Page 91 of The Me I Left Behind

“I understand that Max, but when it becomes inconvenient for you to—”

“Lil!” he barked, his head turning only slightly toward her. “Enough.”

Subject closed.

Conversation over.

She took a deep breath, in through her nose and out through her mouth. Counting to five, she rose and slipped into her bathrobe, then padded off toward the bathroom. She paused at the dresser, where Max had left his phone charging, when she saw the face light up.

No sound.Must be on ‘do not disturb.’

“You have a call.” She stopped and focused on the name. “Jason somebody. Early for business calls, eh?” She reached for the device, intending to unplug and hand it to him.

Max abruptly lunged toward her, his brows furrowed. Snatching the phone from her grasp, he pressed the answer button and put it to his ear, turning his back to her. “Jason?”

Lilly watched his shoulder muscles tense up and ripple, tighten and relax, as he spoke.

“Okay. Glad you called. Yes, it’s early here. Let’s talk later today.”

He paused again, still listening.

“I’ll call you. Text me a good time.”

He ended the call and pivoted back, staring at her, his expression contorted with anger—a bit unnerving for her liking. He took a swift step forward, grasped her chin with one hand, and squeezed.

“Ouch. Max!” Her first instinct was to jerk away.

He gripped tighter. His gaze seared into hers, his face inches away. “Don’t ever touch my fucking phone again. Got that?”

Lilly stood stone still. Frozen.

He’d never raised his voice like that.

Had never looked at her in that way.

“Got it?” He yanked her chin.

Had nevertouchedher like this. “Yes, Max,” she said softly.

He released her and headed into the bathroom. She stood there for a couple of minutes, unmoving, gathering herself.Shaking. Listening to him putter about in there and then start the shower.

A rush of emotion swept over her as the sting of tears threatened.

I will not cry.

Leo fussed from the other room and, as if on demand, her milk let down, dampening her robe. “Shit. Not now.” She rushed off to the baby’s room, grabbing a couple of folded cloth nappies to stuff inside her robe, then lifted the cranky boy into her arms.

Within seconds, she burst into tears.

Max leftfor a meeting before she’d made his coffee.

Leo had occupied the minutes while he was showering and dressing, so she hadn’t had time to prepare the coffeemaker. He had a client meeting at nine—one Lilly didn’t know about.

One he’d not deemed important enough to share with her, obviously.

“I’ll get coffee downtown,” he barked.

“I’m sorry, Max. I’ll grind the beans tonight for tomorrow morning, and—”

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