Twelve years ago, Max Harman survived a vicious attack by his ex-lover Tony. It severed their relationship and landed Tony in prison.<br><br>When Tony’s released from jail, Max’s nephew Jack fears the man may seek revenge on his uncle. Wanting to buy a gun for protection, he visits Deacon Young's shop. Deacon convinces him to bring Max by to do the same. Despite his misgivings, Max gets a gun for security, too.<br><br>When Jack’s fears prove to be correct and Tony starts to stalk Max, Deacon steps in to try to protect him. Can Max's growing interest in Deacon -- and vice versa -- survive Tony's escalating reign of terror?

Protecting Max

Shortly after six, he heard the front door open, then Jack saying, “I bet he’s still working.”


“I am,” Max called out before shutting down the computers for the day. Going into the living room, he saw that Deacon was carrying a small suitcase.


“Clean clothes and underwear,” Deacon explained when Max asked. “Enough for the long haul, if necessary. I got the friend I told you about to watch the shop in the evenings. Any communications from Tony?”


“No, thank God. I’d have called if there had been.”


“I hope so. Let me take my stuff upstairs, then we can decide what we want for dinner.” Deacon started toward the stairs, paused, and said. “I didn’t mean that the way it came out. I’m not trying to take over your routine.”


“No problem,” Max replied. “As long as you’re staying here, you’ll have an equal voice in things like that.”


“And,” Jack added with a grin as he took off his backpack and followed Deacon, “we’ll give you the chore of taking out the trash.”


Chapter 22