Page 45 of The Maxwell Brothers
There was commotion in the background, as if she were outdoors.
“No, why would anything be wrong?”
“It’s late. I thought maybe something happened to Paisley.”
“No, she’s fine. She’s asleep. I just came home. I don’t like missing out on my evenings with her.”
“Did anything happen to make you stay so late?”
“Yeah. Reese’s ex is a jackass. He’s trying to make Gran’s life difficult, and I’m not going to allow it.”
“What are you going to do?”
“Declan is already working on the legal aspect.”
“It sounds like you’re working on the illegal one,” she said with a chuckle.
I propped a pillow on my headboard, leaning against it and putting my feet up on the bed.
“No, I want to meet with him and tell him to stop fucking around with my family.”
“Intimidation. I can see that working, Mr. Maxwell.”
“You think I’m intimidating?”
“Hell yeah. When I came in for the interview, I was a mess. No, wait. That was because you were too damn hot. My bad.”
I laughed, running a hand across the pillow next to me. “I wanted to surprise you today,” I said honestly.
“Oooh, how?”
“Can’t tell you. But the day got away from me.”
“Don’t worry. Do whatever you have to do. Family’s important.”
Something twisted in my chest. How was it possible that someone I’d just met understood me so completely?
“I think so too. I’ve always wanted to give Paisley a childhood like the one I had.”
“You’re a great dad, Tate.”
“Thanks.”
Fucking hell, hearing her voice intensified that need to see her.
“Tate, we’re going to…” Her voice faded, and I heard her whisper, “No, thank you. I still have some beer left.”
“Let me know when you want a refill,” a male voice said.
Adrenaline spiked in my veins. “Are you out in town?” I asked.
“Yes. I’m at the lake with a group of friends.”
“Male friends?” I couldn’t keep my tone even.
“It’s a mix. We’re a group of teachers. We hang out in the summer.”
“Any of them interested in you?” I asked, still failing to keep my voice even.
