Strange Medicine (Dr. Maxwell Thornton Murder Mysteries #1)(46)

Piece of cake.

I spent the majority of my day chasing down leads, and unfortunately, the promising start to my day soon began to bog down. When I’d called Rocky, I’d been frustrated to discover his home phone and cell had been disconnected a few months ago. Also, the DMV had no new address for Rocky, which was another annoying dead end. Then to compound the bad news, Mrs. Numi called me and told me the other broker had zero anecdotal information about Maxwell’s house.

When six o’clock rolled around, I couldn’t wait to go home and put all that negativity behind me. Plus, there was a little churning excitement in my gut that Maxwell was waiting for me at my house. I had to admit, when I pulled into my driveway, it was nice to see a light on in the window and know that another human awaited me inside. Especially since I kind of really liked the particular human that was in my house.

I opened the door and was immediately greeted by Grumpy whining and the smell of something burning. The smoke detector beeped loudly in the hallway, and I heard Maxwell muttering and cursing in the kitchen. I entered the kitchen and found Maxwell bending over the stove, wearing an apron that my mother had left behind last Christmas.

“How’s it going?” I tried to keep a straight face, but it wasn’t easy.

He straightened, looking flushed and irritable. “Your oven isn’t calibrated properly.”

“It isn’t?” I frowned, waving at the hazy air. “How can you tell?”

“Because the roast is black and dried out. But I put it in at the exact temperature and for the precise time the recipe said.”

I approached the stove and peered at the settings. “Did you realize you have the oven on broil?”

“What?” He sounded startled. “That’s not possible.”

I pointed to the button that was lit. “That says Broil.”

He scowled. “Oh, for God’s sake. I know I pushed the Bake button.”

“They’re right next to each other. It’s an honest mistake.”

He rolled his eyes. “I’ve sliced open arteries no more than one millimeter from another. I think I can choose the correct oven button.”

I glanced at the blackened roast and then back at the illuminated Broil button. “Maybe Grumpy sabotaged you.”

Sighing, he leaned against the counter. “So much for contributing. All I’ve done is waste what was probably an expensive cut of meat.”

“Read my lips: there is no need to keep things even. None.”

His mouth softened. “I’m sorry. You’re probably starving.” He lifted his head as if an idea had just occurred to him. “I’ll buy you dinner.”

“You don’t have to do that. I can just make us a sandwich.”

His mouth twitched. “I notice you don’t say I can just make us a sandwich.”

I laughed. “It wasn’t intentional. You could probably whip up a sandwich without burning down the house.”

“It’s best we don’t chance it. Come on, let’s go out to eat. My treat.”

“Well, the rumor mill is already at full speed. We might as well have a meal in public and throw them a juicy bone.”

He chuckled.

I glanced down at Grumpy. “Can we pick somewhere with a patio? I hate leaving him alone anymore today.”

“Absolutely.” Maxwell smiled down at Grumpy. “What do you say, pup? You want to come to dinner with us? Huh? Is that what you want?”

I smiled at him, touched by how sweet he was with Grumpy. When Maxwell was vulnerable like this, it made me wonder what it would be like to actually be involved with him. Was this the real Maxwell, or was the selfish version the real him? It was impossible to tell.

He met my gaze. “Ready to go?”

I cleared my throat. “Sure thing.” I slipped the leash over Grumpy’s head, and we headed out for dinner.





Chapter Thirteen


Maxwell

After two nights at Royce’s house, I was forced to admit he was every bit as intriguing as I’d suspected he would be. He was considerate and funny. His mind was sharp and quick, and he kept me on my toes. He was someone I could actually imagine spending more time with and actually enjoying it. But I’d never been someone who made matters of the heart a priority, so I wasn’t sure how I’d proceed even if I had the nerve to do it.

I sat at the kitchen table, pretending to read the newspaper as Royce made coffee. As he ground the beans and measured the water, he stopped often to talk to Grumpy and give the pup attention. It was hard to keep my eyes from roaming his long, lean legs and broad shoulders. It had been a challenge not giving in to my lust while I’d stayed here. It would have been easy to just initiate sex. I had little doubt Royce would have gone for it because I’d caught plenty of sensual glances from him. But something had held me back. Maybe it was because I liked him so much the idea of getting even closer scared me. It was much safer to keep some distance.

“As soon as the coffee is brewed, I’m ready to go.” His husky voice broke into my thoughts.

“Okay.” I set the paper down and stood. “I should probably grab my pillow and clothes.”

He frowned. “Why?”

“It’s time I moved back to my house. You’ve released the scene. They’re repairing the hole in my kitchen today.” I dropped my gaze. I didn’t want to go back to that house to live. But I didn’t want to look like I was afraid either.