Close to tears, Maxi looked up at Riftan, begging him to say something. He had been standing as stiffly as a rock. At Maxi’s silent plea, he blinked as if coming to his senses and roughly rubbed his face. A flush crept up his beautifully tanned neck. “Uh… So…” Riftan stammered, shifting his eyes. “You heard her… She’s not lending me to you.”
