Page 17 of The Maxwell Brothers

"I don't know. I figured maybe you had it at the production site or something."

"I have one there too, but this is my own personal cellar. Come on. I'll show it to you."

He rose from his chair and then pulled mine back.

As I got up, my arm brushed his chest, and I heard him suck in a breath.

Oh my.Feeling those hard muscles against my arm did things to me.

What is wrong with me?He was Paisley's dad. True, she didn’t go to my school, so there was no risk of students thinking I had favorites or colleagues gossiping, but I still didn’t think this was a good idea. Especially after what he’d shared with me.

Focus on the fact that he’s Paisley’s dad, Lexi.

It didn't matter that he was also the hottest man I'd ever seen. But if I was honest, the fact that he was such a dedicated father was also part of his irresistible sex appeal.

I looked up at him and was surprised that his pupils had dilated a bit. I swallowed hard, fidgeting in my spot.

Clearly I wasn't the only one shaken by this incredible chemistry between us.

CHAPTER 6

TATE

I was losing my mind.This was the only explanation I could find. I couldn't take my eyes off her. I barely kept my hands to myself.

“How are your parents?” I asked as I led her to the back of the house.

“Better. Super happy with the gift box. Thanks again. That was beyond kind.”

She was fucking amazing. Not many people would take a second job to help out their family. For me, family was what mattered most in this life, so knowing that about her made her all that much more appealing to me. She stirred something inside me, and no woman had ever managed to stir anything in me since the divorce. It was like I'd shut myself off from everything. It had been as much a conscious decision as an instinct. I’d put up a wall between myself and everyone else. But I was drawn to Lexi.

"You're a great person."

“Thank you,” she said softly. “I’m so happy I got the job.”

I turned, watching her. “I’m glad you said that. You and Paisley are a good fit. She likes you." I tipped my head to her. "I like you, Lexi. More than I should."

She pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. I barely kept from reaching out and doing it for her.

Fuck. Me.

"Come on, let's go. We're going to have to spend some time downstairs before we pick your wine."

"How many bottles do you have?" she asked.

"About a thousand."

Her eyes bulged. "Can I move in here? I can live in the cellar, honestly."

I let out loud, unrestrained guffaws. She was grinning.

"I made you burst out laughing. You only do that when Paisley's around."

"Or you."

She licked her lower lip. I couldn’t look away from her mouth.

"The wine cellar?" she murmured, bringing me back to reality.