The Hero and the Fat Girl (New Hampshire Bears #3) by Mary Smith Page B

before. I’m not sure how well this will work.” She hugs herself protectively.
    “Maxima, if this make you this uncomfortable, I’ll get my parents a hotel room—”
    “No,” she cuts me off. “You can’t touch me. When I sleep, I mean. You just can’t touch me.” Her eyes are wet with tears. “Please.”
    “Okay.” Deep down, I have a horrible feeling about why she can’t be touched, but I don’t dwell on it because I hope it’s not true. I don’t want it to be true. “You have my word.”
    She nods, shutting her eyes tight and taking several deep breaths. I want to hug her. I feel as if I need to protect her. She seems so small right now, almost childlike.
    “When I agreed to this arrangement, I didn’t think this would be part of the deal. When we talked about your parents coming and me staying in your bedroom, it was hard for me, it is hard, but I’m willing to do it.” Maxima opens her eyes. “I took a sleeping pill. I shouldn’t dream…um…really move.”
    “Maxima—” I stop because I’m not sure what to say.
    “Remington, I want to do something. Something very bold for me.”
    “What?” She’s already opened up more than ever before, which is already beyond my expectations. I’m going to keep doing what I have been doing since it seems to be working.
    “Just…um…don’t grab me.” She walks over to me and bends down.
    I think she’s going to kiss me on the lips, but it’s on the corner of my mouth.
    “Thank you for everything you did for me today. No one has ever done anything so special for me.”
    “You’re welcome.” I don’t know what else to say.
    “Which side do I sleep on?” She steps back over to the dresser.
    “You pick. I’ll leave the bathroom light on. If you want that side, it’s fine.”
    “Thank you.” She gives me a small smile and moves to the other side of the bed.
    I slide under the covers and turn off my light. Maxima very slowly eases into the bed. I’m trying to remain quiet to see if she wants to say something. I can’t believe she kissed me. I almost want to jump up and down. You’d think I was thirteen and it was my first kiss ever. Her lips were so soft, and it didn’t last nearly long enough.
    But I will not push her.
    There’s more to her story, and I know deep down it’s something very bad. I will wait for her to open up to me. And I will be here for her.
    I’m on my back, and I glance over at Maxima. Her long black hair is spread out over the pillow. I desperately want to wrap my arms around her.
    I try to think about the last time I even fucked a girl. Keaton, Kyson, and I used to go out a lot, and they’d pick up the hotties. I’ve always been different. I want a relationship. I want a family. I want someone to be home when I come off the road.
    I want someone like Maxima .
    I want Maxima.
     

     
    “Pancakes.” Arabella smiles.
    I love cooking for her and Maxima. They both are always happy when they sit down at the table.
    “I can’t wait to start dance class.” She has said this sentence ten times in the past three minutes.
    “Well, I can’t wait to see you dance.” Sitting the plate in front of her, I kiss the top of her head.
    Arabella gasps. “Max, you’re beautiful.”
    I turn around and my knees go weak. Maxima is standing in front of me. She has on black slacks, a deep purple blouse, and purple heels. Her hair is in soft waves and her makeup just enough to highlight her stunning features. But most of all, her curves are accentuated, not hidden.
    “Thank you.” She smiles. It’s a bright and real smile.
    “Maxima, may I speak to you for a moment?” I nod toward the living room.
    She follows me, and I take her hand, pulling her closer to me. My emotions are running on high right now.
    “You are drop dead gorgeous. Thank you for letting me spoil you yesterday. If you let me, I’d like to take you on another date.”
    Her silvery blue eyes shine bright. “Your parents are coming tonight.”
    “I