Page 78 of A First Sight

“I have to talk to him and end this. It’ll be okay. The Smith is right where we work. They know me in the diner. Dale won’t try anything there.” She gave me a crooked smile. “I’m not going for the money. I want him to leave everyone alone and stay out of my life.” She looked at me. “But I would feel a lot safer if you’d go with me.”

My jaw tensed, and I gritted my teeth. I could confront Dale for her, so she didn’t have to go herself. I didn’t want her around him, but she needed to do this her way.

“Absolutely, I’ll come with you,” I said. “Whatever you need me to do, I’m there.”

A weight seemed to lift from her shoulders. “Thank you.”

Then I risked the goodwill I’d just received. “I do have a…favor to ask of you.”

“Okay,” she said warily.

“Please stay here tonight. So that I know you’re safe.” My eyes met hers.

She stood and took a step toward me, and I caught a whiff of her strawberry-scented shampoo. I felt desire hit me like a punch, but I controlled it, barely.

“You make me feel safe, Drake.” Her voice was quiet but firm.

It surprised me when she came close and wrapped her arms around me. As I returned the embrace, I cautioning myself not to read too much into it. I needed to be patient and let her take the lead. All the way.

That didn’t mean I couldn’t enjoy having her in my arms, the sensation of her body against mine.

I had missed her. I would take whatever she would give, even if it meant the pain would be worse if she stepped away again.

After a minute, I let her go and filled the silence before it was awkward. “Let’s order dinner.”

I kept a smile on my face, though I couldn’t stop wondering how the hell this meeting with Dale would pan out?

FIFTY-SIX

MAGGIE

Not for a minutedid I think I was making a mistake coming to Drake. He had handled things perfectly. His anger on London’s behalf warmed me.

I meant it when I told Drake he made me feel safe. He only broke his word at the concert to offer me a secure place to stay.

I was in a guestroom, with the only key sitting on the bedside table, and he never once tried to coax me into his bed.

I sighed and rubbed my hands on my face.

Drake was a wonderful man. The perfect combination of strong and sweet. Gentle with those who needed it and fierce when circumstances called for it. He made me feel safe. He made me laugh.

And I missed him.

I missed talking to him and being with him.

And…sex. My insides squirmed. Oh, I definitely missed sex with Drake. No other lover ever made me feel the way he did, and it wasn’t entirely because of his physical ‘skill’ either. He made me feel special, desired.

And he was nearby.

I rolled over and turned on the light.

I wanted him. I wanted to be with him, at this moment and in the future.

I was taking charge of my life, and there was one thing I wanted. And for once, I was going after it.

I stripped off my pajamas, the cool air sending goosebumps dancing across my skin. My nipples pebbled with sheer anticipation. Stepping out into the hallway naked should have made me feel vulnerable, but I felt a shiver of power run through me.

Drake’s door was partially closed. I rapped on the door with a knuckle. “Drake?”

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