Nik asks, "Got anyone in mind? Anyone in particular?"

I'm honest when I say, "Not really, I'm just takin' it as it comes."

My brother slaps a hand on my shoulder and responds, "Sometimes the best things are unplanned."

The guys make their leave and get back to work, leaving me sitting in the chill-out room with my own thoughts for company. My thoughts consist of green eyes and att.i.tude.

I stand, shake my head to clear it, and head back to my office. Once inside, I take my cell out of my pocket and dial the number I was given the night before. It rings, and rings, and rings some more.

"Hi, you have reached Helena Kovac. I'm unable to take your call. Please leave your name and your number, and I'll get back to you as soon as I can." Beep.

I'm suddenly panicked. "Um...Helena. Hi, it's Max. Nik's brother. The guy you found sleeping in your bed. The same guy who threw pizza at you last night." Oh my G.o.d. Shut your mouth, idiot! "Anyways, I just wanted to see if you were free tonight. I mean, I know it's Sat.u.r.day and you're probably going to the club tonight with the girls, but-"

Beep.

f.u.c.k. I must've reached the message time limit.

I call again. The voicemail message sounds out again. I wait patiently for the beep.

I lean back in my chair, getting comfortable to talk to Helena. "Sorry, I've been told I talk a lot. Anyways, I was saying if you'd let me, I'd like to take you to an early dinner to apologize for being, well, stupid last night." I sit up. "You know, I think I already feel so comfortable with you, because you're Nat's sister, and I love Nat. I mean, I know you don't like me, but if you-"

Beep.

Motherf.u.c.ker!

I quickly redial and cover my face with a hand as I cringe at myself. "The f.u.c.k am I doing?"

Beep.

I sigh into the phone. "You know what? Don't worry about it. I...uh...I just realized I'm busy today anyways. So, um...yeah. Just...just don't worry about it. Sorry for spilling pizza on you. If you need a new pair a pajamas, let me know and I'll pay for 'em. And sorry for making you cry." I pause. "Never meant to hurt you, cupcake."

The message still recording, I tap my phone against my temple then end the call.

Well, that wasn't half-awkward.

I sink into my chair and wallow in self-pity.

Helena Having just woken, I sit cross-legged on my bed in my spare set of pajamas, seeing as my favorite ones are still covered in tomato sauce. I listen to the three new voicemails.

"Um...Helena. Hi, it's Max. Nik's brother. The guy you found sleeping in your bed. The same guy who threw pizza at you last night. Anyways, I just wanted to see if you were free tonight. I mean, I know it's Sat.u.r.day and you're probably going to the club tonight with the girls, but-"

I smile to myself then listen to the next message.

"Sorry, I've been told I talk a lot." I chuckle and listen on. "Anyways, I was saying if you'd let me, I'd like to take you to an early dinner to apologize for being, well, stupid last night. You know, I think I already feel so comfortable with you, because you're Nat's sister, and I love Nat. I mean, I know you don't like me, but if you-"

My face flushes bright red. Oh dear G.o.d. Nat told him I don't like him? I'll cut a b.i.t.c.h!

But he called anyways to apologize and ask you to dinner.

My brows rise as I ponder this. This is true. What do I do now?

Go out with him. Let him buy you dinner. Talk to him. Get to know him a little.

Yeah. I straighten on my bed. Yeah. That's exactly what I'm going to do. My stomach flutters in excitement. I start to listen to the third message.

He sighs. "You know what? Don't worry about it." My face falls. My heart sinks. "I...uh...I just realized I'm busy today anyways. So, um...yeah. Just...just don't worry about it. Sorry for spilling pizza on you. If you need a new pair a pajamas, let me know and I'll pay for 'em. And sorry for making you cry." A slight pause, then a quiet, "Never meant to hurt you, cupcake."

A sudden rush of anger flows through me. I delete the messages. "f.u.c.k him."

He's right. I am going to the club tonight. My determination steeled, I get out of bed and head for the shower. I am going to the club, and I'm not coming home alone.

Chapter Eight.

Max I can't shake it, this feeling I have just sitting like a rock in the pit of my stomach.

Why did I do that?

Stepping out of the shower, I wipe down my body and stand in front of the fogged mirror. I use my hand to wipe at it to look at my reflection. Yep, that's me. I mean, it looks like me, but I don't feel like me. Not today. In sixteen hours, I've thrown pizza at a girl, a girl that doesn't even like me, asked her out, and then cancelled. I'm normally a confident guy. What is it about this broad that's f.u.c.king with me? I'm sure there are people who don't like me. I know how I can get. Sometimes, I'm not very likeable. But I always try. Always.

I slip my boxers on, head out of the bathroom, and look at my room. This is my last day in this room. I try hard not to think about it, or look at the boxes scattered across the floor. Tomorrow is moving day. Ceecee is thrilled...and by thrilled, I mean still not talking to me.

I slip on my black jeans and White Rabbit tee. It has my name on it. Under my name, it says 'I'm here to serve you'. I grin. It always goes down well with the ladies. My black belt goes on next. I had a special buckle made for it that reads 'Follow the white rabbit'. I like it, because it's big and silver, and a lot of women think white rabbit is a euphemism for my d.i.c.k.

My sneakers are hiding somewhere around here. Just as I look under my bed, my Mom sticks her head in and informs me, "We're leaving."

Got 'em. Always under the bed. I fish my sneakers out and stand. "Okay, Mom. Thanks again."

She smiles. "It's no problem." Her smile wanes. "She's still angry."

I pretend not to hear her and slip my shoes on. She steps forward and turns on her Mom voice. "Don't you think about ignoring me, Maximillian."

G.o.d, she's might be small, but my mother is a scary woman when she wants to be. I grin up at her. "I would never ignore you, Mama. Never." She glares at me and I sigh. "I know she's angry, Ma. What do you want me to do? I'm not changing my mind just because she's p.i.s.sed. We're moving. She's got to get used to that."

Mom's face softens. "Don't be upset at her for being scared to leave the only place she's ever known."

Well, when she puts it like that...

"I'm just upset that she's upset. I wish I could do something to make it easier for her."

Mom comes forward and hugs me. "Just show her you love her. That nothing will change that. That you will love her, even if she's angry at you. Be firm with your love and her heart will gentle."

I squeeze her back. "Okay. I will."

Stepping back, she smiles. "Good. Now go say goodnight to her."

I wink at my Mom before I step out of my room. Just as I exit, I almost run over two little fairies with golden eyes and dark hair. They gasp when they see me. Then it's on.

"Uccle Max!"

"Mak!"

Tatiana and Ava, Nik and Tina's daughters, attach themselves to my legs. "Oh my G.o.d, I'm being attacked! I thought fairies were the good guys!"

Tina steps into the hall, looks down at her babies, and rubs absently at her stomach. Geez, her belly just gets bigger and bigger. Two times the fun with twins. I mentally cringe.

Good luck Ghost and Nat.

Tina asks the little girls blinking up at her. "Grandma's ready to go, girls. Why are you running away?"

Tatiana looks around before leaning forward and answering, "There's a monster in our room."

Tina widens her eyes in shock. "Well, why didn't you say so?" She walks toward the girls' bedroom door and knocks. "Um, excuse me? Monster? You need to leave now. We're running late."

Nik calls from the other side of the door. "No can do, Mommy. I need food. I hear little girls are tasty," then he smacks his lips loudly.

Tatiana giggles, but Ava grips my legs tighter, not quite old enough to get that the monster is actually her dad trying to make a funny. Tina sighs dramatically. "Can't I just get you some bread, or cereal, or something?"

Nik responds, "Nope. I need little girl and I need it now."

Tina looks over at the girls. "You heard him. He's hungry. Which one of you wants to be munched up?" Tatiana nods while Ava shakes her head emphatically. Tina crooks a finger at Tatiana. "You better get in there. Sounds like he's starving."

As soon as Tatiana takes off down the hall, Ava wails, "No!"

I pick up my tater tot, hug her close and whisper, "It's okay, baby. It's only pretend." She sniffles into my neck. Tatiana creeps up to the door, and as soon as she puts her hand on the k.n.o.b, the door flies open and out comes the monster.

Nik steps out and I gasp. "Oh my G.o.d, it's hideous!"

Ava's smiles and kicks her little legs. Otherwise known as let me down now.

I let her down, and Nik chases his babies down the hall and into his bedroom. Not a minute later, growls, roars, laughter, and baby squeals let us know they've been caught.

Tina laughs softly then turns to me. "Where's Ceecee?"

My smile falls. My stomach drops. "I thought she was with you."

Tina's smile fades quickly. She calls out, "Ceecee? Honey, where are you?"

No answer.

My pulse spikes. "Ceecee, baby?"

Nothing.

f.u.c.k.

Tina rushes to Ceecee's room and throws open the door. She turns to me, eyes wide. "She's not in here."

I don't wait to consult with anyone. My feet move of their own accord. I quickly check the kitchen, living area, and all the bedrooms.

Empty.

My heart races as I check the backyard. "Ceecee!"

My Mom rushes out of my room. "What's going on?"

I s.n.a.t.c.h my car keys off the table and tell her, "Can't find Ceecee. She's gone."

Fear fills me as I run down the hall and see the front door open. I whisper to myself, "Please G.o.d, no."

I run as fast as I can, hearing Nik's heavy footfalls behind me. On the front porch, Nik bellows, "Ceecee!"

My feet don't stop. I run to my truck and jump in. I start it up and Nik jumps in the pa.s.senger seat. The tires screech as I take off down the driveway. Just as I'm about to hit road, Nik calls out, "Wait. Stop! Over there." He points out the window on his side.

My racing heart slows. I see her. She sits there, at the front gate, staring over at our new house. I grip the steering wheel and lower my head onto it, hyperventilating.

f.u.c.k. s.h.i.t. f.u.c.k.

Nik pats my back. "It's okay. She's okay."

So many thoughts go through my head. Ugly, disturbing thoughts.

What if she wasn't okay?

I feel tears p.r.i.c.kle my eyes, but I hold them back. I step out of the car, not bothering to turn it off. As I walk towards her on Jell-O legs, I hear Nik exit the car and get into the driver's side. The car reverses away, leaving me with my daughter. I move to stand behind her, and I equally want to hug the s.h.i.t out of her and beat her a.s.s for scaring the c.r.a.p out of me. I settle with resting my hand on her shoulder. She looks up at me, golden eyes sad, then looks back across the street. We stand there a while, and I'm glad for it. I need a moment to get my s.h.i.t together.

Another five minutes or so, and Ceecee mutters, "We're not very far, are we?"

My throat is thick with emotion from the ordeal I've been put through, so I clear it. "No, honey. We're not far."

She takes a moment to process this, then asks quietly, "And I can come here whenever I like?"

I reply on a squeeze of her shoulder, "Of course, baby."

Another moment, and then she nods once, firmly. "Then...then I guess moving won't be so bad."

My eyes widen in surprise.

What did she just say?

I stop myself from jumping in the air and kicking my heels together. Instead, I kiss the top of her head and hug her around the shoulders. "It won't be bad. It'll be fun. We're having an adventure, me and you."