CHAPTER NINE

Max picked us up at the hour we had settled for earlier in the phone. He was wearing dark grey pants with a white shirt that was slightly unbuttoned at the collar. He was leaning against his black Range Rover when I spotted him at the entrance of the building.

"Hey," We greeted each other, hugging. Mia - like always - started to lean forward, away from my arms, trying to get into Max's. She was very fond of him lately. I didn't blame her though. Max could charm anyone without even trying. I was glad she got along with him, all of this would have been harder if she hadn't. "You look beautiful by the way, Ella" Max spoke with a shy smile on his face.

"Thank you" I had a black & white zig zag mid-thigh length dress with black open-toe heels and a red small purse. My makeup was simple with just blush, mascara, and light pink lipstick. My caramel brownish blonde hair was loose with natural curls from the bun I had the entire day.

Max helped me settle Mia's car seat from my car to his. He had demanded we used his car this time because if we used mine I would probably end up driving and it was unacceptable on his terms since everything was on him tonight. Even though transporting Mia's car seat from one car to another was hard work, I was appreciating his gentlemanly actions towards me - or should I say us. It felt like before and this was what he and I were looking for right? This was one of the many reasons he asked for a chance to prove himself and I have it to him? I felt relief knowing he wasn't taking his time with us for granted.

I still didn't know where we were going to since Max had replied saying he wanted to surprise me whenever I demanded an answer. Mia had remained calm during the drive to God knows where, occasionally doing one of her shrieks or giggling whenever Max and I said something. She looked content, which also made me feel relieved and happy. Her happiness came before mine ever since she was born and I planned on always keeping it like that.

"So what do you think?" Max asked as we entered the parking lot of our destination. It was the small yet elegant Italian restaurant he had taken me on our first date as a couple. I turned to look at him, completely speechless by his thoughtful gesture. He had a grin on his face, indicating how pleased he was with himself for doing such thing and for my reaction to it. Max parked his jeep and helped with Mia.

I assumed he had already made a reservation since we were directed to a table for two with a high chair for Mia next to it as soon as we entered the restaurant. I was completely satisfied and impressed with the amount of effort he had put into tonight. It showed how he really wanted this.

We chatted for a while before ordering.

"You never answered my question," He reminded

"What question?" I frowned

"What do you think?" He repeated, referring to the restaurant and tonight.

"I'm quite impressed but it would take more than what you've done until now for me to be completely impressed," I joked trying to suppress a smile.

"I'm wounded," He placed his hand over his heart "I'll keep trying though and at the end of the night, I'll ask you again. Deal?"

"Deal"

Our food arrived, interrupting our chat. Max and I had ordered the same dish; Fettuccine Alfredo. We kept quiet while we ate, glancing at each other occasionally. I dipped my finger in some of the pasta sauce to let Mia taste it. After the first taste she kept asking for more, opening her mouth and leaning forward.

"Okay, okay. I'll give you more but stay still." I said between laughs "Mia, baby please"

Max was trying to contain his own laugh at Mia's desperateness for more as he watched me with her. "Let me. I'll take care of her" He said, standing up from his chair and getting Mia out of hers. He sat again and placed Mia on his lap, letting Mia have some of his pasta sauce once in while until we were done with our meal.

The intense blue his eyes possessed was back. Yesterday, when he came to my apartment to apologize, his eyes seemed dead. I had spoken to Bliss about our encounter the same day Max and I spoke but I didn't informed Max about my decision until the next day, fearing I would look desperate. I had called him was I had been dispatched from work.

As soon as we were done, Max asked for the bill and paid later exiting the restaurant. It had been a lovely night, I enjoyed it and I'm sure Mia did also. A part of me felt sad though. Like always, we'd go home without him making me wonder again if things could go back to the way they used to be; those happy times were I would wake up next to him. That was the reason for my decision of giving Max a chance. I shouldn't have been sulking.

Max settled Mia on her car seat as I got into the passenger seat. He made his way into the jeep, turning the engine on. On our way back to my apartment I could see him hesitating about something. His fingers kept twitching and his grip on the steering wheel became so strong his knuckles were white. It was as if he was preventing himself from touching something. I ignored it and looked out the window as we drove around the city.

I was completely oblivious to our arrival at my apartment until I heard Max kill the engine of his jeep. Max and I exited the jeep at the same time, he had hurriedly approach my door wanting to open it for me before I did but I had beat him to it. I lightly smiled at him, letting him know I appreciate the gesture anyway.

We were facing each other, reluctant to let the night end. Max shoved his hands into the front pockets of his pants. He hadn't touched me the whole night after we greeted each other when he picked Mia and me up and in our drive back he seem distant. I wanted to ask him what was wrong but figured it was none of my business.

"Thank you for tonight and the dinner. I enjoyed it and I'm sure Mia did too"

"You're welcome," he paused before continuing "Do you mind if I help you take Mia upstairs?" Nodding towards Mia, who was asleep on her car seat. It didn't surprise me, it was late and most of the time she fell asleep on our way to the apartment.

"Sure"

He delicately retrieved Mia from car seat, wanting to avoid waking her up. He held her in his arms as I pressed the button for the elevator and we made our way upstairs. Max kept quiet the whole time. As I arrived to my apartment, I retrieved the keys from my purse and opened the front door, stepping back to let Max in. He waited for me to remove my heels and place my purse and keys in the counter before having me take him to Mia's nursery.

He gently lowered her into her crib after kissing her forehead and murmuring "Goodnight baby girl" or something similar. His words had been too low and muffled for me to be certain of what he had said. He held one of her hands between his fingers while lightly stroking her hand before turning around to probably see me gone. I had felt as if I was intruding their father-daughter moment and decided to head to my room and get comfy. I was removing my earrings when Max knocked on my door. I turned to face him before speaking.

"You can come in, you know?" I said, slightly smiling.

"I just wanted to let you know I'm leaving" I don't know why but I felt disappointed by his words. Was I hoping he'd stay?

Max had approached me and was now standing in front of me. I didn't want to say goodbye but I didn't want to ask him to stay either. Pride. I feared he'd think I was becoming clingy. Max distracted me from my train of thought by cupping my cheek with his hand, at the same time closing the gap of space between our bodies. He knew I was having an inner battle with myself.

"What are we, Ella?"

"What do you mean?" I was utterly confused by the unexpected question.

"When you gave me a chance, were you giving me the chance to be a friend or to have you back?" He explained

"What do you want us to be?" I was so affected by him at the moment that the words were blurted out of my mouth before I had the chance to think about his question and what would my answer be.

The proximity and warmth of his body had sparks igniting all over me. Before I could keep prolonging my thoughts, Max's lips met mine. The familiarity of his lips on mine had my feelings over the edge. It was the first time he'd kissed me since I left. His tongue tangled with mine as I sled my hands up his chest, wrapping them around his neck. A gasp escaped from my lips as he thrusted his tongue deeper into my mouth. I hadn't notice we were moving until the back of my knees hit my bed and I fell into it. Max followed my fall, hovering over me between my legs. We were too far into it for me to be able to stop him.

"Max," I pulled away, breathless. His lips were now on my neck, kissing and nipping as they near the soft spot below my jaw. "Max" I panted, he hummed in response still kissing my neck. "Mia is in the other room" I reminded him.

"She's asleep. She won't hear us," He replied between kisses, continuing his trail until he met my face again. His eyes were dark with lust, probably matching mine. I missed him and his touch too much to care about anything. I needed him. He lowered his head until his lips meet mine again, kissing me tenderly. We helped each other discard our clothes, our bodies later connecting and becoming one.

"Are you fully impressed now?" Max spoke, as we lay together.

"Definitely" I laughed, cuddling with him and drifting to sleep.

***

I woke up to a tangle of sheets and limbs. My arm was across his stomach, my fingers laced with his as I rested my head on his chest, feeling it lower and rise with his breathing. One of my legs was over his thigh and between his legs. His arm was hugging waist. I peered up at him to find him peacefully sleeping. I nuzzled my face in his neck, cuddling further into him, completely content. Despite everything we've been through, I didn't regret last night. It felt good to have something like this back. Of course last night only made feelings I wanted to get rid of stronger but maybe it was for the better. I placed light kiss on his neck before I heard Mia whimpering, about to start crying. I tried to get out of bed slowly, not wanting to wake him up, but Max's grip on my waist only became stronger, indicating he was awake somewhere in his unconcious state.

"Max, Mia is awake. I have to go get her" I chuckled when his response was a groan. He removed his hand from my waist and shifted his position, laying on his side to face me. I took the opportunity to go get Mia but Max's grip came back before I had the chance. He pulled me into his chest, spooning me.

"Max, Mia is going to start crying. Let me go" Max groaned again but finally let me go. I found his shirt from last night near the door, lifting it, putting my hands through the sleeves and buttoning it up on my way across the hall to Mia's room.

She was about to start one of her fits when I arrived. "Hi pumpkin!" I said, taking her out of her crib and rocking her. I went to the kitchen and prepared a bottle, later returning to my room with Mia.

Max was now laying on his back, his head being supported by the headboard of my bed while he's arms were crossed around his chest. I sat near him as he straightened and was fully up.

"Good morning," He grinned, leaning in to kiss me.

"Good morning," I murmured against his lips, smiling.

"And good morning to you too, baby girl" He kissed Mia's forehead as she finished her bottle.

After a couple of minutes of silence between us I remembered that Mum would be arriving to my apartment soon. If she found Max here that meant and interrogation.

"I don't mean to kick you out but you need to get dressed and leave. Mum is coming soon to start babysitting Mia before I leave for work and I'm not ready to confront her about this yet." I didn't want him to leave but if Mum found him here, I'd be subjected to questions I'm not prepared to answer. "I'm sorry"

"No, No. Ella, it's okay. I understand but I might need something before I leave."

"What?" He tugged the hem of his shirt, answering my question.

After finishing with Mia, I went to the bathroom to remove Max's shirt and get ready. Once I returned it to him, he got dressed and gave me a goodbye kiss before leaving.

"I'm leaving. Goodbye," He cupped my cheek and kissed me.

"Bye. Have a nice day" I said as we pulled apart.

"Thank you. You too babe!" And his endearment was back.

We had planned to call one another throughout the day. I managed to have a shower, get ready and organized my room in time. I was wearing a black pencil skirt, peach blouse and black Loubotin heels. My hair was tied up in a ponytail and my only make-up was eyeliner, mascara, blush and lip gloss. Mum arrived at her usual time, I quickly said goodbye to her and Mia since I was running late.

"Bye Mum, Mia!" I shouted as I gathered my keys and purse from the kitchen counter.

"You haven't had breakfast"

"I'm sorry but I can't. I'm going to be late. I'll catch a Starbucks on my way to the office." I replied exiting the apartment and heading towards the elevator for the parking lot.

***

The day at the office had been completely hectic. Traffic was not on my side this morning, causing me to arrive a few minutes late to the offices of Kerrington Enterprises. The day was full of meeting after meeting after meeting and conferences. I was completely drained and ready to hit bed. I arrived home a few minutes before 8:00pm. Mum didn't stay long after noticing my tiredness and I appreciate it. Once I was able to get Mia to sleep, I removed my working clothes and got into my pajamas; a small tank top and comfy shorts.

As I settled in for bed, my phone declared a new text message. I instantly knew who it was. Max. He had been texting me all day after he left, not that it bothered me so much.

Goodnight! Sleep well. I'll see you and Mia during the week. X

I replied back before putting my phone back in the nightstand and drifted to sleep.

Goodnight, you too! Ok.

Ella .x