Page 143 of The Maxwell Brothers

Okay, so I'd been transparent. I turned around slowly, training my eyes somewhere on his chest. I knew if I made eye contact, I wouldn't be able to act as if nothing happened.

But the next second, he put a hand on my chin, tilting my head slightly up, and his brown eyes looked straight into my soul. “Kendra… what happened?”

“I had some business to solve at my old workplace. I waitressed at a diner on weekends until last year. Anyway, it’s not in the best part of town. Tonight, after I left the diner, a few guys followed me. I parked a few blocks away. They asked me to give them my wallet and all my belongings.” My voice was shaking. I’d been so scared and operating on adrenaline the whole time. “I broke into a run and went into a store and stayed there for a while. And then I ran to my car.”

I didn’t want to tell him I’d gone to get my paychecks. For some reason, I felt too proud for him to know I was in financial troubles.

“Kendra, fuck, why didn't you call someone? Why didn't you call me?”

“Why would I call you?” I asked, totally bewildered.

“Because I would have come and picked you up.”

My insides went completely soft, and it wasn't just because he was stroking my cheek with his thumb. I couldn’t believe he would have come across town to help me.

I realized I was shivering. He touched my arm with his hand, rubbing my shoulder lightly.

“Thanks.”

“Next time you're in a messy situation, call me, Kendra. Tell me, and I'll come get you. No matter when or where it is.”

“But why?—”

“Just agree with me, woman.”

“Okay,” I whispered. “I'll call you. Thanks for the offer.”

I didn’t remember how it felt to be looked after, protected in this way, treasured. It made me feel important.

He tilted closer, looking at my lips again, curling his fingers into my sides. Then I realized he was barely restraining himself from coming even closer.

Clearing my throat, I pointed to the plates. “Let's eat this before it gets cold. It's best warm.”

“Afraid to be too close to me?” he teased.

“Hell yes. My body is still burning up from that kiss at the pool. I don’t think I can handle any more heat, Mr. Goalie. I’m particularly susceptible tonight.” My voice was playful, but I kind of meant it.

“Good to know,” he answered in a low voice but took a step back.

We headed to my small table, which somehow looked even smaller with Tyler sitting at it. The man was huge.

“So, your evening sucked too, huh?” I asked.

“Mine was unpleasant. There's a difference.”

“Yeah, but I don't want to talk about mine anymore. How about yours?”

“I probably should have listened to my family and not gone there. Or taken them up on the offer to join me.”

“They offered that?”

“Yeah. We’re very supportive of each other. Want me to open the bottle of wine?”

I nodded. “Yes, please. The bottle opener is in the middle drawer.”

He immediately found it and uncorked the bottle. This was something I loved about Maxwell wines: they were all corked, no matter the price. It made me feel fancy whenever I uncorked a bottle as opposed to just opening a twist cap.

I took out wineglasses, and we both sat down at the table again. Having him here was nerve-rackingandreassuring at the same time. I had no idea how that was possible.