Page 52 of Adoration: Isn't What It Seems (Love Isn't What It Seems 2)

He glanced around at everyone as if noticing them for the first time. I was aware of everyone watching us, and I’d have tons of explaining to do. But right now, nobody mattered but Brandon.

“Hello,” he greeted them all. “Hello, Mr. Alexander.”

“Hello, Brandon.” Alexander smiled gently at him.

Brandon watched him pensively, his face still wet from his years. “Livy said you annoy her and she doesn’t like you anymore,” Brandon’s comment made me almost choke on the air I was breathing.

I followed my little ward’s gaze and it landed on Alexander. I would have to watch what I said in front of Brandon from now on.

To his credit, Alexander had a little quirk of a smile playing around his lips. Maxim, on the other hand, was trying not to bust out laughing.

“It’s not that I don’t like him,” I muttered, trying to get myself out of the uncomfortable situation fast. “I don’t agree with him all the time.”

“But you told Layla that you are going to kill him,” he repeated my words from last night. Maxim couldn’t hold it in anymore and his baritone laugh echoed in the office. “Because he has a date, and you don’t.”

“Okay, buddy,” I took a deep breath, avoiding Alexander’s eyes.How uncomfortable!“That was a joke, a bad joke. But I think you are better now. Yes?”

He nodded his head, his eyes still studying two men.

“Ok, how about some hot chocolate?” I asked and he nodded eagerly. “You can sit at my table, and enjoy some hot chocolate. I’ll come back when I finish up and then we’ll go grab dinner. Just you and me?”

“Like a date?” His smile was contagious.

“Just like a date,” I told him. “Except I’ll pay.”

He nodded. “When I get bigger, I’ll pay.”

“You got it, buddy,” I stated. “I can’t wait.”

I stood up, but as I was getting ready to open my mouth, Janet jumped in. “Can I show him the snack machine and make him hot chocolate? I’ll be sure to have him at your desk and keep an eye on him until you are ready?”

I looked down to my little boy. “Are you ok to go with Miss Janet? Or do you want me to take you?”

“Will you be done faster if I go with her?” My bright little man. I nodded and he smiled. “Yes, I’ll go with her.”

He went to leave and then ran back to me, giving me a big hug. “I love you, Livy.”

Gosh, he will get me all choked up and I won’t be able to keep myself together with Alexander and Maxim.

“I love you more,” I ruffled his hair that was in dire need of a haircut. “Now, go.”

As both of them left, with one more backward glance from Brandon, the door shut behind them.

Ah, shit. Now what?

I took a deep breath and slowly turned to face the two men. They both stared at me, Maxim with a twinkling gleam in his eyes, and Alexander with something I couldn’t quite figure out. Was he angry, amused, or just simply aloof… hell if I knew.

I took one more breath. What do I say? Maybe I should apologize?

I opened my mouth to force the apology out, when Maxim cut me off. “How in the hell did you end up with the kid?”

I pushed my hand through my dark hair.

“Trust me,” I mumbled. “Some nights, I wonder about that myself.”

“Isn’t he the son of your sister we met at the restaurant?” Maxim’s question made me realize Alexander didn’t share much with his brother.

I often wondered if Alexander filled Maxim in after the funeral. Apparently he did not. They both watched me, probably for different reasons, and I knew they were waiting for an answer.

---