“Perfect. I’m a straight shooter myself.”
“I like you. I mean, you’re easy to like. So is Ronan. Paul and Jeremy have that ability too.”
I grimaced. “I really don’t want to be compared on the same scale as my brothers.”
She blew out a long breath, frustrated. “That didn’t come out right. Your family is very affable. But I like you—specifically. And that is dangerous.”
“For whom?”
“Me.”
“I like you right back, Paige. More than like you.”
“But it’s not just me. I have to put Lucy first.”
“I understand that. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“Why did you come here?” Her question was forward and direct, so I responded in the same manner.
“Because I wanted to see you. Without my brothers or Beth or anyone else around. Just you.”
She smiled sadly. “That would be rare with Lucy. She’s with me all the time.”
“No, you misunderstand. I know Lucy is your number one. I respect that. Admire it. I have no problem with the three of us together. I just wanted a little time with you to discuss it. To see if it was a possibility you wanted to explore.” I paused. “To see if you felt this crazy attraction as hard as I did.”
I waited for her answer, my heart beating fast.
“I do,” she whispered.
“Why do I sense a but?”
“It’s complicated. We’re complicated.”
“Because you have a child with special requirements?”
She leaned her elbows on the table. “Because my ex was an asshole and destroyed me. Because my daughter is vulnerable. Because I’m a single mom who struggles to make ends meet. If it weren’t for Beth living with us, I have no idea what I would do. How I would cope. I know who your family is, Liam. I can’t compete with that.”
“I don’t recall asking you to.” I shook my head. “I think I understand Ronan’s reluctance to tell Beth about our family a little more now.” I reached across the table and covered her hands with mine, startled at how cool her palms were. I rubbed her skin to warm it. “My family and their wealth have nothing to do with me, Paige. I’m my own person, making my own way. I own a landscaping company. I dig dirt and plant trees. I plan gardens and landscapes. It’s not a glamorous life. And my family are just people. My mom put herself through school. So did my dad. The only rich one of the bunch was Bentley.” I laughed. “His wife Emmy didn’t want to date him because of his wealth. He convinced her to look past it to see him. And she did. Tell me, did my brothers come across as entitled pricks the other night?”
“No.”
“We weren’t raised that way. My family is down-to-earth. They won’t look down on you.”
“Beth said they were very nice when she met them. Loud but nice.”
I laughed. My family were all loud.
“I’ll be honest. I’m comfortable. More than comfortable. I own my house because of my parents. They gave those who wanted it a piece of land. We had to pay for the house. We pay our share of taxes. Upkeep. It’s our responsibility. My company does really well, but I work hard making it successful.”
“That’s good?” she asked, seemingly puzzled at my words.
“The point is, it doesn’t matter. I don’t care if you have lots of money or none, aside from the fact that I don’t like to think of you struggling. Would you like me better if I were poorer?”
“No, but the playing field might be more equal.”
“I would say our fields are equal. I have more money, you have Lucy. And you’re beautiful.”
“Stop it.”
“You are.” I squeezed her hands. “Be honest, Paige. Are you interested? God knows I am. I feel like a raging inferno every time I’m close to you.”
“We’d have to take it slow.”
I shook my head. “I don’t think that’s possible with you. I’m not like my brothers. I see something I want, I go for it. I always have done so. I make up my mind, and that is that.”
“And you’ve made up your mind to what—bed me?”
“Nope. Win your heart. Make you and Lucy mine.”
“You can’t say that. You barely know me. This is the first time we’ve been alone together!”
“And look at everything we’ve accomplished. We’ve set aside the family issue, I’ve laid my cards on the table, you’ve agreed to date me, and soon, we’ll seal it with a kiss, and I’ll be on my way. I’d say a job well done.”
She tossed her hair and spoke with a haughty tone that was completely made-up. “I never agreed.”
“You didn’t say no either. I’m taking it as a win.”
“Dating—”
I cut her off. “You look after Evan so Ronan and Beth can spend some time together. They’ll do the same for you. I can hang here sometimes. You, me, and Lucy can do things together.” I met her eyes and made sure she knew I was serious. “I won’t ask you to choose between us. I know Lucy is first. I’m good with that.”