Perfect Timing by Brenda Jackson

changed the sleeping arrangements. The bed had been two singles and they pulled them apart to make them up separately. I think the way they have them arranged now is sufficient, don’t you? I’ll take the one closest to the window. You can take the one closest to the door.”
    His gaze returned to her as the corners of his lips curved upward in a smile. The beds were not in close proximity to each other. They were separated in the middle by a long dresser and the bathroom. If she got the one by the window, there would not be a reason for him to cross into her area unless he had something on his mind. “Yes, I think the way they have them arranged is sufficient.”
    Maxi picked up her purse from the dresser. “I’m meeting Mya and Garrett a little early on the upper deck. I’ll see you later.”
    Christopher gave the doorway Maxi walked through a disapproving glare. He then quickly moved into the bathroom to take a shower, deciding to make an appearance at the welcome reception after all.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN
    M ya walked out on deck and was met by the scent of the ocean and the sight of Garrett looking out over the waters. As if he sensed her presence, he turned around. His gaze captured hers and he smiled, opening his arms to her. She automatically went into them.
    â€œSorry I kept you waiting.”
    He studied her outfit, a pair of white loose-fitting linen slacks and a matching white linen shell. “It was well worth the wait, sweetheart. You look gorgeous.”
    His compliment pleased her. “Thanks, Garrett.” She glanced around. They were early. “Have you run into anyone we know yet?” she asked as they began strolling along the deck.
    Garrett’s face pinched into a frown. “I ran into Ronald Swindel. He was looking for Maxi. He claimed to have called her cabin and a man answered so he hung up. He figured there must have been some sort of mix-up.”
    Mya nodded thoughtfully. “I believe there was. Maxi mentioned it to me earlier. She must have gotten switched to another cabin or something.”
    â€œThat explains it then, although I’m sure she would just as well not have gotten a call from Ronald. He hasn’t changed at all. He still brags on himself and thinks he’s all that. I have a feeling he’s still interested in Maxi after all these years.”
    Mya shook her head smiling. “Well, Maxi was never interested in him. She only had eyes for one guy back then.”
    Garrett lifted a brow. “Who?”
    â€œChristopher Chandler.”
    Garrett released a soft chuckle. “Too bad Chandler didn’t know that.”
    â€œWhy?”
    â€œBecause he only had eyes for Maxi.”
    Mya stopped walking and looked at her husband, surprised. “You’re kidding, right?”
    â€œNo, I’m not kidding. All the guys knew it. That’s why none of them bothered to hit on Maxi. Christopher was like a watchdog protecting her. And since he had started school late and was two years older than the rest of us—with a bad reputation for kicking butt, too—everyone took heed of his warnings. The only person who didn’t was Ronald. That’s why he and Christopher knocked heads so many times.”
    â€œWow, I never knew. Neither did Maxi.”
    Garrett gave his wife a warm smile. “That’s understandable. Back then Maxi had her eyes glued to the books and you had your eyes glued to me. Neither of you were very observant to other things going on around you.”
    Mya laughed. “I guess we weren’t.” She and Garrett began walking again. “We used to have some good times together, me and Maxi. They were the greatest.”
    â€œYeah, everyone used to call the two of you M and M candy because you were so close.”
    â€œI remember. It was so good having a girlfriend who you could share things with. We used to tell each other everything.”
    â€œYeah, I know,” he said