A couple of waiters and other Sunset Haven staff ran to the scene to break up the melee but as James looked around at their faces, he saw that they sort of looked pleased to see his predicament. They were not there to help him they were there to mock him and stop him from retaliating.
James's expression darkened, a flash of anger crossing his features. "Fine," he spat, stepping aside to let them pass. "But don't think you can keep her all to yourself, Jeremy. She's fair game, and I intend to win."
As Jeremy and Maxine walked away from James, the tension his last comment created hung thick in the air. Jeremy's jaw was set in a firm line, his eyes narrowed with determination, while Maxine glanced nervously at James, her fingers tightening around Jeremy's arm.
James spat out blood on the grass, and a sinister smirk played on his lips as he watched them go. His gaze lingered on Maxine's retreating figure. "It's always Mr. Perfect to the rescue," he sneered, his voice dripping with disdain as he turned to Jeremy. "Always swooping in to play the hero, aren't you?"
Jeremy's nostrils flared with barely suppressed anger as he turned to face James, his eyes flashing with intensity.
His knuckles were red and smart but he didn't mind employing them again if it would make James shut up and leave Max alone.
"I don't need to play the hero, James," he shot back, his voice cold and measured. "I just have a basic sense of decency, something you seem to lack."
James's laughter echoed across the courtyard, mocking and derisive. "Decency? Please, Jeremy," he scoffed, taking a step closer to Jeremy. "You think you can lecture me on decency? Look at you, always trying to play the white knight, but we both know you're just as flawed as the rest of us. What is she going to give you after this stunt you just pulled huh? We're both looking for the same thing, the only difference is the way we go about it."
"You're not making any sense, James. Put some effort into discovering your purpose and quit making a fool of yourself."
"Oh! And is that why you're still single? Because you're putting in effort to discover your purpose? I'll tell you one thing right now, I'm living my life to the fullest unlike you who have always been too scared to take risks."
Jeremy's jaw clenched as he fought to keep his temper in check. "I may not be perfect, James, but at least I have respect for women," he retorted, his voice laced with contempt. "Unlike you, who sees them as nothing more than conquests to be won and discarded."
Maxine watched the exchange with a mixture of fear and sadness, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew Jeremy was trying to protect her, but she also knew that James was scoring a lot of points. She could see how James' words affected Jeremy, and James, being a cantankerous person, was not one to back down easily.
James's eyes narrowed, a dangerous glint flashing in their depths. "You think you can stand in my way, Jeremy?" he growled, his voice low and menacing. "You think you can keep her from me? Like I said, she's fair game, and I intend to win."
Jeremy's fists clenched at his sides, his gaze unwavering as he met James's stare head-on. "You may think you know me all too well James, but try coming near Max or me again, and you'll see a side of me that you have never seen before," he spat, his voice dripping with defiance.
The two men stood locked in a tense standoff, the air crackling with tension as they squared off against each other. As Maxine watched both men she decided she never wanted to cross Jeremy. He was the kind that although he was nice and all, he was also not to be messed with. As for James, he was the kind that would eventually find what he has been looking for, a crazy woman to match his madness.
Jeremy's unwavering determination to protect her from James's advances surprised her. After All, he barely knew her.
One thing, however, was certain; this was only the beginning of a battle that would test them all.
Maxine pulled at Jeremy as they walked away. At that moment, they both felt like kindred spirits who had bonded on so many levels, even though they were strangers who had just met each other for the first time the night before.
Maxine, knowing the island like the back of her hand, took Jeremy to one of the quiet spots where both of them could be alone and exhale from all the excitement and fuss.
"I'm sorry I made you get into a fight," Maxine apologized.
Jeremy held her close.
"I would fight anyone for you," he confessed. He stopped and put his hand under her jaw, lifting her face so he could look into her eyes. "I think I have fallen deeply in love with you, Max."
Maxine's heart fluttered in her chest like a trapped butterfly. She smiled shakily, a worried look flickering through her eyes for a second.
As they resumed their walk, Maxine's heart raced as Jeremy's words washed over her. She felt a rush of emotions flood through her, swirling and mingling in a whirlwind of uncertainty and excitement. She occasionally gazed into Jeremy's eyes, searching for any hint of insincerity, but all she found was raw honesty and vulnerability.
"I..." Maxine began her voice barely a whisper as she struggled to find the right words. "Jeremy, I... I don't know what to say..."
Jeremy's hand tightened around hers, his gaze unwavering as he held her gaze. "You don't have to say anything, Max," he said softly, his voice filled with warmth and sincerity. "Just know that I mean every word."
Maxine's heart swelled with emotion as she took in Jeremy's earnest expression. She felt a deep connection with him, one that transcended mere attraction or infatuation. But at the same time, she couldn't shake the nagging doubt that lingered in the back of her mind.
"I..." Maxine faltered, her voice trembling as she struggled to articulate her thoughts. "Jeremy, I... I appreciate your honesty, I really do. But... we barely know each other. And... I'm not sure if... if what you're feeling is..."
Jeremy gently brushed his thumb across her cheek, wiping away the tear that had escaped her eye. "I understand, Max," he said softly, his voice filled with understanding. "I know it's a lot to take in. But I can't deny what I feel for you. And I'm willing to wait for as long as it takes for you to feel the same way."
Maxine's heart swelled with gratitude as she looked into Jeremy's eyes, seeing nothing but love and acceptance reflected back at her. In that moment, she knew that she had found someone truly special, someone who saw her for who she was and accepted her, flaws and all. And as they stood there, bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight, Maxine felt a sense of peace wash over her, knowing that she had found someone who would always be there for her, no matter what.
Later as they sat looking at the beautiful sunset, Maxine asked Jeremy a question.
"How did you do that?" Maxine asks Jeremy, her voice tinged with curiosity and awe.
"Do what?" he responds, pulling her closer, his eyes searching hers.
"How did you change your expression?" Maxine continues, her voice barely above a whisper. "I mean, you look different now. Back when we were at the music stand, you looked different, like the Incredible Hulk. I was scared."
"You don't have to be scared of me," Jeremy reassures her, his tone gentle yet firm.
"I know, but I don't want to cross you either," Maxine admits, her eyes flickering with vulnerability. "I mean, you changed. You were like someone else."
"I hope you're not planning this as an excuse to say no to me in the future," Jeremy says, a hint of teasing in his voice, masking the intensity of his emotions.
"Hmm, tempting?" Maxine responds, a soft chuckle escaping her lips. "Nah, I don't think so. I admired you out there. I like the way you stood up for me. It's been a long time since someone stood up for me like that. I don't think anyone has ever stood up for me like that. And come to think of it, it felt good."
Maxine got up and ran off to a short distance to go and imitate him, a playful grin adorning her face. They both laugh, the sound echoing in the quiet night. They end up running around the beach, their laughter mingling with the gentle sound of the waves. Jeremy's heart swells with happiness as he chases after her, his eyes never leaving her figure.