Page 52 of The Maxwell Brothers
Oh wow. Is that my voice? What’s wrong with me?
I tried to dampen my smile as I stepped inside.
“I’ll come in the kitchen and see if I can help,” I said.
When I entered the kitchen and greeted Beatrice and Paisley, I realized I had no clue how to act around Tate. I stole a glanceat him as I sat down in front of the plate Beatrice indicated was mine and found him looking at me.
One corner of his mouth tipped up in a smile. As he brought the coffee cup to his lips, he muttered, “I’m sorry,” darting his eyes at his brother and then at his grandmother. I took that to mean he didn’t know they would be stopping by.
I smiled to myself as I dug into my breakfast, which was an omelet today.
Midway through breakfast, I felt my skin heat up for no reason at all. I stole another glance at Tate. With a jolt, I realized he was watching me. It was as if my body was tied to him on a different level since last night. I could feel his presence and his gaze on me, even if I couldn’t see him.
Declan cleared his throat, and I realized he was looking between the two of us. Oh God, was he able to tell there was something different between us? Men could be oblivious to such details, but I didn’t know Declan well enough to know if that was the case with him too.
He wasn’t the only one watching us. Beatrice was also looking at me with a sort of knowing smile. I could practically feel her reading my thoughts. How was that even possible? I glanced back down at my plate.
“So, what brings you both here this morning?” Tate asked Declan and Beatrice. I mentally thanked him for shifting the focus.
Beatrice narrowed her eyes. “Declan told me last night that Malcolm is suing for the right to use my building.”
Tate stared at Declan, who held up his hands in defense.
“You try lying to Gran’s face when she asks you point-blank what’s going on.”
She shook her head. “You two are acting silly. I spoke to Reese. I guess you forgot to warn her to keep it a secret from me.”
Tate groaned. “I didn’texplicitlywarn her.”
“Tate, I don’t appreciate being kept in the dark.”
“Gran, we’re taking care of it,” Tate said in a strong voice. He sounded so reassuring, like nothing could happen if he were in charge.
“Oh, I’m not worried,” Beatrice said. “With Declan representing me, I know this will go away.”
“It will,” Declan said in a voice that was as strong as Tate’s. “We’re not going to let anyone get away with anything or harm you. Or Reese.” His voice was cold now. It also had a menacing note, and I was hoping that whoever was causing trouble for them was cowering in their boots. They deserved it. I couldn’t deny I was melting a bit, seeing how both of them were so protective of their grandmother.
“That isn’t what this is about. It’s about how disappointed I am that you two didn’t tell me anything. Is this what you were so secretive about at the cookout?”
“Yes,” Tate admitted.
Beatrice pressed her lips together. “I don’t want this type of treatment from either of you ever again. Understood?”
Both Tate and Declan nodded. I barely held back laughter. These two were used to always getting their way, yet they now looked thoroughly schooled.
Paisley seemed to pick up on the same vibe I did, because the corners of her mouth tipped up in a smile.
“Good,” Beatrice said. “Now, I’ll just spend some time with my lovely great-granddaughter while the two of you sort it out.”
“Are you hanging out with us the whole day?” I asked.
“Yes. Gran’s staying with us, and next weekend I’m staying with her.”
“That’s right,” Beatrice said. The two of them looked a bit guilty, and I was sure Paisley would be spoiled nonstop while she was at her great-grandma’s.
“That’s awesome. Paisley, you still want us to go on a picnic today?” I asked, and she nodded vigorously. “All right, then. I’m going to go prepare the backpack we’ll take with us.” It was a perfect excuse, as I didn’t want to intrude on their family time any longer. “Thank you for breakfast, Tate.”
“My pleasure,” he answered, and I swear my lady bits tingled at the sound of his sexy voice. Was there a double entendre there, or was my imagination out of control? I couldn’t tell. I’d barely been able to keep my thoughts straight around him before I had those sexy hands on me and his body over mine, but now it was downright impossible.
