True Nature Read Online Free

uncomfortable and high pair I own. At least I won't be as short next to him now.
    He calls me stunning…never been called that before! He holds out his arm for me...yep, his arms are as strong as I thought. I stop a giggle from starting. Calm down, dammit. “I’m ready.”
    He closes the gate behind us. “You didn’t have to get a car…a cab would’ve been fine.” I feel lady-like as the driver opens the door for me.
    “I don’t like to wait for cabs. And Jeff here has been my driver for…what’s it been, Jeff…3 years now?” He’s walking around the other side already. I hear the driver respond, “Almost 4 years, Sir.” Max holds my left hand on my knee for the whole ride, a constant reminder of the heat I feel being near him. My palm feels sweaty but his is nice and dry, his touch gentle.
    “So what event are we going to?”
    “It’s a silent auction and dinner, proceeds go to several charities. I just have to stop by for a little work…shake and hold a few hands.” What kind of work does a bartender have to do outside a bar? Am I going to be sitting by myself while he serves trays of drinks? “We’re not staying long. I’ve made reservations for us at my favorite steak place in River North,” he lightly squeezes my hand, “Hope my girl has a big appetite.”
    “I’m starving. Haven’t eaten anything except a hotdog earlier.” I smile at being called his girl…maybe if you play your cards right, mister.
    …..
    We pull up to the hotel. Max stops me from opening the door with a little squeeze of my hand, “Let Jeff do that.”
    Max got out on his side before me and a very short, blond elderly woman in a full-length fur is calling to him from the curb, “Yoo-hoo. Max. Over here.” He goes to her side and takes her bejeweled hand in both of his. I come over to stand slightly off to the side of them, feeling awkward. 
    “Robbie is frantic. Do you have what he needs?” She’s loudly whispering up to him. Max pats her hand, then pats his left breast pocket, “Right here.”
    “Good, I won’t have to talk him off the ledge tonight. That boy!” She's shaking her head.
    “You have fun tonight, Mrs. Standosh…don’t spend all your time at the auction tables.” She’s giggling like a young girl as he gives her a kiss on the cheek.
    Turning towards me, he puts his hand on my lower back and directs me towards the doors. I squirm away from him. Just inside, I turn on him, “Are you selling drugs?! Is that the ‘work’ you have to do tonight?! I won’t be any part of it…so just tell me and I’ll go.” I’m pissed. Can’t believe I fell for this guy.
    He’s laughing at me though, “No,” more laughter, “I swear to you,” still laughing. His eyes are crinkling, I can see that they are a bright green, with the tiniest flecks of gold around the pupils, his lips are switching between a small smile and a crooked grin.
    A large, balding man claps his hand on Max’s back, extending his hand in between us. “Max! How are you? Mother says you brought my paperwork? Please tell me you did…Stella is inside and I need to give her good news tonight!” What is going on?!
    Max is still smiling at me, but turns his body towards the other man, shaking his hand. He pulls out a folded bunch of papers from his inside pocket. “Lucy, please excuse us for a moment. I’ll be right back.” There’s the wink again.
    I watch as Max directs the man towards a long table on the outskirts of the lobby. Their progress interrupted a few times by various groups, Max quickly saying hi and herding the man on before they can be stopped. I’m actually shaking my head a little watching.
    All the dressed up people are walking up a flight of stairs to my left.  I follow along slowly trying to fit in, but stop at the bottom of the stairs. Looking over my shoulder, I see Max shaking hands with the man again, putting the papers back in his pocket.
    He’s smiling at me through the distance, not the small or