Page 10

S itting across the small table in her favorite café, Lily cradled a cup of decaf—her choice—coffee and gazed across the small table at Blake.

They had walked Pike Place Market and had settled on a hot cup of something to drink while they decided on where to go for dinner.

It felt surreal to Lily because she rarely did these kinds of things with Blake. Oh, they went places, but it was usually something he suggested. In the past, he would nix her idea and pick at her until she caved.

There was none of her husband’s bullying tendencies showing at the moment. That didn’t mean they were gone, because she knew better, but he was at least trying.

That had to count for something, right?

Her husband took a hasty sip of his hot cocoa and ignored everything around them in the crowded place.

Earlier, Blake had become impatient about a crying toddler, plus the length of the line to wait for service, and prior to yesterday, Lily would have suggested going elsewhere.

Not now, though. Today, they were going to do what she wanted.

Blake shifted in his chair and cupped the mug. He really was a handsome man, but he definitely had anger problems.

“Hey,” she said softly, gaining his attention.

“Yeah?” His brown gaze was alight when he jerked his eyes away from his mug and to her face.

“I want you to see someone.”

“Who?” He frowned.

“A professional.”

“I said I’m sorry.” Anger flashed in his eyes.

“I know you did, and I believe you are,” she sighed. “But I also believe, and let me put this as delicately as I can, I think that you have unresolved anger issues.” She kept her voice soft and low so the next table wouldn’t hear her. Although the place was packed and noisy, the last thing she wanted to do was embarrass him.

“How would you know that?” His voice was skeptical and not all that quiet.

“I was angry at the world when my mother died and I saw someone for a brief time. I’m not saying you suffer from the same thing I did, but talking to a professional helped me.” She shrugged and when he stayed quiet, she continued. “My mom’s death was sudden, I told you that. And for about a year, I hated everything and everyone.”

At fourteen, she hadn’t been a pretty sight at all and during that time, she’d struck out verbally and physically at her father and teachers. Her dad had reacted with love and patience, but it hadn’t been enough. The school had suspended her for three days.

It was her grandfather who had stepped in and put his foot down. If she didn’t see a therapist for help, he was sending her to boarding school.

“Anyway,” she continued, “I’m just letting you know that it helped me, and it could help you too.”

Lily could see the irritation building in Blake’s eyes and she waited.

After a moment, when she didn’t speak, his anger faded.

Lily hadn’t made the comment about therapy as a test, but she did want to see how he would react. Blake’s first gut reaction of anger was very telling and while he had eventually squashed it, it had been there.

She needed to be able to talk over their problems with him and if he couldn’t give her that, there was no chance in hell their marriage would survive.

“I’m listening.” Blake tipped his head and dark hair fell over his forehead.

Tempted to brush the strands back, instead, she reached out and touched the top of his hand. His eyes snapped up and when she smiled at him, he released a sigh.

“Lily!” Sara’s sudden squeal from near the doorway interrupted them.

After a second of hesitation, Lily waved Sara closer with a smile.

In the past, Lily had tried to include Blake with her friends, but he had flat-out told her no. He wasn’t a people person was his excuse and she realized that the one time he’d spent with Chris had been a one-off.

However, if they were going to move forward in this relationship—Blake’s standoffish behavior would have to change.

“Can you join us?” Lily asked without getting Blake’s approval. And it felt damned good. She had missed her confident self.

“I can’t,” Sara said with regret, shooting Blake a quick glance before turning back to Lily. “I’m meeting Michelle and William and a few other friends for dinner at the Pink Door.” Sara pointed across the street.

Lily’s mouth watered at the mention of her favorite restaurant. Lily lifted her eyebrows at Blake and her husband shrugged.

“Got room for two more?” Lily asked Sara, excited that Blake hadn’t protested at all.

Sara’s mouth gaped and her eyes widened, but her friend didn’t hesitate. “S, sure. The more the merrier,” Sara sang with a wide smile.

Lily grinned. “We’ll meet you there.”

“Perfect.” Sara waved, tugged her coat closed, and once again braved the outside Seattle weather.

Lily turned back to Blake. “Are you sure you’re up for this?”

This was the only chance she was going to give him to back out. If he didn’t want to go, then she would find another place to eat.

“Are you going without me if I say no?” Blake asked.

Lily searched his face and she found not only curiosity but a hint of sadness.

“No. I promised to spend the day with you,” she reminded him.

That didn’t mean she wouldn’t join her friends another time, but not today if Blake was really opposed to it.

“Okay, let’s join them,” he said slowly and gave her a smile that reached his eyes.

Well, shut my mouth , she thought and laughed aloud.

Several customers glanced over and smiled at the light sound of laughter from the pretty blonde woman.

Standing, Lily held out her hand and Blake stood and locked his fingers with hers. He caught the door when they reached it and held it open for her to step through.

Outside in the brisk weather, she pulled her thick scarf closer around her neck and then zipped her coat. Blake did the same with his oversized down-filled jacket. They both pulled on gloves and he draped an arm around her shoulders as they walked along the boardwalk of Pike Place Market.

Lily caught sight of Sara and Chris across the way. Michelle and another man and woman she didn’t know were standing nearby. Then Lily saw William walk up with a man wearing a dark beanie, blue jeans, and a hoodie.

Blake got her attention with a hand to her back and Lily started toward the group with her husband.

It dawned on her that she knew the man wearing the beanie.

She knew the cut of those wide shoulders, lean hips, and that cocky walk.

Maxwell Deckman.

The last person she wanted to see!

Damn her luck.