She opened her eyes, not feeling any calmer. “No wonder everyone looks at Max like a rabid dog they’re just waiting to shoot. Even my best friend is spreading rumors. I thought I could count on you to have my back.”
“I do have your back.” Kelsey reached out and patted her knee. “Don’t you see, that’s why I’m telling you? Me and Bill are terrified for you. I know somewhere in that pretty, stupid head of yours, you’re starting to think Max is innocent and you’re planning on being with him.” She pressed her lips tight and shook her head in obvious disapproval. “Max murdered your sister and ruined your life. Don’t let him back in.”
Rose stood, shoving Kelsey out of the way as she fled to the door. She stopped at the threshold, refusing to look at her supposed friend. “Thanks for the talk, Kel. Sorry your loving husband has had to worry so much and think about more than his next bottle. It must be so stressful on your family.”
Behind her, Kelsey made an undignified squeak, but Rose ignored it. She wouldn’t feel guilty for hurting Kelsey’s feelings. She deserved it. All week long people had told Rose she’d be stupid to trust Max. She was tired of it. Maybe Max didn’t approach her or speak to her after their odd encounter last Sunday, but she knew his silent watch was for her protection. He wasn’t making plans to hurt her. He was making sure no one else did because the cops wouldn’t look for whoever really left that dead rodent on her porch.
Her fleeting thought last weekend that he might hate her now had to be wrong. His dedication proved he still loved her. He was doing everything he could to keep her safe.
She marched through the diner, pasting on a grin for the familiar faces staring at her in various stages of judgment or pity. It was a drill she knew well. This week had felt like the first days after Sage’s death, then again when Dad left, and one more time after her mother burned down the house. Rose certainly provided fodder for the gossip mill in town.
Now Max being back was just one more mark against her. She thought she could at least count on Kelsey to be a true friend, but she was wrong. Kelsey gossiped just like the others. All Rose had was herself.
Stepping into the parking lot, she spotted Max’s beat up car across the street and him sitting inside, window down as he waited for her. By now, she knew his habit. He’d follow behind her a few car lengths to her next stop and then circle around after she parked, watching until she went inside.
She needed to find out why he left last weekend when she had agreed they should work together. Maybe, just maybe, she wasn’t all alone. Maybe she had Max too.
Chapter Six
Max followed behind Rose’s truck, not bothering with trying to keep his distance like he normally did when following her. Rose had looked over and waved before climbing behind the wheel. Unfortunately, he wasn’t particularly stealthy. Partly because he wanted her to know that no matter the troubles between them, he would still protect her.
After being at the boathouse today, watching her cross the diner’s lot was more frustrating than ever before. If anything, Rose’s body had firmed over the years. The muscles of her tight thighs flexed in her small black shorts, and when she turned around, her ass was even higher and firmer than he remembered. He could imagine pulling her against him, taking those muscular globes in his hands...
Max swallowed hard and eased off the gas pedal, realizing he was driving too close to Rose’s bumper. He really needed something more to hold at night than himself. It was a good thing Rose wasn’t speaking to him, or keeping his hands to himself would be even harder.
To his surprise, Rose didn’t drive her usual route, and Max soon realized she headed to her house. Fridays must be her night off from the gas station. When she turned into the driveway, he parked in his usual spot across the street. It was a little harder to hide his presence in the daylight, so it was a good thing she already knew.
Rose jumped from the truck and headed to the mailbox.
Max ground his teeth and leaned his head against the steering wheel. This was getting out of control. Even with his eyes closed, his imagination supplied the image of the way her top jiggled in all the right places while she trotted across the yard.
“You aren’t three, you know?”
Max startled at Rose’s mocking tone and opened his eyes. “What are you talking about?”
She grinned, gripping what looked like junk mail in her hand. “Just because you close your eyes, that doesn’t mean I can’t see you.”
He laughed, glad she felt positive enough to crack a joke. “I wasn’t hiding.”
The breeze tugged playfully at her hair, but she tilted slightly and looked toward the house. “No, you haven’t been. And people in town have noticed. Freakin’ nosey jerks.”
She sounded upset, and the urge to caress her arm and offer comfort was almost too much to resist. “Is someone hassling you?”
Maybe the real killer didn’t like the fact that Rose was never alone. Hard to leave a nasty threat on her doorstep and blame it on Max when he was nearly always in sight to protect her.
Rose’s jaw clenched, straining the muscles of her neck. “Is someone hassling me? Try everyone.” She glanced back down and her face softened when their eyes met. “Never mind. They don’t matter. Come inside and I’ll fix lunch.”
Max hesitated, not sure he should go back into the house. She’d obviously felt pressure to take his side before, going so far as to kiss him. Max didn’t want her to feel forced into believing him. Not if she thought he could be a killer.
She raised her eyebrows. “You’re not moving. Is that a no to lunch?”
Screw it. He wanted to spend time with her, and he’d given Rose all week to think things over without his interference. If she decided he was innocent, it wasn’t because he forced her into it. “Lunch sounds good.” After rolling up the window, Max climbed from the car and followed her to the house.
Gizmo came running at the sound of the door opening, but skidded to a halt when he saw Max. After giving him the stare down, the cat flicked his tail as though Max couldn’t matter less, then rubbed himself against Rose’s leg.
“I know, boy.” She bent and picked the cat up, snuggling her face to his furry side, which caused the cat to purr loudly. “No dry food for your lunch today. That’s why we like weekends.”
She really loved that cat. Whoever threatened Gizmo must have realized that. It had to be someone Rose was close with; someone who knew it would devastate her to lose the fur ball.
Rose walked into the kitchen and Max followed.
“Anything I can do to help you cook?” he asked.
Shaking her head, she put the cat down and opened the fridge. “I’m not the world’s greatest cook, but I planned to make spaghetti and green beans. I like to have at least one real meal each week.” She bit her lip and a crease formed between her eyes. “I hope that’s okay. I don’t really have anything else except frozen meals, which very well could be better than my cooking.”
Leaning against the wall, Max chuckled, relaxing slightly. This was the Rose he remembered. She didn’t seem nearly as stressed in his presence as she had before. “No one’s ever explained prison food to you, have they?”
She pulled a package of hamburger from the bottom shelf. “What do you mean?”
“If you scorched the sauce to the bottom of the pan, overcooked the noodles, and shriveled the beans, I’d still like it better than what I’ve been eating.”
***
Rose rinsed the last plate and Max took it from her, drying it before placing it in the cupboard. Dinner went better than expected. After Max left last week, she half expected him to refuse to come inside tonight. He’d certainly thought about her offer long enough.
She knew if Kelsey hadn’t pissed her off, she probably wouldn’t have invited him, but now she was glad it happened. Being with him was the first time in far too long that she actually felt like herself. They’d kept the conversation light, talking about his plans to work at his uncle’s repair garage starting next
week, and she’d told him about her jobs. It had been calm and relaxing, just what she needed after the stress with Kelsey.
“The food was great. Thanks for that.” Max hung the damp towel over the handle of the oven. “You were too modest about your cooking skills.”
Rose shrugged. “I’ll accept that for the compliment it’s meant to be, even though you told me it would be great no matter how awful it turned out.”
A slight smile crossed his lips, but then he took her hand and frowned. “We need to talk, Rose.”
She sighed. “Yeah, we do. I’ve been wondering why you left last Sunday.”
She had tried hard not to feel hurt by it. She’d kissed his cheek, let him know she still cared for him, and he walked out with no explanation. Enough people had abandoned her in the last eight years. Whether by choice or not, it made her life rough. She didn’t want him popping back in if he wasn’t staying.
He tugged her hand to pull her close. “I didn’t want to pressure you.”
Rose breathed in deeply. It was as if nothing changed since their last summer together. Max wore the same woodsy cologne he used to, mixed with the slightly musky smell from him being in the sun all day. He smelled like safety and happiness. Something she never thought she’d associate with his scent again.
She inhaled one more time, letting it out in a long sigh. “I’m so sorry, Max. I never should have doubted you.”
He raised his hand to her face, gently wiping a few strands of hair from her cheek. When his fingertips lightly touched her skin, it ignited something she hadn’t felt in far too long.
As if he understood what was happening inside her, Max slipped his hand lower, circling it around her neck. His mouth loomed near hers and he breathed a whisper of a kiss against her lips. “I’ve missed you,” he said.
His voice sounded growly and strong, and a shiver of anticipation went through her.
His lips crashed hard against hers. His mouth was demanding, needy. He circled his other arm around her back and crushed her against his chest. Max licked, nibbled, and teased with his tongue, causing liquid fire to race through Rose’s entire body.
“Max!” She stroked fingers up his back, aching to feel more of him.
He ran his hands down her sides, resting them on her hips as he thrust his pelvis against hers. His hot mouth made a greedy path down her chin, burning a trail of need in its wake until he found the sensitive spot on top of her shoulder that she liked so well. No one else had ever been able to make her shudder and sigh like Max did.
She plunged her hand up the back of his t-shirt, noting the well-defined muscles of his lower back as she eagerly explored the changes in his body. Her mind remembered every angle, every gorgeous inch of him. Over the years, his boyish physique had turned into that of a man, and desire consumed her. She hadn’t realize it until this moment, but something had been missing in every kiss she’d had since Max’s conviction.
He pressed his lips against hers again, filling her mouth with the taste of him. A guttural groan ripped from his throat, and Rose moaned and rubbed her breasts against him. She definitely wanted more, but their clothes were in the way. Grabbing the hem of his shirt, she attempted to push it up over his shoulders.
Suddenly, Max pushed her away and took a step back, tugging his clothes straight. His blue eyes bored into her, dark and brooding. He didn’t look entirely happy.
“What’s wrong?” she asked, still breathless but with a sinking feeling creeping into her gut. Why was he upset?
“I didn’t mean to do that.” He rubbed his chin roughly and looked away. “I can’t think when I’m near you, Rose.”
Being with Max felt so right, and she wanted to argue. They didn’t need to think, not right now. She wanted him. Judging from the bulge in his jeans, he wanted her too.
“Then don’t think.” She walked forward, wrapping her arms around him and snuggling into his chest. “I want to be with you.”
Max pressed his face against the top of her head, and Rose gave a contented sigh. He always said how much he loved the smell of her hair. It seemed that hadn’t changed.
He circled her with his arms once again, this time gently cradling her. “We need to find the killer first.” His voice was full of regret, but he sounded definite.
He wouldn’t be warming her bed today.
She knew she could tempt him, change his mind. It was as if the past eight years never separated their eager bodies. He would break down if she pressed the issue.
With great reluctance, she pulled away. He didn’t want this right now, and a week ago she believed he was a psychotic killer. Even if she didn’t want to listen to reason, Max was right. They should talk, not rush to sex.
“I’ll get us some water,” she said. “Let’s talk in the living room.”
Chapter Seven
Max sat on Rose’s couch, struggling to control his ragged breathing. She was still so perfect. How could she have believed the worst of him? Her body still knew the truth. It also seemed to know they were made for each other.
Damn it. I want her so bad.
Max tucked his hands beneath the edges of his thighs, knowing when Rose came into the room he’d have to struggle against lunging for her and satiating his desperate needs in the middle of the living room floor. All the dreams he’d had while in prison hadn’t even come close to how great the reality of her touch was. They couldn’t get enough of each other. One kiss and they were ready to rip their clothes off.
And she said she believes in me now. She thinks I’m innocent.
The problem was, Max didn’t know if he completely trusted that. Why did she change her mind so quickly? Rose had always been rather rebellious. Even if she still believed him guilty, with everyone in town apparently telling her what to do, she’d probably sleep with him just to prove them wrong. He didn’t want to be a fling for her, just to spite the town. He wanted love.
That thought did more to cool his libido than anything else could. He wanted forever, and first he needed to clear his name.
By the time Rose walked in, Max felt in control again—even if the sexy sway of her hips did cause him to feel twitches below the waist. She couldn’t help how damn hot she was.
She handed him a cup of water and then sat down, huddling in her corner of the loveseat without touching him. Maybe she’d had a similar thought pattern, or maybe she changed her mind. Either way, it helped not to have her touching him.
“So,” she placed her cup on the end table beside her, “what did you want to talk about?”
Max looked at the floor, not wanting to see the hurt sure to well up in her eyes. “Sage, and who could have really killed her.”
“Do you have any ideas?” Her voice sounded brittle, as though she struggled to hold her emotions in check.
Max cleared his throat. “I have a few theories, but maybe you can help me think them through.” Without looking at her, he quickly told her his suspicions about Jimmy Durant and Officer Calvin Black. “Other than them, I’m out of ideas.”
Rose never interrupted during his suspicions, but now she shifted forward on the couch. Her leg brushed his slightly, though Max tried to ignore it.
“If it was one of them, why did the killing stop?” she asked.
“That’s the question I can’t answer.” He finally looked up, meeting her eyes. “I don’t blame everyone for still suspecting me. And if the killing starts back up again, I know who I’d blame if I were in their shoes.”
“That’s why you’ve been watching me so closely? Because you think the killer will take me out?”
“Partly.” He nodded. “If I had reason to be mad at anyone in this town besides Jimmy, it’d be you.”
She flinched, but he drove on.
“Mostly you. You were supposed to believe in me. It would make sense for me to take revenge by killing you.”
A strangled sound came out of her throat, and Max realized how bitter he’d sounded. He couldn’t help it. No matter how much he lov
ed Rose, her betrayal hurt him a lot. He was bitter, but he’d never hurt her.
“I don’t mean I want to kill you,” he rushed on. “That’s what the killer likely thinks though, and what people around town believe too.”
She still didn’t say anything.
“Probably a good thing we didn’t have sex earlier, huh?” he asked when the silence drew out too long.
She bit her lip, looking incredibly beddable, and then softly stroked his arm. “We could have. I believe in you and I wouldn’t have regretted taking you into my bedroom. But maybe you would have had regrets. It sounds like you aren’t over your anger at me.”
He thought about that before answering. After all, Rose had been his first and only love—the one woman he truly cared for. But a lot had happened. Would he regret sleeping with her now? All he knew was he didn’t want to hurt her. She’d been hurt enough.
“I would regret screwing you, Rose.”
She closed her eyes and her face reddened. “It’s okay. I understand.”
“No, you don’t understand.” He grabbed her hand and rubbed her palm against his face, savoring the feel of her skin against him. “I’d regret screwing for a momentary pleasure, because all I want is to make love to you. We can’t do that until we figure out how to trust one another again, and you believe, without a doubt, that I’m not guilty.”
“But I do believe,” she protested, twitching her fingers against him. “I told you I was sorry for not believing before. I know it can’t undo the past, but you admitted it yourself...everyone thought you were guilty.”
“What changed your mind?” He dropped her hand and stared at her, trying not be swayed by the pain in her hazel eyes. “Why am I suddenly innocent in your mind?”
She fiddled with a strand of dark hair, twisting it between her fingers. “It isn’t as sudden as it sounds. When the rumors started around town that Julie Barns planned to testify at your next appeal trial, I began to wonder.”
Max snorted. “Really? You weren’t very welcoming when I got back to town.”
Murderous Lies Page 5
