Rebirth Into My Second Chance novel Chapter 118

Richard looked toward the direction I pointed. "Dr. Hilton is gay?"

Patting the back of my quick-witted friend, Richard, I said, "You always get me."

Shaking his head, Richard replied, "Nah, Dr. Hilton isn't gay. He's the epitome of integrity. How could he be?"

I frowned, forgetting Richard had a soft spot for Max.

I made a bet. "If you don't believe me, I'll go ask him. If I win, you down another beer, but if I lose, it's on me."

Perhaps it was the few beers we had downed, but I found the courage from somewhere and staggered to Max. Losing my balance, Max caught me with his free hand, his expression as calm as a cucumber.

Raising my beer bottle to his glass, I said, "Dr. Hilton, here’s the thing. Richard and I have a bet about you being gay."

In that instant, his calm face turned icy, his eyes seeming to simmer with fury.

"Claire, you've lost. Dr. Hilton can't possibly be gay. Here, drink up!" Richard followed up, handing me another beer.

Both of us had a low tolerance for alcohol, but that never stopped us from enjoying it. Yet, I wasn't ready to concede defeat. I reached up, wrapping my arms around Max's neck, tiptoeing as my breath brushed past his lips. "Richard, look at this. He's not reacting. You're telling me he's not gay? Immune to seduction?"

Before Richard could respond, I swept off my feet as Max varied me in his arms. I clung tighter to his neck, curling up in his embrace.

Then, daringly, I touched his chest muscles, "Richard, look, his heart isn't even racing."

Richard grimaced, giving me a look that said I was on my own for it. "You checking his heartbeat? I think you're doomed."

I pouted, pressing closer to hear Max's heart pounding fiercely. "Dr. Hilton..."