Page 239 of The Maxwell Brothers

My arm was still stinging. I was sure I would have a blister tomorrow, but I didn’t want to lose my job. I liked catering, and I’d learned a ton of skills that I’d be able to use once I opened my bakery. But honestly, I was plain tired. And when I was tired, I made mistakes.

I smiled broadly. “Liz, you’ve got this. Go out there and kick ass.” That motto was branded in my mind.

I headed back out, determined not to think about my burn. I’d show Richard I could do the job no matter what.

It wasn’t easy though. The burning in my forearm intensified as the day went on.

At 4:00 p.m., I hopped on my bike, enjoying this fine April day. My arm was bothering me every time I brushed it against my body on a curve, so I tried steering with my uninjured arm more. For the first time since I came to Chicago, I wasn't feeling quite like the badass Mom insisted I was. My forearm itched and burned. A day off would give it time to heal, but I’d set a goal for myself and my future business, and I didn’t want to stray from it because of a minor incident. I needed to work.

I didn’t have much time before my next shift—just enough for a quick workout and a shower. I needed some energy, and dancing would do that for me. Fingers crossed that Declan wasn’t home, because I wanted to blast the music through the living room. I’d finally ordered wireless earbuds, but they wouldn’t be delivered until next week.

When I rounded the corner, I spotted his car through the fence and groaned. Didn’t lawyers work all the time? But then again, he seemed to be in his midthirties, so maybe he was already in a top position. I didn't know too much about him, but I knewofhis family. The Maxwells were famous in Chicago. I couldn't help but wonder if the rest of them were like him—with a stick up their ass. I’d only met them briefly when they helpedDeclan move in, but they were in the background, so I couldn't tell too much about any of them.

Hopping off my bike, I opened the front gate and did a double take. He was in the yard, and holy smokes. He was wearing jogging pants, and the man was pure perfection. I’d only seen him in jeans and shirts until now, and once, I’d gotten a peek of him in a suit. He’d looked insufferably sexy in everything, but now he was in another league altogether. The jogging outfit showcased his body, and he had muscleseverywhere. I didn’t know where to look first. His perfect, round ass? His bulging arms?

My goodness, he could pass for a professional athlete.

He turned around, his eyes widening in surprise.

“Liz,” he exclaimed.

“Hey! What are you doing here so early?”

“I was about to go jogging.” He frowned, looking at my forearm. "What happened there?"

"Oh, nothing. I got a little burn at work, and it's going—oh, damn it. There's already a blister," I exclaimed, noticing the puffy area. “I’ll have to bandage this before it gets worse.”

"Do you have a first aid kit?" he asked.

"I don't, actually," I said. Although I’d put salve on it after work, it really needed more attention. "I'm going to go to the pharmacy real quick."

"I've got one. Come on. I'll set you up," he said, gesturing toward his house.

Didn’t see that coming.

"Thank you," I said, taken aback. My sexy and mysterious neighbor wasn't being a total ass today. I took that as a sign that maybe the rest of the day would get better.

He motioned for me to go up the stairs first, so I leaned my bike against the fence and went up. When we reached the top step of the porch, he leaned forward, grasping the handle to thefront door. His arm brushed mine in the process, and a bolt of heat spiraled through me. I bit my lower lip as he opened the door, hoping he didn’t see my reaction.

I'd never been inside the house after Helen left, and it took my breath away.

"This looks gorgeous," I commented, stepping inside.

My guest house was comparatively new—only about twenty years old—but this one was much older. It had soul and character. It was one of those homes I'd always dreamed about living in.

I noticed right away that Declan had completely remodeled the kitchen. It was sleek and modern, but it still fit with the rest of the house.

He had a dark green velvet couch, and all the metal accents throughout the living room were gold. It had aGreat Gatsby, 1920s sort of vibe. The massive wood staircase leading to the upper floor had been chipped and faded when Helen lived here. Now it looked recently sanded and polished.

Feeling his eyes on me, I glanced over to him. I had no clue how, but the man seemed even sexier here inside the house. The lush surroundings made his sexiness score skyrocket even more. The house fit him. There was no other way to explain it. Everything was so pristine. Nothing was out of place. He was obviously a very disciplined man and liked things a certain way.

Is he thorough in bed too? Does he want things his way there as well?

Liz, what is wrong with you?

I pushed the thought away, but I'd planted the seed, and I knew this wouldn't be the last time I was going to think about his bedroom prowess.

"Come on. The first aid kit is in the kitchen." He walked me to the huge island in the middle of the room. Declan moved over toa side drawer and took out a small white box, then opened it on the counter. "Give me your arm."