Page 125 of Kiss Marry Kill

I smiled at him. “How’d it go today? Did Mrs. Numi show you some great properties?”

He shuddered. “Actually, she showed me one horrifying spot I hope to never see again.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

He grimaced. “That doesn’t matter now.”

“No?”

He said breathlessly, “There’s been a wonderful development.”

“Really?”

He nodded. “Dr. Johnson accepted my offer.”

I widened my eyes. “He did?”

“Yes.Myoffer. Not River’s.” His voice wobbled with excitement. “I’m still in shock.”

I was shocked too but determined to be supportive this time. Even if I felt a nudge of disappointment that he’d be moving out, I was thrilled for him. “That’s fantastic, Max.” I put my arms around him. “I’m so happy for you.”

“I just can’t believe it. I’d given up hope.” His voice was muffled.

“That was completely understandable. River was offering so much money. Dr. Johnson actually rejected the extra money?”

He laughed. “Yes. Isn’t that insane?”

“Insanely good.” I smiled, rubbing his back.

He pulled back, studying my face. “Are you sure you’re okay with this?”

I sighed. “I’m more than okay with it. I want you to have what you want. Sounds like the perfect spot for you.” I’d miss him like hell. But I wasn’t going to tell him that. Not now. This was the time to be excited and happy for him.

“Maybe we can still live together. We’ll just go back and forth between houses.” He smiled weakly. “Monday through Thursday at your house, and Friday through Sunday at mine.”

I squeezed his shoulder. “We’ll worry about that later. Right now, I’m ecstatic for you, Max. This is a time for celebrating.”

“Okay. Speaking of that…” He hesitated. “Mrs. Numi wants to buy me a celebratory drink tonight. You’re invited too. You probably can’t come. I understand. Don’t worry about it. It’s fine. I know you’re swamped.”

I laughed. “Am I allowed in on this conversation at all?”

He winced. “I realize how busy you are. I just wanted to be sure you knew that you were invited.”

I grimaced. “You know I’d love to join you. It’s just this case…”

“It’s fine. I understand. I really do.” He fiddled with the buttons on my shirt. “Just FYI, we’re meeting at the Lemon Drop at 7:00 p.m. I’m just telling you in case a miracle happens and you solve the case at 6:59 p.m. or something.”

I smiled. “If that happens, I’ll definitely be there.”

He straightened. “I really feel like I’m dreaming. I’m so glad River didn’t get his way. That little bastard didn’t win this time. With me owning the land and my building, there isn’t anything he can do to try to control me.”

“God forbid he becomes mayor,” I teased.

He widened his eyes. “Don’t evensaythat. My God, he’d make regular medicine against the law. Or declare that nobody named Maxwell Thornton was allowed to live in Rainy Dale.”

I chuckled. “Well, you won over him, so don’t worry. Good triumphed over evil. Not that he’s evil, but you get the gist.”

“I feel like he’s evil,” grumbled Max. “Swooping in like that and trying to destroy my happiness and my business, that’s evil.”