“Fucking bitch!” he yelled as he fist hit the wall, making an imprint.

  He bowed his head and started to breath rapidly. I felt sorry for my friend. I also understood why Georgina had to go. Sometimes if you remove yourself from a situation, things look a lot different. Also, she needed to sort herself out. Forget about men and focus on her child.

  Riley dropped to the floor and placed his head in his hands. “I knew it” he laughed. “I just knew it was too good to be true.” He ran his hands through his hair and gave a little sigh. “Seriously, how can anyone compete with Maxwell Thomas?”

  I stood up, walked over and sat down next to my friend. “Look on the bright side” I said, trying to cheerful. “You’re now available to come out with me.” I nudged him. “Think about all the women.”

  He looked up and narrowed his eyes. “Blake, women are off limits for me. Why didn’t she tell me this face to face?”

  “I don’t know, she never said. What did she say in the note?”

  Riley tilted his head to the side and rolled his eyes. “Same old shit. Its not you, it’s me. She needs to think and she’s sorry if she has hurt me.” He sighed again and sat up straight. “I should have known better. After all she does have a colourful history with men.”

  “At least it ended now before it started.” I looked around the apartment. I didn’t want to spend the rest of my holiday stunk in these four walls. I jumped to my feet, “Come” I ordered. “We’re going out.”

  “I don’t think I can” he groaned. “I hate her” he snarled. “She has destroyed my life.” His fist clenched again and he looked up at me. “Why didn’t you warn me?”

  What, now it was my fault? My jaw dropped open and I just stared at him. Seriously, why did I always get the blame? I told him a million times and he refused to listen. I told him this would happen. He couldn’t be this thick.

  “I did” I snapped. “Right from the start…”

  “I know” he sighed. He took in a deep breath and finally got to his feet. “Let’s go out.”

  I threw my hands in the air. “About time” I laughed. “Forget her, Riley.” He just nodded. I rolled my eyes. He looked like a love sick puppy. Well, tonight I was going to make sure he forgot all about Georgina. In fact maybe it would help if I forgot she existed as well. After all this were my new start and my chance of happiness.

  ***

  Maxwell

  There was a knock on the door, yelled for whoever to come and a grey haired man in glass holding a briefcase entered.

  “Mr Thomas?” he greeted, his voice sounded very professional. Instantly, he caught my attention and I stopped looking at the paperwork.

  “Yes” I smiled. “How can I help you?”

  He walked a little further into my office and placed his briefcase down on my desk. “I'm Mr Clarke, from Clarke's Legal Team.” He opened up the briefcase and pulled out some papers. “I am representing Mrs Georgina Thomas.”

  My jaw hit the desk as I hesitated as he passed the papers to me. I leaned back as I started to read what was in front of me. I hadn't seen her since the incident in the hallway at Riley's apartment building. I had gone too far that day and I knew so. For fuck sake, I almost hit her!

  I didn’t like feeling like this. I didn’t do out of control.

  “Divorce… She’s filed for divorce?”

  He didn't answer my question, just shut his briefcase and picked it up. “I suggest you read them and get yourself a lawyer, Mr Thomas.”

  “She told you to do this?” I was in a state of shock, divorce? She wanted rid of me? Us? I started reading through them as quick as I could. The reason she wanted a divorce was unreasonable behaviour... She hadn't mentioned me being unfaithful. Why?

  I looked at Mr Clarke. “When?”

  “Mrs Thomas came into the office a few days ago, sir.” He looked like he was taking pity for me. “This isn't exactly my favourite part of my job. I just do what I am paid to do.”

  “Of course, I understand” I was still stunned.

  “I’m sorry again, Mr Thomas” he made his way to the door. “As soon as you get a lawyer, sign and it will be over. If we can keep this clean, it shouldn't drag out.”

  Then he was gone and I was left alone with divorce papers. In black and white was my fate. My wife no longer wanted me. I took in a deep breath. I no longer wanted to be here. I wanted to lock myself away with whiskey and as many cigarettes my lungs could take.

  ***

  Georgina

  I felt the soft fresh breeze on my face. I looked out at the beach and finally I could breathe. I was away from Maxwell, Riley and all the hassle that came with my life. Also, I knew today he was being served divorce papers.

  It had been days since the episode in the Riley's hallway. After Maxwell had left I had called his mother and asked if I could stay in the villa in Cannes. Of course, there were questions and I didn't hold anything back.

  I really should have gone to Spain, but the thought of my dad telling me what a mess I was-- I didn't need that. I knew I had messed up my life. But him yelling at me wasn't helping! Also, no doubt he would try and compare me to my mother. Was I like her? Surely not! Or maybe I was in denial?

  I watched the people on the beach down below. I hoped his mum kept her promise and wouldn't tell him where I was. I wanted to be alone and think. Think what I was going to do with my life.

  I and Riley were over, well it hadn't started. It was not great timing and one of the worse things I probably ever done in my life. I couldn't bear to cause anyone else pain.

  I was now free and alone. I couldn't remember the last time I had even been single. Wow, this was first, especially for me.

  ***

  Maxwell

  I walked into the house and it was quiet. The kids were still at school and Maddy must still be out shopping. I made my way into the living area and directly to the drinks cabinet. I grabbed the bottle of bells, unscrewed the lid and drank straight from the bottle. It tasted good.

  “That’s not the answer” bellowed a voice. I glanced over my shoulder and my mother was standing in the doorway. Fuck! That was all I needed.

  Her blue eyes were full of worry, love and sympathy. I placed the bottle back down and fell to my knees. The tears wouldn't stop. I could no longer pretend everything was fine and push my feelings for Georgina away.

  My whole body ached, my heart torn apart and the agony was uncontrollable. I felt her drop to my side and pull me into her.

  “Son,” she cried. “I know. I know” her voice was soothing. “Why didn't you call me sooner?”

  I shrugged. “I didn't think it would get this much out of control.” Then it clicked and I looked at her. “You know? Who? How?”

  “Georgina rang me about three days ago. She explained and I got here as quickly as I could. Georgina was worried about you and suggested I came to take care of you.”

  The pain deepened at the thought that my Miss Dawson still cared for me. Although, not enough to come back and be my wife. I rested my head on her shoulder and she began to play with my hair, just like she did when I was a child.

  “I was a cunt,” I sniffed.

  “Please Maxwell, not that word” she said sternly.

  “She hasn't been in work and today I got served divorce papers.”

  “That's why I am really here” a light smile came to her lips. She knew something and I urged her on with my eyes. “Georgina is in Cannes.” Finally there was some hope, only a little, but enough to stop the tears. “You go to Cannes and you beg and you don't come home without her.”

  She made it all sound simple. But what if I did go and Georgina slammed the door in my face. What if she was with him? Then again, exactly what did I have left to lose?

  “Just do it!” She yelled, stopping my thoughts in their tracks. “I'll watch everything and your dad will be here in a few days.” She cupped my face in her hands. “Get your wife back, Maxwell.”

  For the first time in weeks I actually smiled. There was no reason why I should try. I was going to Cannes, I was going to get my wife and I wasn't returning to LA without her!

  CHAPTER TWELEVE

  Maxwell

  It was too quiet... Maybe she had already left? I entered the bedroom and looked at all her things scattered all over the place. A little smirk came to my face as I glanced over at the white four poster bed.

  She was staying in the same room we shared when we sneaked away on our pretend business meeting. Also, it was the same room I had dumped her in.

  The sound of water was coming from the on-suite bathroom. I sat down on the bed and gave a breath of relief. She was here and now the hard bit was about to follow.

  The bathroom door opened slowly and she emerged wrapped in a towel. Her skin glistered and her hair was dripping wet. She was the most beautiful woman I had ever met in my life. My Miss Dawson.

  She looked at me shocked and kept blinking. What did she think I was? A fragment of her imagination. We didn't speak-- our eyes did all the talking. I wanted her more than ever. Especially when she was biting down on her lip.

  I loved the way out minds were connected at times. She moved gracefully towards, the towel dropped to the floor. My hands reached out and pulled her towards me. I bowed my head and took her nipple in my mouth. Her back arched and her fingers locked in my hair, as my tongue circled the pink bud.

  Her hands moved from my hair and she placed them on my shoulders, slowly pushing me back on to the bed. She straddled me and her hands got to work on jean buttons. Before I knew it, I was free and standing, ready for her.

  “I like you like this, Mr Thomas” she smirked, as she lowered herself down on me. Inch by inch I filled her up. She let out a little groan and her hips started to rock.

  My hands gripped on her hips and I moved with her. We were perfect together, always in sync and knew what the other liked. I couldn’t be without her. There was no one else in this world for me.

  I head fell back on to the mattress and I allowed her to take over. Just for once I would let her be in control. That was something I was going to have to learn to do. Not just with sex, but with other aspects of my life.

  We both lay on the bed in our post-orgasmic states. She was just staring at me with a massive smile on her face. I hadn't seen it in a while and had missed it. My fingertips glided up and down her bare back, she was soft and smooth.

  “I had a funny feeling your mum would tell you where I was” she paused and moved closer to me, resting her hand on my chest. “Actually, I prayed she would.”

  “You prayed?”

  “Sort of” she shrugged.

  “Sounds promising.”

  “I take it you didn't just come to Cannes to get me into bed, Mr Thomas?”

  “No. We need to work things out. I don't want a divorce, George. Do you?”

  She sat up and brought her knees to her chest. “I don't know what I want or who I am?” Her voice full of sadness “That's why I came here to think.”

  “We can think together.”

  She looked down at me and the smile had gone. “What if we don't come up with a solution?”

  I grabbed hold of arm and pulled her down to me. Holding her tight against my body and taking in her wonderful scent. “We stay forever.”

  “How would your business survive without you?”

  I placed a finger against her lip. “Shh, we have left business behind.” My eyes widened. “Golden rule, Miss Dawson, golden rule” I hissed through gritted teeth. “Let’s play a game?”

  “A game?” she was biting down on that lip again. “As long as we stay here we are no longer married.”

  She narrowed her eyes and looked at me like I was crazy. “Maxwell? You just said you don't want a divorce.”

  “No, hear me out” I added. “You'll like this... The life we have doesn't exist. We are good old Mr Golden rule and Miss Dawson.”

  “You want to go back in time?” She laughed. “You have gone crazy!”

  “I am only crazy in love with you” I replied. “We need to learn to discover each other again. When we go home” a smirk came to my lips. “That's where we will both decide what to do.”

  “Do I have a choice after you seemed to have planned everything?”

  “Do you want a choice?”

  “No! And besides I like your games.”

  I pulled her head towards mine and placed a single kiss on her forehead. “Then I guess we are two of a kind, Miss Dawson.”

  ***

  Georgina

  I couldn't get my head round the fact he was actually here. For the last few days/nights my dreams and my thoughts had been filled with him. I had wished and prayed to have him next to me; feel his lips on my skin, his warm hands running over my body and most of his bare skin against mine. After everything that had happened he was still my sweet fix and I now knew there was no way I could even contemplated being without him.

  He was my world and I loved him so much it hurt deep in my stomach. We had been stupid and lost so much precious time. I looked up at him and smiled. He smiled back, his eyes sparkling and his red hair floppy and curling round his eyes. Wow, this was the man who had swept me off my feet, changed my life in so many ways.

  We were heading to Brett's bar. Brett was Maxwell's best friend and was now running it with Maxwell's sister Amber. We strolled in and Amber's jaw dropped open.

  “Oh my god!” she squeaked, running up to us. She threw her arms round me and then Maxwell. “What are you both doing here?” She stood back and suddenly looked confused. “Wait! Mum said you were getting divorce?”

  Maxwell looked at Amber and slowly looked down at me, his beautiful mouth twitching in amusement. “Divorce.” He raised a perfect eyebrow and chuckled. “You have to be married to get divorced, right Miss Dawson?”

  Amber narrowed her eyes. “Miss Dawson? Maxwell, are you on drugs?”

  “Just play the game, little sister, play the game!” He patted my arse and walked over to the bar, leaving me with Amber who looked even more confused.

  “Are you on what he is?” I shook my head. “Well, divorce? Please say my mother had it all wrong.”

  I gave my girly grin. “He thinks we need to discover each other again-- the game!” I paused and brushed some hair out of my face. “I don't want a divorce... I want my husband forever.” My eyes looked up and he was staring straight at me, leaning against the bar as if he was posing for photos.

  “Thank god” Amber linked my arm with hers and dragged me over to Maxwell. “Finally some happy news.” I took my place next to my man. “Drinks?” Amber asked.

  “Vodka and Orange for Miss Dawson” he scooped down and kissed my cheek. The tingles flooded through my body, I was in heaven and Maxwell seemed like his old self.

  “Well, look what the cat brought it” bellowed a voice. We all looked up and Brett had emerged from nowhere. He had got fat! I had to bite down on my lip to stop myself from saying anything.

  “Hey” Maxwell smiled. “Brett, I would like to introduce you to my girlfriend, Miss Dawson.”

  “Mmmm,” he gave the same confused look Amber had a few moments ago. “Georgina, is he okay?” I nodded. My man was fine in every way.

  “It's a game” Amber added.

  “Right! Come!” He ordered and we all followed him up to the VIP section upstairs. He escorted us to a table and pulled a chair up for me. “Take a seat. I'll be back in five with drinks.”

  Finally me and Maxwell were alone. The place looked exactly the same from years ago. The only difference now was I wasn't his dirty secret but his wife. Except that wasn't allowed to be said out loud.

  He leaned over. “Someone's been eating too many pies!” Maxwell laughed. “Knowing Amber, she has probably been force feeding him.”

  I shook my head at his bad joke. “Don't be cruel!” I placed both my hands in his and we stared at each other from opposite ends of the table. I didn't want to look away. I wanted to mentally capture the way he looked like now forever. I had missed him more than I had thought. Maxwell Thomas was mesmerizing and unbelievably erotic. Just being this close to him sent the dark deadly desirable pain down below. I was never going to full fill my craving for him, he was like a drug; the more I had the greedier I became.

  I laughed to myself and he tilted his head to the side. “Something you would like to share?”

  “I gave that red dress to charity” I blurted out and the thought of what he had once said about my red boob-tube the last time we were here. The memory started to play in my mind--

  '"When you're in that tiny dress it pays off coming away with you!"

  I looked down at my red boob tube dress. I did look amazing. It hugged all my curves and showed off my best features-my legs.

  I tilted my head the way he did and tried to copy his special smiles.

  His eye widened and we were locked in our own world.

  "Oh Miss Dawson," he shifted in his sea and his voice went dangerously low. My body temperature raised and my sexual demon was awakened. "I will fuck you right here and now. I don't care whose watching."

  “Oh” he beamed. “I remember the dress. I also remember Amber bursting in that night too.” His expression changed and he looked angry at me. “We are meant to be playing a game, Miss Dawson” his tone serious. “Don't let that happen again or there will be consequences.”

  I placed my hand over my mouth, opps I had forgotten. I hoped I wasn't into much trouble. Then again, the idea of a punishment was a big turn on. I squeezed my thighs together to try and relieve some of my discomfort.

  “Here,” Amber cheerfully said as she placed the tray of drinks down. Vodka shots-- a Brett special! She took a seat and wiped the sweat from her forehead.

  “Hot?” Maxwell mocked.

  She took a seat and scrawled at her older brother. “Observant as ever, Maxwell.”

  “I thought you were selling this place?” I blurted out. Maxwell glared at me and then gave his special smile. I had missed that. Opps! I had forgotten about the game again!