363 The conference in Portland 5 (1/2)

Her eyes sprang open and she bolted into a seated position. ”What's the time?”

Max chuckled. ”Don't worry, I will not let you oversleep. It's almost seven-thirty.”

Liz exhaled in relief and looked at Max who was in his underwear, trashing the used filter from the coffee machine before walking to the bed with two cups of coffee in his hands.

His hair was neat, and his charming face was completely devoid of stubble, which told her that he woke up early, did his morning routine, and made coffee for them. He didn't wake her up so that she can rest as much as possible, but he made sure she has time to get ready for the day. Max is awesome like that.

Instead of accepting the cup Max was offering her, Liz hugged Max around his waist. ”What would I do without you?”

Max kept the cups on the side table and patted her head.

”You are the most capable woman I ever met, and you would do just fine without me, but with less fun.”

Liz stifled a laugh. It's true, she is having fun with Max.

”Thank you for being here, Max. I'm sorry that your work is impacted because of this.”

”Don't worry about me. I came for the night. I will head back soon and work on the plane. The only thing I did was rearrange my morning meetings.” Well, he rescheduled the last one from the previous day as well, but he will not mention that. It's not important. Everything pales in comparison to Elizabeth.

Liz was not sure if Max is telling the truth that his work is not impacted, or if he is only comforting her. But in any case, she will not question his decision to be by her side.

”Thank you for coming, Max.”

Max ignored her 'thank you'. It's not needed because he would do much more for her. ”The jet to bring you back will be ready by six o'clock in the afternoon. You can stay as long as you feel like it, but if you want it sooner, you need to let the pilot know.”

”The last presentation ends at five o'clock, followed by a two hours-long social gathering. Even if I skip on the gathering, I will need time to pack and check out from the hotel, and considering that I will hit the afternoon traffic, I can't be at the airport before six.”

”No matter how long you stay, keep in mind that I am waiting for you. Don't stay overnight.”

Liz was surprised that Max didn't ask her to return right away, especially knowing that Dr. Snow is in attendance. Did Max tone down his possessive-clingy behavior? Liz decided to keep this question to herself.

”Thank you for letting me use your plane.”

Max was amused with all the thanks he received in a span of one minute. Must be Liz's nerves acting up before her presentation.

”Stop thanking me with words. A kiss is much better.”

While brushing her teeth, Liz remembered how considerate Max is. He is doing so much for her, even rearranging his work schedule so that he can be by her side.

Last night, Max indulged various surgeons in chatting, and he didn't cause problems when Dr. Snow joined the group. Sure, Dr. Snow didn't talk to Liz for long because other surgeons were there, and their attention was divided, but Dr. Snow's presence must have been unsettling for Max.

Dr. Kaviraj also spoke with Max and Liz was on the verge of reminding her mentor that not so long ago she insinuated that Max is an obstacle for Liz, but Liz kept that comment to herself.

Before the evening ended, Max and Dr. Snow greeted each other. The atmosphere was stiff and borderline hostile, but they were civil.

When Max and Liz returned to the room from the bar, Max didn't mention Dr. Snow. Instead, he helped Liz go one more time over her presentation.

By the time they got ready for bed, Liz was mentally exhausted. Max cradled Liz in his arms and whispered sweet nothings mixed with encouraging words until she slept off.

Liz never knew that she will find a man who can be so supportive. Max is amazing.

Back to the present…

Liz returned from the bathroom, fresh and with Max's t-shirt on top because she feels awkward to have coffee only in her panties, and it's too early to dress up for the conference.

Max knows that Liz does not usually have breakfast early in the morning, but once the conference starts, she will be busy until lunchtime and that is a long time away.