Page 87 of Deception & Daylight
Mags: ??
Ivy: Sorry I have to steal your man back so soon. I owe you one.
Mags: Drinks on you when I get back into town.
Ivy: Deal.
The proposal quickly makes the rounds on social media, accompanied by low-quality videos and photos of the entire incident. At first, I worry Miles might be bothered by the publicity, but I’m swiftly reminded how my fiancé thrives on being the center of attention when he enthusiastically fields questions from a small crowd gathering at the back of the store as the event winds down. Every once in a while, Miles and I lock eyes across the room, and it’s clear he’s more than proud of his very public claim on ‘The Smut Siren’.
After a vigorous celebration in Miles’ hotel room that lasts well into the next morning, he reluctantly peels himself out of bed, lingering in the doorway as he kisses me goodbye. His flight back to Nashville departs in a few hours, and I won’t be going with him. Miles has to be back in Oak Ridge by morning to meet with the inspector for the final walkthrough of Ivy and Luca’s house, and I have a few loose ends to tie up here in the city. I’m sad to see him go, but I’m flying back tomorrow and we have plans to pick up where we left off.
Miles: These seats aren’t made for tall people.
Mags: Your girlfriend offered to upgrade your ticket, but you declined.
Miles: Didn’t think I needed a sugar mama, but if you’re offering…
Miles: I have to go. They’re giving me the “Put your fucking cell phone away so we can take off” warning glare.
Mags: Have a safe flight. I love you. xo
Miles: I love you, too. I’ll save you some biscoffs.
Mags: No flirting with the flight attendants, Barlow.
Miles: He’s not my type. ??
Packing up my suitcase doesn’t feel as heavy as I thought it would. If there ever was a time when Toronto truly felt like home, I don’t remember it. This city and the memories I’m leaving here don’t have a place in my future. For the first time in my life, I feel like I’m going home.
The flight back to Nashville feels about as long as a Lord of the Rings Extended Edition marathon, and I should know, Paige has forced me to sit through that particular brand of torture more than once. I’m dreading the lonely drive to Oak Ridge that follows, but what awaits me there will be worth every second of the anticipation.
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Nashville, Tennessee. Local time is 10:47am. It’s a beautiful fall day here, with temperatures around 68 degrees. We’ve reached our destination, and on behalf of the entire crew, thank you for flying with us today.”
I rush to the baggage claim, my body operating on autopilot as I duck and weave between the other bodies, descending the stairs towards the carousel where the rest of the passengers from my flight are gathering. I just want to get my things and be on my way. My mind is so preoccupied by the bags landing on the conveyor belt, waiting for mine to drop, that I completely miss the figure looming in my periphery.
“You must be Maggie. I’m Miles. Fuck, you’re even more gorgeous in person,” he says.
My head swivels to the right where my fiancé is standing with one hand in his jeans pocket and a massive bouquet in the other. He has that devastating smile on his face and a backward baseball cap on his head. “Hey baby,” he says when my eyes finally meet his.
I rush towards him and leap into his arms, my body wrapping around him like a koala, as I seal my mouth on his in a passionate kiss. “What are you doing? I thought you had to meet with the inspector?”
“I lied. It’s been almost three years since you stood in this same airport waiting for me. I needed to make up for that day and so many others. We can’t go back in time, but I can promise I’ll always show up for you, Maggie. No matter what.” A tear escapes down my cheek, and he captures it with his lips. “It should’ve always been you and me.”
“We’ll just have to make up for lost time,” I whisper, sealing my promise with a kiss. “Let me get my bags and we can go home.”
He shakes his head in disbelief. “Home.Fuck, I love hearing that.”
The drive back to Oak Ridge is agonizing, but not for the reasons I expected. My entire body is vibrating with need, and Miles' sidelong glances aren’t helping. “Did I ever tell you about the time Paige and Cade fucked on the side of the highway?” I ask, hoping he’ll catch the not-so-subtle hint.
“Not happening, baby.” I pout, and he spears with me a disapproving stare. “I know you can be a good girl for me. We’ll be home in less than an hour.”
“Why wait when we already know the truck works just fine for fucking?”
“That mouth is gonna get you in trouble,” he says.
“I sure hope so.”
Keeping one hand on the steering wheel, he glides the other up my thigh, and I’m immediately regretting my choice of outfit. I didn’t think we’d be in this position, so I opted for comfort, and my leggings are only serving as an irritating barrier between me and Miles’ fingers.
