Page 5 of Kiss Marry Kill

Royce must have seen something in my expression because he jumped in. “I’m glad to hear it sounds like it was simply a misunderstanding. I appreciate you coming over here, River, to make sure Maxwell understood what had happened.”

River brightened at the compliment. “Thank you, Royce. I definitely don’t want any ill will with anyone in town. I strive for harmony in all things.”

“Now that Maxwell understands the situation, I’m sure it’s fine.” Royce glanced at me. “Isn’t that right, Max?”

Pretending I didn’t hear him, I muttered, “I need to call the bank and see where that money has gone.”

“You sure you mailed those checks, Maxwell?” River asked playfully.

“Yes,” I snapped.

“You don’t use bill pay through your bank?” River laughed. “I thought everyone did.”

“The payments still would have gone to the wrong address. Of course, if I’d known about the change of address, the checks would have arrived justfine. Girdy always mails them in plenty of time.”

River smirked. “So, what you’re saying is… the check is in the mail?”

I frowned. “I really did send the payments.”

“Oh, I know. I know.” His expression was condescending. “I’m only teasing.”

I shifted impatiently. “I’m happy to write you replacement checks right this very minute.”

River waved off that idea. “Oh, there’s no rush. Just send the back rent to the new address.”

“Fine. I’ll do that.”

He moved toward me. “You’d tell me if you were having money issues, right?”

Frowning, I said, “I’m not having money issues.”

“But I mean, if you were struggling, you’d tell me?” River’s expression was annoyingly sincere. “You’ve been through so much recently.”

If I hadn’t already known what a serpent he was, even I might have believed he gave a damn. “Why would I tell you anything that personal?”

“Well, because we’re friends.” River once more pouted.

Royce interjected, “Maxwell is doing just fine financially. It’s very clear that this is simply a hiccup with the mailing address.”

“Exactly,” I muttered. “My bank account is plenty healthy.”

River nodded, his expression hard to read. Although, I could have sworn he almost looked disappointed. “Okay. Good. Well, you just go ahead and ignore that notice, okay, Maxwell? Would you like Tristan to call you to apologize?”

I widened my eyes. “Goodness, no. That’s not necessary.”

“I just don’t want you upset,” River said softly.

You sure about that?

My smile was brittle as I forced out, “Now that it’s all cleared up, I’m fine.”

“Wonderful,” River gushed, moving toward the front door. “I’m so happy we’ve cleared the air.” He opened the door and then hesitated. “Will we be seeing you at the clinic later today?”

“Yes.” I met his inquisitive gaze. “I have several patients booked.”

“Awesome.” River shot Royce a flirty smile. “It was wonderful seeing you too, Sheriff. I was just telling Lucas the other day that the four of us should go out for dinner sometime. Wouldn’t that be so much fun?”

I didn’t have it in me to fake a polite response. Thankfully, Royce stepped in.