Chapter 0243
“Would you like something to drink?” he asked politely.
“What are you getting?” she replied cheerfully.
“An espresso,” he answered flatly.
“Oh, I can’t handle coffee that strong! I’ll have a white hot chocolate and a cheesecake.”
Maximus signaled the waiter, who came over to take their order. While they waited, he decided to get straight to the point. He didn’t want her to misunderstand the gift or this meeting.
“Audrey, I need to know–why did you contact me? The bracelet was just a birthday gift. You’re Alex’s younger sister. I understand that you’re a beautiful young woman, but I have no interest in causing problems with your brother. I can tell you don’t see me as just your brother’s friend, but I don’t want you to get yourself into trouble.”
“Maximus, I…” Audrey began.
“Let me finish. I don’t want you to misinterpret my kindness or this outing. I’m being courteous because you’re my friend’s sister. I agreed to meet with you, but I have no intention of getting involved in something where neither of us will win.”
“Maximus, I like you! I may be young, but I can win you over! I can make you fall for me! I’m beautiful, smart, and from a good family! I’m also of age–I can make my own decisions. If you’re worried about Alex, let me tell you, he has no say in my life. He’s married and has his own life. I’m just starting mine. He can’t control me. I like you!” she declared confidently.
“Audrey, to me, you’re a child. Do you know how many years apart we are?”
“I don’t care! I like you!”
[Valeria, present day]
Audrey shed a tear as she stood in front of her bedroom mirror, replaying that first meeting in her mind. If only she hadn’t pushed so hard, she wouldn’t be feeling this pain now. Her brother knew she had recently broken up with someone, but she had never told him the age or identity of the man.
“Oh, Maximus! Why can’t you love me? I could make you so happy!” she said to her reflection. “If only I were 10 or 20 years older…”
She hated being 18. She wished she had at least a decade more to compete with the women vying for the attention of her dashing gentleman. But she was just a schoolgirl, after all
Maximus had agreed to go out with her only after her persistence became unbearable, He thought that if he humored her a couple of times, she would grow bored and move on. To his surprise, she only became more determined, always coming prepared with topics of conversation to capture his interest.
On one of their outings, she kissed him while they were in is car. That kiss reminded him of Mary. Instead of pulling away, he allowed it. The kiss was innocent–not the kiss of an experienced woman. It was nighttime, and she had taken him to a lookout point with a breathtaking vw of the city. They were completely alone, and she decided it was now or never. She had to play all her cards I was risky but she was ready.
Maximus, swept up in the moment, didn’t think of the consequences. He only lived in that instant, his mind filled with memories of Mary and their first time together. But this wasn’t about that old love. Now, he was with a girl who, without realizing it, was malding a terrible mistake.
