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Page 45 of Invisible String (The Underground #1)

“I don’t know how you can binge-watch show after show,” I throw back at her. I get back to the book I’m reading.

“Fair enough,” she mutters.

Minutes later, the doorbell rings. Bethany looks over at me. “It’s probably Andrew.”

My nose crinkles. He’s not someone I want to deal with right now. He’s pissed I left with Max. If he wanted me safe to ride back with him, then he shouldn’t have been drinking. I value my life as shitty as it is.

Ripping the blanket off, I get up to answer the door. The cold tile floor beneath my feet covers my body with goosebumps. Peering through the peephole. I don’t see anyone. I open it slightly to find a bag on the step.

“Who is it?” Bethany asks.

“No one. They left a bag at the door.” My brows knit as I inspect the plastic grocery bag.

A bag of pretzels, Reese’s peanut butter cups, a bag of M&M’s, red Twizzlers, and a bottle of iced tea.

At the bottom of the bag is a note. Enjoy your night.

“What the fuck?” I mutter under my breath.

Why is my heart doing somersaults? I’m frozen in the middle of the living room.

“What is it? Did you forget you Ubered snacks?”

I shake my head, perplexed. “I think Max dropped this off.”

She frowns, standing at her feet. Bethany peeks into the bag. “Why do you think it’s him?”

“Because I told him I would be spending the night reading.”

“I can’t believe I missed him at the café. I would have grabbed him by the balls until he cried out in pain.”

I appreciate my baby sister being there for me. However, he does not need to know how he broke me.

“You aren’t grabbing anything.”

She scoffs, lying back down and sinking into the sofa.

“Not in that way, you territorial woman. It’s more like kicking him in the balls for how he hurt you.

Don’t fall for this all over again. He seems to be trying hard.

” She is right. He has been determined, even after all the shit I’ve been telling him to push him away.

“I won’t. I made it clear to him.”

“He dropped off all your favorites. I still don’t get why you love Twizzlers.” She sticks a finger in her mouth, gagging.

I roll my eyes and drop onto the sofa, tearing the bag of Twizzlers open. I never mentioned my favorite candies to Max, but he got it right.

“Twizzlers are amazing.” My voice muffles, chewing on red licorice. I shake off the waves of euphoria that took pleasure in thinking of the one person I should keep out.

“Rainey, I can’t believe you left with that guy. What were you thinking? You knew him for a short time in high school. So why would you ride with him?” Andrew’s face falls flat. His hands slip into his slacks. I’m unsure if he’s genuinely concerned or just jealous. I’m going toward the latter.

He follows me to the tables I’m cleaning.

“You had too much to drink. I hope you took a taxi home.”

He lays his hand on my shoulder.

“It was fine, Andrew. Max would not harm me.”

“We could have taken a taxi together, Ney. You were with me, yet you danced with him.”

“You didn’t ask me to dance. Besides, you wanted to stay longer. And let me remind you, Andrew, we”—I point from him to me—“are not an item.”

He scoffs. “I know that, but you won’t give us a chance. He’s not a good person.”

My anger rises deep and rooting. I might be pissed at Max, but that won’t stop me from defending his persona.

Sure, he broke my heart, but I don’t consider him a horrible person.

“First off, you mentioned to me a while back that you didn’t know him personally.

So, how would you know he’s a bad person? ”

His mouth opens and closes.

“If I didn’t think he was a safe choice, I wouldn’t have gone with him. I know Max a lot better than you think.” Like on me, inside me. Oh, fuck.

His brows skyrocket. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

With my hands on my hips, I lean into him. “It means it’s not any of your business,” I whisper-shout.

“I can’t believe you’re talking to me this way.

I’ve been there for you since your mom passed.

” His hands go to his chest dramatically.

He has always been a good friend and has helped me through tough times.

However, he sometimes crosses boundaries and expects me to share every aspect of my life with him.

The other night, he touched me in a way he shouldn’t have while I felt vulnerable. I regret allowing him to do so.

“You helped me just like Lana has with my mother’s passing, and I appreciate it. However, I don’t owe you my life story. You want more, and I can’t give you that. You will only remain my friend. Therefore, I suggest you move on.”

He runs his hands through his disheveled hair.

Andrew’s gaze is on mine, and he frowns.

I sigh. The door to my café swings open.

It’s eight in the morning, and our rush usually happens at seven.

It’s calmed down a little. Max walks toward me, his steps effortless and smooth.

His crisp, white button-down shirt hugs his defined biceps, accentuating his strength.

The fabric of his tailored slacks clings to the contours of his legs, showcasing the muscles underneath.

He moves with confidence and grace, every inch of him exuding power and control.

Oh, great titties, he’s beautiful. The fact that I know what’s underneath it has my body overheating.

Andrew tenses, his jaw clenched. Max stands in front of Andrew, sizing him up, then smirks.

“Good morning, Rain.” His lips curl up in a closed-mouth smile.

His gaze sweeps my entire body, awakening the ache between my legs.

“G-good…good morning.” My voice comes out breathless like I just climbed the highest mountain. The clothes I have on are not as crisp as what he has on. He’s been dressed to the nines every damn time I see him. I wonder where he works. In comparison, I have on skinny jeans and a plain V-neck tee.

Andrew scrutinizes me, then Max.

“You slept with him, didn’t you?” Andrew’s eyebrows form a V, and his nostrils pull up in disgust. His voice came out raised.

Max takes two steps forward and towers over Andrew by a foot. My mouth unhinges, and my face overheats with embarrassment. I have customers watching.

“Watch your tone when you speak to her. She doesn’t owe you a damn explanation, especially in front of an audience,” Max seethes, pumping his fists.

Shit, is he going to knock him out? The way he glares at Andrew with hatred tells me there might be more to it than jealousy.

He passes Andrew, dismissing him, completely taming the argument.

Max pats my shoulder, shaking me from the realization that he just defended me.

Not that I needed it, but it was a bitch move of Andrew to yell it out for the whole café to hear.

“How about red velvet, Tesoro ? How was your night? Did you enjoy the treats?”

So it was him.

Andrew turns to face me, but I refuse to engage. Max is correct, even though it pains me to admit it. I don’t have to justify myself to Andrew. He stalks away, his face twisted in a scowl.

“Thank you for the snacks… How did you know?” I walk behind the counter. A woman stands waiting to be charged for a book. “Oh, I’m sorry. Is there anything else I can get for you?” She hands me her card, and her blue gaze meets Max’s dark green eyes.

“What type of guy are you?” Her tone is annoyingly flirty. She flutters her eyelashes at him.

I look at Max, whose gaze is on me.

“What do you mean?” he answers, his eyes never drifting.

“Are you a boob guy or an ass man? You look like both types of guys. How about I buy you lunch? I have both for you.” She winks. God, she’s beautiful, but what a slut and so random. Who says that type of shit?

Looking at me, he answers her. “I’m a Rainey type of guy. Only her.” Those eyes heat with lust, and it makes my legs wobble. “She has everything I want. Inside and out. Look at her. Beautiful. Stunning. Smart. Kind.” He points at me. “I worship the ground she walks on.”

Holy shit. No. No. No. He’s fucking with me. Don’t get flustered.

To date, I’m flustered. My lady parts are heating like a fireworks show.

The woman goes bright red like a cherry, ready to pop. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know he was your man.”

A loose laugh squeaks out. “Oh, he’s not my?—”

“Alright, Romeo, give it a rest.” Bethany storms out from the back. A pink apron wrapped around her says, Shake ‘n Bake, Baby . I don’t know where she got it from. “And you.” She points to the woman. “This is a café, not Tinder. Get your horny book and get out.” She lifts a nostril, eyeing us all.

The girl storms out, and Max’s lips curve into a smile. God, why does he have to smile all the time?

“Bethany.” I groan, stifling a laugh.

She ignores me and stalks toward Max. “You must be the asshole. The handsome asshole.”

“And you must be the sister?” Max gives my sister a curious glance.

“It’s best if you leave, Max. You hurt my sister, and I won’t allow you to cause her more pain.”

He shoves his hands in his pockets. Calm, like always. “I’m sorry that I hurt your sister. It was never my intention. I have my reasons, and they’re between her and me.” He stares at me. Like, really stares.

And what are your reasons besides not loving me? I want to ask, but that would imply I care.

“I apologized to her, and I will apologize a million more times if I have to.”

“Good—”

“Bethany, I need you in the back,” Isabella cuts Bethany off.

Thank the heavens for that. Bethany frowns and runs to the back of the kitchen.

“I like your sister. She has spunk, just like her big sister. And she sticks up for you. I’m happy you have that.” My mom’s portraits catch his attention. “How’s your mom doing? I thought I might see her here with you baking.” He smiles at my mom’s photo and then averts his gaze toward me.

He doesn’t know. His smile drops when he sees my frown, and I swallow.

“Umm. She passed a year ago.” My voice comes out hoarse. Shit, I can’t control my trembling chin. He rushes behind the register.

“Oh, baby. I’m so sorry for your loss.” Max gently tucks a strand of hair behind my ear, and his warmth draws me closer, seeking solace in his presence.

His touch is all I longed for during the time I lost my mother. I craved his comfort.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t here for you.” His voice is soft as a feather. “I’m here now if you’ll allow me. I’ll do anything to be in your space.”

Slowly, I lift my chin to meet his dazzling eyes. This man wrecks me in the worst way. The longing in his eyes matches my own. The pain in my chest lingers like a plague when I remember how much I loved this man. “I…I don’t know.” The words come out scrambled.

He steps back behind the counter, the opposite side of me. He nods. “It’s okay. Again, I’m sorry for the loss of your mom. She was a great woman. I’m honored I had the chance to meet her.” He points to the door. “I better go.” He pivots out the door.

I yell, “Wait.”

He turns, his brows knit.

“Here, take a red velvet cupcake and cookies. You had to put up with a lot of shit in my bakery. It’s on me.” I grab a to-go box and add a couple of his favorites.

His favorites . It seems like only yesterday I was knocking at the cabin nervously and determined, with red velvet cupcakes and cookies in hand, to get Max Cano’s attention. Oh, how the tables have turned.

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