Page 102 of Maxwell

“That’s what we fought about. He knew better than to do that.”

“He misses you, and I know you miss him too. I could see it in your face as soon as I said his name.”

“What he did was messed up.”

“But not out of the ordinary in the type of relationship the two of you had, right? Seems like he thought nothing about offering another woman to you, even though he knew you and I were in a committed relationship.”

“I don’t know what you want me to say. You already know that I played games. It’s not news, and looking back, I’m not proud of my behavior. But things were different with you. Judge me by my actions. Not my past. Tell me what you need, and I’ll do it. Whatever it is.”

She thought about everything that had occurred in the past month. He had proven to be a man of his word. He was thoughtful. And he hadn’t given up on them.

“I need you to be open and honest at all times. I need you to keep showing up and keep loving me, even when I don’t make it easy,” Jasmine said, her voice trembling.

“Done. What else?”

“Nothing else,” Jasmine admitted. She grabbed his shirt, locking the fabric in her fist. “Every night I go to bed grieving the loss of someone who’s still alive. Missing you is a constant pain, and some days I don’t know if I’m coming or going. I want the pain to end, and the only way it’ll end is if I let you back in. I need you.”

He covered her fist. “I made you a promise, and I’ve kept it. I will continue to keep it. I will never hurt you, Jasmine. Your heart is safe with me.”

She moved before she had time to think, closing the few inches between them and kissing him square on the mouth. Maxwell made a guttural sound of relief and slid his hand into her hair, kissing her back as if he’d been waiting an eternity for this moment.

His other arm clamped around her waist, and she lifted her fingers into the thickness of his hair, devouring his mouth as her body strained against his.

When they finally broke apart, they were both a little breathless. Then Maxwell laughed, and she did too.

“We’re making out in front of the supermarket,” Maxwell said.

“What is wrong with us?”

Jasmine rested her cheek against his chest and closed her eyes, relieved to be enveloped in the warmth of his arms.

“Want to finish our shopping and get out of here?” Maxwell asked quietly.

“Not yet.” The pain had eased, and her body was finally at rest. “Give me another minute.”

He squeezed her tighter. “Take all the time you need.”

Chapter Forty-Three

“Dr. Santana, do you have a minute?” Renee stood in the doorway of Maxwell’s office. He had just hung up his white coat, getting ready to leave for the day.

“Sure. What can I help you with?”

“I’m in the community room working on a project for one of the local schools. I was wondering if you could take a look at it and give me your honest opinion.”

“Of course. Which school?”

“Um... Gwinnett Elementary.”

Maxwell wasn’t aware that they were partnering with the school, and he was surprised Renee was doing an event, considering she didn’t like public speaking. However, he was glad to see that she was doing something out of her comfort zone and would gladly help in any way he could.

He followed her to the other side of the building where the community room was located.

“Oh, I forgot to grab something from the supply closet. Go ahead. You’ll see the poster boards I created on the table.”

As she walked away, Maxwell opened the door.

“Surprise!”