Page 84 of The Maxwell Brothers

“If you want, I’ll fire you now, just so we’re clear.” Amusement danced in his eyes. “You’re also my girlfriend.”

Oh man.I was swooning again.

“I don’t want you to fire me. I love the job. But we probably should talk about you paying me. It doesn’t feel right if I’m your girlfriend.”

He stared at me incredulously. “You’re one of a kind. We can talk about that another time. Now, I have an idea.”

“Do tell.”

“My brother Travis announced that he’s throwing a party in two weeks.”

"Oh, I haven't met him yet. It's his birthday?”

"No. He finalized the sale of his tech startup, and he wants to celebrate 'in style,' as he calls it. I want you there, with me."

"Sure. Will there be any more kids besides Paisley? I can probably watch about six or seven."

He pressed a thumb at the corner of my mouth.

"Stop that, Lexi. You’re not going as Paisley's nanny. I want you to go there with me as my date, my woman. I told you I want everyone to know. I mean, my family knows. But I want us to go there together."

Something crept up inside me, filling me with a burst of joy. The impulse to shimmy my hips and break out in a dance right here in the store was stronger than ever.

"Together,” I repeated, then murmured, “Tate, I would love to." I couldn't deny it. My feelings for him were deepening. And with that, the chances of getting heartbroken were also growing, because I knew Tate still hadn’t healed from his divorce.

“Now, keep your hands to yourself while I help Paisley, mister.”

He grinned. “Your wish is my command.”

“Really?”

“For now.”

I raised a brow. “Oh, you have ulterior motives? Care to share? Is it part of your plan to convince me to come home with you?”

“Yes.”

“Ha! You don’t have to work too much to sell me on that. You and Paisley are there. And the not-so-secret stash of excellent chocolate too.”

CHAPTER 23

LEXI

Two weeks later,on Saturday afternoon, we arrived late to the party. Paisley wanted an intricate braid, and I fell down the YouTube rabbit hole searching for the right twist. Then she changed her outfit from a white dress to crop pants and a tee. I was wearing a simple cotton summer dress in a peach color. We also packed an overnight bag for Paisley because she was spending the night with her grandparents. One thing led to another, and then Tate had to chase us out of the house.

My phone beeped as we entered the yard. I had messages from Jenny, Ella, and Mom. I’d sent everyone a pic of me, Paisley, and Tate.

Jenny: Girl, that is a very dreamy pic.

Ella: Wow. I’m jealous.

Mom: You three look wonderful. Like a small family.

My heart tugged at that.

I’d spent a few nights at the house ever since we told Paisley we were dating, and she was starting to tell everyone I was her dad’s girlfriend, her best friend,andher roommate. It was adorable how much she’d embraced me. It made my hearthappy, but I couldn’t deny that I was still on edge whenever she talked about her first day of school, which was in two weeks.

Tate and I still hadn’t talked about what was going to happen once school started.