Page 333 of The Maxwell Brothers
I was in a bit of a haze as we both cleaned up. Afterward, he took my hand, leading me to the bed.
I yawned. “I don’t understand what’s happening. I had a lot of energy a few minutes ago, and now it’s all gone.”
“You had a lot of adrenaline, and now you’re crashing. It’s normal.”
He tucked me in bed, lying on one side right next to me. And even though I was bone-tired, I turned around too, looking at him from the pillow.
“I am so blissfully happy,” I exclaimed.
“Music to my ears. Do I have anything to do with it?”
“Oh yeah. A lot.”
“Great. I want to make you happy. Always.” He kissed my right cheek. “Always.” Then he moved over to my left one. “Always.” He dragged his lips down my neck and between my breasts, making me giggle.
“And you do. You so do.”
CHAPTER 25
LIZ
On Monday,my assistant baker, Dina, and I baked far too much. My sales associate, Monica, was very good at upselling to customers, but at the end of the day, I still had a lot of leftovers. I wasn't worried that they would go bad, because I'd already decided that I was going to employ Travis's tactic. I had no clue how to reach out to his online network, so I did something far more simple after Dina and Monica left.
I wrote “Free leftovers” on a huge sheet of paper and put it on the door. I had a line fifteen minutes later.
I grinned, rubbing my palms as I stepped out to see it. Some customers were snapping pictures of my shop sign. The name might be simple, but it was easy to remember. I’d also put it on all the packaging—the boxes for the treats as well as the paper bags. They were pretty enough to be considered gift bags.
"Everyone, I'm going to take a picture of you for social media promotion, and then I’ll go back inside and serve you one by one."
"Yes!" the crowd cheered. I held my phone so the store sign was easily recognizable. I planned to upload the photo later on my store’s Facebook page. I only had fifteen likes, but I wanted to keep it active and build my followers.
I was already pretty tired from being on my feet all day, but I put on a smile on my face as I went back inside, giving everyone boxes with leftovers.
By the time I was done, it was seven o'clock.
After turning the sign from “Open” to “Closed,” I took out my phone and texted Declan.
Liz: Still at the office?
He replied a few minutes later.
Declan: Yeah. I'm determined to go through everything for tomorrow. I didn't want to take any work home tonight.
Liz: What do you say about a surprise visit?
Declan: YES!
This was the perfect opportunity for me to spoil my man. Ever since I met him—well, ever since we’d stopped going for each other’s throats—he’d been doting on me a lot, and I wanted to return the favor.
I stopped at the deli a few doors down, buying pizza. I'd already had a slice for lunch that afternoon, and it was surprisingly good. Then I walked over to Declan's building on LaSalle Street. It was a beautiful night for a walk; the weather was warm, and the city was alive.
When I arrived at the building, I sauntered inside, going straight to the doorman.
"Hey, I’m here for Declan Maxwell."
"Is he expecting you?"
"Yes."
