Page 57 of Lovers Like Us

She sniffs, but she stares at the carpet. “I’m sorry…I didn’tmean…”

“I know. I understand. It’s okay,” Maximoff says, and he asks if he can touch her. When she agrees, he rubs her arm incomfort.

As Sana gathers her emotions, we allstand.

He hugs the girl, then Izzy. And I describe the NDA in detail that they each need to sign. No photos posted online. No alerting the media that Maximoff and his family are here. After they sign the electronic contracts, Thatcher pushes through the revolvingdoor.

Aimed forme.

We back away from the counter and stop him midway. I open my mouth, but he already cuts me off, “Turn up your radiovolume.”

My jaw tics. “That wasn’t apriority—”

“It is,” he snaps, and then raises a leveled hand to Maximoff. “I’m sorry, but I need to talk to Farrow in private. It’ssecurity—”

“He can hear,” I cut off Thatcher. “I don’t give a shit.” All three of us head towards the revolving doors, the two girls unable to hearus.

Thatcher towers over me, and I rest my shoulder blades on the wall, uncaring about the whole domineering tactic. He begins to scold me for not waking him up before we left the bus. Apparently that was a rule since he’s keeping an eye on Maximoff,too.

“Thatcher.” Maximoff draws his attention. “I told Farrow not to wake youup.”

“No he didn’t,” I tell Thatcher and shoot Maximoff a cold glare. He’sneverlying to cover for me. I can’t be the reason the best parts of Maximoff change. Ever since we kissed in front of his parents, I promised myself to protect thegoodinhim.

His honesty isn’t dying by myhand.

Thatcher’s strict gaze pings between me and my boyfriend before landing on me. “Try harder or there’ll be repercussions for everyinfraction.”

I force myself not to roll my eyes. “Sure.”

He leaves at that, and we’re left alone in the lobby, the girls disappeared in the back room. Maximoff adjusts his sunglasses.They’re hurting hisnose.

“I’m fine.” He lowers his voice. “I guess it’s good to know people are still talking about the rumor.” His sarcasm isclear.

“It took her ten other comments, including calling your uncle a DILF before she even mentioned it,” I whisper. “I’d say that’s asuccess.”

“Yeah.” He nods, more assured. “I think the tour is going tohelp.”

“Me too.” I sweep his tensed build, stress weighing heavier on his shoulders. My muscles burn because I want to step nearer and wrap my arms around my boyfriend. And just hold him for asecond.

Maximoff takes one foot forward, but he stops himself. Craving the samething.

13

MAXIMOFF HALE

Finally in myhotel room with Farrow, I prep in the bathroom for something I haven’t tried since I waseighteen.

I’m a pro at sex. But being a bottom is new for me, and there’s a pretty good chance I’ll be a terriblelay.

I try to shelve any doubts and just focus on the fantasy. Of Farrow Redford Keene—a twenty-seven-year-old sexily tattooed guy—driving his cock intome.

I lick my lips. Goddamn, I cravethat.

I exit thebathroom.

A champagne-colored comforter fits a king-sized bed. Nothing else in the modest-sized hotel room besides a desk, chair, dresser, andtelevision.

Farrow winds the wire around his radio and tosses it on the chair. As soon as he turns, our gazes latch like magnets. We inhale the tension, built from constant, nonstop teasing on the bus. The air couldsnap.