Page 43 of Sighs By the Sea

I smile as I button up. "So, you’re not going to warn me away like Tilly?"

Miranda blows a raspberry. "No way. Grayson is always so calm and collected. Seeing him lose control with a redheaded bombshell? That just tickles me. The guy needs to get laid."

"Oh, I’m not sleeping with him," I quickly reply, though the thought has definitely crossed my mind. I can’t help but feel a little giddy at the idea.

Miranda raises an eyebrow, and I continue. "I mean, yet, I guess. Is that weird?"

"It’s a little weird since he’s my cousin, but…" She shrugs, clearly unfazed. I like that about her, and I find myself chuckling, surprised at how well I’m getting along with the former mob boss. "And you’re okay with George? I know it’s early to ask, but he does have a kid. Would be dumb to let this go any further if you’re not into kids." Her eyebrow arches, daring me to deny anything she’s just said.

To my surprise, I feel my face heat up and I glance at the floor, twisting a finger in my hair. Miranda shakes her head, her gold hoops glinting. "Never mind, you love him," she says with a laugh. Her comment only makes my cheeks burn more. I do care about George—a lot, actually. Even though we’ve only hung out once, I’m already smitten with the little guy.

"All right, I need to get back to work," Miranda says, sitting down behind her computer. "But I want that shirt back. It hugs the girls perfectly, and I’m on the prowl." She presses her chest together dramatically, and I laugh out loud.

Grayson knocks before stepping into the room, looking a little sheepish. He thumbs over his shoulder. "Roger’s at the boat; we need to go."

Miranda’s face flushes with irritation. "That man! We need to put out an ad for a new tour guide."

Grayson strides over and grabs my arm, clearly eager to leave. "I’m not discussing that now. Roger stays, Andy."

As he leads me back out to the front room, Miranda yells after us, "I’m firing him!"

"You’re not," Grayson growls, and damn it if I don’t feel it deep in my bones. Once we’re outside, I pull my arm free.

He stops and turns, his face a mask of unreadable stoicism.

"We’re going to talk about what just happened," I say, not willing to let him off the hook.

Grayson exhales heavily. "Maggie…"

I shake my head, cutting him off. "Don’t you start with that tone. ‘It was a mistake, we can’t do this.’" I mimic him in a deeper voice, hoping to lighten the mood.

He raises his hands slightly, his expression weary. "It was a mistake. We can’t—"

"We can. Next objection?" I challenge.

His brow furrows. "I have a kid." I roll my eyes, unimpressed with his excuse. "I’m not in a position to have a relationship."

Really? That’s the best he can come up with? I laugh, unable to help myself. "You’re worked up. We’ll revisit this later."

His fist clenches at his side. Through gritted teeth, he finally admits, "I’m not… scared you’ll… fuck, Maggie." His hand relaxes, running through his hair. "Someone’s trying to kill me. They already shot you!"

I take his hand and press it to my chest, letting him feel my heartbeat. "I’m a cop. I get shot at all the time." It’s not entirely true, but it’s close enough. I close the gap between us, pressing my body against his. "And," I add with a sly smile, "I’d be an idiot not to see what you can do in the bedroom." His face remains stoic, but I can feel his body responding to me. "And you’d be just as dumb to not see what I can do when I have some space to move."

"Fuck, Maggie," he breathes out, clearly affected. I kiss the tip of his nose, teasing him further.

"We’re good together, Gray, and I’m not letting you run from me." His fingers grip my arms as if he’s fighting the urge to tear off my shirt right there.

"Maggie…"

"Later, Grayson. Let’s get on our boat." I take a step back, putting some distance between us as I gather my hair into a high ponytail. I might want to jump his bones, but we have a job to do. No matter how much this man sets me on fire.

Grayson

Near the front of the boat, I’m surrounded by tourists. Even though I’ve worked for my cousins for weeks, this is my first time experiencing one of these tours. It’s nice—the ocean breeze cools the air as it sweeps over the bow, and light, salty water sprays up occasionally. The rocking and swaying haven’t made me sick yet, thank God. I can’t say the same for an unlucky woman doubled over the railing, losing her lunch.

I quickly look away when something green comes up—yikes, looked like baby food. My gaze drifts around until I hear a familiar laugh. It’s loud and melodic, just like her singing. I turn and spot her.

Maggie is near the captain’s area, chatting with Roger. He’s definitely laying on the charm, but I force myself not to interfere. Maggie might think we’re good together, but I know the truth—I’d only drag her down. I turn back to the ocean, leaning against the railing. Watching someone puke is better than seeing Roger flirt with the woman of my dreams.

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