Page 83 of Cursing My Cheating Husband

“I understand that,” I said softly.

“You were trying. You wanted me to open up. I just wouldn’t do it.”

I took his hand.

We walked until the beach gave way to town and spent two hours drifting through galleries and adorable shops. Maddox insisted on buying me a loose-knit wrap when he saw how I smiled when I touched the soft fabric.

As we wandered out of that boutique, I suddenly came to an abrupt halt when I spotted a red convertible pulling into an open space.

My stomach dropped. It was identical to Maddox’s car, which I had so utterly destroyed.

“Maddox, I’m so sorry about the car.”

“You do not need to apologize to me.” He took my hand. “You were more than entitled. And you did me a favor, honestly. I wanted that car for all the wrong reasons. It was unhealthy. I only got it to prove something to my dad. That’s fucked up. If I still had it, I’d sell it.” He smiled. “I don’t have to prove anything to him anymore. Thanks for helping me see that.”

I didn’t know what to say.

We picked up mini donuts from a cute little wooden cart down the block, and turned onto a lazy side street for our return walk to the house.

As we strolled, I shared with Maddox my fears about how long it was taking me to find inspiration on what I wanted to do with my life.

He put his arm around me. “You’re going to figure out something amazing. I’ve never had more faith in anything. It’s clear to me you’re an actual genius with this magic thing.” His smile was so proud. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

I shook my head. “Probably just listen to me talk about it a bunch more, before I finally figure something out.”

“Talk away. I will never get tired of it. Whatever you decide to do, I want to be there cheering you on.” He hesitated. “If you’ll let me.”

A sense of such deep relaxation entered my body. He was saying exactly what I wanted to hear.

Back at the house, we barely made it to the bedroom. He pressed me against the wall, then lifted me, my legs wrapping around his waist. The connection between us felt unshakable, and the intensity of our sex topped anything we’d shared before. Somehow, against all odds, we’d made it through the worst.

After we finally exhausted ourselves, we showered together and dressed for a nice dinner.

Maddox drove, and as the valet opened my door at the sleek waterfront restaurant, I couldn’t remember the last time I’d felt this glamorous.

Maddox kept his hand on the small of my back as we walked to the table, and I felt claimed in the best way. The host brought us to a curved booth that faced the windows, tucked away in a corner, and Maddox and I nestled in together.

We were so wrapped up in each other, we hadn’t so much as glanced at the menus when the server announced herself.

“Good evening, I’m Valentina. I’ll be taking care of you tonight. Could I get you started with anything to drink?”

I tore my gaze away from Maddox… and suddenly found myself looking at the most gorgeous young woman I’d ever seen.

She had the kind of face that should be on billboards. The most exquisite bone structure, flawless skin, huge sparkling eyes framed by lush lashes. Long, glossy hair cascaded over her shoulders, somehow effortless though there wasn’t a hair out of place. She was fit and lean, exuding good health. Her simple black uniform fit her so perfectly, she made it look couture. From her fresh-faced glow, I was certain she couldn’t have been older than twenty-one. She was the woman every man wanted, and her smile was dazzling.

Maddox smiled back. “What do you recommend from the wine list?”

He smiled at her!

A normal smile. A polite smile. The kind anyone would give a server.

Wasn’t it?

The memories slammed into me. All those horrible, demeaning thoughts I’d experienced inside his head. The disgusting way he would think of servers, planning how he might fuck them while I poured my heart out to him.

I shivered as a cold clamminess washed over me. I had to snap out of it. Maddox was different now. He had changed.

He had changed very quickly. Who’s to say he couldn’t change back just as quickly?