Maximum Commitment (Sin City #13) - Tricia Owens Page 0,45

wanted from anyone you ended up with, Ethan. I just had to make sure that you hadn’t lost your head over him or anything.”

“Sorry to burst your bubble, but I absolutely have lost my head over him.” Ethan smiled. “He’s the only one for me, Larry.”

“If you’re going to get mushy, I’ll call Barbara. She’s better at handling that stuff.”

“She’ll love the wedding, then.”

“About that.” Larry’s expression was dubious. “You really intend to hold it here? Your man’s from ‘Europe and England’,” he said in a comically deeper voice. “Why the hell would want to hold your wedding in the VFW hall here?” He leaned forward suddenly. “Please tell me you’re not doing it in the VFW hall.”

“No, it won’t be there.” Ethan was getting a kick out of his former boss’s reactions. “We’ve reserved a venue that’s beside a manmade lake.”

“Say what?”

“Just wait for the invite. There’ll be directions. Having the wedding here isn’t one hundred percent confirmed, by the way. We’re considering other options to make it easier for his parents.”

“You met them.” Larry lowered his voice, as though they were trading secrets. “What’re they like?”

“Exactly like you’re expecting,” Ethan said, laughing. “Seriously, though, they’re good people. Max is precious to them, so I want to make sure they get what they want from this wedding, too.”

“Better not hold it here, then,” Larry said dryly. “Trust me, if you’re dealing with high maintenance, you can’t fight it. Gotta give in and save yourself the headache later.”

“I’ll take it under advisement.”

“Ethan! Ethan! Get over here! Quick!”

Bob’s hollering interrupted conversations at the tables around them. Ethan cringed.

“I’d better go find out what he wants before he gets us kicked out for disturbing the peace.” He slid out of the booth. “You need anything?”

Larry waved him off, his attention shifting to the game on TV. “Go tell him to shut his trap or he’s fired.”

Happy that nothing had really changed when it came to his old boss, Ethan made his way through the gaming area, weaving between the video game cabinets, air hockey tables, and hoop games until he reached the source of the commotion.

Bob was clinging to a gaming motorcycle, his gut squishing sideways over the body of the bike while the machine jolted him from side to side as he navigated the course on screen ahead of him. The lights reflected off the top of his bald head. Beside him, Max sat on his own motorcycle.

Ethan drew up short, his eyes nearly popping out of his head. Max. On a motorcycle. Max’s designer jeans were pulled taut over his hips and thighs. His strong back curved in a graceful arc over the bike. His shoulder muscles bulged beneath his sweater as he maneuvered the handlebars.

Max. On a motorcycle.

“Guh,” Ethan said.

Max and his motorcycle tilted smoothly from side to side. Ethan managed to drag his eyes off his ass to check his progress on the screen.

“Of course you’re good at this,” he said. “Of course you are.”

Max must have heard him, for he sent a smirk over one shoulder.

We might need that Hampton Inn after all, Ethan thought. Because there was no way he wasn’t going to get his hands on this man tonight.

Forcing his horniness down for the time being, he stepped up beside the motorcycles.

“So, who’s winning?”

“Don’t ask,” Bob snarled as he hunkered down further over his bike. Or at least tried to. His stomach was in the way.

“But you were screaming like a maniac for me to come over just a second ago.”

“I thought I finally had him,” Bob muttered.

“He did not,” Max said, his voice thick with amusement.

Ethan was afraid he was going to spring a boner right there. “Glad you’re having fun,” he said tightly.

“Don’t worry,” Max said, his eyes on the screen, “you’ll get your turn to ride later.”

“Ha! I’ll beat you then, Ethan!” Bob crowed.

Ethan didn’t spare him a glance. He all but panted to Max, “Yeah, I look forward to that ride.”

Max just smirked.

Chapter Eight

“It's been really good seeing you again, Ethan.” Frank patted him on the shoulder, his hand resting heavily on him as they stood near the entrance of the restaurant. “You look good. Happy and healthy.”

Ethan reached up and squeezed the older man’s elbow. “I couldn’t be happier. My life is pretty terrific.” He patted his own abdomen. “And I’m keeping fit, so yes, great all around.”

“Wouldn’t have thought another job would suit you better than the FBI, but you’re proof that you found it.”

“I really did. Funny how