Page 26 of Written with Love

“What revenues?” She glanced up at him.

“From the videos you’ve been making. Ad revenues. I just got the first check a few days ago.” He nudged it towards her and waited as she opened it.

When her eyes went wide, he smiled.

She glanced up at him in disbelief. “This is more than I make at the restaurant in two months, working five days a week.”

He chuckled. “I was shocked too. And since then, we have even more followers. I’m expecting this to double next month. If you keep up the videos.”

She laughed. “I guess this gives me enough reason to head to dinner with you.” She tucked the check into her bag and then wrapped her arm through his. “Lead the way,” She motioned towards the stairs, then froze. The look on her face had him once more shielding her from whatever was obviously scaring her. His eyes moved to where she’d looked, but he didn’t see anything. They’d left the lights on as they’d gone, so the landing below them was fully lit.

He could see that there was no one there and certainly nothing that would have caused her face to go as pale as it had.

“What?” he asked, still ready to protect her.

“I… I thought I saw…” She shook her head.

“What?” he asked when she didn’t finish. “You look as if you’ve seen a ghost.” He took her in his arms and held her. He felt her shiver once and then straighten up.

“I thought I saw a young man there.” She motioned to the landing.

“Young? Like a child?” He frowned down at the landing, instantly worried some kids had broken into the place.

The first few days he’d lived there, he’d watched a few local kids climb up the stairs from the beach and cross his property. He hadn’t thought much about it, just as long as they didn’t mess with the buildings.

“No, it… he was about my age, I suppose. He was dressed in all black, with one of those old caps that men used to wear on his head.” She blinked a few times and then shrugged as she looked at him. “He looked like he’d stepped out of a black-and-white movie.” She sighed. “I suppose I’m just jumpy after getting spooked.” She took his arm again. “And very hungry from all the work today.”

“Well then, shall we?” He led them back down the stairs.

When they reached the first landing, he felt her shiver next to him. But after a quick and very thorough glance around, they both knew they were alone.

After shutting off all the lights and locking the house up, he followed her back into town and parked beside her at the Golden Oar. The place was packed, as usual.

The second Max stepped into the Golden Oar with Juliette beside him, he felt the weight of half the room’s attention land squarely on his shoulders. He was used to that, sure—but this was different. Pride wasn’t New York or Hollywood, and these weren’t reporters or producers looking to schmooze. These were locals, with curious eyes darting between him and Juliette, no doubt piecing together whatever small-town theories they’d cooked up.

And damn, he didn’t hate it.

Juliette brushed against his side as they made their way through the crowd. “Please. Don’t mind us small-town folk. I’m sure everyone here was hoping to catch a glimpse of you sooner or later, Mr. Hollywood.” She grinned at him.

“You’re the real star here.” He leaned closer to her and whispered, “Lead the way. I’m just your humble plus one.”

She shot him a look, but there was color rising in her cheeks, and it made him grin like an idiot.

They approached the bar, where Iian Jordan was wiping down glasses. Iian spotted Juliette and immediately lit up, signing something Max couldn’t quite catch until Juliette responded.

Max hung back, watching her hands move effortlessly as she used ASL to communicate. God, she was something else. Smart, funny, beautiful—and clearly full of surprises.

Juliette turned, introducing him. “Max, this is Iian. He owns the place.”

Max offered his hand, signing slowly, “Nice to meet you. Love your restaurant.”

Iian gave him an approving nod. “Your videos are all anyone talks about lately.”

Max smirked and looked over at Juliette. “See? Told you. They didn’t even read that stupid article.”

She rolled her eyes. “I regret bringing you out in public.”

But she didn’t really mean it. He could tell by the way her lips twitched that she was fighting a smile.