Chapter 191

Leo watched, his respect for Paisley growing with each needle. Who knew their young neighbor, the Cloud Crest Winery mastermind, was such a skilled healer? This time, Max seemed calmer as Paisley rolled up his pant leg.

As the searing pain eased, a familiar scent – the same one that clung to Paisley the night she’d taken Serena – drifted to him. His gaze found Paisley’s; her brow furrowed in concentration, her eyes fixed on the acupuncture point. Beautiful, even in her intensity. With each needle, her brow shifted – tightening, then relaxing.

A sharp stab in his leg. Paisley's brow creased deeply. This one took strength. He watched, mesmerized, until she finally exhaled. “All done,” she said, relaxed. “Rest forty-five minutes before I remove the needles.”

Max blinked, as if waking. “Thank you,” he murmured, a touch apologetic. "Sorry for the trouble."

Paisley raised an eyebrow. "If you'd rested last time, it wouldn't hurt so much now." She wasn't a miracle worker, just offering relief.

Leo winced, remembering his rushed arrival. If only he hadn't hurried things…

"Can I help?" Leo asked, trying to sound helpful.

Paisley nodded, handing him a prescription. "Get this medicine." Then, to Max, "Trust me, follow this prescription. The old one was too strong. Your body can't handle the extra nourishment."

Max glanced at the medicine packages by the window, his expression guarded. Paisley noted this, but said nothing.

Max nodded. "Get the medicine Ms. Sutton said," he instructed Leo.

Paisley was surprised. They hadn't exchanged names. Maria and Serena, she realized.

Just as Leo was leaving, Max called him back, pointing to the window. "Throw those out."

Leo stared, surprised, but at Max's firm gaze, he grabbed the packages and left quickly.

"Sorry to make you uncomfortable," Max said, a slight smile playing on his lips. He knew Paisley suspected something, but he let it lie. "I'm Max Godard."