Page 17 of Sighs By the Sea

“I believe he’s here for his car,” Grayson says, and Tommy nods. "No need to rush off on our account, Detective." Tommy grins that half-smile that has made him famous nearly all over the world. I'm a woman, okay? So when Tommy bends down to pick up one of his sons, I'm swooning. Hard.

Harry was right. I do have a thing for dads. First Grayson, and now this hunk of man meat. Unfortunately for me, I'm not the only one in the room. Like a bird gliding in for a landing, Tilly walks up to her…husband? Boyfriend? Baby daddy? Who knows. I don't really have a file on her because she was never arrested or even wanted. Neither of them are wearing rings. Regardless, she grabs his ass, then kisses his lips roughly. Not a glance is spared my way, but I know it's for my benefit. Message received, little mob princess, he's taken.

"Oof, babe, not while I'm holding Drew," Tommy says when she lets him go.

She pecks his check, then glances at me as if to ask, 'Oh, you're still here?' while snaking a hand around his waist.

I study my feet in shame. "My sister is waiting." It's not true. I haven't even texted her yet. Staying at her place is always a good time, though. If I'm not quick, she'll be drunk before I show up. Then I'll spend the night either taking care of her or joining in. Since I don't work tomorrow, I can already guess which way it will go. Stacy is twelve years younger than me. A surprise baby that my parents… well, I'm not going to think about that now. It wasn't good for them. For me, it was a dream come true. I loved having a sidekick. Still do. That's probably why I get along with Harry so well.

“Seriously, stay. We're gone in five minutes. Sammy dropped us off," Tommy says.

Digging through his pocket, Grayson pulls the keys out and hands them over. "Let me know if you need anything," he says, clearly dismissing them.

But Tilly closes an eye and smirks. “Actually, I was gonna let the boys play for a bit." Grayson groans, and Tilly adds, "You don't mind, do you, Grayson?"

Yep. She’s pissed about something, and I have the suspicion that it’s about me. He forces a smile on his face. I know it's forced because it doesn't reach his eyes. The wolf is out right now, and even his scary cousin can't tame it. "Of course not. Please, enjoy my home that you pay for."

Tilly sucks her teeth. "Subtle, Gray."

"I wasn't trying to be subtle. I was trying to hint that you aren't currently welcome, but I can't kick you out because you control my housing situation."

I'm backing out of the room slowly. This is not something I'm supposed to witness; I know that. With a tense jaw, Tilly sits on the couch as the kids tug on Nick the giraffe between them. "It's passive-aggressive. If you want us to leave, let us know. I'm not going to stop paying for your damn home because you have no couth!"

My hand is on the doorknob, hoping like hell no one looks my way as Grayson yells, "I have couth which is exactly why I won't say it!"

But Tommy is laughing. "Dude, you guys are hilarious. Couth?" He plops down on the couch and clicks on Grayson's TV. "Yo, Gray, you got any beer?"

Without answering, Grayson stomps into his kitchen. As he does, I open the front door. “Really, Grayson. I should go. Thanks for dinner.” I'm out the front door without another word, feeling more than a little cold. If Tilly's reception of me is any indication, I won't be back any time soon. Grayson might not be under the mob's thumb anymore, but it's clear that someone is still in charge of his every move. With everything Tilly has done for Grayson and George, no way will I get in the middle of that.

Grayson

As the door closes behind Maggie, a slow burn of anger builds in my chest. The soft click of the latch echoes in my ears, a reminder that she’s gone. Tilly has obviously scared her off on purpose, and the thought makes my skin prickle with frustration.

“What was she doing here? You did your time,” Tilly asks as soon as the door is closed. Her voice is sharp, cutting through the air like a knife. Do I need to explain things to her? Who I date is none of her business, right? The dynamic is strange. The last people that signed my checks certainly thought it was their business. But Tilly promised things would be different. Now is the time to test that theory. Because if not, I will be moving and finding a new job. Like hell will I live under a microscope again.

Tommy chuckles from the couch, his feet propped up casually as if this is all a joke. “Believe me, he wants more than time with Detective Parker.”

“Please. Falling for his arresting officer? We’ve already played that game with Sam, remember?” Tilly crosses her arms, leaning against the door frame with a skeptical look.

Tommy kicks his feet up, a curious expression on his face. “Woah. Isn’t there, like, some disease where people fall in love with their kidnappers?”

“Yes, babe, but that’s not this.”

“Stockholm Syndrome,” I say quietly, the words bitter on my tongue. Their conversation only manages to make me more upset. Technically, Detective Parker didn't arrest me; the federal government did, not the state of California. And I don’t have some kidnapper kink.

I’m attracted to Maggie for a lot of good reasons. Funny, smart, sexy, and a little… dorky.

That’s my favorite part. The way she was so interested in the LEGOs or how she made the giraffe talk. Don't even get started on the impromptu dance party she had with my son. People can't fake that.

I want more of it. A lot more. As a friend? Or maybe something more? I don't know right now. All I know is she walked out of here uncomfortable, and that's killing me right now.

The idea of her leaving with a bad taste in her mouth suddenly has me in a panic. “Keep an eye on George for a second,” I say as I swing open the front door. Behind me, I hear Tommy laughing, but Tilly is cursing loudly. I’ll have to admonish her for doing that in front of the kids later. George doesn't need to have his first year at school be packed with visits to the principal’s office, and that time is coming quicker than I want to admit.

I rush down the hall, my footsteps echoing off the walls as I hurry to the stairs. When I get to the emergency exit, I can see her waiting by the curb. Surely, she has called for an Uber. I smooth my hair and take a breath before walking out.

“Maggie?” She spins around, her face looking hopeful, her eyes wide in the streetlight’s glow.

I jog toward her and smile when I stop right in front of her. For two strangers, the lack of space between us could be considered assault. It's a very good sign that she hasn't stepped back. Being near her again has done a funny thing to my chest. The answer to my previous question is suddenly very clear. I want more than friendship. “Oh hey. Fancy meeting you here,” she says, her voice light and teasing.

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