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

“Maybe?” Deacon laughed. “A guy can’t have too many careers.”


“Uh-huh.” Max picked up the remote to turn on the TV. “News, or news?”


They watched until the weather ended, deciding neither of the really cared about the sportscast. Surfing through the channels, Max found an old movie neither of them had seen.


“Now I know why I never watched it,” Deacon said half an hour later. “It sucks.”


“Pretty much.” Max turned it off, then asked, “Do you want some ice cream before heading to bed?”


“I do,” Jack said, coming down the stairs. “Karen was talking about some program she saw on the Food Network, so I’m starving.”


“Again.” Max laughed as he got up, heading to the kitchen. He returned a couple of minutes later with three bowls of ice cream on a tray, along with fresh cups of coffee for everyone.


Chapter 24