the temptation is always there, to see what would happen if he allows himself to pursue her for something more than what they are doing now. along with it, there’s always that fear that what if they are getting ahead of themselves? what if all this was in his head and she wasn’t at all in the same wavelength as he was? what if they were mistaken their incredible friendship and their carnal fun for more than what it truly is? that’s all he has these days in his mind and in his heart, a million scenarios of ‘what ifs' but none of them quite explain this feeling, the need and the want to be with her all the time. he’s been enamored by her since the moment they met at the club for the first time in new york, she isn’t a face anyone could forget easily. he’s had luck on his side that they continued to meet up with each other, and max was always looking for any excuse to fly to see her. meeting ferah had only added to his endless lists of reasons he’d be traveling to new york. she’s had a boyfriend when they first met, but the moment she’s single, they spent more time together, never losing contact, and then one night it led to something more. something he’d entertain but never believes for a moment would happen, and then it continued happening, on and off.
years go by and they’re still in each other's life, still going to each for fun or comfort, and really anything else in between but never quite labeling whatever they share. yet, they are quick to mark their territory whenever they’re around each other and being entertained by others. at the time, neither believed they would settle anywhere near each other, with max never willingly leaving moon bay, a relationship was out of the question. then ferah moves, to his hometown of all places, and max wants to believe it has to mean something. he isn’t the sort who believes in fate or any of those hippie dippie spiritual things, but for this he certainly wishes it is the case. when she moves, he’s with someone and so is ferah, but it doesn’t take long max to end it entirely when he’s spending more time with her than he is with the person he’s dating. before long, they’re back in each other’s bed, which has become all the more easier with how close they live with each other.
here they are almost two years later, still unwilling to end this strange dalliance, but unwilling to speak or even label this. not a day goes by where max isn’t thinking of taking a chance, even if it means risking what they share now. if only betting his chance on the fact that ferah appears to be as territorial with him as he’s with her, she hasn’t seen anyone since her last and she continued to seek max for fun ― both in and out of bed. It’s the same thought that lingers : why would she continue this if she didn’t feel this inexplicable attraction ? furthermore, if it’s only lust, it would have already fizzled out, but that’s yet to happen. the complication ― would they ruin what they had now if this went any further, would it change things between them for worst? It is incredibly frustrating for the ceo, because he can’t risk not being able to see her or be with her when he’s craving her companionship and her warm, yielding body late at night and pretty much any time of the day.
however, max isn’t daft, he knows by now the doe eyed beauty has secrets, and he’s not so naive as to think she’d share them with him, but he wishes she would. if clarity for him ― maybe for them. there are moments he swears he catches her looking behind her as if she is expecting someone to follow her, she looks startled, and sometimes spooked, until she’s distracted by him. whatever it is, it only makes him question ― what would that mean for them? whatever she’s keeping to herself interferes with them? the million dollar question ― did she think of him, see him, as something more than a man she has fun with?
for a moment he’s too busy staring at her luminous smile before he’s snapping it out and taking the spot beside her. as if he could silently convey to the waiter not to try flirting with her again, it works because between his choice of seating ( too closely to ferha ) and his rude remark, he’s scurrying off. “they can get plenty more tips by just being a gracious waiter.” max quips without missing a beat, he tries hard to keep his tone neutral but he doesn’t know if he’s succeeding. he's also distracted with her lips pressing against his neck, yet her compliment that follows certainly fixes his mood. to his disappointment she’s already moving towards her seat, so he settles for placing his hand on her thigh and giving it gentle squeeze while his eyes remain on her features, “jealous? more like stopping him from hitting on unsuspecting customers who might be otherwise…engaged.” he raises a brow, “thank you, though i can also think of other things i’d look much hotter doing.” he adds not being able to help himself, a small arrogant smirk curving his lips as he catches her amusement. “by two minutes. you think you’re so cute, don’t you?” well, she is. “but i can see how waiting for me might be agonizing. missed me a little too much, did you ? ” it’s not just her, he’s always counting minutes until he can see her again. as she questions him for wine, he waves over another female server and orders them wine that ferah’s partial to. they’re alone a moment later, and max doesn’t realize his hand is still resting on her thigh, “how was your day off?” he’s jesting, since her days were mostly off because she owns a nightclub.
