Page 68 of Max's Mission

Margot’s wide-eyed stare lightened as she smiled. “I was an active participant, and you weren’t the only one acting out of character.”

He tipped his head. “True. But I still should have made sure to protect you. That’s never happened to me before.”

“Me, either.” She rolled and stacked her hands on his chest, resting her chin on top. “So, what do we do now? Not just about what could be, but about us?”

Max extended a hand and traced her cheekbone, brushing back a lock of her hair. “I’m not sure. Whatever we want, Isuppose. But I can tell you I don’t want to go backward. I don’t want to just be your friend anymore, Margot.”

“I don’t think I want that, either. I guess we try this, right?” She arched an eyebrow. “See if we can make it work?”

“I think we have to. Above all else, I don’t want to lose you. Not even as a friend. If we don’t try, things will be awkward. And if we try, and give it everything and it ends, then I think we can agree we weren’t meant for more. That we’re suited best as friends.”

His gaze dropped to the dark hollow and the pillowy softness of the tops of her breasts. He felt his body tighten. “Though considering what just happened and how I already want it to happen again, I don’t think that’ll be the case.”

A slow, seductive smile spread over her lips and her bright blue eyes darkened to a deep midnight. “No. I think we’re destined to be much more than friends.”

Pushing up on her hands, she threw a leg over his hips. “So, just how longdoesit take for you to recover?”

Max gave a low chuckle. “I guess we’re about to find out.”

Twenty-Nine

“You ready for this?” Margot glanced over her shoulder at Max as they neared Dean and Annabeth’s back door. “We’re about to get attacked.”

He grinned. “Bring it on. I’ve missed the rug rats.”

A bright smile wreathed her face, and she reached for the doorknob. That was another thing she loved about Max. He truly loved and adored her children.

Surreptitiously, she touched her belly. Would they soon add another little one to the mix?

Nerves churned in her stomach, but so did excitement. She wasn’t nervous about having a child with Max. She already knew he’d make a great dad. That he’d stick around and raise their baby. It was more the drastic change to her life a new baby would bring.

She didn’t know why that made her nervous. Changes were coming with or without a baby.

Stepping inside, two blonde heads swung toward her from where the twins sat at the table eating breakfast. It only took a second for the girls to recognize who was here.

Chairs scraped the floor amidst a chorus of “Mommy! Mommy’s home!” In moments, Margot had both girls in her arms.

On her knees, she hugged them tight. Burying her face in Lily’s hair, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath, letting the girl’s scent wash over her. All the stress and worry from the last few days evaporated.

Kissing their cheeks, she rose, holding them both.

Emily turned and saw Max. With a wide smile, she reached for him.

Grinning, he took the girl and placed a smacking kiss on her cheek. “How’s my girl? Were you good for Dean and Annabeth?”

She nodded. “We went surfing!”

“I heard. Later, you’ll have to show me how good you are.” He looked at Lily. “Both of you.”

Margot nodded. “I want to see too. Right now, you two need to finish your breakfast.” She set Lily on the floor. “Then we’re going to Max’s house.”

Emily’s little fist shot up as Max set her down. “Yes! Swimming! Lily! We get to go swimming!” She scampered back to the table and hopped into her chair.

Chuckling, Margot shook her head. “Good to know my absence didn’t dampen her spirit. Or her love of swimming.”

Dean snorted. “I don’t think anything could kill that. That kid’s a fish.”

“Probably not,” Max agreed.

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