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Oh my God, he told me he loved me.
The realization made me lurch from the chair, nearly pitching over when my foot screamed from the weight.
Max jumped from his seat, catching me just before I landed in a heap on the floor.
The front door banged open. “Jess!” Ben’s feral roar vibrated my insides.
Clutching Max’s arms, my head whipped up, and I stared from around him at the man barreling into the room, wearing literally nothing but a pair of Speedos and a swim cap.
“You couldn’t have put on pants?” Max bitched, pulling me upright.
“What the hell are you touching her for?” Ben demanded, grabbing Max’s arm to pull him away.
I wobbled again, and both men rushed forward.
Ben got there first. His bare skin was ice cold, but when his arms went around me, I automatically leaned in. Realizing my natural reaction, I jolted back so I could be upright on my own.
“Don’t touch me,” I said, holding out a hand when he moved toward me again.
His face fell, then brows furrowed. “What’s the matter?”
“You lied,” I said, a catch in my voice.
I watched the realization dawn over his features, and then the realization leeched the color from his cheeks.
“Jess.” He took a small step forward.
I stumbled back.
Max cursed and went to get my crutches, stepping between us to stuff them beneath my arms. Before pulling back, he straightened to meet my eyes. “Give him a chance to explain. He loves you.”
I looked away. No, he doesn’t.
Clearing his throat, Max turned to Ben. “I’m, ah, heading out. Gonna meet Wes for breakfast.”
“Thanks for texting, bro.”
I gasped. “You texted him!”
Max glanced at me. “It’s what friends do.” He started away but then turned back. “You good?” he asked.
Ben scoffed. “You don’t need to worry about my girl. I’ll take care of her.”
“I’m not your girl.”
Ben sucked in a breath and slid cautious eyes to me.
“Lying is not a good look on you, Ben.”
“Jess,” Max said, reminding me he was there.
“I told you to go,” Ben intoned.
“I’ll go when she tells me it’s okay.”
I looked between the two men squaring off, and a feeling of defeat overcame me. “It’s fine, Max. Just go.”
“If you need anything, just call,” he said and then left without another glance back.
