“Yeah, that one,” he replied with a smirk. “It’s a tricky one.”
Without questioning him further, I reached for the paper and tried to solve the word puzzle.
It was a five-letter word. The first letter was a “T,” and the second to last was a “D.” My eyes trailed further down the paper to find the hint:This word describes someone who isn’t on time. Often used in schools to note late arrivals.
I laughed, folding the paper and tossing it back down onto the table. “Tardy,” I announced with an eye roll.
Max clapped slowly. “Congratulations. You’ve solved the mystery of your own bad habits.”
“You’re hilarious,” I said, glaring at him. “Did you make this puzzle just for me?”
His smirk widened. “I figured it’s a theme you excel at.”
“A shame you couldn’t solve it yourself.”
“Mia cara, I will never be able to solve you.”
There it was—the infuriatingly smug smile I’d come to know all too well. It seemed even marriage hadn’t curbed that aspect of Max’s character. Unfortunate, really.
“Are you implying I’m complicated?”
Max smirked, not looking up from his puzzle. “If the shoe fits ...”
“Oh, so we’re naming faults now?” I retorted, crossing my arms.
His eyes widened as he looked up from the puzzle. “You’re feisty this morning. Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed?”
“Still deciding,” I shot back, picking a grape before popping it into my mouth.
I chewed.
Sour.
He leaned back in his chair. “Please, take all the time you need. You already do.”
“You’d miss your meeting for me?” I asked, acting as if I hadn’t heard the last bit of what he’d said.
“I’ve already missed one of them for you,” he responded. “What’s another?”
I leaned back in my chair, intrigued. Max never took time away from work. I wondered what was going on.
“Unless you’re tired of me already,” he continued.
“I am,” I replied, trying my hardest to act upset.
“Tough—there will be no way out of this marriage.”
My eyes searched his. “There is death.”
“You once made me jealous of death, because he could hold you for an eternity when I could not,” he confessed, his voice softening as I brushed my knuckles against my cheek. “If youthink death can keep you safe from me, you’re mistaken. Have you learned nothing?”
“Should I be flattered or frightened?” I asked.
“Frightened never suited you,” Max said, finally setting the puzzle aside.
I gave him a hard look.
He got up, walked around the table, and pulled me into his arms. “Flattered, definitely,” he corrected. “You should know I’m all bark and no bite.”
