Page 32 of Panther's Magpie
“Now we wait.”
Groaning, I tilt my head back. “I hate waiting. I feel like that’s all we’ve been doing, and to think I used to think I had patience.”
Panther chuckles. “I feel you. Usually I like playing the long game, but this has been testing my patience.”
“At least we have each other,” I say quietly.
“That we do,” he murmurs.
He tilts his head and studies me. I fight the urge to shift under his gaze. Not because it makes me uncomfortable, but because I like it. Even though I know I shouldn’t.
“What?” I ask after a few seconds.
“Do you want to get out of here for a bit? Go somewhere with me.”
“Yes,” I say with no hesitation.
Should I? Probably not, but I like spending time with him, even though I know I shouldn’t.
Panther smiles, and I swear it transforms his entire face, making my breath catch. I swear the guy couldn’t be any more my type if he tried, and he’s off-limits. Completely off-limits.
“Do you need to grab anything before we leave?”
“No, I’m ready.”
Panther stands, and I watch as he rounds his desk, coming toward me. He holds his hand out to me, and I place mine in his. His hand squeezes mine, making my heart race, and I realize that I’m in over my head when it comes to the man in front of me.
And right now, I really don’t care.
PANTHER
“Thank you,” Maggie tells the waitress when she sets down our food.
“You’re welcome, sugar. You two let me know if you need anything else,” she says before walking away.
Maggie pushes her salad to the side and places her fries in front of her. She grabs one and pops it into her mouth.
“I love fries.” She sighs as she grabs another one.
“If you wanted them, then why order the salad?” I ask as I pick up my burger.
“Oddly enough, I enjoy a good salad, and it’s been way too long since I’ve had something healthy.”
“Have we not been taking care of you?” I tease.
She rolls her eyes and smiles. “You have, and you know it. Besides, this is my go-to when I eat out.”
“What do you mean?” I ask as I take a bite.
“Life is all about balance, right?”
“Yeah.”
“Well, this is my balance. I love fries, but they aren’t exactly good for you. I like salad, and it’s good for me. If I pair the two together, it’s a well-balanced meal. Especially since I have chicken on the salad.”
“Fried chicken, not grilled.”
She crinkles her nose, looking absolutely adorable. “No one likes grilled chicken breast, and you’ll never convince me otherwise. The only thing I like grill marks on is a steak.”
