Page 24 of Kiss Marry Kill

Thankfully, thepainfullyawkward conversation was interrupted when the bride and groom, along with the wedding party, descended on the limo nearby. We were separated by the crowd of well-wishers, and I took that opportunity to lead Maxwell toward our car. As I got behind the wheel, I was still stewing about what River had said. Maxwell was quiet but obviously tense.

I started the car and gripped the wheel tight. “That was complete bullshit. He had no business bringing that crap up.”

Maxwell let out a harsh breath. “He wanted to hurt me.”

“Yes.” I pulled out onto the road, still fuming. “You were tactless, but he went for the jugular.”

Staring out the window, Maxwell said, “The fact that he threw that in my face makes me even more concerned to have him as my landlord.”

“I can imagine. He obviously has hidden resentments against you.”

“Not so hidden at the moment.”

I sighed. “Well, you were fully exonerated. Even if he spreads that story around, it doesn’t matter. You did nothing wrong.”

“Yes. But you and I both know how rumors have a way of mangling the story. The more he gossips, the more the narrative will change. He wants to discredit me. I don’t know if it’s so he can get Lucas in to take my place or if he just hates me on principle.”

“He didn’t do himself any favors. Penelope looked horrified by what he said. Even Lucas told him to shut up.”

Maxwell gave a humorless laugh. “True.”

“You just keep doing what you’ve been doing. People are warming up to you more and more all the time.”

“They like River more than me though.”

“No.”

“Come on, Royce, it’s obvious he’s more charming than me.”

I shrugged. “So what if that’s true? Patients come to you when they’re really sick. They trust you and the way you do medicine. Let them go to River for fancy pastries and hand holding. You get them well, and you keep them well. That’s far more valuable to people.”

He grimaced. “I hope so. I guess I can’t do anything anyway. The citizens of Rainy Dale will think whatever they want to think. Nothing I say will change their minds.”

I pulled into the parking lot of the Dusty Steer and killed the engine. I turned to him, taking in his demoralized body language and tense face. I leaned over and grabbed his hand in mine. “Screw River. Let’s just go have some fun.”

He glanced up, his blue eyes shimmering with uneasiness. “I’m trying so hard to fit in, Royce.”

“I know. It’s working, Max.”

“Is it?”

I shrugged. “You got invited to this wedding, right? That was all you. Janelle likes you, and she wanted you here as her guest.”

He gave a weak smile. “She probably just wants the wedding gift.”

I laughed, relieved he could make a joke. “With her parents’ money, I highly doubt that.”

He surprised me when he leaned in and gave me a kiss. It was a gentle kiss, tinged with affection and gratitude. When it ended, he gave me a tentative smile. “I’m continually surprised by how you always have my back.”

My chest squeezed. “Of course. You can count on that, Max. Forever.”

He narrowed his eyes. “Forever is a long time.”

I touched his cheek. “When I think of how I feel about you, forever is just a drop in the bucket. I ain’t fooling around with you. I’m in this for real.”

“I too am in this… for… real.” The words fell clumsily from his lips, but they were heartfelt.

“How about we go inside the reception and just think about having a good time?”