Page 67 of The Maxwell Brothers
"Okay," she whispered, and relief washed over me like my bones were turning liquid. "But on one condition, Mr. Workaholic."
"What?"
"We leave Friday while it's still sunny outside so we can enjoy that afternoon too. So, something like three o’clock?"
There was a delicious challenge in her voice.
“I see. So, first you corrupt me to leave the office at four thirty, and now three?”
She held up a finger. “First, you’re the one who decided to leave today. I didn’t even suggest it.” Bringing the finger to her temple, she tapped her head. “But I’d hoped you would. I probably sent you vacation vibes. And as to corrupting you to leave at three, yes—yes, I am. I get you for a weekend, so I want it to last as long as possible. Whatcha gonna do about it?”
“I’ll tell you what I’ll do.” I tipped my head closer, and she widened her eyes before quickly looking to her right and then the left as if thinking I’d kiss her again. She wasn’t far off.
“I’m gonna fulfill that condition. And when we get there, I’m going to lay outmyconditions.”
“Oh, sneaky. First you get me there,thenyou share them with me.” Her lips spread in a smile that lit up her face. “We’re going to have so much fun.”
CHAPTER 19
TATE
Patience wasn’tmy strongest suit, but waiting for the week to pass was testing me in ways I hadn’t experienced before. For the first time since I started Maxwell Wineries, I couldn’t wait for the week to be over.
At lunch on Friday, my brothers strode inside my office. Declan came first, followed by Tyler and Luke.
"So, since you're off the hook this weekend, are we going out on the town?" Tyler asked. That was usually what we did when Paisley was with Gran or my parents. "It’s off-season," Tyler went on, "so I've got a lot of time, and I’m still in a celebratory mood. Man, winning the Stanley Cup never gets old.”
I hadn't told my brothers my plan to go away with Lexi, but this was the right time to do it. I couldn't wait to see their reactions. "I'm going away for the weekend."
Declan cocked a brow. Tyler jerked his head back. Luke frowned as if he wasn't understanding.
"You mean for a break?" Luke asked.
"Yes. With Lexi."
"Where are you going?"
"The vineyard," I replied smoothly. Mom and Dad lived in the city, and we all used the vineyard as a vacation home.
My brothers weren't just stunned now. They were downright shocked. Declan opened his mouth and closed it again. I'd never seen him speechless, and that was saying something. As a lawyer, he always had a reply for everything.
Tyler narrowed his eyes. "Wait, so he took off one afternoon," he said slowly, counting on one finger.
Declan turned to him. "After blowing Luke and me off, I want to point out."
So, he'd found his voice again.
Luke was glancing around with a grin. "No one's jumping to conclusions? No? Just me?"
Tyler grinned. “Oh, I’m not just jumping to conclusions. I’m diving headfirst. Anyone want to hear my theories?”
I groaned, standing up. "I don't have time for this. I have to pick up Lexi."
Declan whistled. "Yeah, you do have time. You don't want to hear us."
I shook my head, announcing, "I'm leaving now. I'll see you all on Monday."
As I drove to Lexi's, I mulled over everything. Nothing else had changed, yet I was in a better mood than ever before.
