Page 66 of The Maxwell Brothers

“Because the lawsuit against Gran and Reese is escalating. The owners of the adjacent building are also suing.”

“Oh no. Beatrice didn’t say anything.”

“She doesn’t know about this recent development. Neither does Reese.”

She pressed her lips together. “Did you learn nothing from keeping things from Beatrice?”

“We’re gonna tell them… eventually. Anyway, both Luke and Declan were giving me shit about leaving the office earlier.”

She wiggled her eyebrows. "I'll try to lure you out of your cave more often, then."

"Cave?"

"Yep. You're a Neanderthal, and the office is your cave. I just realized that."

"I'll show you how much of a Neanderthal I am."

She bit her lower lip, driving me crazy. I had been dying to kiss her ever since I got here, and now I couldn't help myself anymore. With my last drop of self-restraint, I took her hand, drawing her out of the line. I felt more relaxed just because I was here with her. Nothing about the lawsuit was moving forward, but I felt carefree right now.

She giggled. "Where are we going? What are you doing?"

I didn't say anything, just grunted, keeping her hand firmly in mine as we rounded the back of the hut. It was empty, as I was hoping it would be. Without any warning, I turned her around, pinning her against a wall. "I want to kiss you. I've wanted to do it ever since I saw you this morning. I thought about it all day. Now I can't help myself anymore."

"Then do it," she whispered.

I claimed her mouth the next second, kissing her hard and deep, keeping my hands on her waist and pressing her hips against me, wanting her to feel exactly what she did to me. She made me lose control, and I wasn't used to it. It was something I used to hate, but with her, I couldn't help myself, and I wasn't sure I wanted to.

I deepened the kiss, skimming a hand up the side of her torso and touching her breasts. A groan tore from my chest as I realized she wasn't wearing a bra. She was going to be the end of me. I knew it.

I brought my hand over her nipple. I could barely feel it through the fabric, but I moved my thumb in small circles, knowing it would earn a reaction. I was growing more desperate for her the longer I kissed her, and I wanted her to be just as hungry for me.

When I felt her nipple turn to a hard nub, I groaned, rocking my hips into her.

With a gasp, she pulled back, breathing hard. The contour of her mouth was red. Her eyes were wide. "Oh my God," she whispered. "How can you kiss me so shamelessly?"

"I can't kiss you any other way."

"I'm starting to gather that. But I’m a teacher, Mr. Maxwell. I’m used to being on my best behavior when I’m in public.” Her tone was sassy, but she looked around nervously. She was goddamn adorable. She seemed to relax when she realized we really were hidden from view.

"You're not wearing a bra," I said. “And yes, I know one thing has nothing to do with the other. But it’s all I can think of.”

"Well, no. I had a bathing suit on earlier but changed out of it. The dress has some cups that are sewn inside them. Nothing should be visible." She glanced down at herself, and when she looked up, her blush intensified. "Unless, of course, someone turns me on."

"Not someone," I growled. “Me. Only me. Lexi, you're mine. You’re in my thoughts all the time. And I want to be in yours.”

Her lips parted. I cupped her face, moving my thumb across the red skin around her lips. We hadn't defined this thing between us. It went past pure physical need. I didn't know how to describe it, but I knew I needed more than stolen kisses hereand there and half nights spent together. I knew that with the surety I knew my name was Tate Maxwell. I wanted her just for me for a couple days.

"Let's go somewhere the weekend when Paisley's at Gran's," I said.

Her body went rigid.

Fuck.

“Where?" she mumbled.

Is she buying time to say no?Maybe she didn’t want more than this.

"I want to show you the vineyard where I grew up." I felt her soften under my touch, and some of the tension left my shoulders, but I wouldn't relax until she said yes. "Friday to Sunday," I said and could hear my pulse thrum in my ears, the thumping of my heart against my rib cage. I'd never felt anything like this.