Page 305 of The Maxwell Brothers
“Because Richard literally texted mejustnow saying I don’t need to come in anymore.”
"That's good, babe. Means you have time to be with me." I winked.
She smiled, then said, "Yeah, I honestly thought they wouldn’t find replacements till next week, so I didn't plan ondoing anything at the bakery today and tomorrow, but this opens up a world of opportunities. I can start by cleaning."
I had another idea. I was certain she’d throw herself into the bakery with all she had, and I was proud of her. But I wanted to spoil her first.
Liz
"Whoa, whoa, whoa," Declan said. We were in his gorgeous living room. I was sitting cross-legged on the couch, and he’d been leaning against the table but now rose and strode my way.
He sat down in front of me and put both hands on my shoulders, "I have a proposition for you."
"Okay."
"Let's take today off. You said you have no shifts today and tomorrow, right?"
"Right," I said slowly, "but you’re not free."
"I'll make time. I don't have court. I can move everything else around. You're going to have a very intense period ahead of you. It’s good to take a break first and recharge.”
"I never thought about taking a break at this point," I confessed, though maybe he was right. I could use some downtime to regroup.
He moved in closer, wiggling his eyebrows. "I bet I can talk you into it."
I smiled from ear to ear. "You don't have to work too hard. Seeing all this sexiness and these muscles that go on for days, and not to mention that smile, is making my heart sigh. You cantalk me into anything. But first thing first, I want to drop by Helen's today. I haven't seen her in a while."
"Sure. I'd like to go with you, unless you think Helen would mind."
"Mind? I don't think she would. She loves visitors. That's awesome. I can't wait to tell her I've signed the lease."
“Perfect.”
“What are we doing afterward?” I asked, truly and honestly excited.
“Let’s get out of the city.”
I had been burning the midnight oil for so long that the mere idea of a day off was giving me life.
"I don't want to go too far away," I told him. "And I need somewhere that will inspire me, because I want to come up with new recipes. I have a book full of them already, but you know, it never hurts to have inspiration."
He narrowed his eyes, looking out the window. "We could go to Milwaukee. They’ve got a few German bakeries."
"We could do that. It's not that far away."
"Then it's decided. I’ll text my assistant on the way to Helen’s to tell her I’m taking the day off.”
Guilt slammed into me. He really shouldn’t be away from work just for me.
"Declan, I don't want you to get behind on what you need to be doing."
“Babe, it’ll be completely worth it." Leaning in, he brushed his lips against mine.
My body was alive with excitement. He was making space for me in his life.
I felt a bit humbled, to be honest. It wasn't something I'd expected.
He pulled back, brushing his thumb over my lower lip before kissing my forehead.
