Page 231 of The Maxwell Brothers
Travis came to the kitchen island, taking a screwdriver out of the toolbox. Glancing out the window above the sink, he pointed at the guest house. It was obviously a much later addition, because it looked nothing like the original house.
"How long is your neighbor’s contract?" Travis asked.
“One year left to go,” Declan replied in a clipped tone.
“How is he?” Travis asked.
“She,” he practically growled.
I glanced at Tyler, who bit back a smile. “How is she?”
“A damn nightmare. I’ve been sleeping here the past three nights. She listens to music late in the night, and—” He stopped abruptly without even finishing his sentence.
I put the last glass in the cabinet, turning around.
“And what?” I nudged, feeling like he wasn’t being entirely truthful.
“And nothing.”
Travis patted his shoulder. "I bet she’ll move out in three months. You're a terrible roommate. You know how we know? We grew up with you," he said.
Declan cocked a brow. "She’s not my roommate. Just lives in the guest house on my property."
"I feel sorry for her." Travis feigned a shudder, glancing out the window again. “Is that her? She’s smoking hot. And she’s coming this way.”
"Behave!" Declan said with a meaningful glance at all his brothers.
Travis held his hands up. "Sure, don't worry on my behalf."
Luke looked up from the box he was unpacking. "You can worry for me. I don't plan to behave at all. Where’s the fun in that?"
“Stay here,” Declan said, heading to the front door. He opened it one second before the doorbell rang.
“Wow, she’s beautiful,” Lexi exclaimed.
A gorgeous blonde stood in front of the door. She looked like a supermodel, wearing dark blue jeans and heels that made her legs look endless below a thick black sweater with a V-cut that fit her perfectly. She was shivering too, but that was to be expected. It was a sunny spring day, but it was still cold.
She was holding a piece of paper in her right hand, dangling it in front of Declan.
“Declan Maxwell, are you serious?”
“I told you to turn down the music.”
“It’s how I unwind, okay? You should try it sometime. Might take that stick out of your ass.”
At my side, Tyler made a strange choking sound. He was trying to repress laughter. I elbowed him lightly.
Luke grinned. Travis looked like he was about to explode with guffaws.
“Boys, behave,” I whispered.
Luke rubbed his palms together. “No chance. This is gold.Gold.”
I was the only one who made an effort to pretend like I was minding my own business as Declan headed back to us, dusting off a cabinet before putting in plates. I hopped on the counter, propping my knees wide apart as I reached into the upper shelf. Seconds later, Tyler was by my side, planting his hands firmly on my outer thighs.
“Babe, are you trying to give me a heart attack?” he asked.
“Not at all. I want to be useful.” In a lower octave, I added, “And pretend I didn’t eavesdrop on the entire conversation.”
