Page 36 of The Maxwell Brothers
“Well, clearly I can’t keep myself from flirting. You want to protect Paisley, and I totally understand that, and I’m a bit mad at myself because I stepped over my personal code of conduct, which is all the more proof that you’re irresistible. And now I’m full-on rambling. And then you showed up with food, and… I mean, am I dreaming?”
I looked up at him because he was suspiciously silent. To my astonishment, amusement danced in his eyes.
“You’re fucking adorable,” he said.
“Because I’m rambling?”
“You just are.” He tucked the blanket under my chin, resting his hand on my shoulder. I liked feeling his warm hand over me.
“What did you and Paisley do today?”
“We went to one of the vineyards and walked around checking the grapes. Nora also wrote to tell me that she might not be able to take Paisley on the vacation she promised this fall.”
“Oh no. How did Paisley take it?”
“In stride.”
I could feel him putting up walls around himself. I couldn’t explain how, but I felt it. But then a smile inched over his features, as if he was inwardly laughing at a private joke. “Paisley and I actually talked about me dating this evening. She saysshecan find me anicelady.”
“That does sound like her.” I frowned, not understanding where he was going with this. My heart rate intensified. “So what are you saying?” I whispered.
He cleared his throat, looking straight at me and bringing his fingers under my chin again. “I don’t want you to worry about anything. Take extra days off to get back on your feet. Tomorrow is the Fourth of July anyway, so stay home and relax. I’m taking care of you, and then we’ll see.”
“Tate…”
“Lexi…”
“You don’t have to take care of me.”
“But I want to. And I will. No discussion.”
I rolled my eyes. “Well, okay, then, Mr. Alpha.”
The next morning, I wondered if I dreamed that Tate was here last evening, being all swoon-worthy and stocking my fridge. I already felt better. The pain had dulled a bit, but my eyes still watered if I moved my head too briskly. The doctor said earinfections can affect the nose and eyes too, and I was definitely feeling it.
I went to the kitchen and opened the fridge to check if I had any yogurt. I gasped, seeing the containers of food.
Oh wow. I hadn’t imagined it! Tate really had been here.
I pressed a hand to my chest, smiling. The man was definitely something else.
Taking out my phone, I texted him.
Lexi: Thanks again for the food. I actually thought I imagined your visit last night.
Tate: Feeling better?
Lexi: A bit, yeah. I’m thinking of having a smoothie… but it’s green.
Tate: ???????
Lexi: I’m wary of green drinks.
He responded after a few seconds.
Tate: I’ve only ever heard Paisley say stuff like that.
Lexi: Probably why I like kids so much. How is she doing?
