16. Liz #2
"Maxwell?" Jack repeated, glancing at me and then him.
"Jack already explained everything to Liz, but I can go through it again,” Andreas said.
"Liz, give me the CliffsNotes. Are you happy?" Declan asked.
"Yes. I want to buy the furniture and the appliances as long as they’re in working order. But we were talking about the price," I said. “It’s a little more than I budgeted for.”
“All the costs are broken down in the contract. You can look in the contract and verify it all," Jack said.
"I will,” I said.
"And so will I," Declan added. "I'm a lawyer and am very familiar with lease contracts."
Jack’s eyes definitely looked bigger, and Andreas was staring at Declan as if he wanted the earth to swallow him whole. My sexy lawyer was coming on too strong, but guess who liked it?
Yep, this girl here.
I liked the fact that Declan came to meet me here and that I could count on him. No one besides my family ever gave me that feeling, that support, and now this gorgeous man was making me swoon in ways I didn't even think was possible.
"I’ll let you know," I told both Andreas and Jack, and then Declan and I stepped back out onto the street. I quickly texted Richard, telling him I was available now just in case he’d changed his mind and needed me.
He replied right away.
Richard: No. See you tomorrow.
At least I wasn’t fired, so that was a good thing. I was going to wait until I knew for sure I would lease this space before handing in my two weeks’ notice. I focused on Declan and noticed his wheels were turning.
"What was that, Mr. 'Oh, I'm a lawyer. Oh, I'm Declan Maxwell'?" I asked in a teasing tone. Because I was totally into it all.
"I like to lead with the Maxwell name when I want people to instantly pay attention."
"Oh, they were paying attention when you entered the shop with all your swagger and expensive suit, don't worry."
"And second of all, when I mention I'm a lawyer, that usually sends people a clear signal that they shouldn't mess with you." Declan looked at me, giving me his sexy stare.
Sigh.
"Yeah. I think they got that message too. To me, it sent a different one."
He cocked a brow. How can he even look handsome doing that?
"And what was that?"
"Sexy vibes." Power and sex appeal were a deadly combination, and Declan had both in spades. "I liked you back there, playing the bad cop.”
I left out the part where it made me feel safe and appreciated. Somehow it felt like I would be baring too much of myself if I shared that.
"Do you like the place?" he asked as we walked toward Millennium Park.
"I do, honestly. That's the best one that's on the market. It's exactly what I need, and these spots don't come up too often. But I also don't want to compromise on the price."
"You shouldn't. You researched it and did your homework, and I bet the others who’ll see this spot did too."
"I think so too. Besides, I want to buy everything inside, and I think that will sway things in my favor."
"You know what? It wouldn't be a bad idea to call Luke."
"Your brother?" I asked.
"Yeah. He's an architect, but he works with construction companies and also with inspectors. Someone should take a look at this place, make sure there are no money pits."
"Like what?"
He put an arm on my shoulder, and I melted against him. God, his touch was so exciting and familiar at the same time. I felt like I was smiling from ear to ear just because we were walking down the street in a half hug.
"I don't know. Faulty pumps, things like that. That happened to Tyler's fiancée, Kendra. She bought a house, and the previous owners had installed a faulty sump pump. There was water damage after a heavy rain."
"But this isn't the same," I countered. "I mean, he's still the owner. I’m just leasing the space. It would be on him to repair stuff if something like that happened."
"Sure. But trust me, landlords can try to wiggle their way out of difficult situations or at least make things very uncomfortable for you. It would make me feel much better if you'd let me call Luke."
"Let you? Are you asking for my permission?" I taunted.
"No, I'm not."
"You want to up and call him?"
"Yeah. He'll be glad to do it. Luke's had a soft spot for you ever since I told him you were keeping me up all night."
I burst out laughing. "Oh, I like Luke."
Declan cocked a brow.
I elbowed his ribs. "I like you more. I sleep with you, and you're very likable."
"Likable.” He looked stunned. “That's the lowest form of a compliment you can give someone. It’s a non-compliment."
“Did you not just hear me when I said you were giving off sexy vibes earlier?" I questioned.
Declan pulled me closer, touching the point beneath my earlobe with the tip of his nose. I shivered as his breath brushed across my neck.
"Yes, I did. Now let me call my brother before I forget.
" Straightening up, he took out his phone and dialed a number before bringing the phone to his ear.
"Hello, brother. I got a favor to ask. Yes, you can hold it over my head.
My girl here is looking to rent a space, and I want you to make sure there are no hidden issues. "
“My girl”? I like the sound of that.
"Let's make it happen as soon as possible."
Luke said something I couldn’t hear, and Declan nodded. " Keep me posted."
"What did he say?" I asked as he disconnected.
"He wants to bring an inspector, just to be sure, and will try to make it happen tomorrow."
"I didn’t expect him to be able to do it so quickly."
"He always makes time for family."
His phone rang before he put it away. He looked at it and frowned. "That's my assistant. I told her not to call me."
"Then it must be important," I said.
"Yeah," he replied, putting the phone to his ear. "Hey," he answered. I couldn't hear what the person on the other end said, but Declan's eyes went cold, the set of his mouth tight and grim.
"Served," he said through gritted teeth. "Make sure it's my name and not Reese’s. Scan everything and email it to me. I want to look at it right now. Thanks."
He disconnected the call and pocketed his phone. He didn't say anything. We walked in silence. I could feel his body tense up.
"What happened?” I finally asked. “I can't stand it anymore."
"Remember I told you about my cousin's ex?"
"Yeah."
"He's suing me."
I gasped. "For what?"
"I don't know. My assistant is going to email me the files. I knew this might happen, because he hired an asshole of a lawyer to represent him."
"Crap. I'm sorry. This sucks," I said.
"I'll deal with it," he said with such confidence that it amazed me. This was a roadblock, but he didn't seem worried.
"Wait, I don't understand. Why are you so wound up if you know you'll handle it?"
"Because it'll bring him front and center in Reese's life again, and I thought he was out of it for good. She doesn't need a reminder that this jackass still exists."
Oh, wow. Declan Maxwell: fierce lawyer, amazing lover, and protector. He was truly something different. They didn’t make guys like him anymore. How refreshing… and special.
"You told her to email you the document," I said. "That means you’re not going to the office, right?"
"No. I’m going home.”
“I have an idea.”
"I'm all ears." He was still very serious, clearly thinking about the lawsuit.
"Why don't we go home and bake?"
"What?"
"I find baking relaxing."
"I have no clue how to do it."
"I'll show you." I glanced up at him and continued, "You have to focus on specific measurements and steps, and you don't have time to think about any annoying stuff.”
“Aren't you going to your shift at the bar?"
“Not until six. Come on. It’ll be fun," I said. "I'll be your teacher, and you'll be my student."
His eyes flashed dangerously. My lady bits tingled. I wasn't expecting his reaction or mine.
"Pave the way, Liz," he said. His voice had an edge that made me tingle even more. My, my . I had a hunch I was going to be the one who would be surprised.
Declan’s car was in a garage nearby. On the drive home, I made a mental inventory of all the supplies I had.
As soon as we stepped into the yard, I said, "We’re using your kitchen because it's huge and inviting, and I can’t wait to bake something there.
But I'm betting you don't have any of the things I need, so we can go to my place real quick, grab everything we need, and go to yours.
Unless… I mean, we can do it at my place," I said quickly, realizing I'd practically invited myself over.
He'd made me breakfast a few times, true.
But we weren't at the point where we could randomly invite one another to each other's home, even though we practically lived in the same yard.
That would be awkward and complicated, and what if he said no?
I knew there were good reasons why I shouldn't sleep with my neighbor.
"Why did you change your mind?" he asked.
"I mean, I did just invite myself over."
He pinned me with his gaze, and then he brought a hand to my cheek. "Liz, you can invite yourself over any time you want. I want you at my house. I like you there."
"Okay," I whispered.
"You sound uncertain."
"This is moving pretty fast, and I don't know if it's a good thing."
"It is a good thing," he said with all the confidence in the world. It melted almost all my uncertainties. "But if you feel uncomfortable with anything at any time, tell me."
I smiled, feeling my body relax at his touch and his words. "You're… I'm not even sure what to say. Then, we're baking at your place."
"Come on, let me help you get the stuff from the guest house."
"Do you have a food processor?"
"What’s that?"
"I thought you said you had cooking duties growing up?" I said with a laugh as we entered the guest house.
"I did, but it was usually chopping stuff or low-level cooking. My mom said feeding so many people required simple dishes."
I nodded. "That makes sense."
I grabbed flour, eggs, sugar, cocoa, vanilla, and butter, putting everything in a basket. I wondered if I should bring my mixer, then decided against it. We could do it by hand—or rather he could do it, and I could watch those sexy arm muscles in action. Oh yeah, I could do that.
"We’re all set," I said.
He grabbed the basket with supplies, and we left my house, taking the steps up to his front door.
I was carrying nothing, so all I had to do was ogle him, and I was an expert at that. If there were such a thing as an “ogling Declan” marathon, I’d be the winner.