Page 61 of The Maxwell Brothers

Licking my lips, I pointed a finger at him. “But I don’t know all this stuff about you. So, what is your favorite color?”

“Blue.”

“And what do youloveto eat?”

His eyes glazed over, and at first, I thought he hadn’t heard my question. But then he brought his mouth to my ear. “Right now, you. I want my mouth on you until I make you squirm and come and cry out my name.”

A shudder went through me. The skin on my whole body turned to goose bumps, including on my pussy, if that was even possible. I swallowed hard, jerking my head back so I could look at him.

“Damn, you’re good,” I whispered. “I wanted to ask if we could dance, but now all I want is to get out of here.”

“Your wish is my command.”

“Does that mean I can get a kiss now?” It was more of a tipsy challenge, but I needed him. “Since we’re leaving anyway?”

“Fuck yes.”

The second his lips brushed mine, my skin sizzled everywhere. I had no idea how he could light up my body witha single touch. He already had so much power over me that it scared me. But every kiss made me feel even more alive than the one before, every touch even more wanted and worshiped.

Tate Maxwell was mine. Nothing else mattered—at least not tonight.

CHAPTER 18

TATE

The restof the week was just as intense as the one before. The only thing keeping me sane was going home to Paisley… and to Lexi. I decided to track down her out-of-print book—or rather, I’d put Gran on it. Since she still ran the bookstore, she had access to the market. If anyone could find it, it was Gran; she had an immense talent for finding rare items and convincing people to hand them over.

One week later, Gran called me.

“I found it. I have it right here. The previous owner was a book murderer, but it’s better than nothing.”

“A what?”

“Book murderer. Edges are folded. Some pages have ink stains.”

I chuckled at her description. Who came up with these things?

“This is for Lexi, right?” she asked.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Oh, Tate. You’re finally giving yourself a chance to be happy. That’s all I ever wanted—for you to take a chance and stop thinking that you shouldn’t have someone in your life until Paisley is older.”

My daughter had essentially told me she was okay with me dating, but who knew if she really would be? I had to tread carefully. I couldn’t let Paisley down again. But that didn’t mean I couldn’t spoil Lexi and make her happy. I could imagine her reaction when she got the book.

“Gran, I have to go. I’ll send someone for the book?—”

“Nonsense, I’m going to your house anyway. I’m going to give it to her.”

“Thanks.”

One hour later, Lexi sent me a picture. She was holding a book next to her face.

Damn. I’d never seen her smile like that. The pure joy on her face brought me to my knees.

Lexi: I can’t believe you got me this. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU.

Tate: You’re welcome. I like your smile.