Max shrugged. He hadn’t intended to return to the inn for a few more hours, but he hadaccomplished most of his tasks already, and since he’d stayed late the previous night, he was mostly caught up on the organization.
Better not think about what came of staying late last night.
Her lips, her breast in his palm, her heat…
He felt himself growing hard beneath the desk.
What part of ‘best not think about it’ did you not understand, cowboy?
When Lysander slammed his palm against the desk, Max startled. “What?”
“Ye looked dreamy there for a moment. So are ye coming with me or no’?”
Max shrugged sheepishly, willing his arousal under control so he wouldn’t embarrass himself when he stood. “Alright, I’ll join you.”
Going back to the inn early would allow him plenty of time to pack his things to transfer to his new home.
They stepped out of his office, and Max turned to lock the door. He hadn’t seen any reason to distrust any of the employees, but now he knew Lawrence had a habit of giving permission to random Oliphants to use the equipment, it was better to be safe than sorry.
Not that Max would begrudge Ember using the lathe—it was clear she knew how to turn metal, if she truly were the creator of the remarkable shoes she’d worn to the ball. Shoes she wanted to try to talkhiminto producing, here in this very building.
The idea was intriguing.
Remembering his early question, Max tried for nonchalance when he asked his friend, “I’ve been looking for someone.”
“Someone in particular? Aladysomeone?”
“Well…yeah.” Max’s lips twitched as they stepped out into the afternoon sun. “And I found her. I’m just not sure who she is.”
Who was Ember,really? And which version was he falling in love with?
His brother hummed as they both shoved their hands into their pockets and headed for his curricle. “Let me ken if I can help, aye?”
Could he? “I think this is something I have to figure out myself.” He glanced at Lysander, and surprised himself by voicing his feelings. “But thank you for offering. Really,” he assured his brother when Lysander lifted a brow. “I—I grew up with a brother who treated me like dirt, and it’s been really nice, knowing I can rely on you and your siblings to actually care.”
Lysander’s smile was easy and—yes—charming as he reached for the side of the curricle. “Phin and Athena and Lyon areyersiblings too, dinnae forget. Of course we care. They’re just no’ as good as showing it as I am.”
Max was lucky, indeed. “Thank you.”
“Ye’re welcome. Now, get in. We’re late for my destiny.”
The ride to the inn—though close enough to walk, but Max didn’t mind giving his legs a rest—was spent in companionable silence. When they arrived, they were met by a stable hand who took the horse’s bridle and assured them he’d take care of the animal and equipage.
“Being a viscount gets you all sorts of special treatment, eh?” Max murmured.
Lysander shot him a grin as they stepped inside. “It has its benefits. But mainly, it’s being the son of the laird, which ye are too.”
Did that make Max worthy of special treatment? At least no one had accused him of being a lord?—
“My lords!” They both turned to see Baroness Oliphant—her graying hair pulled up in an ornate style likely intended to make her seem younger—hurrying toward them with her arms open. “Sogoodof you to grace our humble abode!”
Dammit, he wasnota lord!
Concerned she intended to embrace them, Max actually took a hasty step in retreat. But instead, when she reached them, the woman sunk into a deep curtsey. Max saw Lysander glance at the deep decolletage on display, then quickly look away, flushing in embarrassment.
Likely embarrassment for the woman.
Lysander cleared his throat. “Aye, well, thank ye for inviting me.”
