Page 42 of The Maxwell Brothers
“Whatever you’re thinking, don’t,” I warned.
Paisley jutted out her lower lip. Lexi’s eyes widened. Her mouth was puckered in the shape of anO.
My daughter dropped her shoulders, motioning with her head toward me.
“No, we can’t do it now. It doesn’t work if he can tell we’re planning something,” Paisley explained to Lexi.
“I see. We have to surprise him,” Lexi replied in a serious voice as if she was taking mental notes.
That impulse to kiss her grew stronger.
Behave, Tate. Your daughter is here.
We all sat down, eating the mac and cheese in no time. After dinner, Paisley went to the living room. Her favorite TV show was on.
“What were you and Paisley planning?” I asked Lexi as she helped me clear the table.
She looked over her shoulder, chuckling. “Right. Like I’d tell you. We’re still planning it. We have to time ourattackbetter.”
“Fuck, you’re adorable, Lexi.”
“I thought I was dangerous for you.”
“That too. But I like living dangerously. I likeyou, Lexi.”
Ever since the divorce, it had been just Paisley and me. The casual dates didn’t count. I hadn’t wanted to allow anyone near us. It happened almost on instinct, and now it was the opposite. I wanted Lexi here with us. But she’d almost quit because of this crazy attraction between us, and I needed to know why.
“Why did you want to quit?”
“My rambling explanation didn’t make sense, huh?”
“I understood your concerns on the professional side, even though I can’t really say I agree. Paisley doesn’t go to your school.”
She flashed me a small smile. “Mom said something similar.”
“But that’s not the only thing holding you back, is it?”
Her eyes widened. “Well, you seem like you don’t really believe in relationships, and it’s totally understandable after your divorce.”
I stepped closer, watching her suck in a breath. “Lexi, I have scars, I won’t deny that. But know this. These past few weeks, all I could think about was getting home to Paisley and you, and seeing you in the morning.”
“Tate, God… the things you say.”
I brought my mouth closer to hers, skimming my hands down her waist. She clasped my wrist.
“You can’t kiss me here. Not now. Paisley is in the other room,” she whispered urgently.
I groaned, gripping the counter instead.
“You’re right. Not here, not now. You make me lose my head.”
“Funny. You do the same to me.”
I touched her cheek with the backs of my fingers, barely restraining myself. “Lexi, let’s do something, just the two of us. Outside of the house.”
She bit her lower lip. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”
“I have no fucking clue.”
