Page 91 of Where the Blacktop Ends

“He loves spending time with Liam, and he’s happy to do it. Plus, I lucked out. I get to enjoy him too.”

Max smiles, but I notice the slightest bit of sadness lingering behind his eyes.

“You heading out for the night?” he asks, his tone casual.

“Uh, yes…” I respond. I’m not prepared for this conversation. Troy hadn’t mentioned Max was coming home for the weekend, so this is going to surprise him too. I’m not sure how much to say about...usor if there even is an us.

“Damn. Whoever the guy is, he’s lucky as hell,” Max says, shaking his head as his eyes continue to roam over my body. “Where’s my rascal of a son, anyway?”

“Troy—uh, Mr. Marshall—had Eleanor pick him up about an hour ago because he has plans for tonight.”

Max’s brows knit together as he rubs his jawline. “I can’t remember the last time Dad had Friday night plans that didn’t involve politics. I don’t even want to know what he’s doing tonight. Shaking hands, kissing babies... yuck. I have no idea how he does it all.”

I shake my head and chuckle lightly because I know what his dad is doing tonight, and it doesn’t involve shaking hands... “the only thing I plan on touching tonight is your pussy.”

The front door downstairs opens again, signaling Troy’s arrival, and I instinctively straighten up, my heart racing. I hope he’s not upset that I met his son without him.

“Georgia?” His voice carries up the stairs.

“Up here! WithMax!” I call out, trying to sound casual.

“Max?” His surprise is obvious by his tone which makes me feel a little bit better.

Max heads down the steps with me trailing cautiously behind.

“Hey Dad, surprise!” he grins as Troy catches my eye over his shoulder.

“Son, I wasn’t expecting you back this week.” Troy’s surprise melts into a warm smile as he pulls Max in for a hug.

“I hope it’s a good surprise?”

“The best. It’s always great to see you. Any particular reason you’re in town?”

Max shrugs, still smiling. “Saw the announcement about the election and figured you could use some family support, though I’m guessing all my uncles and aunt have that covered.”

Troy raises an eyebrow, studying him. “That’s the only reason?”

“Actually, can I talk to you for a minute? Alone?” Max asks.

“I’ll give you guys some space,” I offer, moving away from the doorway as Troy nods at me. Grateful for the momentary escape, I slip into the kitchen, trying my best not to listen in on their conversation while I wipe down the countertops and light a candle.

I hear Max’s voice soften just slightly.“I miss Liam.”

Troy responds after a pause, his voice soft but firm.“I knew you would.”

“I want to come home.”

“You’re always welcome here, Max. This is still your home.”

“No, Dad. I mean I want to take him home with me.”

“New York?”Troy asks, but there’s something cautious in his tone.

“No. I mean home, home. North Carolina.”

Troy stays silent, so I take the hint and give them some space, slipping out onto the deck that connects to the kitchen. The cool fall breeze brushes over me, carrying the scent of salt and the distant crash of waves against the shore. I close my eyes for a moment, letting the sounds of the ocean settle the anxious thrum in my chest.

Time stretches out, each minute feeling longer than the last. Just when I start to wonder if I should go back inside, the soft slide of the glass door breaks the stillness behind me. I turn, and there they are—Troy and Max. Looking so much like each other and happier together.

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