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He was wearing jeans and a t-shirt, a rarity from his usual business attire while running his empire from the city.

“World domination,” his answer.

“You any closer than last week?”

He just shrugged. “I’m optimistic.”

“How’s Reid.”

“Still famous.”

“And you?”

He grinned. “Still rich. Hey, I get voted mayor yet?”

“First off—” I jabbed my finger into his chest. “—stop putting signs in peoples’ yards before I arrest you. Second, the chief said you step foot into his town again, and he’s throwing you in prison—”

“I’m too pretty for prison.”

“I’ll rough you up a bit to make sure you don’t become someone’s bitch. How’s that sound?”

He nodded with a grin. “Somewhat exciting and violent. I may take you up on that. I’ve never been roughed-up by a cop before. Oh look, a gun. Can I hold it?”

I squeezed my eyes shut and prayed for patience. “Again, what do you want?”

He opened his mouth, but before he could get anything out, I interrupted. “Other than world domination and a house built out of Oreos.”

He frowned. “It’s Nutter Butters, dumbass, and I’m here for the reunion.”

“My reunion?”

“Duh.” He said it like I should know his reasons for attending a reunion he hadn’t even been invited to. “I thought you might need a wingman.”

I snorted out a laugh. “You’re the worst wingman in the world. If I need a wingman, I’ll grab Reid or Colt. The last time you tried to be my wingman, I ended up passed out in the dessert with a padded bra on and no recollection of the night before other than lipstick stains around my—”

“I’m hurt! You said that was the best night of your life!”

“I was drunk! And I think you drugged me. Either way, you gave out my phone number to at least fifteen strippers, all of who text me, to this day, to make sure I don’t need any more help getting it up.”

Max just grinned. “I told them you had limp dick from trying to shoot a spider that had invaded your house, but because your dick was blocking the way, you hit it instead. It’s a compliment. Not many people can brag about hitting their own dick while trying to point and shoot!”

I started sweating immediately. “Max, I’m only going to say this one more time. Go home.”

“Home is where the heart is.” He grinned. “And my heart feels so warm and comfy… here. Plus, Becca’s family lives here, and it’s so close to the Fourth of July… why not roast some dogs? Shoot the shit?”

“One day.”

“What?”

“One day, before you end up in prison.”

Max chuckled, then walked around the side of my truck. “Have a little faith. Let’s go.”

Why is he getting in my truck?

“Max,” I growled.

“What?” His innocent expression was starting to give me heartburn. “I let Becca take my car to spa day with her mom. Aren’t you happy I cleared my schedule for you?”