Page 10 of Deception & Daylight
“I will.”
“Breakfast at Rosie’s soon?” she asks.
“Hell yeah. You know I'd never miss out on those pancakes.” I infuse my voice with as much enthusiasm as I can muster despite the steady pulsing in my temples reminding me why I’m here in the first place. She glances towards the truck, then back to me as she lingers on the stoop, opening her mouth to speak but thinking better of it. “I’ll be fine. Go home with your family.”
“You’re my family too, Mags. Promise you’ll call me. Even if you only need me to sit quietly at your side.”
“I promise. I just need some time to decompress. I love you.”
“Love you, too.” She leaves me with a much gentler hug this time, and onelast glance out the window before Cade pulls away from the curb. Resolved to make the most of my time here, I head inside with my bags.
As I step into the inn, the faint scent of cedar lingers in the air. Its walls are covered in a warm floral wallpaper, surrounded by rich wood interiors and intricate details. It’s clear that the space has been updated, but it still holds onto its antique charm. I approach the front desk, its polished surface gleaming under the soft light of a nearby antique lamp as I ring the small brass bell at the center.
Moments later, a figure emerges from a doorway to the side. She’s short and curvy, with bright blonde hair that frames her heart-shaped face. If I had to guess, I’d say she’s in her early fifties. Her eyes are a gorgeous shade of blue and her smile is warm and inviting. There’s something about her that seems vaguely familiar, but I can’t seem to place her. I’ve probably seen her in Oak Ridge a time or two given how often I’ve visited over the years.
“Hi there! Welcome to the Willow Creek Inn! I’m Lucy Barlow. How can I assist you today?”
Barlow.As the name registers, my eyes nearly bug out of my head. “You wouldn’t happen to be related to Miles?”
She practically beams when I mention the name, and I instantly regret even bringing it up. “Yes, dear! Miles is my oldest son. He’s around here somewhere. Would you like to say hello?”
My face pulls into an involuntary grimace. “Oh, no. Nope. That definitely won’t be necessary.”
She raises an inquisitive brow at me before she bursts into a fit of giggles, her shoulders shaking with the force of her laughter. “Oh dear. You’re one ofthosegirls.”
“I’m sorry. One of — huh?”
“Mom, are you teasing the gue —” his words are cut off as he stalks into the room, scanning me from head to toe,and the calculating way his gaze roams over my body leaves me feeling exposed. His eyes are like a brand as they stop on the partially healed cut above my eyebrow.
“Maggie.”
If his gaze is a brand, my name on his lips is a claim.
Chapter 4
Miles
? About You - The 1975
Mom looks between me and the star of all my fucking fantasies with a gleam in her eyes, and I immediately know she’s planning to play matchmaker if I don’t nip this in the bud. “Mom, this is Maggie Watson, Paige’s best friend, and the bane of my existence.”
“Nice to meet you, Mrs. Barlow,” she says, extending a hand towards my mother before she all but dismisses me with a sidelong glance. “Terrible to see you, as always, Miles.”
“Oh, I like you,” Mom says. “Finally, someone who can put him in his place. You can call me Lucy.”
“Oh, we’re not —” Maggie gestures wildly between the two of us until a pinched expression flashes over her features and she lets out a high-pitched whimper. I might’ve missed it if I weren’t so strangely attuned to her needs.
Mom immediately flies into caretaker mode. “Are you okay, dear? Do you need to sit down?” If it weren’t for my mother’s presence, I wouldn’t hesitate to pull Mags into my arms — our complicated history be damned.
“I’m fine. If I could just get checked in, I’ll be out of your hair.” There’s a vacant look in her eyes now, as if every ounce of the spirited woman I once knew has retreated into the shadows. The sight stirs something in me — a desperate need to rile her up just to bring her back to life. Guilt crashes over me in waves as memories of the pathetic betrayal flash in my mind. I deserve every ounce of her hatred for the pain I’ve caused her.
“Yes. Yes, of course. Miles, will you help Maggie with her luggage? I’ll put her in room six.”
Maggie’s empty eyes bore into me, nostrils flaring as she grits her teeth and whispers, “I can get it myself.”
I can’t help the smirk that tugs at my lips as some of her fire resurfaces. It feels like a personal victory. “Let me help you. Please.”
A resigned sigh escaped her lips as her shoulders slumped. “Fine.”
