Page 51 of A First Sight

THIRTY-EIGHT

DRAKE

I understoodwhy Mel wanted me to come in, even though Uncle Ben had sent me home for some time off. One of our largest clients had concerns about the next quarter’s earnings. After an hour-long video call with Leni Dirks and a couple of phone calls, everything was sorted, and our client could ease his worries.

Life was grand. I felt more energetic than I had in years, and I knew exactly why. Maggie. It was impossible not to think of her every five minutes, and as I rode the elevator to the penthouse, I even caught myself whistling. I never whistled.

However, the minute I stepped into my living room, my excitement changed.

Huddled on the couch, a blanket around her shoulders and tissues next to her, she looked utterly miserable.

I crossed to the couch and knelt in front of her.

“What’s wrong?”

“A detective came to see me.” Her voice was as dull and empty as her eyes. “Dale’s lawyer has set up a deal with the prosecutor for a slap on the wrist. Two months’ probation.”

I barely bit back a growl.

“Dale’s father has friends in the DA’s office.” She wiped the back of her hand across her eyes. “I asked about my violin…if I could have it back. I know it can’t be fixed, but I still want it back, you know? But since it’s evidence in the destruction of property case, I have to wait until that’s closed. I know it’s stupid, but part of me wants to tell them to drop the charges so I can have it back.”

I caught her hands between mine. “It’s not stupid, lass.”

Mother fucking asshole!

I was bursting with rage inside, but I kept calm. “How can I help?”

She shook her head. “There’s nothing anyone can do.”

“I’ll keep you safe,” I promised. “Whatever it takes.”

Her eyes met mine, and I knew without a doubt that this woman could wreck me.

“I believe you. You make me feel safer than I have in years.”

Her gaze held mine as she leaned forward and brushed her lips across mine. The simplest touch sent lightning racing through my body.

“Maggie.” I breathed out her name with my eyes still closed.

“Drake, please look at me.”

I opened my eyes to find her face hovering near mine.

“Yes, I’m upset, but that’s giving me the courage to act on what I want.” She leaned forward again, nothing unsure as our mouths met again. She ran her fingers through my hair, and that little bit of sensation put me over the edge.

I dropped her hands and wrapped my arms around her waist, pulling her closer. She made a sound in the back of the throat. Her fingers flexed, and her nails raked the back of my neck on their way to my shoulders. The tip of my tongue teased along her bottom lip, asking for permission. With a moan, she opened her mouth, and I let my tongue slide inside.

Despite the urgency coursing through me, I kept the kiss slow, exploring her mouth as my hands caressed her back. Over her shirt, my thumbs grazed the sides of her breasts. It was the sweetest kind of torture. Then her hands were at my shoulders, pulling off my jacket, tugging at my tie. When I pulled back to remove it, she followed, lips twisting into an adorable scowl.

“Not goin’ anywhere,” I assured her. “I just need this off.”

“More than that,” she said, reaching for my shirt. Her nimble fingers made quick work of the buttons.

The muscles in my torso tightened as she ran her hands over me.

“You’re so beautiful,” I murmured as I leaned forward. When my hand found her bra clasp, I glanced at her, and she nodded. I tossed her bra to the floor. Small breasts the right size for my hands and tight peach-colored nipples begging for my mouth.

Of course, I obliged.

---