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Part 2: The Catch

Slip!!

I prepare for my body to hit the floor.

I anticipate the aches and pains.

But they don't come.

Opening my eyes, I find myself being cradled in Max's arms. He's sitting on his knees and holds me close- my bum just barely on his lap.

His blue eyes look deep into mine and his lips are moving, but I'm entranced by his oceans.

"Helen!"

Oh... right.

I should probably pay attention.

"Huh?" I say mindlessly as I look at his shifting eyes. His left arm cradles my head and neck, as his right is around my torso and holding on just above my arse.

Just a little lower and he would be cupping it.

"I asked if you're okay?"

"Oh...um...yeah."

"Did you not see the sign?" He asks curiously and looks up and down my body.

God, I'm heated.

"I warned her about the sign." Mina states.

And the moment's gone.

Damn kids.

"What was that Amme Joon about knights and damsels?" She asks and I force myself out of Max's arms and try to stand up carefully. Max looks at us confused and begins picking up my purse before standing up.

"What's she talking about?" He asks curiously and I shake him off.

"Nothing. She isn't speaking about anything important." I say and glare at her.

"Amme Joon was just going to ask if you wanted to join us for pizza tomorrow night."

"Mina!"

"Tomorrow night for pizza? Sure- what time?" He asks and before I can say anything Mina blurts her answer.

"7:00! It's a Friday night- so she thought it's a good way for your daughter and I to get to know each other before I start babysitting, while you two relax and catch up!" Out of her mouth it flies and I feel my stomach twist and turn over and over.

"Well she does have the best ideas. Haha, I'll see you both tomorrow at 7. Do I need to bring anything? Anything you want?" He looks at us both and as I open my mouth to speak- Mina cuts in again.

"Amme Joon loves Black Raspberry gelato." It's true, but that's besides the point.

"And your favorite flavor?"

"Chocolate." Mina blushes and Max smiles widely and hands my purse over to me.

"Okay, Luna and I will see you at seven with chocolate and black raspberry gelato. Be safe Sharpe. Night Mina." He smiles one last time and walks off towards the exit. I turn and look at Mina- anger and embarrassment coursing through my veins as she grins from ear to ear and watches Max leave. When she sees me glaring angrily at her, she swallows slightly and smiles.

"Just trying to help you out."

"You need to learn to mind your own business. Inviting him over for dinner and dessert?! What's the matter with you?!" I hiss as we walk towards the door carefully.

"I just thought it would be fun. And I get to meet Luna before I just hop into babysitting. Which, by the way, is gonna require you not hovering over me every minute of the day."

"Have you ever taken care of a child before?"

"You should've asked that question before you signed me up to babysit Max's daughter." Fuck, she's right once more. Getting outside, we make our way home and I simply cannot fathom the complexity of her thoughts.