Page 60 of Written with Love

“Your folks wanted me to let them know when you returned,” Nick said, waving his phone. “I texted them when I saw you making your way up the drive.”

“Thanks,” she said again and rested her head back. “Between staying up late watching over Max and the early morning wake-up call, I’m tired.” She felt a headache spreading.

“Let me go get you a soda.” Max stood up and, before she could say anything, he disappeared into the kitchen.

“What now?” she asked Nick.

“Well, Palmer and his crew have finished installing the new security system with the help of Josh Williams.” He motioned when she heard Max talking to someone in the kitchen.

“Right, Internal Security. I forgot they also do high-end home and business security systems.”

“He’s probably showing Max the ropes now,” Palmer said as he came back into the room. “For now, if you have your phone, you can install the app. I’ll give you the login information.” He sat next to her.

For the next few minutes, he ran her through the basics while she sipped the soda Max had gotten her and waited for her parents to show up and worry over them.

When her parents did arrive, they carried a couple boxes from Baked. They all sat around the living room as a handful of people chowed down on pizza and the beer and wine that Max pulled out. Aiden and Nick had left to go on another call.

Later, she sat curled up on the couch, Max’s arm resting protectively around her shoulders as they listened to the low hum of conversation around them. The scent of fresh pizza from Baked filled the living room, but her stomach was too twisted with tension to eat much more.

Her parents sat across from them, exchanging glances every so often, as if they were debating whether to say something. Eventually, her mother was the first to speak.

“Honey, I know you’re exhausted, but are you sure you two are safe staying here tonight?”

Juliette sighed, setting her half-empty soda on the coffee table. “We just had a brand-new security system installed, Mom. Plus, we have cameras everywhere. I think we’re as safe as we can be.”

Her father nodded but didn’t seem convinced. “And what about you, Max? How are you holding up?”

Max rubbed his hands over his face before dropping them into his lap. “It’s been a hell of a day.” He exhaled, shaking his head. “First the attack, then Gabriella… It’s a lot to process. My head is dull and my pain level is about a two.”

Juliette reached for his hand and squeezed. She could feel the tension in his fingers, his usual calm and confident demeanor cracking under the weight of everything happening.

Her mother gave her a soft, knowing look before standing. “Well, if you change your mind, you know where to find us. We’re only a call away if you need anything.”

Juliette smiled appreciatively. “Thanks, Mom.”

Palmer stretched his legs out and cracked his neck. “I’ll make sure everything is locked up tight before I head out.”

Two hours later, after everyone had left for the day, the living room had been cleared, and the leftovers stored away, Max let out a long breath and leaned against the kitchen counter. Juliette could see the weight of the day pressing down on him like it was on her. His shoulders were tense when she ran her fingers over them and even his jaw was tight when she brushed her lips across it.

“Come on,” she said softly, reaching for his hand. “Let’s go up to the bedroom. You need some sleep.”

She led Max up the stairs. Once they were in the bedroom, Max sat on the edge of the bed and ran a hand through his hair. “I still can’t believe Gabriella’s dead.”

Juliette sat beside him, resting her head on his shoulder. “I know. It doesn’t make sense.”

For a moment, they just sat there silent. Then Max turned, brushing his fingers along her cheek. “You’ve been incredible through all of this. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

She smiled softly. “You don’t have to know, because I’m not going anywhere.”

That seemed to be all the reassurance he needed. He kissed her—slow and lingering—before pulling her fully onto the bed with him.

He tossed off his pants and shirt and she did the same, and they curled together as tightly as they could. They lay tangled, warmth and exhaustion settling over them.

As Max drifted off, Juliette tried to think of any reason why someone would be after Max and Gabriella. None of it made any sense to her tired mind.

The diamond was the only thing that was possible. And she was pretty sure that if it could be found, someone would have found it by now.

In his sleep, Max instinctively pulled her closer, and she let herself finally sink into sleep.