Page 84 of A First Sight

However, completely ignoring the bounced check wasn’t something I’d do either. No, if I just let it go, Dale would feel like he got one over on me, like he still had some power.

He needed to know that I would stand up for myself.

Dale answered on the first ring. “Isn’t this a pleasant surprise?”

“I just wanted to let you know I went to the police station and took care of the destruction of property charges,” I began, without acknowledging what he said. “But when I went to the bank to deposit the check, it bounced.”

He chuckled. “Yeah, I’ve had to adjust my budget recently. I forgot to tell you to wait until the end of the week to cash it, since it’s such a large amount.”

My eyes narrowed.

“I’ll bring you another check tomorrow. Just wait until Friday to cash it.” He paused before adding, “Unless you want to come over and get a second one tonight.”

“You can give it to me at work,” I blurted. “I’ll cash it Friday.”

“Now that we’ve got that settled,” he said, “let’s–”

“I have to go,” I cut in.

Ending the call before Dale could argue, I knew he was trying to string me along. I wouldn’t waste my time and energy thinking about it. Not when I had more pleasant things to dwell on.

As I took a car back to Drake’s penthouse, I liked the fact that Drake would be home soon. I planned to suggest we continue from where we left off this morning. That seemed like a good place for us to pick up again.

SIXTY-ONE

DRAKE

This week was easilythe best I've had since I lost Belle.

The fear of Maggie finding out the truth was no longer there. I survived, and she came back. I still had to earn her complete trust, but we were making headway.

She had found an apartment she liked and put down a deposit. It was only a couple miles from David Geffen Hall and had excellent security, which helped me control my overprotectiveness.

A little, anyway.

We would spend all day tomorrow moving her into her new place, although she wasn’t bringing much with her.

I planned to enjoy every minute of our alone time, even if it involved unpacking utensils and assembling bookshelves.

A knock at my office door pulled me out of my thoughts. “Come in, Mel.”

My assistant smiled as he entered.

“I’m just finishing up for the day and wanted to know if there’s anything else that you need from me before I go?” Mel asked.

I shook my head. “No, we’ve covered everything. Enjoy your weekend.”

“Thanks. You too.”

I made quick work of my usual end-of-day routine, feeling no desire to linger. This was my last night with Maggie living in my place, and I wanted to savor every moment. Spoil her and make her feel good.

The ride home was full of ideas about how to make that happen.

Bury my face between her legs until she screamed my name. Draw her a hot bath and wash every inch of her. Provide her with a full-body massage. Make her hot chocolate and then cover her body with whipped cream and lick it off. Bend her over the kitchen table and take her from behind. Give her more orgasms than she could handle.

When I opened the door, the place smelled divine, but that wasn’t a surprise. Maggie had put herself in charge of dinner all week, assuring me she enjoyed cooking, and I was happy to let her do it. The food she’d made had been delicious.

“I’m home,” I called.

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