Page 76 of Maximus

Seriously? There didn’t seem to be anything shy about the woman.

“It was a nice day out today, did you boys get to play on the swing set?”

“Yeah. Eli wanted Mom to push him on the swing for like ever,” Liam told her.

That was only a slight exaggeration. Elijah loved the swing and I’d spent the better part of an hour standing behind him pushing.

“Cool.”

“Thank you for the shopping you did. That was very kind of you to go out of your way.”

Anaya waved away my gratitude. “It was no problem. Besides, that’s what we do. When I first got here, Tatiana and Emerson had my back.”

I didn’t know who Tatiana was and I wasn’t going to ask. I wasn’t sure if I could take hearing about another woman Max cared about.

When the silence stretched to uncomfortable, Anaya spoke again.

“Anyway, I wanted to stop by and meet you but also to ask if you needed anything. Clothes? Shoes? I can run to the mall and pick up whatever you need.”

“Thank you, but we’re fine. You set the boys up pretty well.”

Anaya’s smile fell and her head tilted to the side. “But I didn’t get much for you. Kyle said that you…” She paused and I prayed she wouldn’t bring up my car exploding and the suitcases I’d packed for our vacation going up in flames.

Not wanting to take the chance of her saying something that would upset the boys, I spoke over her. “Really, I’m fine. We actually stopped on our way up here and I picked up a few things. We’re not going to be here long and there’s a washer and dryer here so I can just do laundry.”

I followed Anaya’s worried gaze when it moved to Max.

And for once he wasn’t wearing his frown. His face was blank, maybe a little contemplative, but there was no anger.

“Okay. Well, if you’re sure you don’t need anything.”

“I appreciate the offer but really, I’m fine.”

“If you change your mind, have Max call me or Kyle. It’s no problem for me to run out.”

That was nice of her.

“Thanks, Anaya. And thanks again for all the stuff you picked up.”

“You’re welcome. I’ll let you guys get back to it then. It was nice meeting you all.”

“You, too.”

Liam gave her a wave, Eli didn’t budge, and Max followed Anaya to the door.

“I’ll walk you out.” I heard him mutter.

“You boys want a snack?” I asked.

Elijah nodded against my shoulder and Liam gave a verbal answer.

“Yeah. I’m hungry.”

“You’re always hungry.” I smiled at my son.

“I’m a growing boy,” he joked.

“That you are.”