Page 293 of The Maxwell Brothers
"I like to lead with the Maxwell name when I want people to instantly pay attention."
"Oh, they were paying attention when you entered the shop with all your swagger and expensive suit, don't worry."
"And second of all, when I mention I'm a lawyer, that usually sends people a clear signal that they shouldn't mess with you." Declan looked at me, giving me his sexy stare.
Sigh.
"Yeah. I think they got that message too. To me, it sent a different one."
He cocked a brow.How can he even look handsome doing that?
"And what was that?"
"Sexy vibes." Power and sex appeal were a deadly combination, and Declan had both in spades. "I liked you back there, playing the bad cop.”
I left out the part where it made me feel safe and appreciated. Somehow it felt like I would be baring too much of myself if I shared that.
"Do you like the place?" he asked as we walked toward Millennium Park.
"I do, honestly. That's the best one that's on the market. It's exactly what I need, and these spots don't come up too often. But I also don't want to compromise on the price."
"You shouldn't. You researched it and did your homework, and I bet the others who’ll see this spot did too."
"I think so too. Besides, I want to buy everything inside, and I think that will sway things in my favor."
"You know what? It wouldn't be a bad idea to call Luke."
"Your brother?" I asked.
"Yeah. He's an architect, but he works with construction companies and also with inspectors. Someone should take a look at this place, make sure there are no money pits."
"Like what?"
He put an arm on my shoulder, and I melted against him. God, his touch was so exciting and familiar at the same time. I felt like I was smiling from ear to ear just because we were walking down the street in a half hug.
"I don't know. Faulty pumps, things like that. That happened to Tyler's fiancée, Kendra. She bought a house, and the previous owners had installed a faulty sump pump. There was water damage after a heavy rain."
"But this isn't the same," I countered. "I mean, he's still the owner. I’m just leasing the space. It would be on him to repair stuff if something like that happened."
"Sure. But trust me, landlords can try to wiggle their way out of difficult situations or at least make things very uncomfortable for you. It would make me feel much better if you'd let me call Luke."
"Let you? Are you asking for my permission?" I taunted.
"No, I'm not."
"You want to up and call him?"
"Yeah. He'll be glad to do it. Luke's had a soft spot for you ever since I told him you were keeping me up all night."
I burst out laughing. "Oh, I like Luke."
Declan cocked a brow.
I elbowed his ribs. "I like you more. I sleep with you, and you're very likable."
"Likable.” He looked stunned. “That's the lowest form of a compliment you can give someone. It’s a non-compliment."
“Did you not just hear me when I said you were giving off sexy vibes earlier?" I questioned.
