Page 21 of Invisible String (The Underground #1)

RAINEY

M y heart has been in the gutter. I know I shouldn’t be upset that he said he wasn’t jealous or that he’s in the no-go for a relationship.

But this is Max and Rainey, the two who kissed in high school and ran into each other years later, and have been having hot, steamy sex and waking up together.

We have had dinners together. We have spent a lot of time together.

It’s been a month since I came here for the summer.

He was jealous; I felt it through the timber in his voice. Who knows what Professor—I mean Alex, said to Max in Spanish. I should have taken a Spanish class. I sigh as I apply a blue eyeshadow hue, followed by classic red lipstick.

I spent the afternoon cleaning up the place and doing the laundry.

Not going to lie, I waited for Max to show up.

To say, “Rainey, I was jealous and I don’t know what’s going on between us, but let’s take things slow and see how things end up.

” Wishful thinking. Instead, I saw him go inside his cabin after being at the lake, then hours later, he left.

It’s been two hours, and still nothing. You know what?

I’m heading to the party or cookout, whatever it is Alex invited me to.

I need to clear my mind, and the best way to achieve that is by leaving the house and distracting myself from the man who is both breaking my heart and making it skip a beat. It’s odd, I admit.

The tires squeal, climbing up the hilltop to get to the cabin at the top. It doesn’t look like it’s a huge party, more like a get-together. “What am I doing here?” I say to no one—killing the engine.

I hesitantly swing open the car door, and my heels sink into the grass next to the driveway.

The short red skirt clings to my upper thighs, and the cropped tank top flaunts my pierced belly button.

Suddenly, I acknowledge I’m far too exposed.

Ignoring my inner voice, I make my way toward the party’s entrance.

The aroma of searing steaks fills the night air.

A large gate swings open from the backyard.

Alex staggers toward me with a full-blown smile.

“Hey, Rainey, I’m glad you could make it.” Alex stands in front of me awkwardly. This was a bad idea. He’s my professor, and I should keep it that way, not come to his cabin to party with him. Oh, great titties, what are you doing, Rainey?

“Hey, Prof—Alex just came to hang out for a bit. If that’s alright.”

He swipes my body, and his lips turn when his gaze bounces back to my eyes.

Alex is not bad-looking at all. He’s tall and masculine with full, kissable lips.

But he doesn’t compare to Max, not by a long shot.

While Max towers over everyone, he holds an aura that is dark and intimidating, with muscular forearms, tan skin, and emerald eyes that capture my soul.

“Of course, Rainey.” His gaze goes over my shoulder. “Are you alone?”

I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. “Yeah.”

“Come on.” He gestures with his hand to follow. “Where’s Lana?”

“She’s in Europe,” I say, looking around.

As I step onto the patio, I’m immediately drawn to the massive marble outdoor kitchen.

The grill sizzles with meat as a shirtless man expertly flips steaks and burgers on the hot surface.

The smell of charred meat fills the air, and my mouth waters involuntarily.

“The guy on the grill is my youngest brother, Ronnie.”

Ronnie juts his chin at me. “Sup.”

“Hi.” I wave.

Two women sit in a hot tub that probably fits six people. “Those young ladies are my friend’s wives, Tammy and Linda,” he says as two men climb in. “Felix and Greg.” The ladies and men wave. “This is Rainey, guys.”

He gestures for me to follow him into the house.

As we step inside, the pounding bass from outside fades away, replaced by a softer melody playing on a stereo.

For some reason, I thought there would be more people—maybe other students he sees as friends or, hell, even other professors. This seems to be more private.

“Can I get you something to drink?” Alex opens the fridge. “We have water, beer, wine, seltzers, and, um, hard liquor.” He grins.

“Just water for now. I do have to drive home.”

He nods. “I’m glad you’re responsible. So where’s your boyfriend?”

My forehead crinkles. “Boyfriend?”

He twists the water bottle and hands it to me. “The guy from earlier. He said you were his.”

Wait, what? My heart thumps.

“Oh, did he now?” I say with a smile.

“He did.” Alex leans back into the corner of the kitchen counter, popping the top off a bottle of beer. “So you’re not his girl?”

“We are not official.” I take a sip of water, doing my best to deflate the awkwardness. “Are you expecting more people? Anyone from school?”

He wets his lips. “No, just us. I don’t really mingle with students or staff, Rainey.”

“Then why am I here?” My voice pitches higher than needed.

He saunters closer. “I invited you. I thought it would be good to get to know you other than as a student. Correct me if I’m wrong, but your gaze was always on me.”

I scrutinize his arms in a tight t-shirt. His arms are not ones you can crack a nut with. Maybe then I thought that. But now…

“When I heard you and Lana joking about showing me your breasts, that did something to me. I figured we had something. Seeing you on the beach only intensified my feelings for you. And believe me, I’ve never felt or looked at my students that way.

” He gulps. “I never cross the line, but with you, I want to.”

My eyes widen, and my heart thunders in my ribcage.

He continues. “You’re beautiful.”

“Umm. Thank you.” I bite my lip. This is not what I expected when I came over. “I don’t know what to say. I did scrutinize you. Other students do the same. You are an attractive man,” I admit. “But things changed over the summer.” I found Max.

“You said it yourself. You two are not official.” A stubborn strand falls to my cheek. He tucks it behind my ear. “I want to get to know you, Rainey.” His gaze is on my lips. “I don’t mean sexually. I want to date you.”

Oh, hell. If this had happened before the summer, I would have fucked him in his office.

His thumb brushes my lips. His touch feels wrong.

Very wrong. I take a step back. “I’ll be honest with you.

I did have a crush on you all semester. Maybe I would have considered it then, but now things have changed. ”

“You met him?” he asks.

“Max and I have history. He was my high school crush, and I found him once again.”

“Ahh, I see. No wonder he was territorial over you.” He takes a step forward. He caresses my cheek gingerly. “If you ever change your mind, you know where to find me. I’m not joking when I said I like you and want to get to know you.”

My breath hitches. Fuck me sideways. This is some crazy shit. When have men been falling at my feet before this summer? Never.

“I’d better go. Thank you for the invite, and I’ll keep your words in mind.” Okay, I’m saying the last part to be nice.

“I’ll walk you out,” Alex offers.

I click the key fob, and the car starts.

“Take care, Rainey. I’ll see you when school starts.”

I nod and slip into the seat, shutting the door. Finally, I let out a long breath. Max. I can’t stop thinking about him.

Why are things so complicated with Max? While a small fraction of his walls have crumbled, there is still a massive amount he’s holding up.

The gravel crunches under the tires as I drive up our shared driveway. Max’s car is still gone, and the lights in his place are off. I try to think where he would be. Max is not the type to hit the clubs or casinos. The gym comes to mind, and I head that way.

The gym parking lot is empty, except for Max’s Nova and another car.

I step out of my vehicle when I see him punching the bag through the large open window.

His body moves in a rhythmic motion. Front to back, and side to side.

He’s so focused. What catches my eye is the built woman on the opposite side of him, hitting a bag.

The woman is wearing short athletic shorts with a matching sports bra.

She’s stunning. She punches the bag like an angry cavewoman.

My steps carry me closer to the window, standing behind the shadows, where I can see every movement.

She then steps back, wiping the sweat off her face. Her light brown hair is in a bun. Even with sweat dripping, she is sexy. She says something to Max that gets him to stop and turn around to face her. He grins at something she says.

That grin is only supposed to be for me.

Max doesn’t grin at anyone. He’s not that type unless he knows her.

My heart crumbles to the floor. She gets her stuff and shoves it in her bag.

She’s probably more his type—athletic; they share the same interests, and she seems to be Hispanic.

The palm of my hand rests on my chest, fingers slightly splayed. Beneath my skin, the rhythmic thump.

They can’t see me from where I’m standing, but I can now read her lips since I’m so close my body moves on autopilot. “I’m so happy you’re here. I thought about you throughout the years. I really wish you were here to stay.” She flutters her stupid eyelashes at him.

I’ve never felt the need to go feral. My fangs are close to being out if I had them. I want to push her down and say, “He’s mine.” Even if it ends up with me being punched and in a headlock.

She knows that’s for damn sure.

“It was nice seeing you, too,” he says.

“We should grab dinner before you leave. We need to patch up.” No, I think she said catch up. She licks her lips. “I don’t even have your number,” she says.