But that didn’t change her hesitancy about them and relationships in general.
“I remember those uncertain days,” Kade said. “They were a pain in the ass.”
“You can say that again,” Lucas muttered. But regardless, he was eager to get home to Maxie.
* * *
Maxie left work early, courtesy of the head lawyer on the case she was working on. They’d had a few late days in a row, and he wanted to give them a breather. A far cry from the work, work, work mentality she’d had at her old firm, and it was re
freshing.
She was surprised when she heard the key in the lock, and Lucas, too, came home early. He walked into the room looking tired and stressed.
“What’s wrong?” She rose from her seat, concerned about him.
He ran a hand along the back of his neck. “Just a stressful day.”
“Want to talk about it?” she asked, reaching out a hand. He took it and she led him to the couch. They both sat down. “What’s going on?”
“Early this morning, my biggest problem was a Halloween party the office staff wants to have.”
“I heard,” she said, smiling. She was looking forward to meeting Lexie for lunch one day soon.
“But this afternoon we had an incident at the office. You know about Julian Dane?”
She nodded. “Lexie told me and you filled me in.”
“Well, he decided it was a good idea to pay Kade a visit.”
“What? Why?”
He leaned forward, shoulders hunched. “I wish to God I knew. He claimed he was worried about Kade’s sister-in-law, Kendall.”
“The same woman he used and hurt?”
Lucas nodded. “Kade lost it. I had to pull him off the guy. But—”
She leaned in closer. “But what?”
“Damned if there wasn’t something in his eyes. I almost believe he was sincere. Not that I’d admit as much to Kade. And I promised I’d have a talk with Julian. Assess his motives and warn him to stay away from Kendall.” Lucas shrugged. “Like I said, stressful day.”
“I’m sorry.” She pushed herself to the edge of the sofa. “Here. Turn around.”
She nudged him so he pivoted away from her, and she began to massage his tense shoulders, digging her fingertips into the muscles and tendons there. She bit down on her lower lip, trying her best to focus on his need and not the desire created by being so close to him. Or the delicious scent of his masculine cologne.
He hung his head forward and groaned. “That feels so damned good.” The words came out a low rumble.
Unable to resist, she leaned in, pressed her breasts against his back, wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed the back of his neck. His entire body trembled at her light touch, but she wasn’t finished. Although she’d approached him each time, he’d been in charge. She wanted her turn to make him feel good.
“I know another way to relax you,” she whispered huskily in his ear.
“Show me,” he said in a gruff voice.
She eased herself around him and slid down between his legs. She undid the button on his pants, then slowly and carefully pulled his zipper over the evidence of his desire.
“Lift up.”
He did as she asked, and together they maneuvered his pants, along with his boxer briefs, down to his ankles. She stared down at his straining erection, a drop of precum glistening on top, and need rushed through her at the sight.