4. Max
4
MAX
“ G ood riddance, huh?”
“Yeah.” Theo sighed as he watched Ford and Pam walk down the dock. “That did not turn out the way I’d hoped on so many different levels.”
Did he mean the part where I kissed him? The rest of the trip had passed quickly, so we didn’t have a chance to address it, and I wasn’t sure I even wanted to. I mean, what was there to say? Yeah, it was an incredible kiss, but it was a one-time thing. Theo and I were definitely not compatible. And I wasn’t even sure if I’d want to date him since I wasn’t into guys with big egos.
But … despite the cocky personality, there was something about Theo I sort of liked. He gave credit where credit was due. He was determined and smart. He’d spent this whole afternoon trying new angles, new tactics, to close this deal. I still didn’t get why this particular deal mattered so much to him, but I could respect a guy who worked this hard to go after what he wanted.
I glanced at the pile of my photography equipment. “This is going to take me a few trips. So we should probably… you know.” I gave an awkward wave.
How did you say goodbye to your fake boyfriend you would probably never see in person again? I’d still be in touch with his company to turn in my work, but when you were as rich as Theo, you weren’t the one who hired or interacted with your photographers. So for him and me, this was probably it.
But to my surprise, Theo didn’t leave. Instead, he effortlessly grabbed a heavy box of my equipment.
“Be careful with that!” I said. “Really, I appreciate the help, but some of that equipment is fragile and important.”
He raised his eyebrows. “Do I look like the kind of guy who drops fragile and important things?”
Well. When he put it like that, it sounded almost…sexy. Like he was the type of guy a woman could rely on.
Don’t be an idiot, I told myself. He’s just talking about photography equipment.
He rolled his eyes. “Just let me help you, woman.”
“Okay. But don’t drop anything. I’m serious.”
He mimed almost dropping the box, pretending to stagger under the weight.
“Asshole,” I said.
He flashed a grin that heated my blood.
Between the two of us, we managed to carry everything off the boat in one trip.
“Where’s your car?” he asked as we started down the dock.
I nodded toward the distance. “The farthest spot in the auxiliary parking lot.”
“Let’s do this,” he said, starting off on the journey.
We walked in silence, each probably thinking about the many ways the day had turned upside down. I mean, I never imagined I’d fall asleep on the job then end up being an arrogant billionaire’s hired help for the afternoon. And it was obvious that Theo thought he’d be walking off the Brilliance with a signed contract in hand.
“When are you going to talk to Ford again?” I asked.
Theo’s mouth twisted downward. “Not sure. Hopefully by the end of the week—and hopefully without Pam there.” He glanced at me. “Thanks again for helping me out. I know it was weird, but you did great.”
“Once I decided I was on your side, it might have been a tiny bit fun. Minus Ford being the poster boy for fragile masculinity and Pam being an absolute terror.”
He laughed. “Yeah, sorry you got the brunt of that. I thought you were going to murder me when I left you alone with her. She’s clearly jealous of you.”
“Please,” I snorted. “I know you’re trying to be nice, but I don’t need other women to be jealous in order to feel good about myself. Besides, according to Pam I’m a troll with tattoos.”
“That’s what she wants you to think, but the truth is she was threatened by you. Because she was practically doing back flips to get my attention and all you had to do to get it was walk into the room.”
My mouth snapped shut. My whole professional life was spent making others look good. I’d never really thought of myself as one to catch anyone’s eye. Was he actually being sincere, or was he just toying with me again? I couldn’t be sure, but I resolved to stay on my guard around him.
When we finally reached my car, the sun had gone down and I realized that I was exhausted and starving.
“Is there any place close to get a decent meal?” I asked Theo as I slammed the trunk shut.
“Yeah, I’m hungry too. I know a place that’s sort of hidden away. Actually…” He gave me an unreadable look. “Let’s grab dinner together—my treat.”
That sounded like a potentially dangerous idea. I’d only known him a short while, but with Theo, I got the impression he was always working an angle. Always focused on a goal. I didn’t know what else he could possibly want from me, but I couldn’t think of any way to refuse without being rude.
Fine, then—it would just be a casual dinner. I could handle that. “Sure. Thank you.”
The restaurant, the Salty Pelican, was a short walk from the dock and was indeed hidden on a side street. It didn’t have an ocean view, so the place seemed to be filled with locals instead of tourists.
“Hey Theo!” the grizzled, grey-haired bartender called out when he walked in the door. “Good to see ya.”
Theo waved at the man. “Hi, Burt. Quick dinner tonight.”
“Sit anywhere,” he yelled back. “Sally will be out in a sec.”
I scanned the modest spot. Low ceiling, multicolored Christmas lights over the bar, pale wood tables packed with people. The place was more of a pub than an actual restaurant, and after the day I’d had, I was looking forward to a menu filled with fried delights.
“Are you a burger person?” Theo asked as we sat down in a corner booth by the kitchen door. He handed me a menu.
“Who isn’t a burger person?”
“Fair point,” he said. “These guys do it right. Angus beef, incredible add-ons, like caramelized onions and blue cheese. And they have tons of specialty beers on tap. Although I might need something a little stronger after today.”
His stress furrow was back.
“Hey, it’s going to happen. Don’t worry,” I said. I didn’t actually know enough about the yacht business to know if it actually would be okay, but it seemed like the thing to say.
“Oh, I’m not worried. I’m just pissed it didn’t go down the way I’d planned,” Theo said as he scanned a menu. “I always get what I want. Usually when I want it.”
I started to laugh but realized he was dead serious. “Is that a fact?”
His eyes flicked up from the menu for a moment. “Yup. It’s what I do. I win. I made a plan to make my first million before I turned twenty-one and I made it happen. I’ve achieved every goal I’ve set since I turned eighteen.”
“Must be nice,” I muttered.
“What? Don’t you have goals?”
I felt a little jolt of irritation at the condescension in his voice, but honestly, I was too tired to snap at him. Besides, it was thanks to him that my goals for the internship felt a little closer. “I do. In fact, your payment is going to help me reach it. I’m saving up for a high-profile photography internship with an amazing photographer.”
A friendly-looking woman with blonde hair piled on her head stopped by our table. “Hi, Theo! You brought a friend—I think that’s a first. I’m Sally.”
Yeah, no surprise to hear that the women Theo usually dated probably wouldn’t appreciate going to the hole-in-the-wall place. That was fine—it just confirmed that this truly, definitely, completely wasn’t a date.
“Hi, I’m Max.”
“We’re starving,” Theo said. “Let’s start with a double order of calamari and a bottle of merlot.”
He didn’t even glance my way as he ordered.
Sally pulled her pad from her apron pocket and took the order down. “Okay, calamari for two and?—”
“Uh, make that an order for one, actually,” I interrupted. “I don’t eat calamari and red wine gives me a headache.”
“Oh.” Theo uttered the single syllable as if he’d forgotten that I might have opinions and preferences too.
“I’d love to try the truffle fries, and I’m going to have the Paris Burger, please,” I told Sally. “Oh, and I’ll take whichever pale ale you think is best.”
She scribbled on her pad. “Got it. And you, Theo?”
“My usual. And a Glenlivet. Thanks.”
He watched her walk away. He shifted uncomfortably. “I didn’t realize you don’t like calamari.”
“How would you? We barely know each other. Why would you order for me?”
He rolled his shoulders restlessly. “I don’t know. Habit.”
“You mean you always order food for women like it’s a 1950s mobster movie?” I laughed, even more relieved than before that this was just a casual dinner rather than a date. Yes, that commanding aura could be hot—but if it meant putting up with him making all the decisions and just expecting me to fall in line? No thanks. No amount of hot was compensation enough for that. “What if they don’t like what you pick?”
The corners of his mouth turned down. “No one has ever complained.”
I snorted. “And is that because they genuinely like what you pick? Or do you think just maybe it’s possible that they pretend to be okay with your pick because, unlike me, they’re worried about offending you?”
“I…” He started to protest then stopped. He smiled, rueful. “It’s possible you have a point.”
Awkward silence descended on the table.
Was it really that unheard of for him to come across a woman who wasn’t afraid to be honest with him? I leaned back in my seat and reminded myself that Theo’s problems with women were none of my business. Once we were done eating, there’d be no reason for us to cross paths again. His issues were his problem, not mine.
“Did you get what you needed?” Theo asked me as Sally brought our drinks.
“Excuse me?”
“The photos. For the new campaign.”
I wouldn’t actually know for sure until I got back home and looked at the photos full-size on my screen. No photographer did. But that wasn’t what clients wanted to hear. So I put on my professional smile. “I think so. It was easy, the place is gorgeous.”
“Thanks, appreciate that.” Theo took a draw from his glass. “Can I see?”
I’d brought my camera bag with me since there was no way I was leaving my prized piece of equipment in my car. So technically I could show him the photos.
Still, I hesitated. If, God forbid, something weird had gone wrong with my equipment, or the photos just weren’t as good as I remembered, I didn’t want to find that out with the client peering over my shoulder. Especially not this client.
“I don’t know if that would be helpful at this stage,” I said. “I still need to select the best ones, punch up the lighting, that type of thing.”
Theo sipped his whiskey. “Max. I’m paying you. And I’d like to see the damn photos.”
Aaaaaand, there was the arrogant bastard side of his personality, back again. “Fine. Maybe we can get through the preliminary round of photo selection now. But keep in mind the images are raw. I can do a lot with editing.”
I pulled out my camera. In spite of the situation, the weight of it in my hand instantly relaxed me. I felt invincible when I was behind the lens, like my Nikon was a magical shield that gave me a cloak of invisibility and protection.
I sort of felt like I needed both sitting across from the smoldering billionaire. I’d caught him studying me a few times, and I didn’t like the resulting flutters. I needed to keep reminding myself that Theo Barnes was not my type. And I’m sure I wasn’t his either.
I flicked through the photos before handing my camera over to him, internally releasing a little sigh of relief. I’d still need to see them at full size, but at a glance, they really were as good as I remembered.
Theo studied the photos, frowning in concentration.
I opened my mouth to remind him again that these hadn’t been edited yet, but then he looked up and caught my eye.
“These are incredible, Max. What time did you board in order to get that sunrise?”
I grinned. “You don’t want to know. It was painfully early, but that’s part of the job.”
“No wonder you fell asleep.”
“Oof.” I bowed my head in shame. “Please don’t remind me.”
“Okay, I love this one, but I’m worried the attention is on the view, not the yacht itself.” He scooted his chair closer and leaned in, so that we could both see the screen. We scrolled through the photos discussing the merits and drawbacks of each one, and by the time our food arrived, we’d mapped out a rough schematic of what the final images would look like. To my surprise and annoyance, Theo actually had a great eye and had even suggested some shots I hadn’t considered.
I didn’t want him to have a natural eye for photography. The man was dangerous enough as is.
The food was fantastic, but between a full stomach, some alcohol, and the very long day, I felt like I could fall asleep in the corner of the booth by the time I pushed my plate away. Theo signaled the waitress for our check.
He was studying me again, like he had before he invited me to dinner.
“What?” I blurted. “What are you thinking?”
Theo tilted his head, considering me. “I’m thinking,” he said slowly, his voice deep, “that we make a good team. I’m thinking that Ford and Pam may expect me to produce my fake girlfriend again at some point in the future. And I’m thinking that you might want an easy way to earn money for that internship of yours.”
Oh. So that was why he invited me to dinner.
A part of me was tempted. Ford and Pam were a nightmare, but I did need the money, plus I’d get to see Theo again.
Maybe kiss him again.
Something fluttered in my stomach.
Which was exactly why I couldn’t do it. The last thing I needed was to risk developing a crush on a hot, arrogant billionaire. Better to keep our relationship clean and professional—as much as that was possible when I already knew he kissed like a god.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” I said. I made myself smile. “No amount of money is worth dealing with Ford and Pam again.”
He grimaced. “Yeah, I kind of thought you’d say that. If I end up needing you, I’ll reach out again so we can find out what amount of money will change your mind.”
“Didn’t you hear me? I said no .”
He flashed me a cocky smile. “In business, no is just opening negotiations, Max. You should know that.”
I blinked, trying to wrap my mind around the magnitude of his arrogance.
He paid the bill, and we headed out into the night.
“Thanks for dinner,” I said when we paused just outside the door. I wanted to steer the conversation back to photography, where it belonged. “I’ll send over the final images within the next two weeks or so, if that’s okay.”
“Works for me. Let’s go,” Theo said, starting off toward the distant parking lot where my car was parked. “I’m walking you to your car.”
“Oh, you don’t have to,” I protested. “This is a safe area.”
“No arguing,” he ordered as he walked away. I rolled my eyes and jogged to keep up. Somehow, he made even being a gentleman come across as rude. Theo seemed to live life by the mantra “my way or the highway.”
But I had to admit that in this instance, I secretly appreciated it. The sidewalk to the parking lot wasn’t well lit, and I was a little afraid of the dark. Not that I’d ever tell him that.
I glanced up at him as we walked. I couldn’t figure the guy out. He was conceited but, in his own gruff way, kind. Rich as hell but a regular at a neighborhood pub. Not at all my type, but I still found myself drawn to him.
Maybe it was just animal attraction? He’d rolled up his sleeves over dinner and I found my eyes drifting to the dark scrolls on his strong forearms. And I loved the way his whole face crumpled in delight when he laughed. For some reason, I got the distinct feeling there was more to him than what he revealed to the rest of the world.
Maybe it was my photographer’s instinct, but there was a part of me that wished I could peel back the layers to get to know the real Theo Barnes.
Because I had a feeling that there just might be more to him buried underneath the overabundance of cocky attitude.
“Are you okay to drive?” he asked. “Because I can call a car for you. You’ve been working for like twelve hours now, and you had a beer.”
“Oh my God, I’m fine you worry-wart,” I said. The fresh breeze off the water had me feeling more energized and awake. “I didn’t even finish that beer,” I reminded him. “I’m absolutely okay to drive.”
Plus, if I didn’t drive home tonight, I’d just have to come back and get my car tomorrow.
The moonlight was surprisingly bright, illuminating Theo’s handsome face as he scrutinized me.
“Are you sure about that, Sleeping Beauty?”
“I’m one hundred percent sober, officer,” I joked.
“Okay. Well.” He looked down at me, his hands in his pockets.
“Yeah.” I realized I still had no idea how to say goodbye to this man. In a way, he was my boss. But he was also a stranger I’d kissed. A man I sort of liked, despite myself. Someone I’d probably never see again.
We stared at each other.
He cleared his throat. “It was great meeting you, Max. You’re obviously a talented photographer. And I can’t thank you enough for your… extra help today.”
I blushed, wondering if he was thinking of the kiss too. “You’re welcome.”
It felt so much like the end of a date, I half expected Theo to pull me close and press his lips to mine.
I held my breath as Theo’s eyes traveled my face. I’d made the first move last time, so I wasn’t about to do it again. I could’ve sworn Theo inched toward me, and my heartbeat sped up.
It was happening.
I took a deep breath as the corner of his mouth kicked up.
Then, the crunch of gravel and headlights pierced the darkness between us, killing the mood.
What the hell was I thinking? I couldn’t kiss Theo Barnes . It was one thing if we were pretending. Something else entirely if it was real.
“I’ll wait for those photos, okay?” Theo said, taking a few deliberate steps backward.
I cleared my throat. “Yup, okay. Thanks again for the opportunity.”
“Have a nice life, Max.”
“You too.”
Then he left, and to my surprise, I couldn’t stop staring at the dark figure walking away from me.