I woke up feeling like I'd gone ten rounds with a heavyweight champion - if said champion was a Greek god with washboard abs and a penchant for making me see stars. Every muscle in my body ached, but hot damn, was it worth it.

The memories of last night came flooding back, and I couldn't help the silly grin that spread across my face. Who knew that beneath all that stern CEO exterior, Max Pemberton was hiding the stamina of a triathlete and the skills of a tantric master?

The heavenly aroma of coffee and bacon lured me out of bed. I threw on Max's shirt from the night before, secretly thrilling at how his scent enveloped me. As I padded to the kitchen, I was greeted by a view that would make Michelangelo weep - Max's bare back as he flipped pancakes at the stove.

Max turned, his emerald eyes twinkling with amusement. "Good morning to you, Miss Bennett. I trust you slept well?"

"Like a baby," I quipped. "Though I'm surprised you're standing up after last night's Olympic-worthy performance."

His answering grin was positively sinful. "I assure you, I have plenty stamina left."

Before I could fire back with another witty retort, Max had crossed the kitchen and pulled me into a kiss that made my toes curl. When we finally came up for air, I was seeing stars again.

"So," I said, trying to regain my composure, "is this the part where we have the awkward 'what are we' talk?"

Max's expression softened. "Charlotte, I meant what I said on yesterday. I'm all in. Though I must admit, navigating this at the office will be... interesting."

I snorted. "Interesting? Try 'potential HR nightmare'. Not to mention the posibility of jeopardizing the position you're being considered for."

A muscle ticked in Max's jaw. "Yes, well, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it."

As I sipped my coffee, enjoying the domestic bliss of our first morning together, Max surprised me with a suggestion.

"It's Saturday - don't you usually visit your father today?" he asked, setting a plate of pancakes in front of me.

I nodded, touched that he remembered. "Yeah, I was planning to head over to Sunnyside Gardens after breakfast. Dad always enjoys our weekend chats, even if he doesn't always remember who I am."

Max hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Would you mind if I joined you? I'd like to introduce myself properly."

His request caught me off guard. "You want to come with me to visit my dad? Are you sure? It can be... challenging sometimes."

Max's expression softened. "Charlotte, I care about you. That means I care about the people important to you too. Besides, I think is an important step for the future of our relationship."

As we drove to Sunnyside Gardens, I couldn't help but feel a mix of nervousness and excitement. Max meeting my dad felt like a big step, even if Dad might not fully understand who Max was.

When we arrived at the facility, I was surprised to see recognition flash across the receptionist's face as she greeted Max. "Mr. Pemberton, good to see you again!"

I turned to Max, confusion evident on my face. "Again?"

Max had the decency to look contrite. "Charlotte, I can explain—"

"Oh, you'd better," I snapped, hands on each hip as my foot started tapping furiously on the floor.

He looked slightly sheepish. "I know this is a big overstep but I swear, it was with the best intentions. Yes, I came to visit Oscar a couple times before."

My jaw dropped. "You've been visiting my dad? Why didn't you tell me?"

Max took a deep breath. "After our first 'date' when we were at the hospital, seeing you with your father... it struck something in me.

I raised an imperious eyebrow urging him to continue.

Max shrugged, a hint of vulnerability in his eyes. "At first, I was just concerned after seeing him at the hospital so frail. Shortly after I found myself wanting to understand more about the man who raised such an incredible woman. And next thing I know, I found myself genuinely enjoying Oscar's company. He has quite the repertoire of embarrassing childhood stories about you, by the way."

I crossed my arms, still skeptical. "And you didn't think to mention this to me because...?"

"I know I should have told you," Max said, running a hand through his hair. "I wasn't sure how to bring it up without it seeming... calculated. Then, as time went on, it became harder to find the right moment. I'm sorry, Charlotte. I never meant to intrude or overstep."

I let out a long breath, trying to process everything. Part of me was touched that he'd taken such an interest in my father, but another part felt... violated? It was a lot to take in.

"We're not done talking about this," I warned him as we approached my dad's room.

As we walked into my dad's room, I was still processing this revelation. Dad looked up from his book, his face lighting up with a smile. "Max, my boy! And you've brought Lottie with you this time!"

I plastered on a smile, determined to enjoy our visit despite the bombshell Max had just dropped. As I watched them interact, it was clear they had developed a genuine rapport. Max seemed to know exactly how to engage with Dad, even on his cloudier days.

During a lull in the conversation, I excused myself to get some water. When I returned, I overheard my father speaking quietly to Max.

"You know, son," Oscar said, his voice clearer than it had been in months, "I may not always remember everything, but I know you make my little girl happy. You take care of her, you hear?"

Max's response was firm and sincere. "I promise, sir. She means the world to me."

As I stood there, watching the two most important men in my life share this moment, I felt my heart swell with emotion. Max Pemberton continued to surprise me, and I couldn't wait to see what other surprises our future held.

As we left the facility, I turned to Max. "Okay, spill. I want to know everything about these visits. And I mean everything, Pemberton."

Max nodded, looking both relieved and nervous. "Of course, baby. Why don't we grab a coffee? I promise I'll answer any questions you have."

Throughout the drive, my mind was racing. I couldn't help but marvel at how easily Max fit into this part of my life, even as I grappled with the shock of his secret visits.

It was a strange mix of warmth and wariness, appreciation and apprehension. We drove in comfortable silence, each lost in our own thoughts, the hum of the engine a soothing background noise.

As we parked and walked to the café, Max's hand found mine, giving it a reassuring squeeze. The simple gesture brought a sense of calm to my racing heart. The warm aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped us as we stepped inside and settled into a quiet corner

I cradled my mug, allowing its warmth to seep into my hands as I gathered my thoughts. The events of the day – discovering Max's secret visits to my father – still swirled in my mind. Taking a deep breath, I met Max's emerald gaze and began, "So, these visits to my father..."

Max took a deep breath, his fingers tracing the rim of his cup. "It started after our first... encounter at the hospital. I couldn't stop thinking about the way you looked at him, the love in your eyes. I wanted to understand that part of you."

As Max recounted his visits with my father, I felt a jumble of emotions – warmth, confusion, a hint of lingering frustration. But mostly, I was struck by the depth of Max's interest in my life, in understanding me.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner," he finished, his eyes searching mine. "I was afraid you'd think I was overstepping."

Just when I thought I had Maximilian Pemberton figured out, he threw me another curveball. This man was going to be the death of me – but damn if I wasn't intrigued to unravel more of his mysteries.

I reached across the table, squeezing his hand. "I appreciate your honesty now. It means a lot that you cared enough to do that. Just... no more secrets, okay?"

He nodded, a small smile playing at his lips. "No more secrets."

As we left the café, walking hand in hand through the crisp evening air, I couldn't help but marvel at how much had changed between us. The Max Pemberton I'd first met – all cold authority and distant charm – seemed a world away from the man beside me now.