Max woke up with Riley in his bed, and with the prevailing feeling he never wanted to wake up any other way again. Glancing over at the clock on the nightstand, he was glad to see he had another hour before he would have to go and herd Gage’s cattle onto the pasture.

So he grabbed Riley a little more tightly, burying his face in her hair. She smelled of shampoo, but also of him. Her shoulders slouched as she muttered something in her sleep and wiggled herself against him. Max couldn’t help but smile.

He enjoyed just lying there for another five minutes or so before telling himself it was time to get up. Gage was taking Ace to a follow-up appointment at the vet, and Addison had a full day of work in her office. That meant Max would have to swing by clan lands and leave Olivia with a babysitter there.

But as he got up from bed, Riley immediately stirred, rubbing her eyes as she turned to him.

“Leaving already?” she asked, stifling a yawn.

“Sorry, I didn’t want to wake you,” Max replied. “It’s early. But I have to take Olivia to the babysitter’s.”

Stretching her naked body under the covers, Riley pushed herself up on her elbows, her hair in wild curls around her face. Max loved seeing her like that – vulnerable, yet with nothing to hide.

“I can look after Olivia,” she offered.

“I couldn’t ask that,” he shook his head.

“You didn’t ask,” she smiled at him. “It’s not like you’re going far. I think Liv and I will manage.”

“It’s not that I doubt you’ll be great with her,” Max quickly said. “But I thought this was supposed to be a vacation for you? I distinctly recall you telling me about burning out and needing a break.”

“It’s still a vacation,” Riley shrugged. “I like spending time with Olivia, and I like helping you out. And now that you don’t have to drive her anywhere, you can come back to bed, just for a little while,” she smiled, patting the mattress next to her.

“Now that’s an offer I can’t refuse,” Max grinned, caving easily.

* * *

Stacking the last of the grain bags on the pile in the barn, Max took off his gloves and wiped the sweat off his brow. It had been a productive day thus far, with the cattle taken care of, the spark plug on the ATV fixed and the grain delivery stocked away.

It was almost noon, time for lunch and time to see his two favorite ladies again. He had kept in touch with Riley over text, and everything seemed to be going swimmingly. Of course, he had given her some quick instructions and tips before taking off, and told her to call if she needed anything.

Max didn’t doubt Olivia and Riley were getting along great. Olivia had taken to Riley pretty much as soon as they met, and Riley was a smart, caring woman completely capable of taking care of a toddler.

And he had to admit, he liked having her and his daughter spending time together. Why wouldn’t he want his daughter and his mate getting used to each other? But in that thought lie the danger – what if Riley didn’t want to be a part of their lives in that way?

The idea was sobering, especially since Max had spent the morning in a ridiculously good mood. He might have even been humming while he worked. The previous night was difficult to get out of his head, and he didn’t really want to.

With memories of the shape and taste of Riley’s body still fresh in his mind, even his bear seemed more cheerful than usual. She had come to him of her own volition, shared herself with him, and while he didn’t want to read too much into it, he was excited.

But, with her leaving sooner rather than later, he knew he would have to find the right time to talk to her about his feelings, and about the fact she was definitely his mate. It was a conversation he was not looking forward to, but was anticipating all the same.

Riley needs to know what she means to me.

In the back of his mind, though, Max couldn’t help but feel a little guilty. He had promised himself Olivia would always come first, and now he was pretty much all in when it came to pursuing a relationship with Riley.

That would split his focus, and he didn’t want to be distracted from his duties as a father. It hurt him to know that someday, he would have to tell Olivia about her mother, and how she had abandoned her. And while he knew dating Riley didn’t equal abandonment, some irrational part of him still insisted that it did.

Trying not to think about it that way, Max was just about to go back to the house, when his phone dinged in his pocket. It was probably Riley, asking when he’d be in for lunch. The thought made him smile.

But as he got his phone out and glanced at the screen, the smile vanished. A familiar number was displayed on the screen, next to a text notification, and he could hardly believe his eyes.

Eve.

He had changed his number after arriving in Black Oak, so he was doubly surprised to hear from her. She hadn’t contacted him since that night she had showed up at his door with Olivia, and that was months ago. Not to mention, she had never returned any of his calls. Why was she texting him now?

Max’s mind raced, but nothing he could think of made sense. Not wanting to prolong the inevitable, he opened the text, bracing himself against what it might say. But he was not prepared, not at all.

I’m in Black Oak. Need to see you. Staying in the motel in town.

And that was it. No explanation, just a curt demand to meet. Reeling, Max read the text at least two times more, just to be sure he understood it correctly. Eve was in town? How had she even known where to find him?

And then there was the most important question of all.

What the hell does she want?