Page 72 of The Maxwell Brothers

"I watched Dad work all his life at a job he didn't like," he replied as we resumed our walk. "It took a toll on him, and this was his escape. He spent most of his free time working the vineyard and with us. Now he and Mom are retired, so they have time for other hobbies too. I hope I’m making him proud.”

My heart gave a mighty sigh. How was this guy even real? The way he treated those around him was something I hadn't seen in anyone else. Looking over his shoulder, he winked at me before kissing my hand. Heat spread through me from the point where his lips touched my skin.

The air was so different here than in Chicago. It was even hotter and more humid.

I checked my phone quickly as we started walking. I’d messaged back and forth with my parents today after they sent me a huge heart emoji—they’d gotten my wire transfer from my latest paycheck. It made me immensely happy that I could help them out.

“I’m sure you are. Did your gran also live with you?”

“Not officially, but she was here a lot when my parents were at work. I learned from them the importance of discipline and grit. They both gave their best to their jobs and to all of us all the time. We had a happy childhood."

There was something in his tone I couldn't quite pinpoint. It was melancholy and something else, perhaps sadness that he wasn't giving Paisley the same. I really hoped he didn’t think that, because Paisley was such a happy child.

I had a few kids in my class who didn’t have happy home lives. It broke my heart whenever they shared that with me. Sometimes they didn’t outright say it, but I could tell they were missing affection by the way they always sought out hugs.

With a jolt, I remembered that school was starting in a month, both for me and Paisley. What would happen then?

“How come none of your brothers are involved in the wine business? Or were they involved in the book business before?”

“No, my parents also encouraged us all to pursue our passions. I think it was because they felt like they couldn’t pursue theirs. We all had different interests. Declan was already in law school when they sold the company. Tyler always knew he wanted to play pro hockey. I was the only one with the wine bug. How about your parents?”

“Dad was a carpenter and Mom a teacher, like me. I always wanted to be like her. I liked that she had time in the summer for me, although she did take some odd jobs. A lot of teachersdo. Sometimes it’s just random work that has nothing to do with teaching or children. This job is a godsend. I’m so happy I found it. No clue how I would’ve helped my parents otherwise. Camp jobs don’t pay as well.”

He stopped walking, and I looked up at him questioningly. The look in his eyes was so intense that it startled me. He came closer, putting both my hands on his chest.

"Lexi, anything you need, tell me."

"What? What do you mean?" I asked.

"If your parents need more care, I want to know. I want to help."

My heart thundered in my chest. “Why?”

“Because I care about you, Lexi. You’re important to me. I want you to be happy. I’ll do anything to make that happen, understood?”

"Thank you," I murmured, too emotional to add anything else. Obviously, I could never do that. Our relationship wasn’t at the level where I’d feel comfortable asking for financial help or anything. Honestly, I didn’t think I could ever do that, no matter what. It wasn’t the Langley way.

Tate was still trapping me with his gaze. Could he tell how much his offer meant to me? Regardless if I’d ever take him up on it, my heart was about to burst with happiness at the thought.

A suspicious sound caught my attention. My heart jumped to my throat. I glanced behind me, inspecting the grass.

“What’s wrong?” Tate asked.

“Umm… are there snakes here? I heard something that sounded like slithering.”

He laughed, kissing my cheek. "I'll protect you from them."

"Oh my God. That's a yes." I instinctively moved closer and slammed into him. He didn't lose his balance, though. He was rock solid and put a hand on my waist, slipping it down until it was right on my hip.

I glanced down and back at him, chuckling. "That's supposed to protect me?"

"Hell yes. You see a snake, I'll lift you into my arms."

"Hmm. I can't decide if you touching me will distract you or make you react faster."

He leaned into me, brushing his lips to my cheek, sending another wave of heat through me. "I guess we'll find out."

Tate