I sighed. “I’ve been saying all sorts of things today that I’d usually never say.” When her face fell, I quickly added, “But they’re true. It’s just… I wouldn’t usually bother saying them.”
“Oh.” Her smile returned.
I cleared my throat. “Anyway, I… I’ll be going now.” I moved quickly up the stairs, needing some space. “You have a good evening, Girdy.”
“You too, Maxwell. Say hi to Royce for me.”
“I shall do that.” I hurried to the upper level and into my master bedroom. Closing the door, I stripped and got into the shower.
I was fully dressed and slapping on some cologne when Royce walked into the bedroom. He smiled theminute he saw me, and he came over to kiss me. The heat of his mouth on mine made it tempting to miss dinner, but I restrained my carnal side.
When the kiss ended, I said, “You should shower too. I’m taking you out to dinner, Sheriff.”
“Are you?” He gave a lazy smile. “That sounds fun.”
Grumpy got up from his spot on the bed and wandered over for some attention. Royce obliged, rubbing the pup behind his ears.
“I’ll even let you pick the restaurant.” I smirked. “See what a good boyfriend I am?”
“You are a good boyfriend,” he said softly.
I sighed. “I’m trying.”
“I know. I can tell.” He moved to me again, pulling me against him. “How are you feeling about me being here all the time?”
I frowned. “I absolutely love it.”
He laughed. “Well, that was unusually animated for you, Max.”
“Yes,” I murmured. “I’m downright exuberant today about so many things.”
His smile slowly faded. “I, uh, have some news that may not thrill you quite so much.”
I braced myself because his tone was suddenly very serious. “Is something wrong?”
“Not wrong exactly.” He cleared his throat. “It has to do with River Martin.”
I stiffened. “Oh.” I searched his face, trying to find a clue as to what he might be about to tell me. But his face was impossible to read. “What is it?”
“River’s family has a lot of money, and they got him the best lawyer possible.”
“Okay.”
“Money talks in this country.”
“Yes.” I wasn’t sure where he was going with that.
He sighed. “And it was his first offense.”
My stomach tensed. “What is it you’re trying to say?”
A muscle jerked in Royce’s cheek. “I’m trying to say River didn’t get as much punishment as I’d have liked, but he also didn’t completely get off the hook.”
“What did he get?” I asked breathlessly.
“After his mental health evaluation, he spent a month in county jail. That’s where he’s been until now.”
“Until now,” I murmured softly, uneasiness rippling through me.
