Page 118 of The Maxwell Brothers
He could convince me of anything when he looked at me like that… even of helping me with my parents’ bills. One week ago, they got yet another huge bill that caused all three of us to hyperventilate. Tate immediately offered his assistance, and he did an excellent job of convincing me. Before meeting him, I’d never in a million years agree to this, but I trusted Tate with all I had. He was my soul mate.
He stepped closer to me, catching my wrist and kissing the back of my hand.
“Why not? Afraid you can’t resist me?”
I scoffed. “Please. I’m very good at ignoring these sexy vibes you’re giving off.”
“We can test that theory anytime. Like right now.” His voice was dangerously seductive and delicious. He reached for my waist, but I scooted back before he could touch me.
I was lying, of course.
I was shit at ignoring the super-sexy vibes. Ever since Paisley left yesterday, the looks he’d been giving me grew progressively more shameless. I was so on edge that one innocent touch might make my panties go up in flames.
“Nope. We can’t be late,” I admonished. “Tyler is waiting, remember?”
“I can’t believe you’re even more involved in Operation Cheer Up Tyler than I am.”
“Hey, I have skills. It would be a shame not to use them.”
“True.” With a groan, Tate stepped back, opening the front door. “Let’s go before I lose my head completely.”
Pride surged inside me. Ilovedhaving that effect on him, and I planned to use it thoroughly once we were back, but now we were on a mission.
We drove Tyler to meet the coordinator of a volunteering program that his team’s management wanted him to participate in. Tyler was still benched due to his injury and suspended because of the fight, but he was still hopeful to make a comeback this season. After all, they hadn’tfiredhim. All because of Malcolm.
At least he got his due. The Halsey Group kicked him out. He also filed for bankruptcy, because it turned out he’d invested his personal money in the business too.
As Reese put it, this wasnotTyler’s year. Tate was right, though. Every Maxwell had their strengths, and they came in handy now that Tyler needed them. Declan was fiercely watching out for Tyler, doing it in the typical way he showed he cared about everyone: by employing tough love. But Declan’s relentlessness was what won the lawsuit and kept Beatrice’s building safe.
Luke kept telling Tyler he could always employ him as a poster boy for his company.
Travis was throwing party after party to celebrate the sale of his company, and Tyler was the guest of honor at every one of them. According to Tate, he threw them more for Tyler’s benefit.
Sam, who’d requested a short leave from his Doctors Without Borders placement, was barhopping with him whenever he had free time, much to Declan’s chagrin, who insisted Tyler should keep a low profile. Reese was coordinating everyone’s efforts, and Kimberlytriedto appease Declan. She wasn’t very successful, though. Everyone agreed that Tyler’s reputation was important, but so was his happiness, which took precedence. Sofar, the odds were 7 to 1, and I doubted they’d change anytime soon.
Tyler was waiting for us in front of the building. Tate stopped the car right in front of him.
"I don't need babysitting," he said the second he was in the car, "but I do appreciate the company. In fact, I think I'll be sick more often. Every Maxwell seems to find a reason to bring me food or booze, or just spend time with me," he said in a lighthearted tone.
I liked how they stuck together. They were there for each other to celebrate the good times, but also to get through the bad times, and I knew that even though Tyler was putting on a brave face, this wasn't easy for him.
The goal was simple. We had to spend time with him so he wouldn't be so painfully aware of how much free time he had without daily training and games and meeting with sponsors. So far, it wasn't going too bad, but it was only three weeks into the new season.
"How is Blair?" I asked as the car lurched forward.
I caught his grimace in the rearview mirror and instantly realized something had to be wrong. Tate and I exchanged a glance, and I half turned, looking straight at Tyler in the back.
"Blair decided I'm not famous enough for her anymore."
"What?" Tate sputtered.
"Yeah. When it became obvious that I would sit out for the whole season and some of my sponsors stepped back, she realized life with me would be boring, I guess. Hey, her loss, because I'm pretty damn amazing," he said with a lazy smile.
I looked him straight in the eyes. He said all that with humor, but I knew it stung even someone like Tyler, who was perpetually in a good mood and laid-back and happy.
He avoided eye contact, confirming my fears.Oh, heavens.I was going to text Reese after dropping him off, because it wasobvious we had to double our efforts. I was so mad at Blair. Who did something like that?
“So, what exactly will you do in this volunteer program?”
