Page 38 of Max

Cole gasped when he heard the name. Max turned to stare at his friend, knowing full well Cole loved his sister’s music. The idiot played it enough. Even worked out to it.

“Maxi Pad?” Jasper choked out. “Oh, God. I am so calling you that from now on.”

“You do, and I promise to tell Sloane about Maui 2009.”

“You wouldn’t dare.”

“Try me.” The lethal tone of his voice held nothing but vindictive promise.

“Fuck, you don’t play fair.”

“Nope, never do.”

“Desi?”

They all turned to see Shay in the doorway, and Desi pushed out of Max’s hold and hugged her friend tight. “Sorry to get here so late. I was doing my best to arrive before you had to go to the hospital.”

Shay’s smile was wide and heartfelt. “I’m so glad you came, but you shouldn’t have. I would’ve been fine.”

“Yeah, I know, but that’s what friends are for. Besides, I had to check on my brother.”

Shay frowned, and then her eyes widened. Of course Des probably told her all about their mother and the guilt both of them suffered. Girls.

“I didn’t think…I’m so sorry…I…”

“It’s fine, Shay.”

Cole’s gaze swung between the two of them like a pendulum. He’d never told Cole about his mother. He kept his family private.

“Did you just say brother?” Cole blinked several times, trying to understand.

“You got something against interracial families, Conan?” Desi stuck her hip out, glaring at Cole for all she was worth.

“What…no, of course not.”

“Sure sounded like you did.”

Max put his hand up to silence Cole before he put himself even farther into the hole. “Don’t argue with her. It’s easier just to apologize and move on.”

“I didn’t do anything wrong.”

Desi gasped like he’d hit her.

Jasper and Max groaned, knowing full well how women were when they got good and dug into an issue.

“He’s a moron, Des. Why don’t you and Shay go inside and put on some coffee? I don’t think any of us will be getting any more sleep tonight.”

The girls cast Cole one more withering look and marched into the house, arm in arm, slamming the door behind them.

“What did I do?” Cole looked lost.

“Dude, it doesn’t even matter.” Jasper leaned against the railing. “Just say you’re sorry and hope they forgive you.”

“But…”

“Jasper’s right. Women make no sense.”

Cole still looked confused as fuck, but he nodded. “So, why didn’t you tell me your sister was Desiree?”

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