Page 22 of Challenged By the Ex-Military Tattoo Artist

"Max, I...I'm really happy I agreed to do this. To try something new, I mean. With you."

He smiles crookedly, taking my hand in his and gently squeezing it.

"Me too, Maria. These past couple of days with you have been really incredible."

Max pauses, glancing down briefly as if gathering his thoughts. When he looks back up at me, there's an endearing hint of nervousness in his eyes that I've never seen before.

"In fact, they've made me start thinking that...that I'd really like to make this - make us - into something more." He takes a breath, his thumb idly stroking the back of my hand. "So, what do you say? Will you be my girlfriend, Maria?"

My eyes widen in surprise and delight. Though we've been growing closer, I didn't expect him to make things official so soon. But staring into his hopeful gaze, I don't have a single doubt about my answer.

"Yes!" I breathe, unable to contain my brilliant smile, "Yes, Max, I'd love to be your girlfriend."

The answering grin that breaks across his face steals my breath away. In one smooth move, he tugs me closer until I'm cradled in his lap, his strong arms wrapping securely around me.

"You've just made me the happiest man alive," Max murmurs.

And then he's kissing me deeply as the sunset fades to twilight around us.

Epilogue – Max (A Year Later)

"Babe, can you grab the potato salad from the fridge?" I call out to Maria as I arrange plates and cutlery on the patio table.

We're having a little lunch gathering at our recently purchased house, and I'm looking forward to spending the afternoon with our closest friends.

"Got it!" Maria replies cheerfully, emerging from the kitchen with the large bowl in hand. She sets it down just as the gate clicks open, and two familiar faces appear.

"Well, well, look who finally made it!" I greet Jenna and her boyfriend, Damon, with a grin. "We were starting to think you bailed on us."

Jenna rolls her eyes good-naturedly, giving me a playful smack on the arm as she moves to hug Maria.

"Oh please, like we'd ever turn down one of Maria's famous tapas spreads."

Damon chuckles, clapping me on the back in greeting.

"Yeah, wild horses couldn't keep this one away. She's been talking about this lunch all week."

We all laugh at that, well acquainted with Jenna's legendary appetite. As Maria and I finish up the last-minute preparations, I glance around the table appreciatively.

"I have to say, it's nice to finally have a place big enough to host get-togethers," I comment, sliding an arm around Maria's waist. "Our little apartment just wasn't cutting it anymore."

Maria smiles up at me, her eyes crinkling happily.

"It really is perfect, isn't it? Plenty of room for entertaining, plus that big master bedroom we've put to good use," she adds playfully.

"Ooh, do tell!" Jenna interjects with a wink.

Damon and I just chuckle as Maria's cheeks flush. Some things never change, even a year later.

We all take our seats, chatting as we fill our plates with piping-hot tapas fresh from the grill. The gate soon creaks open again, signaling the arrival of our final guest.

"Sorry, I'm late!" Alice, Maria and Jenna’s accountant and close friend, calls out as she bustles over. "I had to pry my boyfriend away from his cabin long enough to make an appearance."

"No worries, we're just getting started," I assure Alice with an easy smile.

My gaze lands on the tall, broad-shouldered man standing behind her, looking faintly ill. He's the epitome of a lumberjack - full beard, flannel shirt, and muscular arms that practically strain the sleeves.

"Everyone, this is my boyfriend, Hank," Alice announces, beaming up at the quiet giant. "Hank, meet my wonderful group of friends."

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