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“Lovely smile,” he says.

“Baxter,” I say through clenched teeth. “Get. Out.”

“Can I take Miss Lowe with me?”

“Not in your life. Never.”

“Whoa… So defensive.” He still holds her hand. “I’m getting the impression”—he glances at the folder on the desk—“that Miss Lowe has been offered a job here. Shouldn’t I get to know the woman I’d be working alongside?”

“No need for that. You’re not going to see her.”

“I see her now though.” He looks down at her. “And I like what I see.”

I look away to avoid Maddie’s inevitable blush. He always makes the ladies blush. He relies heavily on his charms and convinces every woman within his immediate vicinity to swoon at him. Every woman is fair game, except taken women—girlfriends and wives.

Girlfriends and wives.

My mind churns.

My gaze shoots up, going between Maddie and Baxter. They aren’t touching anymore, but he still has her spellbound. What they’re talking about, I have no idea.

I cut in anyway. “Maddie is my girlfriend.”

“Excuse me?” Maddie says at the same time Baxter’s brows shoot up.

“Oh? I had no idea you were seeing someone.”

Maddie starts to speak.

“Maddie. Honey.”

Her gaze whips to my face, confusion playing across her features.

“Let’s not argue in front of Baxter, okay? I knew you wanted to keep it private for a while, but what’s the harm? He’s my brother.” I sound patronizing, unlike myself. But it’s working. She’s realizing she needs to play along.

“Alright, babe.” She blesses me with a big smile.

So this is what Baxter was enjoying just moments ago?

I look back at him. “So, what do you want? Nothing? Great. Leave.”

“No, no, no.” Baxter’s frown morphs into a grin.

I hate what’s coming already.

“How do you get a girlfriend and not let everyone know? Bring her to dinner this Sunday so she meets the family.”

There’s alarm written on Maddie’s face. Even I feel my stomach clench.

“No.”

“No?” He lifts a challenging eyebrow. “If you don’t bring her, then she’s not your girlfriend and you’re a scared little—”

“Fine,” I bite out. “We’re coming to dinner.”

Baxter grins. “I look forward to seeing you. Miss Lowe.” He tips his head and heads out with a jaunty step after he’s just caused so much damage.

The punk.