Page 46 of Written with Love

Chapter Fourteen

Waking up with Juliette’s body wrapped around his as the sunlight streamed through the new French doors was possibly the best feeling in the world.

Max lay there for a moment, soaking it in—the warmth of her pressed against him, the soft rise and fall of her breath, the way her fingers rested lightly on his chest. He didn’t want to move, didn’t want to break the spell. But when she stirred slightly, her lashes fluttering against her cheek, he brushed a strand of hair from her face.

“Morning,” he murmured, his voice rough with sleep.

She blinked up at him, a slow smile spreading across her lips. “Morning.”

He pressed a kiss to her forehead before stretching. “What do you say to breakfast in town?”

Her stomach grumbled in response, making them both laugh. “I think that’s a yes,” she said, pushing herself up. “After I pay you back for last night’s torture.”

He wanted to point out that the torture had been mutual, but then she lowered and put her mouth to him and all thoughts of talking disappeared.

An hour later, after showering together in his new shower, they strolled hand in hand through the doors of Sara’s Nook. The moment they stepped in, the scent of sweet treats, bacon, and freshly brewed coffee hit them. The place was already buzzing with locals, the first real morning of summer bringing everyone out.

“Looks like we’re not the only ones who had this idea,” Juliette said as they stepped inside. “Morning, Sara,” she said when they finally stepped up to the counter to order.

He’d met Sara, the owner of the small café, a few times. He knew that she was Brook’s mother and married to Allen Masters, one of the men who oversaw the Coast Guard training facility just outside of town.

“Well, look at this!” Sara smiled at them. “The pair of you walking in together like a fresh breath of air.”

Juliette laughed and he saw her cheeks heat. No doubt because the gossip of them being together this early in the morning on a weekend would probably spread like wildfire around town.

“What’s the special this morning?” Juliette asked.

“Brook just pulled out some fresh sticky buns or I can heat you up one of those spinach quiches you love. Your choice.”

“How about sticky buns and a quiche, and coffee of course.”

Max ordered his usual coffee and a stack of blueberry pancakes, and then they found a small table near the window with a view of the waking town.

As they ate, they talked about everything from the latest work being done on the house to the upcoming summer events in town. Every now and then, someone would stop by to say hello.

His focus was entirely on Juliette, on the way she laughed at his dry humor, the way she stole a bite of his pancakes with an innocent look that didn’t fool him for a second.

When they finished, they took more coffee to go and wandered down towards the beach. The town had come alive. There were kids running towards the water and families setting up blankets and umbrellas.

“Looks like summer is officially here,” Juliette said, slipping off her sandals to walk barefoot in the sand.

Max did the same, the warm grains pressing between his toes as he matched his steps to hers. “Hard to believe a few months ago this place was covered in snow.”

As they walked, Juliette suddenly slowed. Max followed her gaze and spotted a familiar pair up ahead—her parents, sitting on a weathered wooden bench, two dogs as their feet while they chatted with a group of townspeople.

He hadn’t officially met the couple yet but had seen them in passing several times.

Juliette groaned softly. “I knew this was bound to happen sooner or later.” She turned to him. “They haven’t seen us yet, we could…” She nodded with her head back the way they had come.

Max chuckled. “You act like they’re terrifying.”

She shot him a look. “You try growing up with a town that reports everything you do to your parents.”

“Fair point.” He took her hand and started walking towards the couple where they were lounging near the water’s edge.

The dogs spotted Juliette before her parents did and bolted towards them.

“That’s Uno and that’s Tres,” she said as Max pet the dogs.