Page 279 of The Maxwell Brothers

"I'd love that," I said, grateful that he was putting me at ease. I wasn't sure why I felt a bit off-kilter, but I was happy about his reaction. Declan was a gentleman through and through.

We walked around for another half hour, enjoying the beautiful evening before we left.

"I love this neighborhood," I said as we entered Gold Coast. It was like stepping back in time, like it was a remnant from another era. I couldn't believe you could go from a modern high-rise building to these lush older homes in less than a few blocks.

"I'm glad Helen rented you the guest house."

"So am I."

He held my hand in his, caressing the back of it with his thumb. I could still feel the heat radiating off him. It turned me on to no end.

When he stopped the car, he got out first and came to open my door, taking my hand as I stepped out. "How are you such a gentleman?"

"Just the way I am," he said. “And yes, the modesty comes with the territory.” He walked me up to the front door. "I had a great time tonight, Liz."

"So did I," I said and then leaned in closer.

The next thing I knew, he was kissing me. Oh my God, how he was kissing me. His tongue was hot and relentless. He cupped my face, pressing his thumb on my cheek and gently wrapping his other fingers in my hair. Tension filled my body, coiling through me, filling me up and up and up until I thought I might explode.

We moved in the dark until I felt the door at my back. He pressed his body against me, moving his mouth over mine. I'd never been kissed like this. It was all-consuming. I gave myself to the kiss with all I had, touching his torso with my hands before running them up to his shoulders. When he pushed my thighs apart, I pressed against his leg and moaned. My whole body shook.Holy shit.I was so turned on that if I pressed myself against him again, I might come right here.

He tightened his grip on my hair, and then he pulled back, looking down at me with heated eyes. "Fuck, Liz."

"Do you want to come in?" I whispered.

He cleared his throat, stepping back a bit farther. "I fucking do, but I won't. Not tonight."

"What? Why?"

He took both my hands, bringing them to his mouth, kissing one and then the other. "You've shared a lot with me tonight, Liz. I don't want to rush you into anything."

"That's it. You’re on a mission to make me swoon."

He kissed my hands again and then gently opened my door. "Come on. Go in. We’ll be together, Liz, mark my words. But not tonight. Let’s take this slow and enjoy getting to the moment."

I didn't say anything because I was hyperventilating at his words. I wanted him, but I also agreed that savoring the journey was precious in itself. As much as I didn’t want to, I stepped inside.

"Good night."

"Good night," he said before closing the door.

I leaned against it and realized he must still be standing in front of it, because I didn’t hear him move away. My breath caught, wondering what to do. I turned around, intending to open the door, but then changed my mind.Willpower.

"You sure you don't want to come in?" I said through the door.What happened to my willpower? Ugh.

He laughed on the other side. "I'm sure. I'm going now."

I held my breath, listening intently. That time, I did hear his footsteps. I listened to them growing fainter and then peeked out the window as he was climbing the staircase to his house.

Declan Maxwell was a true surprise.

I giggled, feeling even more energetic than usual. But I had a big day tomorrow, so I went straight to bed.

I suspected I was embarking on a love roller coaster, and I wasn’t sure if I was ready for it, no matter how much I wanted it.

CHAPTER 13

LIZ