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Max Rogers wasn’t who I thought he was. It only became more obvious the more time we spent together. I watched his face as we talked. “Will Bre help design the bar too?” I tensed even as I asked because somehow, I knew I wouldn’t want to spend more time with her than was absolutely necessary.

He shook his head. “She’s strictly residential. She has done my condo in the city, my father’s house in the suburbs, and a plethora of less personal projects.”

I eyed him carefully. “So, you met through work?”

Bodhi laughed. “She was Isla’s best friend growing up.”

I could feel my cheeks turn pink and saw the guys exchange looks. Then I intentionally sipped my coffee leisurely while I struggled to patiently wait for an introduction to this new female who had been dragged into the conversation.

Bodhi smirked. “She’s wondering who Isla is. Look at her.” He elbowed his brother. “I’ve never seen her look like this before. You sure do know how to get under a woman’s skin.” He chuckled.

“Think I should tell her?” Max asked playfully. “I’m rather inclined to let her suffer. I think she’ll hold it together. We’re in public. She had an audience. And her daughter is inches from her side.”

“Good Lord, stop,” I grumbled. If you don’t want me to know who Isla is, don’t tell me. What do I care?” I huffed as I turned my attention to Penelope. “Don’t overindulge. Maria said you already ate and I don’t want you to get a sick tummy.”

“I bet Victoria’s tummy is already in knots. I bet that’s why she didn’t eat. You know she hasn’t had dinner yet.” Bodhi nodded his brother’s direction.

“You’re right.” Max frowned and stared across the table at me. “Have you eaten? You look pale. And thin.” His brow furrowed. “Listen, I have big plans for you, Tori. Can I call you Tori? I know Vicki bothers you and Victoria feels too formal for someone I plan to build a long-term relationship with.”

“Bre’s full name is Breanna. Max chopped her name up when he was in high school.” Bodhi sighed. “I’d go with Tori, if I were you. He’s determined to call you something besides Victoria and I think that’s a really nice option.”

I swallowed hard and nodded numbly.

“Oh, and Isla is my twin sister. Bre has been around so long, she’s like another sibling.” Bodhi grinned. “No one to worry about.”

I stared into my mug. “I wasn’t worried,” I lied.

“Do you think I can trust her? She lies like a rug,” Max joked.

“Max, you know why she’s lying. Nothing nefarious, dude. Be nice to her.” Bodhi nudged his brother. Then he murmured in a sing-song voice, “You know you like her.”

At his brother’s words, Max smirked and the tips of his ears turned pink. “Bodhi, be quiet,” he hissed.

Somehow, seeing his reaction helped me relax. I could work with this man. He wasn’t all bad. “Tori is a much better nickname. Thank you.” My head tilted and I smiled at them.

“She doesn’t eat much,” Penelope announced in between stuffing her mouth with fries.

“Well, that’s not good,” Max remarked. “By the way, how do you feel about being called tater tot?”

My daughter shrugged. “My father tries to call me Penny. I hate that, but I like tater tot.” She grinned.

“Hey, tater tot, when your mother eats, what does she like?” Max asked conspiratorially.

Part of me wanted to interrupt and stop their conversation, but I quickly realized he was trying to bond with my daughter and not use her, so I sat back and watched.

Penelope’s brow scrunched up. “Hm. Here? I don’t know what they have, but she likes salad and chicken. Sometimes she eats baked potatoes. Mommy makes the best grilled chicken.” She smiled proudly at me.

“Thank you, sweet girl.” I leaned over and kissed the top of her head while giving her a quick hug.

Seconds later, Max flagged down our waitress. “Do you have some kind of grilled chicken dinner with a baked potato and salad?”

The young woman nodded. “We do, sir. Would you like one?”

Gesturing toward me, Max announced, “That is for the beautiful woman across from me.” He smiled and stared me straight in the eye. “She needs a decent meal she doesn’t have to cook for a change.” The waitress nodded and disappeared to place the order.

My cheeks warmed as I met his gaze. “Thank you, Max.”

“Don’t thank me yet. You haven’t eaten, nor have you heard my biggest plans for you yet.” He winked. “This weekend, let’s look at some property in Seattle.”

I bit my lower lip. “Maria usually needs more notice.”

“Who’s Maria, and why is she in our business?” Max sighed.

“The woman who does light housekeeping and watches Penelope after school,” I responded weakly.

“Why would you need Maria?” He folded his hands on the table and leaned closer.

“Well, so I can show you property.” I was growing frustrated with his refusal to understand how things worked. “It’s not very professional for me to bring my child to work with me.”

“Oh, that.” Max laughed and turned his attention to my daughter. “Say, tater tot, you wanna take a trip on a big fancy boat and then look at some properties over the weekend? I promise to have you back in time for school.”

Penelope squealed. “A boat? Yes! And I love property.” She nodded seriously.

“What do you know about property?” I joked.

“If you like it, I like it.” She smiled up at me.

“And if we can mix business and pleasure, then I’m all about it.” Max leaned back in his seat.

“Pleasure?” My brows arched.

“Yes, spending a weekend with both of you will be more fun for me than you can imagine. I mean it.” He smiled and I melted completely inside, which scared me more than I cared to admit.

“Why now?” I asked quietly.

“I’m not sure what you mean.” He frowned and leaned back.

I stiffened. “The way you’re acting, talking to me. I don’t get it.”

Max licked his lips before speaking. “Well, I thought I’d try a new approach with you.”

My brows rose. “Oh, and what’s that?”

“Honesty. Bare naked honesty. From you, I’ll hide nothing and see what happens.” He grinned. “And I mean it when I say I want to spend time with you.”

I studied him and slowly accepted his explanation. At the least, spending the weekend with my daughter could help my case. At most, working with Max could increase my earnings. Soon, I might actually be able to buy my dream house overlooking the ocean. I would do just about anything to give Penelope the best life possible. “You’re on. So, we leave Friday?”

Max nodded. “Meet me at the marina after school. This weekend is going to be special.”