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I walked into his apartment and let out a long sigh. Looking around, the sight was all too familiar. Clothes were everywhere, drinks were strewn about, and dishes were stacked in the sink. The entire scene stood in stark contrast to its sleek surroundings.
The shower was running and I was hoping he would be in there for a while. If I could get the rest of the place cleaned up by the time he came out my contact with him would be minimal.
Most girls would have killed to be in an apartment alone with him but they didn't have to clean up behind him. Having a ton of money sure doesn't make you a tidy person. If fact, in my experience it just makes one more entitled and messy.
If he had one look at the shack of an apartment I lived in he would surely be appalled. But you know what? At least my place was clean and my things were well taken care of. Something about working for every penny you have ever had makes you appreciate things a little bit more.
When I heard the shower turn off a scowl instantly formed on my face. The spoiled little prince was going to make an appearance whether I liked it or not.
I made sure I was busy when the door finally opened and he strolled into the living room wearing nothing but a towel. He loved walking around like that in front of me. I think he was under some delusion that I enjoyed it. Looking like you just stepped off of the cover of a romance novel doesn't mean much when you act like an arrogant prick.
He looked at me with a ridiculous smirk when he strolled by me. I shot back a forced smile and continued dusting. He was so full of himself.
There was a knock on the door and he motioned to me to answer it like I was his servant or something. If I didn't need the money I would have told him where he could shove it.
The door opened to a very angry looking Mr. Livingston. He took one look around and had the same expression as I did. I couldn't help but give a little side-eye as Mr. Sloppy himself walked out of the bedroom, this time wearing nothing but sweats.
"I see you and Chase had another carefree night spending my money," Mr. Livingston said in a harsh tone.
Max walked over to the fridge and opened up a cold bottle of water. "Not this again dad."
"All the two of you do is run around town partying and bringing home a different girl every night."
"I also run a foundation that is helping hundreds of children," he replied.
Mr. Livingston pulled out a chair at the dining table and took a seat.
"Sit down son."
Max rolled his eyes and took a seat next to his father. He seemed to have had this conversation one too many times. I tried to mind my own business but I couldn't help but eavesdrop. The idea of someone putting him in his place was far too alluring.
"Son, I love you and you know I think of Chase like a son. Unfortunately, I have not been tough enough on you. I am not getting any younger and the time for you to take over the company is quickly approaching."
Max stared right at his father without a single ounce of shame. I had been busting my ass since I was fourteen and he walked around like there was an endless supply of money.
"Dad, I know it is my responsibility to take over the company and when the time comes I will be ready."
"Will you son? You have a different girl on your arm every night and not a single one has any substance."
"At least I show up with a date."
"Well, those days are over. You are going to have a respectable companion from this day forward. I am tired of your name being on everyone's lips for all the wrong reasons. I worked too hard to build this empire for you to make a mockery of it."
"And where do you suppose I find this 'special' girl dad?" Max replied growing irritated.
"I could go downstairs right now and pick a girl off of the street who would be of higher quality than the mess you have been showing up with."
"It's not like I am marrying them."
"I'll tell you what son, I will choose for you."
At this point Max was standing to his feet he was so angry. The thought of his dad picking who he was going to date was hilarious to me. It was high time someone whipped him into shape.
"Dad, you cannot just demand that I date someone you choose and you certainly can't just pick them off of the street."
His dad stood to his feet matching Max's intensity.
"You think I can't? I hate to break it to you son, but without my money you have nothing."
Max was beginning to shout.
"This is completely unreasonable!"
"Unreasonable you say? Well, watch this. Sweetheart, can you come over here?" He said as he motioned toward me.
I looked at him confused. Was he talking to me?
"Yes sweetheart, I would like to speak with you."
I walked toward him hesitantly wondering what I could have to do with their conversation.
"Darlin, I have watched you clean up after my son for a while now and you have just the kind of character he needs in his life."
I began stumbling over my words, he was sweet and all but had he lost his mind?
"Sit down with me, dear," he insisted and I took a seat across from him. Mr. Livingston was not exactly the kind of man you argued with. He commanded respect just by walking into a room.
"Lillie is it?"
I nodded my head in agreement as Max began unraveling.
"I understand we are paying you $500.00 per week to clean this mess of an apartment. I would like to propose a pay raise of sorts. I will pay you $4000.00 per week provided you agree to go to events with my son. I will, of course, provide an entire new wardrobe for you as well."
I was dumbfounded and didn't have a clue how to respond to his proposition.
"With all due respect Mr. Livingston, I don't think I am the right girl the job. I think the kind of girl you are looking for went to prep school and an Ivy League College."
He placed his hand over mine to reassure me.
"Well, sweetheart that hasn't worked out for him so far. Just because they have an Ivy League degree doesn't mean they have common sense or morals."
I was beginning to realize that he was serious. As I was contemplating the insanity he was laying out before me, Max's best friend Chase walked in. He was the exact opposite of Max, he acted like a normal human, warm heart and all. I was a little embarrassed that he had walked in on such an absurd conversation. He seemed to sense the tension in the air and took a seat, remaining quiet.
"Mr. Livingston, I wouldn't even know how to act at a social event, honestly I am not the right person," I insisted.
"Nonsense, you have character and that is what is important. You may be a little rough around the edges but that is solved easily enough. I have a lot of connections and we will make sure you are prepared."
I was contemplating how to politely turn him down for the umpteenth time when Max finally blew. He began pacing and shouting like a lunatic.
"No way, absolutely not! Dad, she is a maid. She cannot do it, she cannot do it!"
When I heard those words it lit a fire in me. So Mr. Sloppy thought he was too good to be seen with me. "We'll see about that," I thought to myself. I extended my arm to shake Mr. Livingston's hand. When he shook it, he had a smile on his face.
"I accept," I said loudly as I stared directly at Max.
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A/N
Thanks for reading the first chapter of Taming Max. I have been working on several story lines and this is the one that has really stuck with me. I hope you enjoyed it and will read on.