Page 27 of Raise The Bar
“Maybe,” he concedes. “I do so enjoy seeing you so riled up for a change, though.”
“I’m not riled up.”
“If you say so, man.” He manages to keep a straight face, but there’s amusement in his eyes. “I got a text from Sulli earlier. He’s trying to organize something for tomorrow night. You interested?” Sulli is short for Jake Sullivan, a guy we went to school with. He still lives in the city and we usually get together every few months.
“Count me in.” I could easily make other plans. My phone has been blowing up since mid week with invites from associates to attend dinners or events. Not to mention the offers from several women looking to meet up. But meeting friends for a few drinks at a pub is far more appealing to me than an ego-stroking dinner or a meaningless hook up.
Josh stays for a bit longer and we chat about work and sports. When I walk him to the door, I tell him I’m looking forward to seeing him and the boys tomorrow night. I’m lying. The only thing I’m really looking forward to is seeing Maggie again.
Once he’s gone, I give myself another mental pep talk.
It would be wrong to pursue Maggie when I don’t want a relationship. Working with her on her business plan is the perfect solution. I can spend time with her while helping her with something that I’m really good at. I’m certain these feelings I have for her will fade if I spend enough time with her.
There is a knock at the door and I give my surroundings one last look over before walking to answer it. I remind myself as I open the door that tonight is about helping a friend. Nothing more.
My eyes never get over the sight of her. It’s like my brain shows me watered down memories of her because it knows I can’t handle how beautiful she actually is. And when I see her again, in the flesh, standing in front of me, my heart needs a few extra beats to process just how breathtaking she actually is.
Her hair is down, bouncy curls falling gently on her shoulders. She’s in a floral sundress that looks like it was tailor made for her body. I can’t help but admire how it hugs her breasts, but doesn’t constrict them. The fabric looks as soft as her skin. I’m dying to touch both of them, to see which one is softer. I’d bet my impressive bank account that her skin would win.
“Hey.” My voice is a hoarse whisper.
“Hey.” Hers is not much louder. We stare at each other unabashedly, her eyes traveling over my fitted dark gray t-shirt and jeans. I can’t be as pretty to look at as she is, but the hunger in her eyes tells me she likes what she sees.
Remembering why she’s here, I take a step back so she can come in. She enters and I close the door behind her, taking the opportunity to get a good long look at her round ass as she’s walking by. Absolutely perfect.
“Thanks for giving up your Friday night,” she says without turning around.
“I’ve been looking forward to it,” I admit. She turns and gives me a shy smile and my stomach flips. I love seeing that smile. “Where do you want to start?”
Something on her face shifts, like she’s just remembered something or had some sort of epiphany. I stand frozen in place and watch in absolute wonder as she closes the distance between us, takes my face in her hands and guides my mouth down to hers.
Chapter 16
Maggie
Idon’t think I fully believed I was going to kiss him until he asked that question. At that moment, I knew what I wanted, I wasn’t afraid, and I went for it.
I initiate the kiss slowly, he could pull away at any time. He doesn’t. It starts tentatively, soft lips and gentle pressure, but it escalates fast. Callum’s hands grab my waist and pull my body against his while my fingers caress his soft beard travelling up into his sandy hair. When I graze his bottom lip with my teeth and then run my tongue over the same spot, he groans and deepens it.
I’ve only kissed a few men, but at this moment I couldn’t tell you their names. I can tell that this kiss is ruining me for all kisses that will come after. His mouth moves skillfully on mine, possessing it, and I never want him to stop. This has gone beyond a kiss and now resembles something closer to a life altering event. Every nerve in my body is ignited.
I am different. Changed. Lost and found at the same time. It’s somehow too much and not enough.
Callum pulls back, his blue eyes searching my face. He’s still holding me against him, and I can feel how much he wants me too. “Hi,” he says breathlessly.
“Hi.” I take a step back, trying to get my breathing under control. What am I doing? What was I thinking? “Callum, I’m sorry.” I’m embarrassed and completely overwhelmed. He closes the distance between us and wraps me in a hug. It feels too good, being in his arms. I don’t ever want to leave the safety of being here.
“Hey,” he says into my hair, still holding me tightly to his chest. “Are you okay?” I take a deep breath and laugh shakily.
“I’m fine, really. I had a bad day and then I saw you and I’m not sure what came over me. I’m sorry.” I step away from him, hesitant to look at him. When I finally meet his gaze, it’s full of concern.
“Don’t apologize. I’ve recently been told my natural magnetism can overwhelm people.”
“I believe it,” I laugh, my embarrassment starting to dissipate. “You should see someone about that.”
“I’ve tried. Doctors can’t seem to explain it and so far there is no known cure.”
“Can we forget this happened?” I hold his gaze while he considers my request.
