Just then, the door behind them opened. Max turned as Kendra stepped outside carrying an arm full of trash bags to the bins around the corner.
She stopped near them, her expression neutral. “Hey, guys. Hope I’m not interrupting anything.”
Hadley took a step away from Max. “Not at all.”
Kendra turned to Hadley. “So, dinner tonight?”
Dinner? The two of them were having dinner together now?
Hadley hesitated. “As much as I’d love to, could we do it another time?”
Kendra’s smile stayed in place. “Of course. Definitely another time.”
There was no tension in her voice. No sign of disappointment.
Relief washed through Max.
He’d expected a bigger reaction from Kendra. She could be highly emotional. At times, he’d even thought of her as being emotionally unstable.
Instead, she gave a small nod and walked past them, heading toward the side of the building with the trash bags.
As Max watched her go, something in his chest loosened. He must be overthinking things.
Maybe his new relationship with Hadley wouldn’t be as complicated as he’d thought.
CHAPTER 24
Max turned backto Hadley after Kendra walked away.
Although not as powerful, tension still stretched across his chest. Every time he saw Kendra that happened. Their relationship had started strong but had quickly fizzled.
He didn’t want to be with someone who was too clingy or emotional. He’d tried to explain to her that the two of them just weren’t right together. But sometimes he still wondered if she understood that.
He cast those thoughts aside and turned back to Hadley. “By the way, I meant to tell you this earlier when we were talking about it. Sheriff Sutherland said I could go with him to search the cabins.”
Her brows lifted with surprise. “Really?”
“It’s not exactly standard. But he’s down a man right now. One of his deputies broke his leg snowmobiling last weekend, so he’s working with less help than usual.”
Hadley’s expression softened. “Sounds like he could use a hand then. I hope you find her.”
“So do I.” He held her gaze another second. “I’ll keep you updated.”
“I’d appreciate that.”
Max hesitated before asking his next question. “I know Kendra just asked you about dinner tonight. It sounds like you have plans.”
Her eyes sparkled. “I’m hoping I do.”
He tilted his head, asking a silent question.
She grinned. “I was hoping to eat withyou.”
Something eased in his chest. “I’d actually love that.”
“Good. Because I’d love that also.” Her smile widened.
He gazed at her another moment before stepping back. “As much as I’d love to stay here with you, I should get going. Sheriff Sutherland wants to head out soon.”
