Page 55 of Monsters of Midlife

“Laney you look radiant,” Magnus smiled down at me and every part of me, particularly the part between my legs, melted.

God, I just wanted him to undress me right here and now and take me on the couch, on the floor, on the kitchen counter…I didn’t care. This guy did things for my blood that I didn’t think were possible at my age. I felt like a teenage girl. Well not quite like when I was a teenager. I didn’t have these feelings until I met my ex-husband.

That should be a red flag.

Right there.

I pushed it out of my brain. I wasn’t shopping for a husband. Never again.

But I could sure spend a lot of time with Magnus. That was a fact.

“Are you okay?” He brushed my cheek with the back of his hand. “You look a little flushed.”

I shook my head trying to clear it a bit of everything going on. I quickly dissected what I could and couldn’t tell him. Telling him I wanted him to take me on the couch that very minute was probably out of the question.

“You remember that friend I was telling you about? My BFF Caroline?”

Magnus nodded as he stepped into the house. “I remember you mentioning her. Is she all right? Have you heard from her lately?”

“No not at all, but I called that number she texted from before and somebody answered.”

Magnus raised his eyebrows appearing interested which I was grateful for. He certainly didn’t have to show any concern for my life but it seemed he did.

I led him to the kitchen as I spoke. “I made us some soufflé.”

“Did you get any information from the person who answered the phone?” he asked.

I shook my head. “No. She said she would call me back later. I don’t know she sounded nice and I guess she sound like she was really concerned and taking care of Caroline. But I think they need my help.”

“Caroline’s off with her ex-husband,” Magnus pointed out. “So, why is some women calling you?”

I frowned wishing I knew the answer. “Well, that’s the mystery I’m trying to figure out.”

“Why don’t we do some reconnaissance on the phone number and see if we can track who it belongs to?” Magnus suggested.

I bit my lower lip and nodded. Glancing at the soufflé on the counter. My one-way ticket to getting undressed was going to have to wait. If he was willing to help me find Caroline then it was important to let him help me do that.

“Did she give you a name?” he asked.

I nodded. “Her name is Sophie.”

“Give me her number.” Magnus smiled reaching forward and massaging my shoulders. “Don’t worry, Laney, I promise you we will find Caroline and discover exactly what’s happening with her ex-husband. We will bring him to justice if he’s done any harm to her. I promise you.”

I looked up at his chiseled features incredibly grateful to have him with me as I was facing these trials. He was the only one who seemed to want to help. He bent down and brushed my lips with a gentle kiss.

“Thank you,” I whispered. “It means the world to me that you’re willing to help me find her.”

“Don’t worry will track her down.” Magnus spoke with steely resolve. “Make no doubt about it.”

* * *

---