Page 79 of The Maxwell Brothers
“All what?”
Lena chuckled as she and Emmett started walking a few feet in front of us.
Amusement danced in Tate’s gaze. I narrowed my eyes, inspecting him. “You’re keeping something from me. What other animals are around?”
“Nothing I can’t protect you from.”
I pinched his shoulder. “Tate! I’d almost forgotten about the snakes until you brought them up.”
“Why don’t I kiss you until you forget about them again? And everything else?”
Oh my God.His gaze was so intense that there was no doubt he meant it. Heat skittered along my skin, especially between my thighs.
“And you say that with a straight face when your parents are only a few feet away. You truly are shameless. In fact, I think I’ve found a better description. Forget Fantastic Tate. You’re just Shameless Tate.”
CHAPTER 22
TATE
Even after returningto the office the following week, I couldn’t stop thinking about our outing. Being with Lexi out in the vineyard had been incredible. She was incredible. The way she seemed to embrace me, scars and all, was more than I expected. I was itching to do something for her, like lift the burden of her parents' medical expenses off her shoulders—anything that could make her life better. But for now, I wanted to do something for her that showed I cared for her.
On Friday, I was still out of ideas, so I decided to call my mother while I went to pick up Paisley from a playdate. Mom answered immediately.
"Honey, what a surprise. You're calling during your work hours. You never do that."
“I’m actually leaving the office. I’m picking up Paisley. She, Lexi, and I are going to watch a movie.” Mom said nothing to that, which was suspicious, but I continued anyway. "I have a personal question that keeps nagging at me.”
"I'm listening."
"I want to do something for Lexi, something meaningful, and I'm out of ideas."
"And by the way, you're on loudspeaker," Mom said.
I groaned. "Really? You couldn't have told me that two seconds ago?"
"We asked her not to," Tyler said.
"Who else is there?" I inquired.
"I am," came Reese’s voice.
"And I'm here too," Travis added.
I groaned. "Great."
"I have so many ideas," Tyler said in his typical overexcited voice. "One: expensive gifts. Two: more expensive gifts."
"Really? That's your suggestion?" I asked sardonically.Wait… does he have someone in his life?Last I knew, my brother was enjoying the perks of being a star hockey player. Had that changed?
"Well, that's my advice. Take it or leave it. Though that might work for me because I'm so good-looking."
“And humble,” Mom teased.
"Oh, Tyler. That's such bullshit. It doesn't matter how expensive they are. Do something romantic," Reese added.
"Thanks, Reese. Do you have anything more practical?" I asked.
"Well, no. I mean, I do, but if I voice them all, you'll think I'm crazy."
