Page 241 of The Maxwell Brothers
“It’s protected."
"You should still let it rest."
I shrugged. "No can do. No rest for the wicked."
He smiled at me, and I swear to God, my lady bits danced with joy. I had never seen him smile in the week he'd lived here, and now he was sexy in a different way. I couldn't explain it. He was human and approachable and real, not just this sexy god with a temper from hell.
"I like your energy," he said.
"Really? I didn't get that impression any of the times you came to my door."
His smile faded.
That was a short-lived miracle.
“That's because it's in the middle of the night."
"It’s when I come back from my bartending shift, and I can’t go straight to bed because I'm usually too worked up."
He sighed. "Let's not go through this right now."
"Am I earning some mercy points because of the burn?" I batted my eyelashes—no clue why I did that.
"And because you have to go to work."
"Why, thank you. I’ll mark this day on the calendar. I don't think I'll ever encounter it again."
"Are you sure you can’t call in sick?" he asked.
His protective behavior was strangely endearing, probably because I didn't expect it. I hadn't been on the receiving end of this kind of concern since I was a teenager, still living with my parents. God knew my ex had zero protective instincts. The minute I faced difficulties, he bolted out of my life.
"Most employers allow for days off in case of sickness," he continued.
Oh my God. I couldn't believe he was still on my case about that. Then again, he was a lawyer. I was starting to see a completely different side to my neighbor.
"I know, but it's not going to earn me points."
"To take off when you’re sick?"
"Yeah. Some think you fake it. Anyway, it's not so bad. Thank you so much for taking care of my burn. And being civil," I teased. "I'm going to show myself out."
"I'll walk you out. I’m going jogging anyway," he said, coming with me to the front door. We were walking side by side. He towered over me by a lot, the top of my head reaching just below his neck.Stop analyzing the hot guy, Liz. Focus on the house or something instead.
That’s right. The house.
I wanted to memorize details. I had the strangest need to take off my shoes and check if the floors were truly as soft as they looked. This house was incredible. Helen would love to see what he’d done. I visited her regularly. Before I went next time, I’d ask Declan if I could take a few pictures to show them to her. Helen had been worried he would make her home unrecognizable and that what she called “the soul of the house” would be lost.
He opened the door like a perfect gentleman, and I looked up to thank him. The eye contact rooted me to the spot. His blue eyes were a bit darker than before. The air between us charged. I could instantly feel the shift.
Could he?
I cleared my throat, trying to regain my wits. “Thanks a lot for today.”
“You’re welcome.” He paused, then said, “Liz… stay home.”
Holy hell.His voice wasn’t just sexy now but dominant. It was different from his arguing voice. That one made me want to smack him. Now, I kind of wanted to pull him closer to me.
“Does this work for you, usually?” I murmured.
