him grin. Matthew tried his best not to show his amused smile, but he failed. I could tell he had an ulterior motive.

“Well, that’s my signal. You’re tired. Let’s go,” Matthew said suddenly.

“I’ve already told you that you’re not taking me home,” I pouted.

“Oh, yes I am.” Without warning, Matthew lifted me up, swinging my body over his shoulder.

“Put me down,” I shouted as I smacked his hard ass, finding myself enjoying it.

I thought Matthew started chuckling, but I wasn’t sure. It was hard to hear much in here. Walking toward the exit, he gave me a good smack on my ass too.

Dropping me next to the hostess so I could retrieve my coat, he looked squarely into my eyes and said, “Every smack you give me, I’ll return even harder. You don’t want to do that, Becca. You’ve already got me turned on, and I promise you, I’ll make you want to cheat on your boyfriend. I’m that good.”

I dropped my jaw and mentally took off my clothes for him, yet again. My panties were wet just from his words. Holy shit!

“Thanks,” Matthew said to the lady who handed me my coat. Matthew broke me out of my trance by putting his arms around me from behind. I was certain the lady heard what he said from the way she was smiling at him, and I’m pretty certain she mentally took off her clothes for him too.

“Let’s go, Becca. I’m taking you home,” his words were too close to my ear, making me quiver as I thought about what he said. He made me so completely weak in the knees that I had no fight left in me. I hated that he had that kind of power over me.

22

I BACKED AWAY, KEEPING my distance from Max. I knew that once his lips were on any part of me, there was no way I could control myself. I had no willpower when it came to Max. My body automatically succumbed to his voice, his wink, his sexy grin, his touch, and just simply him. Releasing a deep breath, Max went to the bar to pour himself a drink.

“Please sit. You’re making me nervous.” Max sat on the sofa, tapping the seat next to him.

“No,” I said with conviction.

“You’re acting like a child, you know that?” he chuckled.

He made my anger worse. “No, I’m not,” I huffed.

Max’s eyes darkened, heated and dangerous looking. “If you don’t sit down and listen, I’m going to take you right here, right now and make you wish you were this bratty all the time.”

That came out too playful and I did not want him to do that. Well, not now anyway. Plopping myself on the sofa, I waited for him to take another sip.