Her finger dipped into his belly button, and his brain nearly exploded.
“It’s okay,” a voice said from nearby.“We’ll find her.”
They both flinched when they heard Lexie.
“I think I saw her go around this corner.”
Maxie sprang back, but Zac refused to let go of her.His hand was still fisted in her hair, and he pulled her back to him.Her eyes flared, and those hands that had been so inquisitive spread wide over his stomach.She didn’t push him away, but she bounced on her toes.
She didn’t want people to catch them together.
“Son of a—” Zac swore.They weren’t done with this.That hadnotbeen for show.
He leaned his forehead against hers, breathing heavily.“Hold that thought.”
He gave her another determined kiss just before Lexie came around the corner.Turning, he wrapped an arm possessively around Maxie’s waist.Color was high in her face, and she had her fingers pressed against her lips.
Lips that looked plump and thoroughly kissed.
Damn it.Zac fought to catch his breath.
“There she is.”Lexie had Audrey Shimwell at her side.She cupped the older woman’s shoulder and sent a confused and concerned look their way.
Zac’s eyes narrowed.Audrey appeared devastated.It was clear she’d been crying.Her normally pinched expression had crumpled, and dampness had gathered in her eyes.Her chin wobbled when she saw Maxie.She hurried forward, clutching a trophy in one hand and dragging along Roxie in her wake.
Roxie was completely flummoxed.The older woman had her hand caught in a death grip.
Zac went on the alert.The librarian he knew had a spine made of steel and lips made for kissing a lemon.What was going on?He raised an eyebrow at Cam who brought up the rear of the small group, but the guy shrugged.He seemed just as confused as the rest of them, and they were all looking at Maxie for help.
“We won first prize,” Roxie explained, jerking her head towards the trophy caught in Mrs.Shimwell’s fist.
Zac stiffened a bit.That thing was heavy.
Maxie stepped forward, but he pulled her back, out of danger.
“Oh, Audrey,” she said, her face falling.“I know it wasn’t fair, but…”
“No, it wasn’t fair.”Tears streamed down the woman’s face.She held out the trophy, her hand shaking.
Maxie looked guilty as she accepted the prize, but her lips trembled when she read the names of the winners over the years.She traced the name Naomi Miller.It was on there several times, winner of the Indigo Falls Park Art Talent Competition.
“It wasn’t fair at all.”Audrey cupped Maxie’s cheek.The older woman was crying openly now.Rivulets of dampness trailed down her pale face.
Roxie’s eyes were wide as saucers, but Zac didn’t know what the hell was going on.Still, the back of his neck prickled.
He never ignored his gut.
“Mrs.Shimwell, what’s wrong?”Maxie asked.
“I’m sorry, dear,” the woman said, stroking Maxie’s hair.“I told her she had to tell you.We fought about it, but she wouldn’t listen.She was so stubborn.I should have told you about the adoption myself.”
Chapter Ten
Told you about the adoption myself.
It took a moment to sink in, but when it did, Maxie sucked in a breath so sharply it felt like a knife in her throat.“You knew I was adopted?”
Audrey nodded.“The kids—your parents—were so happy when they got you.Over the moon.”
