Page 43 of Written with Love

She nodded, understanding in her eyes. “And now?”

Max reached across the table, his fingers brushing over hers. “Now I want something real. Something solid. I want a life that actually feels like mine, not just a role I’m playing.”

Juliette squeezed his hand. “Well, I’d say you’re off to a great start with this place.”

He smiled, warmth filling his chest. “Yeah, I think so too.”

“I’ve never been outside of the state,” she admitted. “Well, actually, I went to Seattle when I was a kid.” She shrugged. “So technically I have been to two states.”

He set his glass down and frowned. “Seriously?”

She nodded. “I’ve dreamed of traveling, but something always keeps me from doing it.” She shrugged and took another bite. “God, this really is amazing,” she said, wishing she’d kept her mouth shut about her lack of worldly travels. She felt like a child now, especially after the recent comparison to Gabriella.

“That settles it. Next time I’m needed anywhere, I’m taking you with me.” He lifted his glass. “If you want to go.”

She held up her glass. “I won’t say no.”

He chuckled and tapped her glass. “You say that now, but my next trip could be somewhere… not so appealing.”

“Like?” She waited.

“New Jersey.” He chuckled.

She smiled. “We can head into New York City.” She suggested. “The Big Apple.”

He smiled. “Positive side of it.”

“Gabriella seems to think you like surprises,” she said, changing the subject. “Do you?”

He shrugged. “Not the kind she springs on me.”

“My brother always liked scaring me. I think he felt like it was his duty as a big brother. Did you ever scare your sisters?”

“Maybe Ally, but never Faye. She’s had enough fear in her life.”

“Right. Has she made up her mind to have the last surgery?”

“Not yet.” He took another sip of his wine. “I think meeting Iian Jordan helped her realize that, even if she loses her hearing completely, she can still do amazing things.”

Juliette watched as Max absently swirled his wine, his expression thoughtful. The way he spoke about his sisters always touched her. His love for his family was so unwavering, so steady.

“Iian’s incredible,” she agreed. “It must’ve helped her to see someone thriving, even with the challenges.”

Max nodded. “Yeah. But it’s still a huge decision. No guarantees. She’s scared.” He exhaled slowly, leaning back in his chair. “And I hate that I can’t fix it for her.”

Juliette reached across the table, resting her hand over his. “You’re already doing what you can—being there for her, supporting her. That’s more important than fixing anything.”

His gaze softened as his fingers brushed lightly against hers. “I hope so.”

A comfortable silence stretched between them as they continued eating. The sound of the ocean outside, the warm glow of the candles on the table—it all felt so perfect, like a moment she’d want to tuck away and keep forever.

She grinned slightly, remembering the new sexy underwear she was wearing under her dress. Then, breaking the quiet, she said. “Okay, so you don’t like Gabriella’s surprises. What about good surprises?”

Max narrowed his eyes. “That depends. Are you planning one?”

“Maybe,” she teased, taking a slow sip of her wine.

“Should I be worried?”