Page 68 of Maxim

“As safe as can be. It’s a calculated risk on my end, but one I think you need. No one followed us, so we should be fine, but I’ll keep my eyes open, just in case.”

He knew. I don’t know if Thea said something or if he figured it out himself, but I’m thankful. This is so sweet and more than I would have asked for.

“Thank you,” I say quietly.

“You’re welcome.”

He pulls some treats out of the bag and then moves to sit next to me. “Take your pick,” he says, nodding toward the pile.

I can’t help but smile when I see that he grabbed a mix of sweet and savory treats. Reaching for the individually wrapped package of banana bread, I grab it.

This is so much better than the granola bar.

I open the package and break off a piece. As soon as the flavors hit my tongue, I can’t help but moan.

Delicious.

My skin starts to tingle like someone’s watching me. When I open my eyes, I see that it’s only Maxim, and the way he’s staring at me makes me tingle for another reason.

Cool it, Olena. He’s not interested in you, remember?

“So what do you think of this place?” he asks as he opens a bag of chips.

“It’s gorgeous. How did you find this place?”

“I actually heard some people talking about it at the grocery store. A guy was telling his buddy that he planned to propose to his woman here.”

“So you just asked about it?”

“I did.”

I shake my head and smile. This man. Just when I start to think I have figured him out, he has to go and surprise me.

“Well, it’s gorgeous, and I hope his woman says yes.”

When Maxim grunts in response, I can’t help but smile.

I like his way of communicating. Sometimes he is chatty, and other times he is all grunts and growls.

Maybe I just like him.

“I brought frozen peas so you can feed the ducks,” he says, nodding toward the pond.

“Did you really?”

“I figured it would be something you would like.”

“You’re not wrong. Thank you for thinking about it.”

“You’re welcome.”

We fall silent as we eat and listen to the sounds of Mother Nature. Even though we aren’t doing anything, this is the most fun I’ve had in…well, maybe ever.

“Did I tell you that I saw your sister the other day?”

“Did you? How did she look?”

“She looked fine. Maybe a little lonely, but fine,” he says, making my heart ache.

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