I flicked a glance his way, admiring the sheer beauty of his profile. “Me, too. I...always liked him. But I didn’t think... I’m not his type.”
“He’s clearly nuts about you.” Nadia nudged me, grinning.
“It’s mutual.”
Before she could respond, Uncle Lou stirred and rubbed his chest. Max leaned over and peered at him, obviously worried. “You okay?”
“Touch of indigestion. That’s what I get for eating so much.”
“If you’re sure.”
“We should hang out more,” Nadia said. “That’s on me. I’m not too busy to make time, it’s just easier to be lazy and hang out with Ty.”
“Plus you can’t get enough of him,” I teased. “Before, there were all these codicils and regulations. Now he’s just yours.”
“That’s kinda true,” she mumbled, blushing.
I grinned. “If you could see your face right now.”
“Shut up.”
“It’s awesome, I’m glad you’re happy.”
We talked until night fell, then Nadia had to go to Ty’s family, our cue to break up the party. Max hugged his uncle and brother, like, five times, though they were coming back the next day. He intended to show them the garage where he worked and give them a tour of campus, something college students usually did before enrollment, and I knew exactly how much of a big deal this was for Max. I fought the urge to wrap my arms around him and never let go. Don’t let him down. Don’t hurt him. But I couldn’t say those things out loud—and I didn’t think Michael and Uncle Lou would. I just had this crazy need to keep anyone from hurting Max more than he already had been. Whatever it takes, I thought.
Back then I didn’t realize I’d be the one to make him bleed.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Saturday morning, I woke up next to Max and rolled out of bed quietly.
Tiptoeing to the kitchen, I made breakfast in silence, early enough that he shouldn’t catch me. And since it was his birthday, I was hoping to surprise him with breakfast in bed. Later, we were planning to hang out with his family and show them what little there was to see in Mount Albion. Max had planned the agenda, but I suspected he didn’t realize I remembered what day it was. His gift was wrapped and in my closet.
Thanks to Angus, our kitchen was fully stocked with housewares we rarely used, so I set up the tray and put Max’s present on it. Then I slipped into the bedroom and perched on the bed beside him. It was past nine, and we were meeting his brother and uncle at eleven, so we had time. For a few seconds, I just watched him sleep. His lashes were incredibly long and lush, black crescents against his tan cheeks. I resisted the urge to touch his lower lip, such a soft, beautiful curve. Looking at him, it was hard to credit everything he’d been through; nobody had given him a hand, either. Everything he’d achieved, he’d done it on his own.
Eventually he stirred, eyes fluttering open. Before he even woke fully, he was smiling up at me. “Can’t get enough of me, huh?”
“Never. Happy birthday, Max.”
“Shit.” He sat up in apparent astonishment, rocking the tray beside him.
I put it across his lap and he slow-blinked at scrambled eggs, toast and coffee. It wasn’t fancy, no adorable strawberry roses and hotcakes shaped like hearts, but the smile that bloomed made me feel like I’d accomplished something awesome. Max picked up the gift I’d wrapped in silver foil and blue ribbon. For a few seconds, he just held it and stared.
“What?” His nonresponse was making me nervous.
“You know how long it’s been since anyone remembered my birthday?”
A pang of guilt shot through me. Last year I’d had so many problems with Madison in the dorm that I hadn’t even thought about it; I’d raced back to Chicago without a second thought. On the surface, Max seemed to have friends all over the place, so I’d figured somebody—probably his roommates—would throw him an awesome party. But to my best recollection, Nadia and Lauren went home for Thanksgiving and Angus was probably preoccupied with Josh.
“I’d be a crappy girlfriend if I didn’t,” I said gently.
He treated the wrapping paper like it was pressed platinum, carefully unfolding each corner, until I started feeling nervous about his reaction to what was inside. When he got to the jeweler’s box, I held my breath. But he didn’t hesitate, just opened it up to reveal the most rugged dress watch I’d been able to afford. As he pulled it out of the case, I turned it over to show him the engraving on the back. I’d waffled over the inscription for ages, nearly exhausting the clerk’s patience. In the end, the message was simple: I love you. And then our initials intertwined in pretty script below.
“Wow,” he breathed. “It’s beautiful.”
Leaning forward, I kissed him, and the breakfast tray prevented him from yanking me down on top of him. “Glad you like it. Now eat. We’re meeting your family pretty soon.”
“Do you think that’s why they came?”
“Part of it, probably.” I hoped so, anyway.
Max shared his food with me, offering every other bite. My own cooking even tasted better when he was holding the fork. Afterward, he got up and folded the wrapping paper, then stashed it in a heavy textbook. I didn’t say anything but I felt pretty sure he intended to keep it. The moment was too sweet for teasing, though, so I just hugged him and went to take a shower. Today, it would be nice if we could do it together, but out of respect for Kia and Angus, I restricted myself to separate bathrooms. Our roomies were still asleep when we headed out—or maybe in Angus’s case, he wasn’t even home. Still, I tiptoed so Kia wouldn’t lose out on a rare occasion to sleep in.
On coming downstairs, I saw Michael’s Scion already parked by the curb, though we were five minutes early. He broke out in a huge grin when he spotted Max. Missed your brother, huh? Please remember what day it is.
My wish came true when Michael handed Max a birthday bag as soon as we hopped in the Scion. The truck was crowded with Uncle Lou in front and Max and me huddled on half a backseat, but I didn’t mind snuggling. In fact, you could even say it was a perk. Uncle Lou passed another package back once we got settled. Max’s dark eyes were shining like it was Christmas morning.
“Don’t just sit there,” his brother ordered. “Open them.”
He stared at the presents for a few seconds before peering into the gift bag. “Dress socks, sweater, cologne. Thanks, bro. Next time I take Courtney somewhere nice, I’m all set.”