Page 66 of Primary Seduction

“He’s an interior designer,” Harper answered for him. Max looked over at her in shock. “You redecorated our house, last year. I remember you.”

Max nodded, surprised she had put two and two together. “Yeah, I did. I didn’t realise the connection until the other day,” he admitted.

“Have you done many jobs?” Jocelyn continued her questioning.

“Yes. I’ve been designing for about two years roughly now. I have a good client base and recommendations, so have plenty of work coming in. At present, I’m booked up for the next three months.”

“Really?” Trent asked.

Max nodded. “I’ve obviously had to take a few weeks off, with what happened last week but, yeah.”

“What happened last week?” Harper asked.

Max looked at Trent, wanting his input as to how to handle that question.

“Max got beaten up outside a club. He was in the hospital for a day or so, then came to stay with me. It was how we got to know each other,” Trent explained.

“Are you okay now?” Jocelyn asked, looking at him in concern.

“Yeah, I’m okay, just a little bruised still,” he said, smiling. Max will give them their dues for not asking for more details.

“How old are you?” Harper asked, suddenly.

Max choked down the food he’d just put in his mouth. “I’m twenty-eight.”

Jocelyn and Harper both laughed.

“You cradle robber, Dad!” Jocelyn laughed.

Trent lifted his napkin and threw it across the table at her. “Shut up, you.”

“He’s closer to my age than he is yours!” she continued, laughing her head off.

Max knew Trent didn’t mind the joking. They’d had that discussion last night about ages, and neither of them cared.

Trent changed the subject. “Harper, how’s college going?”

She looked down at her plate, and Max saw her jaw tighten. “Fine, thanks.”

“Are you enjoying it?” Trent continued.

“Yeah. I love learning the languages, so yes, I am.”

“That’s great. You’re really good at them too. What about you, Jocelyn. How’s uni?” Max let Trent lead the conversation. He could tell, even if Trent hadn’t previously explained the issues with their relationship, that he was trying to get information out of them while they were willing to give it.

“It’s great. I’m getting to work with some nice companies on my placements and although the coursework is hard, I’m enjoying it.”

“That’s great news! Have you decided what you’re going to do at uni, Harper? I know you still have another year left, but do you know?”

“It doesn’t really matter, does it? I’m not going.”

“What do you mean, you’re not going? Why not?” Trent put down his cutlery and leaned his elbows on the table.

Max looked at Harper, seeing her face flush in what looked like anger.Uh-oh,this is not good.

“It doesn’t matter. I need to use the bathroom.” Harper walked away, and he heard her shut, but not slam, the bathroom door.

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