Only You by Bonnie Pega Page B

tone of voice Jordan had heard often enough to know what it meant.
    Max swept Jordan up into a bear hug. “That’s right, Jordan. Go on and study those spelling words. I can’t have my best buddy flunk spelling.”
    Jordan’s eyes lit up. “Am I your best buddy, Max?”
    Max gave him another squeeze. It felt so good to have this young boy’s trusting arms hug him back. “You bet.” He set Jordan down on his feet. “You run along to the van and get the best seat. I’ll send Mom out in a minute.”
    “Um, I’ve got to go, Max,” Caitlin said immediately. “Thanks for the pizza.”
    Max’s eyes gleamed. “Gee, seems I need to teach you how to say thank-you properly.”
    Caitlin’s eyes darted to the door, then back to Max’s face. She stood on tiptoe and pressed a brief kiss on his cheek. “Thank you, Max,” she said demurely, and headed toward the door.
    She felt hands fasten gently but firmly on her shoulders and turn her around. “Wrong again, sweet Caitie.”
    She smiled—a nervous smile, a shy smile—as his gaze dropped to her lips. He lowered his head to taste that smile, and felt her tremble against him. He pulled back to see her face, and what he found there reassured him that she hadn’t been shaking from fear.
    “Max?” Her voice was a plea and he answered by again claiming her lips. When Caitlin voluntarily parted her lips, inviting him to enter, he felt breathless, but that didn’t stop him from storming in and claiming the territory for his own.
    When he finally pulled away, his conquest complete, he was satisfied to see the soft, dazed look on her face. “Can you pick me up in the morning? You still have my car, you know.” Max was vaguely surprised at the warm huskiness of his voice.
    Caitlin nodded. “Um, why don’t I pick you up a half hour early and take you back to get it? Or I could take you with me now.”
    A few more minutes with her. Max accepted immediately.
    When they arrived at her house, Jordan bounded out and up the sidewalk with Caitlin’s key in his hand. He loved to unlock the door. Max turned toward Caitlin and reached out a hand to cup her cheek. “Thanks for the rides, Cait.”
    “You’re welcome. I’d better go in. Jordan’s waiting at the door. Good night, Max.”
    When his head moved toward hers, she opened the van door and got out. She needed time to sort out the strange new feelings inside her, and his kisses muddled her thinking.
    Max just gave an understanding smile. He was satisfied with the evening. More than satisfied. And, after all, there was always Friday night.

Seven
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    Caitlin’s upcoming date with Max occupied her thoughts most of the week. Every day when she awoke, she lay in bed, staring at the dust motes dancing in the early morning sunlight and asked herself if she was crazy. After all, she didn’t date.
    She tried to convince herself that it wasn’t really a date—it was simply a business dinner. However, she knew in her heart that the only business they’d discuss had nothing to do with work and everything to do with the way their bodies felt when they were together.
    Friday morning she woke up earlier than usual and mentally ran through a dozen excuses for calling Max and canceling their date.
    “Gee, I’m sorry, Max, but I have a mountain of purchase orders.” No, that wouldn’t work. Max knew exactly what the status of her paperwork was. “I have an awful headache and …” He wouldn’t buy that either. Too trite. “I simply have to wash my hair.” Ha! “I forgot that I promised Jordie I’d take him camping this weekend.” Betternot. She wouldn’t put it past Max to invite himself along.
    She was still mulling over various excuses as she dropped Jordan at school and drove to work. She even practiced a few of them out loud as she struggled with that stubborn greenhouse door she’d been meaning to get repaired.
    She forgot all about her date, however, when she opened the door and Charlemagne greeted her. Meowing