room before the door swung open and Maximo filled the space. His eyes seared as he scanned my body. “Christ.”
I opened my mouth to say hi, but that wasn’t what forced its way out. “Why would you do that?”
“Do what?”
“You know what.”
His eyes narrowed. “Attitude, Juliet.”
“No,” I snapped back. “I’m used to you being underhanded and manipulative. Most of the time, I even like it because I’m fucked up. But you’ve never been mean. This was just mean.”
“Watch the way you talk about yourself.” He crossed his arms over his broad chest. “Then start from the beginning because I’ve got no fucking clue what you’re talking about.”
I studied him, looking for signs he was lying, but all I saw was confusion mixed with anger.
Uh-oh.
“Hilda’s wants to carry one of my dresses on consignment,” I shared, still watching closely.
There was a hint of surprise and more than a bit of pride. “That’s amazing.”
I still didn’t believe him. “Last time we were there, no one said a word to me. But today, she just happened to be chatty and offer to carry my dress?”
“Last time, people were told to leave you alone so you could shop in peace.”
This wasn’t his doing?
“I was there with Marco. Maybe she put two and two together and figured out who I am,” I said as I fought to suppress my ever-growing hope.
Maximo shook his head. “Marco pulls guard and tour guide duty to VIPs on occasion. No one would think anything of it.”
There was no holding it back. The excitement I’d had earlier bubbled through my veins, but it was accompanied by a sense of panic. For all I knew, I’d blown a once in a lifetime opportunity by turning her down.
Not to mention, Maximo looked ready to take me over his knee—dinner plans or not.
Shit.
I messed up.
“You really didn’t have anything to do with this?” I checked.
“No, I didn’t have to. If you want to keep sewing for fun, that’s fine. You deserve fun. But if you decide to take it further, I knew you could do it without my help.” He gave me a cocky smirk. “And I was right.”
“Unless I blew it,” I whispered.
Maximo stepped closer, menace and tenderness in his gaze. “Gotta work on your confidence, Juliet.”
I had no doubt part of that would involve him spanking me until I begged and then fucking me until I came undone.
And I wanted that.
Just not right then.
“Later,” I said, closing the distance between us. I grabbed his hand as I moved and continued toward the elevator. “I need to go talk to that woman before dinner.”
“This isn’t over,” he rumbled as we descended.
Filthy anticipation mixed with my excitement. “I hope not.”
We got off on the main floor and I continued like a woman on a mission, dodging and weaving people. When we got to Hilda’s, I scanned the storefront, but the woman was gone.
“Damn,” I whispered.
“I’ll have Cole locate her number.” At my unsure look, he squeezed my shoulder. “Sometimes connections are good.”
“Yeah, okay.”
I was about to turn around when she came out from the back and stopped. A smile spread across her face as she scanned me. And then it froze and her jaw dropped when she saw who I was with.
Okay, no way did she fake that.
“Hi. Hello. Uh, sir. Ma’am,” she sputtered, flustered.
“Is the offer about consigning my dress still open?” I asked.
“Yes, of course. Definitely.”
Probably more so now.
“Then I’d love to do it.”
“I was hoping you’d change your mind.” Going to the counter, she grabbed a business card and handed it to me. “The pieces we carry in different sizes sell best. The sooner you can get them to me, the better. If you have any questions, call me anytime.”
Clutching the card, I grinned. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. I look forward to seeing them.”
Maximo took the card and slid it into his pocket before taking my hand. “Enjoy your evening, Hilda.”
“You, too, Mr. Black.”
Hilda.
This is her store.
And she wants to sell my dress in it.
Once again, how is this my life now?
Maximo and I remained silent as we backtracked to the elevator. Once we were closed inside, he pressed the button to take us to the garage before yanking me to him.
Brushing my hair over my shoulder, he looked down at me. “You were right.”
“About?”
A wicked smile curved his lips, and I braced even before he said, “I gave you time, and you earned that heated ass after all.”
Oh no.
But also…
Yay!
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
Belonging
Juliet
“WHERE ARE WE?” I asked, looking out the window.
When we’d