“Thank you for coming with me.” Max slipped the car keys into his pocket as he gave her the sweetest, largest smile she had ever seen. “I can’t wait to introduce you to my family.”
Chloe trotted beside him as they walked along the sidewalk. “It’s only fair. You’ve met my mom.”
He laughed. “Chloe, sweetheart. I live with you and your mom.”
“That’s true.”
As they strolled along, she glanced around at downtown New Ulm. It was a far cry from Minneapolis. There were department stores most people in metropolitan areas hadn’t seen since the late 1970s. There were small town gift shops full of quilting supplies, old books, beautiful Christmas decorations, and German knick-knacks. There was a stately, formal concrete building that housed the local bank. The storefronts were dotted with family restaurants and corner bars, each with windows leading to apartments built on top.
She jolted to a stop as Max pulled open the glass door to the hardware store. She felt her face flush in embarrassment as she stepped inside. Max let the door shut behind him.
“Max!” An older man who looked almost exactly like Max stood behind the counter, wiping his hands on a rag.
“Hey, Dad. How are you?”
“Doing well, big city boy. How was your drive?”
“Beautiful day for it.” Max gently pressed his fingers into the small of Chloe’s back. “Dad, I’d like you to meet Chloe.”
Max’s dad extended his palm to Chloe and shook her hand. “Hi, Chloe. Nice to meet you. Max has told us a lot about you.”
Chloe glanced up at Max. What exactly did he tell his family about me? “All good I hope,” she squeaked.
“Of course. My boy is pretty smitten with you. Thinks you’re the best thing he ever laid eyes on.”
“Dad…” Max groaned. Chloe noticed his perfect, chiseled cheeks tinge pink. Max’s dad patted him on the shoulder as they continued talking.
After a few more minutes, they said goodbye. Stepping outside, they began their trek back to the car. As they passed an antique store, Chloe stopped and peered in the window. Her eyes caught an old, brightly-painted, metal fire truck. “Max, wait. I haven’t bought your nephew a gift yet.” She pointed at the toy. “Will he like that?”
Max smiled at her choice. “Absolutely.”
They stepped inside the small store filled with all sorts of ancient trinkets. The room was cast in a soft, golden glow. Chloe carefully picked up the fire truck and carried it to the counter. As the small, rotund woman wrapped it, Chloe turned to Max.
“I always wondered. Why did Jack constantly pursue you to work for Hard Drive? Did he know about your experience with mixed martial arts.”
“He was there when I used to compete.” Max sighed. “Right off the bat and literally when I stepped out of the cage.”
“When did you start fighting?”
“In college. I was going to be the next Rico, the next up and coming star. But I tore my ACL apart in a match. After three grueling surgeries, I gave up.” He gently brushed a lock of her hair from her shoulder. “That’s why I admire you. You have gone through so much with your CVS, been hospitalized so many times. It makes my little injury look pathetic. And you still get up and live your life after it all. You’re so strong to go through it all and still smile.”
Chloe felt her face flush pink at Max’s compliment as she accepted the bag from the shopkeeper. He took her other hand in his. After thanking the woman, they walked hand in hand back to the Mustang.
Chloe thought to herself as she paced beside Max. “That explains why you compete against Rico. Why you are so good and keep up with him so well. You’re better than him, actually. I just thought you figured out how to match him.”
She heard Max sigh. “I thought you would be terrified of me when you found out.”
“There’s nothing for me to be worried about. You’re a good man. The best I’ve ever met.”
She met his loving smile with one of her own. He brushed a stray lock of hair from her cheek and tucked it behind her ear. “I love you, Chloe. You’re beautiful.”
“I love you too, Max.” Her grin turned devious. “What about the other reason you stopped fighting?”
Max chuckled. “Her name was Tori. She was only with me because I fought. When I was recovering from my injury she dumped me for my best friend.”
“Ouch.”
“Yeah. But like I said I’m glad she did. I have you. I want you. She doesn’t hold a candle to you.”
“You’re so sweet.”
Max unlocked the door of his car and helped her inside. After sliding into the driver’s seat, he maneuvered through the small town streets of New Ulm to his parents’ house. The couple barely stepped out of the vehicle before they were accosted by the women of Max’s family. The ladies hugged each of them, pressing excited kisses to their cheeks long before Chloe knew who they were.
She saw the look of concern on Max’s face. He worried too much about her. But she had to admit that she loved her big, sweet, sexy protector. She smiled as an older woman with blonde hair and Max’s beautiful, blue eyes hugged her once again.
Chloe glanced back across the yard to Max. In his arms, he swung a little boy about the age of four. He had dark hair and blue eyes just the same as Max. Both of them smiled excitedly.
Max set the boy on his hip and approached the group of women. “Hey, Chloe. Let me introduce to you my mom, Lucy.” He indicated to the woman who had just hugged her to death. He motioned to the two younger women beside her. “These are my two sisters, Jenny and Tami. Behind them is my Aunt Marge. And this,” he bounced the boy on his hip, “Is my nephew, Tyson.”
“It’s wonderful to meet you all,” Chloe gushed.
“We’re so happy to meet you too, Chloe,” Lucy greeted. “Max has told us so much about you. Dad should be home from the store in just a few minutes, and the guests will arrive in a half hour. Max, I need your help in the backyard setting up tables.”
“Of course, Mom. Lead the way.” Max set Tyson down beside him. He took the little boy’s hand in his and followed his mom. Chloe accompanied Max’s sisters into the house to finish with the food.
Chloe watched out the kitchen window. Max had an incredible relationship with his mom, talking with her while he set up the tables where she indicated. Tyson adored his uncle, chattering away to Max. Max stopped working for a moment to toss a football with the little boy. Tyson caught it and tossed it back. She sighed as she smiled. Max would make such a great father someday.
The guests arrived, and the party started. Max’s family went to great lengths to make Chloe feel like she belonged. She watched them together. All she had ever known of family was her mom. She had never known a family like this one, a family that was so close. The sisters loved to tease their only brother. Max could dish out as well as he could receive. And their extended family had driven from all over Minnesota to celebrate Tyson’s birthday. There had to be at least fifty people there. Chloe had never seen anything like it.
Once the lawn chairs were set out, and Tyson had staked a spot on the grass to play with his new gifts and his second cousins, Max wrapped his hand around Chloe’s. “Let’s get away for a little bit.”
She nodded. They wove through the mass of family toward the front yard, stopping briefly to tell Max’s dad they would be right back. They climbed into the car. Max drove a short distance to the state park in the town, weaving past the campgrounds and picnic tables to park in the lot outside the shelter.
Max and Chloe walked along the trail. She looked up at the towering trees, the blue sky that stretched above the lofty canopy of green leaves. In the distance, she could hear the rush of water.
They stepped off the path onto a beach alongside a slow running river. Buried deep into the course sand was the footing of a rickety, rough wood bridge that stretched across the water to the other side. Max took Chloe’s hand and tugged her toward it. Once they ascended the steps, he nudged his leather sandals off. Chloe did the same as she followed him.
Max leaned his bent arms against the rail. Chloe watched him with a smile. “Did you used to come here often?” she asked.
“All the time. I used to daydream on this bridge,” he answered.
“About what?”
“Oh, lots of things. Going to college, my MMA career. Most of the time, I imagined kissing the girl I loved.”
“So, how many girls have you kissed here?” Chloe pried with a big smile.
“None. I’ve never been this in love before.”
“Oh.” Chloe gazed at the water rushing under the bridge.
“The ironic thing is that I’m now on this bridge with the girl I love, and I can’t kiss her.”
She studied him in the summer sun. Max had been her hero. He had protected her. He had always been there to take care of her after her CVS episodes. He had saved her life. She loved him with all her heart. Suddenly, she wanted to kiss him badly.
Plunging her hand into her shorts pocket, her fingers wrapped around the lip-gloss. I can do this.
She pulled the tube out and held it up to him with a smile. The wide grin on Max’s face made her heart race. “Really? You’re all right if I kiss you?”
“Yes.”
Max closed the gap between them with a few strides. He cupped her face in his hands, gazing into her eyes. Her eyes fluttered shut as she felt his mouth gently brush against hers. Her belly clenched for a brief moment then quivered with excitement. Her lips opened obediently as his kiss roamed deeper. The sensation of his soft ones made her tremble. She didn’t realize she had wrapped her arms around him until she felt the hard planes of his biceps against her fingertips.
As they broke apart, she could hear the hint of fear in his voice. “Chloe, are you all right?”
“Don’t stop,” she moaned.
His arms drew her tighter to him. Her plea was answered with another deep, warm kiss that left her quaking. She whimpered as his tongue gently caressed hers, tasting her like a fine piece of chocolate. No man had ever kissed her like this in her life. Ever. The only man she ever wanted to kiss her like this was the one holding her now. She never wanted him to let her go.
She didn’t know how long they stood on the bridge kissing. Her breath shuddered as they parted. Max laid his forehead against hers as he still held her in his arms. She could feel him shaking too.
“I don’t have much experience in the kissing field,” Chloe admitted.
“Chloe, baby. That was incredible,” Max sighed. “Please, I’m begging you. Tell me that’s not a one-time deal.”
“Oh, no. I don’t think I could survive without you kissing me. I didn’t know what I was missing.”
Max grinned at her before kissing her forehead. “We should get back. I hope you don’t mind my family.”
“I love your family. I’m a little jealous. You’re definitely loved.”
“You’re loved too. By me, and by my family. I would love to share them with you.”
Chloe stared at him. She could hear forever in his voice. He forgets I’m damaged. He’s so good with Tyson. He needs a child of his own. I don’t even know if I can have a child while having CVS.
Max wrapped his arm around her as he led her back to his car. She cuddled close to him as she slid hers around his waist. She may not have this perfect man forever. But she was going to enjoy every second she did get to keep him.
»»•««
The sounds of footsteps on the metal staircase echoed throughout Hard Drive. For most of those present, the staff meeting had been a great one. Max watched Chloe’s lowered head as she shuffled down the steps beside him. For her, it hadn’t. The time that Max had spent sparring with Rico had improved him dramatically. Rico was ready for a run at a championship. Jack could practically feel the leather of the championship belt in his hands. It would be a first for Hard Drive.
However, a run for the championship meant competitions. Jack had already scheduled three nearly back to back with each other. The first was in Chicago this coming weekend. Rico got the next fight off but Jack scheduled three other fighters in Minneapolis two weekends after that. Three weeks later, they would be traveling to Las Vegas to fight.
“They” meaning Jack, Rico, Max, Mark, and Dan. Not Chloe. Jack thought it best to leave a trainer at home to oversee operations of Hard Drive. Not to mention, if Chloe were to have a CVS episode on the road, it would certainly put a wrench in things. Not that she had had an episode in weeks.
Max gripped Chloe’s arm as they hit the concrete at the bottom. “Sweetheart, it’s only overnight.”
She forced a smile on her face. “I know. It’s all right. Really.”
“Chloe, don’t lie to me. I can read it on your face. It’s not.” He pressed his forehead against hers and gazed into her eyes. “I love you. I hate leaving you even for a night or two. I promise you, nothing will happen, no matter where I have to go with Hard Drive.”
“I know.”
He smiled at her then tilted her head up, softly enveloping her lips with his. A collective gasp filled the gym. There was a loud slam of plastic against metal somewhere in the direction of the reception desk, as if someone was throwing a temper tantrum. When they parted, he chuckled.
They had been so wrapped up in each other, it felt like they had been kissing since the first day of their relationship. For never having a boyfriend and never really having been kissed, she picked up the intimacy very quickly. The bedtime kiss was earth shattering. The good morning kiss was enough to make him forget to eat breakfast. He didn’t want food anyway. He wanted her.
Chloe’s face flushed. “I need to start my class,” she breathed.
“Yeah. I better get to sparring with Rico.” Max pressed one last kiss to her lips. “Love you.”
“Love you too.”
He watched her wander off to the girls waiting for her next to the cardio machines. Rico slid up beside him. “Kissing now, huh?”
“Yeah. So?”
“So, nothing. I like seeing you two happy together. Especially after the hell Chloe’s been through. Which reminds me. Do you want to take our girls out for dinner Friday night? Before we leave for Chicago on Saturday morning?’
Max grinned. “Sure. Where do you want to go?”
“Maybe that new steak place downtown. I could use a good, hearty meal before I beat on Lopez for the title.”
“Sounds great. Chloe and I will meet you and Phoebe there at seven.”
“Great. Now, go get your gloves on. I’m going to work my way to beating Lopez by beating on you first.”
Max roared in laughter. “As if that’s going to happen.”
Max spent the week dedicated to getting Rico prepared for Chicago. By Friday night, he was ready for a night out. He sat hunched in the armchair the living room, waiting. He glanced around taking in the beige paint on the walls, the pictures of family, the lamps on the end table with the gauzy lampshades. Their house. He loved the fact he shared a house with Chloe. He wanted to share a home with her for the rest of his life. He re-adjusted his black, silk tie for the fifth time. He hated dressing up. He would never make it in a business setting. He tried to remember the last time he had worn a shirt and tie. Then he cocked a small smile.
The last time he had dressed up, he had taken Chloe on their first, disastrous date. After that night, he never figured he would end up here, waiting for her again, to go on another date, under a roof they shared.
He was jostled from his thoughts as he heard her clear her throat to get his attention. He looked up. She stood on the bottom step in a tight-fitting, crimson red dress. The hem on the skirt reached mid-thigh. The neckline curved against the swell of her breasts. The short sleeves hugged her arms. Her long, brown hair swirled down her shoulders in large curls. On each foot was a black, strappy heel.
He lost his breath. Beautiful was a poor description. No word came to his mind to define just how incredible she looked. Perfect was the closest that came to it.
“Do I look okay?” she asked.
“Wow,” was all he could choke out.
Chloe smiled as she sashayed across the living room to him. She gripped his tie in her fingers. Tugging it, she worked it into the right place. Then, she skimmed her fingers across his crimson dress shirt. “Look, we match! We didn’t even coordinate it.”
“Do you want me to change?”
“No. I think it’s cute,” Chloe cooed.
Max fought a snarl. No man wanted to be cute. He gazed down at her perfect face and exhaled slowly, feeling any resentment he held vanish. For her, he’d be as cute as a puppy.
His eyes focused on her lips. Whatever makeup she had used was minor, if she had used any at all. Her look was natural, and he loved it. Her lips were soft, pink, perfect, and irresistibly kissable. Every part of him wanted nothing but to kiss her.
“Are you going to kiss me?” Chloe murmured.
“I’m afraid I’ll mess up the way you look,” he confessed.
She slid her arms around his neck. Standing on her toes, she nudged his lips with hers. “I can fix it.”
Temptation got the better of him. He wrapped his strong biceps around her, pulling her deeper into the kiss. He was in no hurry to get to dinner. Frankly, they could just skip out on Rico and Phoebe, for all he cared. As long as he could substitute the time with Chloe’s kisses, he was happy to stay home and go hungry.
Finally, Chloe broke free, gently patting him against the chest. “Sweetheart, we’re going to be late.”
“So? Rico won’t mind. And I’m not excited about dinner with Phoebe. That girl gives me the creeps.”
“But we told them we’d be there. Let’s just go, eat quick, and then come home for more kisses as dessert,” she suggested.
“Hmmm…Your kisses for dessert? There’s no way I can say no now.” Max took her hand in his and led her out the front door, locking it behind them. He escorted her to the car and helped her inside.
The steakhouse was packed from wall to wall. Max scanned the crowd for Rico and Phoebe. At this rate, they would never eat tonight. The wait had to be at least three hours. Rico and Max had to be at Hard Drive by six o’clock in the morning to leave for Chicago. Eating at eleven wouldn’t work.
He breathed a high sigh of relief as he found the other couple already seated in a high-back, red, patent leather booth. The wood table and trim were stained a deep, chocolate brown. Max threaded his fingers through Chloe’s and led them through the crowd.
“I was beginning to think you stood us up,” Rico greeted. Phoebe was tucked close to his side, clinging to his arm with both of hers. Her blonde locks bobbed against her breasts.
“Just running late.” Max nudged Chloe into the booth then slid in beside her. They each ordered an iced tea before turning their attention back to Rico and Phoebe.
Max noticed Phoebe’s subtle seduction before the drinks arrived. Her blue eyes locked on his as she grazed her fingers along Rico’s jaw. The couples had barely ordered their dinner before she was clinging to him like a choking vine, her lips and hands wandering where they shouldn’t in a public restaurant.
Every few moments, she would turn and stare at Max for a moment. Was she hoping for a reaction from him? Did she think he would be jealous? He gazed down at Chloe by his side. How could he be jealous of Phoebe when he was with such a beautiful girl?
Chloe glanced up at him, unease evident in her eyes. She too was uncomfortable with the lewd public display of affection. Did she catch Phoebe’s glares at Max, also? She laced her fingers in his and snuggled a little closer.
Rico and Phoebe barely took a break from each other to eat when the food arrived. There was a little talk between the men about the competition until Phoebe broke in between them. All of what she had to say was directed to Max, not her boyfriend. She never said a word to Chloe. In fact, the most Chloe got from Phoebe was a snarl.
Max tugged Chloe even closer to him to defend her from the blonde’s wrath. At the first opportunity, Max paid the bill and excused himself and Chloe, wishing the other couple good night. They couldn’t get out of the steakhouse fast enough.
Together, they walked hand in hand down the sidewalk. “That was awkward,” Chloe laughed.
“You can say that again,” Max agreed. He stopped and pulled her to him. “Do you remember the last time we dressed up and went out for dinner?”
“Yes. It didn’t end well. Why?”
“I was wondering what would happen this time if I tried to kiss you.”
“Guess you’ll just have to try and find out.”
Max dipped his head low, brushing her lips apart with his. He heard her sigh as she tilted, allowing him to go deeper. He parted sooner than he wanted. They didn’t need to duplicate what they had just witnessed in the restaurant.
Chloe smiled dreamily at him. “Ready to go home?”
“Oh, yeah. Let’s go.” Max wrapped his arm around her waist as he led her to the car.
Max held Chloe’s hand in his as he drove home, only letting go to shift gears. He helped her from her seat and gave her his arm to escort her into the house. Once he shut then front door he turned to her. “Do you want to watch a movie?”
“Absolutely. I’m going to change into my pajamas and make some popcorn.”
“Sounds great. I can’t wait to get out of this tie. When is your mom coming home?”
“I don’t think she is. I think she’s out with Al all night. Go ahead and lock it.”
“Yes, mi’ lady.”
He watched Chloe disappear up the stairs before he turned and locked the door. He ascended the steps to his room, shedding his clothes the moment he shut the door. He tugged on a T-shirt and his favorite pair of pajama pants. He opened the door to the scent of popcorn coming from below.
He slipped a movie in the DVD player then settled on the couch. He grinned as Chloe plopped down next to him in a T-shirt and fuzzy pajama pants. She set the bowl of popcorn in his lap then wrapped her arms around his waist.
“Hmm.” He kissed her softly. “I like this better than dinner. I put that movie in that you just bought.”
“I bought that for you.”
“And I’m excited to watch it.”
“I’m sure you are.”
He click the remote and set it beside him. “Shush. It’s starting.”
Chloe gave him a dirty look before laying her head on his chest. He brushed the strands of hair from her face then reached for a couple kernels of popcorn. Holding her in his arms was better than anything.
As the movie played he felt her breathing slow. Then he heard her snore. He nudged the quilt on the back of the sofa over her then turned back to the movie. His eyes grew heavy. He wasn’t sure when the movie ended. The next thing he knew the sun was just lighting the living room and Chloe was stirring in his arms.
He gently shifted her out of his arms then laid her back down. He tiptoed up the steps. His heart felt like a lead weight in his chest. He didn’t want to leave Chloe. Not even for a day. He tugged his shirt over his head then shrugged the pants from his legs. He pulled out a clean T-shirt and a pair of jeans from his dresser. Once he was dressed again, he tossed his Hard Drive polo in the duffle bag and zipped it closed. Then, he hoisted the strap of the bag over his shoulder and shuffled down the staircase.
Liz stood at the stove cooking breakfast, leaning on her cane as she scrambled eggs. He suddenly realized it had been days since he had seen her. Had she just got in from her night with Al? “Can I make you breakfast, Max?” she offered.
“I’m running late, Liz. But thanks anyway.”
She hobbled to him and pressed a kiss to his cheek. “I understand. Have a safe trip, sweetheart.”
Max fought the look of confusion from his face. Had Liz just used a term of endearment with him? He turned toward Chloe leaning against the back of couch. He expected her in her pajamas to tell him goodbye. Instead. she was fully dressed, the keys to his car dangling in her hand.
“What are you doing, Chloe?” he asked.
“Taking you to Hard Drive, so I can spend more time with you.”
“You’ll have to pick me up tomorrow.”
“I know. I want to.”
“All right. Let’s go.” He held the door for her to pass through then followed her. As they reached the vehicle, he held his hand out for the keys. With a mischievous grin, she unlocked the driver’s door and slipped inside. Then, she reached across to pop the lock on the passenger side for him. With a chuckle, he tossed his bag inside and settled into his seat.
He was a little nervous with Chloe driving his Mustang. He had saved for years for his first car. He had spent months with his Dad restoring it. Did she even know how to drive a stick? As she merged into traffic on the interstate with a calm, content smile on her face, he relaxed a bit. “What are you doing while I’m gone?”
“Well, I was going to just stay at home and read. But yesterday, Tami called. I didn’t even know she had my number. Anyway, I guess Tyson is dying to spend his birthday money. He wants to go to the Mall of America to the Lego store then he wants to ride the rides in the amusement park. He told Tami that since shopping is for girls that Uncle Max wouldn’t want to go, but maybe Aunt Chloe might. I couldn’t believe he called me Aunt Chloe. I couldn’t say no to that. So your mom, Tami, Jenny, and Tyson are picking me up for a day at the mall.”
“Oh. Sounds like fun.” Max frowned a bit.
“I won’t go if you don’t want me to.”
“It’s not that. Where did Ty get the idea I wouldn’t want to go shopping with him? I love doing everything with him. I was there when he was born.”
Chloe smiled as she patted him on the knee. “I’ll straighten him out. You know he adores you.”
“My dad and I are the only men in his life. His dad took off before he was born. I try to be there whenever he needs me. It was hard to move to Minneapolis away from him.”
He heard her sigh. He looked at her, finding her watching him with stars in her eyes. “You’re pretty incredible, Max.”
“So are you, Chloe.”
Chloe parked in front of Hard Drive a few spots from the van Jack had rented for the trip. They wandered to the others packing the vehicle with their things. He pulled her to him and gently kissed her. “I better let you get to your day of fun with Tyson and the girls.”
“Yeah. Please stay safe.”
“I will. I’ll call you tonight after the fight.”
“All right. I love you, Max.”
“I love you too.”
He kissed her one last time, feeling his heart rip apart as his fingertips grazed the last of her skin when she pulled away. He didn’t move until the Mustang disappeared from sight. Then, he tossed his bag into the van a little harder than needed to emphasize his heartbreak.
“Gonna survive without her?” Rico asked as he leaned against the side.
“We’ll see,” Max muttered.
“Hey. About last night. I’m sorry about the scene at the steakhouse.”
“Don’t apologize. You’re in love.”
“That’s the thing.” Rico took a deep breath and let it go slowly. “When you left, she stopped. She wouldn’t even let me touch her. I broke things off with her. It’s obvious I’m not the man she wants. She wants you. And I’m afraid she won’t stop until she gets you.”
“She won’t get me. I love Chloe. That won’t change. But I’m sorry about your break up.”
“No biggie. There are other girls out there.”
The thirty-hour trip to and from Chicago were the thirty longest hours of Max’s life. The van barely stopped in front of Hard Drive before Max threw the door open. He had never been so glad to be home in his life.
The trip had been extremely successful. When Rico’s fight was up, it had been him and Max alone in an arena of screaming, cheering fans. Being so close to the battle made Max hurt. He missed it. Deep inside his soul, he wanted another chance at a belt. He wanted it so much he could taste it. It burned in his veins.
He shook his head to dispel the thought. He might be the same age as Rico in years, but his body had been through more. Was he past his peak? And he’d already had one devastating injury. Could he afford another? Not really. It would be best to settle for coaching a champion than taking the risk of becoming one.
With Max shouting instructions from the sidelines, Rico won his bout. He was one step closer to the championship.
Now, they were home, and Max had just seen the most beautiful image in the world—Chloe waiting for him beside his car. He hopped out of the van, sprinted to her, and wrapped her tight in his embrace.
“Hello to you too,” Chloe wrapped her arms around his neck.
Max kissed her in response, a deep, warm one that left them both breathless. Chloe ran her tongue against her swollen bottom lip, drawing out a growl from his throat.
“I have something for you,” she breathed.
“What is it?”
She pulled free from his embrace. She reached inside the Mustang before setting the teddy bear in his hands. “I missed being in your arms. We’re pretty much there anyway.”
“So, my Sunday night plans are holding you?”
“If you’d like.”
Max tugged her back to him, holding her tight. “More than anything, baby. More than anything.”