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She clicked back to the book list and noted some history, some true crime and a fantasy series. Max Duvall would probably never cease to surprise her.
She started in on the fantasy because she needed a little escape from this world. After reading about ten pages, she realized the fantasy world was no better than the real world—at least her real world.
She clicked the remote for the TV and crossed her legs at the ankles, tapping her feet together. She stopped the channel surfing at a reality dating show. Now, this was a fantasy she could get into.
By the time the show ended, Max was at the door. She peeked through the peephole and flipped back the dead bolt. “Wow, did you lift every weight in there?”
He pushed a damp lock of hair from his eyes, and his biceps bulged. “Yeah, sorry. I need a shower. Any news from Cody?”
“Nothing yet, but I think that woman should choose the dog trainer for the next date.”
His brows shot up. “What?”
She flicked her fingers at the TV. “I got very engrossed in that show. Now I’m going to have to follow it and see who she picks.”
“I thought you were supposed to take a nap.”
She muted the TV. “I didn’t feel that tired, but honestly vegging in front of the TV is pretty relaxing.”
“Don’t do much of that?”
“Not usually.” She ran her gaze up and down his body, trying not to get hung up on a particular part of it. “How was the gym?”
“Good. I’ve lost some strength.”
“That’s good?” She covered her mouth. “Oh, the T-101 is having less of an effect on your body.”
“Seems like it.” He jerked his thumb over his shoulder. “I’m going to take a shower. You can indulge in more reality TV if you like.”
“Funny thing about reality TV.”
He cranked his head over his shoulder when he got to the door of the bathroom. “What’s that?”
“It’s so much more fake than real life, I don’t know why they call it reality TV.”
“Probably to make it seem like your own life is incredibly boring.”
“Those reality TV people don’t know my life.”
“Right.” He shut the door behind him.
She skimmed through the rest of the channels and left the TV on the local news. Maybe there would be some more information about Snyder. She hoped by the time his so-called next of kin came to Snow Haven to pick up the body, Tempest would be tracking them to Florida.
Max emerged from the bathroom with a towel around his waist. “I forgot to bring some clean clothes in with me.”
She’d seen it all before, but the first time she’d seen him half-naked she still thought he was a crazy person. Now he was everything to her.
She clamped her hands over her waist, stilling the butterflies. She didn’t want to feel that way. Red flags and danger signs were waving and flashing in front of her eyes.
He stopped on his way to his bag and turned. “Are you okay, Ava?”
“Yeah, I’m fine.”
He crossed the room and put the back of his hand against her forehead. “You looked pale. The whole incident in the bathroom rattled you more than you probably even realize. You could even experience some post-traumatic stress.”
She’d been more upset about her unrequited feelings for Max than about killing a man. What did that say about her? She’d never admit that to Max.
“I’m just anxious.”
He stroked her hair. “Understandable.”
Her phone rang and she jumped to grab it from the nightstand. When she saw Cody’s name on the display, she punched the speaker button.
“What do you have for us, Cody?”
“Nothing. I got nothing for you, Ava. There is no lab.”
Chapter Fourteen
Her legs turned to rubber and she sank to the bed. “What are you talking about? You know people. There has to be someone in the area cooking meth.”
“I’m not getting any hits, Ava. I’m sorry.” He cleared his throat. “On the plus side, I got the other stuff you needed.”
“What am I supposed to do, Cody, cook it up in the hotel bathroom?”
“I don’t know what to tell you. The only possibility I have is out of town. He’ll be back next week. I can probably set you up then.”
