Page 28 of Written with Love

Chapter Nine

Juliette couldn’t count the number of times she’d eaten at the Golden Oar in her lifetime. Tonight was completely different than any time before.

Sure, she’d gone there on dates with other men, but the comparison was laughable. There was just something about sitting across from Max Wilson—famous screenwriter and the most distracting man she’d ever shared a meal with.

It wasn’t just that he was handsome. It was the way he leaned in to listen when she spoke, how his gaze stayed on her like there was nowhere else he’d rather be. It was dangerous, really. How easy it felt to just… fall.

Between bites of hamburgers and sips of cold beer, they chatted about all of the videos they had posted so far, which had taken on a life of their own online.

“I still can’t believe how many people are watching,” she said, shaking her head. “I think they’re only watching to see you.”

Max grinned. “No, it’s not just me. It’s the remodel. I mean, who doesn’t want to see an old lighthouse turn into something amazing. Plus, it’s you. You make it fun. People like watching you boss me around,” he joked.

She snorted. “Please. They’re there for you and your ‘famous hands.’”

He flexed his fingers dramatically, making her laugh. “Hey, these hands did actual work today. Sort of.”

She smiled over the rim of her glass. “You’re not half bad with a sledgehammer, I’ll give you that much.”

His grin softened and, for a moment, he just watched her, like he was memorizing the moment. Then his gaze drifted out the window towards the dark water of the Pacific outside.

“My sister would love this place,” he said quietly, his gaze turning back to her.

Juliette tilted her head. “Faye, you mean? The one losing her hearing?”

He nodded. “Yeah. She’s struggled her entire life. She just had another surgery, actually. It’s been tough. She’s younger than me by two years and stubborn as hell. Refuses to let it slow her down, but…” He shrugged. “It’s hard watching someone you love go through that.”

Juliette placed her hand on his across the table. “I’m sorry. That’s a lot.”

He glanced down at their hands and flipped his palm up so their fingers linked. “And then there’s Ally, my other sister. Her divorce has gotten so messy. That’s been a whole different circus. Her ex is... well, let’s just say I’ve had to stop myself from driving over there more than once.”

Juliette smiled gently. “Charlotte’s her daughter?”

“Yeah.” He perked up at just the mention of his niece. “She’s two. Smart as hell and completely fearless. My sister says that she spent the weekend sketching out ideas for the kitchen remodel. She sent these photos.” He pulled out his phone and showed her the photo of a bunch of circles and lines in every color in the crayon box. “I can’t understand her colorful lines, but my sister tells me it has to do with adding a slide in the living room. I love them.” He laughed.

“That’s adorable,” Juliette said. “You’re really good with her.”

He shrugged like it was nothing, but the pride in his eyes was obvious.

She hesitated for a moment, then asked, “Do you want kids of your own?”

The question felt heavier than she’d expected, hanging there between them.

Max didn’t hesitate. “Yeah. As many as any woman I’m lucky enough to convince to marry me wants.”

She laughed, but there was heat crawling up her neck. “Wow. That’s quite the sales pitch.”

He winked. “I’m full of those.”

For a second, she imagined what that life might look like. Kids. Holidays. A house full of laughter and chaos. And Max.

God, she was in so much trouble.

“Better keep those videos going then,” she teased, squeezing his hand once before pulling away to finish her drink. “You’re going to need the extra income if you plan on funding a slide in the kitchen.”

“Deal,” he said, smiling like he’d just won something.

And honestly?