Page 25 of Primary Seduction

Max pulled up at the kerb at Zak’s house. He turned off the engine and looked at their house. Most of the lights were blazing, and it looked so inviting—such a difference from his own house. It must be the having a family thing that makes it so. He headed to the front door and rang the bell.

Immediately, he heard raised voices from inside. They were so loud he could hear the words.

“It’s probably the babysitter, Ashley,” Zak said.

“I don’t want her here. There’s no need for her to be here. I am quite capable of looking after Dane by myself,” she screamed.

“I know you are, but I thought you wanted a break. I arranged the babysitter because it meant you could have some time to yourself. I was trying to do something nice,” he replied, voice sounding soothing.

“Fine! I’m going out then.”

Max heard some footsteps beating up the stairs and others walking towards the door. Zak opened the door, looking weary and winced when he saw it was Max.

“Hey,” Max said, quietly.

“Come on in.” Zak indicated with his head.

Max followed and closed the door behind him. It was eight in the evening, so Dane would already be in bed.

“Sorry about…” Zak waved his hand. “You probably heard every word.”

“No problem.”

Zak nodded slowly. “We just need to wait for the babysitter to arrive, which will be any time now.”

They both looked towards the stairs when Ashley appeared, sneering at Zak. “I’ll be home when I’m home,” she said and stalked out the house, slamming the door behind her.

Max winced, hoping Dane would stay asleep.Bloody hell.This is worse than I thought.

Another knock at the door made Zak get up again. He answered, and Ethan’s sister came in.

“Hey, Max. I hear happy birthday is in order!” She came in for a hug.

“Hey! I didn’t realise you were babysitting now! Although, I bet you’ve had a lot of practise with Ethan and Eric,” he said, laughing.

“Definitely. If I can sort them out, I can sort anyone out.” She laughed. “I don’t do it often, but I love little Dane and it gets me out of the house for a while. If I stare at too many spreadsheets, my eyes will go square.” She shrugged. “Gives me a chance to raid someone else’s DVD cabinet too.”

Zak laughed. “Which you are more than welcome to do, as you know.”

Emily smiled. “Yes, I do, and it’s much appreciated.” She looked around. “I saw Ashley leave.”

Zak grimaced. “When I told her you were coming, she decided to go out for the night. Not sure if she’ll be home before me or not.” He bit his lip. “Could I ask that you stay here until I get back, even if she is here?”

“I can try. She may not let me, though.”

“If she kicks up a stink about it, then just leave. I’ll pay you now; at least you’ll have it.”

“No, no. I can wait. Go, have fun, and you can pay me later if I don’t see you tonight.” Emily smiled at him and motioned for them to leave. “Go!”

Zak gave her another hug, and they left, closing the door quietly.

Once they were situated in the car and Max had started the short journey to Romano’s, he asked Zak about the lawyer.

“Did you manage to speak to that lawyer?”

“Yeah. He was really good.” He sighed. “I know what needs to be done. It’s just doing it that might be a pain in the ass.”

Max didn’t want to pry when it wasn’t welcome, so he just said, “You know where I am if you need anything.”