Page 89 of A First Sight

“Of course not,” I said, anger on his behalf swelling inside me. “It wasn’t your fault.”

“Iwasthe one driving,” he said.

“But that doesn’t mean you caused the accident.”

“I didn’t,” he agreed.

“Were you worried I’d believe it?” I asked.

He shook his head. “No. The people I care about either already know the story or know me well enough that I’d risk no one’s safety like that, let alone my pregnant wife.”

“You’ve protected me,” I said, “and I’m going to protect you, no matter what that means.” I sighed and leaned back, already craving the touch I lost. “So tomorrow morning, when Dale goes to practice, I’m going to tell him never to pull anything like this again.”

Drake’s eyes widened in alarm. “No! Absolutely not! He’ll hurt you, Maggie, if you threaten him.”

“I will not let him slander you,” I argued.

“We can’t prove it came from him.”

I gave him a look that said what I thought ofthatcomment. “Who else, exactly, would it be? Who else would want you to stay away from me?”

“I know.” He pursed his lips as if swallowing his frustration. “He’s the only one who makes any logical sense.”

“Then let me handle it.”

“But he’s been leaving you alone,” Drake said. “Let’s not ruffle his feathers. If something happens, then we’ll figure out what to do.”

I thought before speaking, choosing my words carefully. “If you agree that we’ll do ittogether…if it comes to that…then I’ll let it go for tonight.”

He smiled and let out a sigh of relief. “Agreed.”

The waiter arrived with our food, interrupting our conversation.

I returned the smile and picked up my fork. My mind was still processing what Drake told me. Did I have to walk away from Drake to protect him from my fucking psycho ex?

I poked a piece of potato with my fork. The thought of leaving Drake again sent a sharp pain through me. It hurt to be without him. And to be with him was heaven. I didn’t need a man to survive, but I wanted to share my life with someone.

Drake had given me the freedom to choose my path, even when he would’ve preferred to protect me from the world. How could I do any less for him? I had to let him choose whether he was willing to take the risk that came with being with me.

SIXTY-SIX

DRAKE

As I walkedMaggie to her building, I hoped she would invite me into her apartment tonight, but I didn’t suggest it. I wanted her badly, but I didn’t push. An invitation had to come from her.

I kept my arm around her waist, soaking in all the deliciousness that was Maggie as we took the elevator to her floor.

“Dinner was lovely,” Maggie said as we reached her door. “I especially enjoyed the private dining room.”

I waited for the inevitable ‘have a good night’ to follow, but she unlocked her door with a mischievous smile.

“Would you like to come in? I have something better than a private dining room.” She raised a brow.

“Is that so?” I teased and followed her in.

I liked her flirty spirit. And I would gladly follow her lead.

However, I didn’t expect her lead to be pushing me back against the half wall between the kitchen and the dining room and then going to her knees.

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