Page 25 of Midnight Heat

"Thank you."

I hang up and realize that not even knowing where Anne is now can get me out of my funk. I need to see her. I need to be with her. As Erik said, I'm not only an idiot; I'm a jerk for treating Anne like I did.

I send a quick message to Keith and book a flight to New York. I need to bring my girl back home.

Chapter 11

Annette

The past two weeks have been nerve-wracking. Dr. Randall said I couldn't postpone the surgery any longer. It's nothing too serious – that's me trying to minimize it so the universe agrees with me – just a lot of endometrial tissue that needs to be removed. I was having heavy periods but no other symptoms.

I stayed in a hotel in Miami Beach for a few days, then when I was okay to fly, I went to my friend Julie's in New York. I still feel a little discomfort even though the incision is minimal. I'm hoping to get back to feeling myself as soon as possible. That's half the issue. The other is Max, of course. He became such a large part of my life in very little time.

There are a lot of things I miss. I miss spending time with him. I miss the cuddles, and even the surprise presents he always had for me. This man thinks he can't love, but he treated me with deep affection—with care and consideration. He can love. I'm not going to start analyzing him. I've already done that countless times this past week – I'm not a psychiatrist.

Today, however, I'm feeling much better. I think in one more week I can begin looking for somewhere to live and start sending out my resume to find some work. I'd like to work from home this time. No more workplace romances for me.

I shower and change and go find Julie so we can have breakfast together.

When I find her, she looks a bit alarmed.

"Are you okay, Julie?"

"Anne, I'm so sorry. Keith went behind my back."

Then I hear voices. Then I hear the voice I've been desperately trying to forget. He's here. Max is here in New York. My feet propel me forward towards the balcony where breakfast is served, and I find Max there talking with Keith, Julie's fiancé. Max still looks like a god, and I fight the urge to get on my knees and worship him. As soon as he sees me, he gets up and approaches me.

"Anne, you look well. I was worried when they called from the doctor's office."

"Why are you here, Max?"

"Can we go somewhere private to talk?"

I want to hear what he has to say, but I don't want to bring him to my room. The temptation is too great with a bed nearby.

"Keith, can we use your office, please?"

"Sure, Anne. Take your time."

I wave to Julie so that she knows it's okay, and I lead the way to the office. It's big and fancy, just like everything Keith owns. Sitting down on the couch, I wait patiently until Max joins me.

"Anne, are you okay?” He starts right in, looking concerned. “I know it's none of my business, but if you're sick, we can get some specialists."

"Max, stop. I'm not sick, I don't think so. I'm waiting for the pathologist's report. I need to talk to Dr. Randall."

"You know you can count on me, don't you, Anne?"

"That's not how it works when you break up with someone."

He grabs my hand and kisses it.

"Anne, I'm sorry. I…these past weeks…nightmare." His face says it all. He's been hurting. "I don't think I can live without you, Anne."

"Why did you come to New York?"

"To apologize. To beg you to take me back. To bring you back to Miami with me."

"You realize that it would require a commitment for me to go back, don't you?"