361 The conference in Portland 3 (1/2)
That better not be Dr. Snow asking her for dinner and drinks because she already told him that she is not interested!
She dragged herself out of the bed and reached for the doorknob grumpily, ready for a fiery argument with whoever woke her up. ”What!?”
Liz paused and her eyes sprang open. In a split second, she was wide awake. ”Max? Why are you here?”
Max looked at Liz with longing like they didn't see each other in ages. He was missing her like crazy and a video chat would not suffice to ease up his misery. The possibility of spending this night apart was agonizing and he really wanted to see her and hold her in his arms, so as soon as Max finished with his work, he headed for the airport.
Max was confident that Liz will be pleased to see him, but after this not-so-warm welcome, he is not sure if his unannounced visit was such a good idea. ”I was missing you. Can I come in?”
”Of course!”, Liz said louder than intended and scooted to the side to give him space to pass.
Instead of walking next to her, Max went straight toward Liz and wrapped his arms around her. In response, she hugged him back.
Max took a deep breath, inhaling her scent and his world was at peace.
”Did I wake you up?”, Max asked when Liz yawned.
Liz nodded and sank deeper into his embrace. She noticed that he has a carry-on next to him. ”Are you staying for the night?”
”Do you want me to stay?”
”What kind of a question is that?”
Max chuckled. ”I will stay unless you kick me out. Did I surprise you?”
”This is the best surprise ever! How did you know that I'm here?”
”I was on my way to the airport when I got your text that you are going to sleep. I pulled some strings to find out in what room you are staying and… that's it. Let's go to bed. You can continue sleeping and I will hold you…”
Max tossed his suit jacket on the nearby chair and hopped on the bed.
Liz snuggled in his embrace. ”I will take the cuddles, but I am awake. Do you want to grab some food? What's the time?”
”Almost eight o'clock.”
”Did you have dinner?”
”I snacked on the plane so I'm not very hungry, but I could eat.”
Liz rubbed her cheek on his chest. ”Let's stay like this for a few minutes, freshen up, and then we can find something to eat…”
…
Max and Liz went to the restaurant within the hotel for dinner.
Over the meal, they discussed their day, as usually and they noticed the newcomer only when she was right next to them.
”Liz… I was about to call and check on you, but now I see why you disappeared.”, Dr. Kaviraj said teasingly while glancing at Max.
Max and Dr. Kaviraj exchanged greetings, and Liz wanted to explain herself.
Liz pointed at the empty chair. ”Do you want to join us?”