Page 139 of Downforce

He pulls out a sky blue box with white silk tie and bow on top.

I hesitate before he pushes it into my hands. Max gestures toward the box when I look up at him. Slowly, I peel it open and gasp at what’s inside.

A stunning rose gold pendant in the shape of a key that’s lined with white diamonds rests at the center of an eighteen-inch chain. I get to see it in its entirety when Max lifts the necklace from the case.

“The knot at the top is a symbol of unwavering bonds,” he says, looking from the pendant to me. “Early in the season someone told me that I had the most potential on the grid, but I had yet to unlock it.”

His eyes drift back to the key.

“I hadn’t found the key to open the door that held my potential.” He meets my watery gaze. “I have now.” His voice has grown thick. “It’s you. I bought this not only because you love necklaces and this will look amazing on you, but as a reminder that you not only unlocked my potential but that you have everything you need to unlock your own.”

He pauses, this Adam’s apple bobbing up and down as he swallows.

“And, if you’ll wear it, a symbol of how much you own me. Heart, mind, body, and soul.”

I open and close my mouth a few times.

“I love you, Annalise. I probably should’ve started with that. But, yeah, I’m head over heels, arse over head in love with you.”

“Oh.”

I swear if I could kick my own ass right now, I would. Who says ‘oh’ to that type of declaration?

I shake my head.

“I mean, I love you, too,” I blurt out. “God, that feels good to say out loud.” My shoulders sink with the relief of not having to hold those three words in anymore.

I lift my hair off of the back of my neck with one hand as Max approaches to place the necklace on me. I look down at it, running my fingers along the pendant once he’s done.

“It doesn’t match with your dress, but⁠—”

“It’s perfect,” I whisper, looking into his eyes.

His smile widens until he’s laughing. Then, all of a sudden, we’re both laughing.

My laughter grows when he abruptly picks me up and starts spinning us in a circle. I don’t know what the hell has come over either one of us, but I don’t want it to stop.

“You’re insane,” I say loudly.

“Over you.” He drops me to my feet, but my feet barely touch the ground again before his lips cover mine.

“You’re the reason I’m going to end this season as a world champion.”

“Like hell you are,” a voice seethes behind us.

Max spins toward the voice, and it’s as if the bottom falls out from underneath me. Staring back at us is a very angry looking Travis with Alyssia beside him.

My brother’s dark gaze throws daggers at Max.

“Get the hell away from my sister.”

CHAPTER 37

Annalise

“Travis, calm down,” I say, knowing that’s the worst thing to say right now.

While I try to angle myself in front of Max, out of instinct, he moves to my side, edging himself slightly in front of me.