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

“When you decide to do something…” Max murmured when they parted.


“This may sound silly,” Deacon replied, “but I’ve dreamed about what it would be like to kiss you.”


“Very seriously.” Deacon kissed him again, closed-mouthed but still telling in its intensity. When it ended, a smile lit up his face. “Nice. I knew kissing you would be. Now…” He tapped Max’s nose. “Someone mentioned coffee?”


If he’d been younger, and female, Max might have floated euphorically into the kitchen—metaphorically, at least.As it was, he replied, “I did,” then led the way there, not even trying to hide the elation he was feeling.


As they waited for the coffee to brew, Deacon asked, sounding worried now, “Did I move too fast?”


Max cocked his head. “Why would you think that?”


“Well…after all you’ve been through with Tony…I mean, maybe, when you think about that, you won’t want to take a chance on letting another man…me…into your life as more than a friend.”


Chapter 45