“I see we both have a love for drama and tragedy,” I say. She laughs. The sound lifts my mood. It’s a deep, throaty laugh reverberating through my body.
“Then we do have at least one thing in common,” she agrees.
“I bet, if we tried, we could come up with even more commonalities than that,” I say. She nods her head at me.
“Perhaps.” I let the subject drop as I turn to watch the other people at the party mingle.
“I have one more question if I may?”
She looks back over at me with her sassy smirk, “Please proceed.”
“Do you have any idea what the status is with Lily and Matt?” Maggie turns to look at everyone visiting in Grayson’s condo.
“I’m not positive but I can make an educated guess.”
“Lily won’t tell me. She claims there’s still a chance I’ll neuter him.”
“Will you?” I put my finger against my lips for a second like I’m weighing the possibility.
“Maybe,” I finally say. “I have to at the very least let him know it’s always a possibility.” Maggie eases closer to me, so we can discuss our theories without being overheard. She smells like a field of roses. I only get an occasional whiff when the breeze kicks up. My arm is still on the back of the couch and, if I dared, I could caress her bare shoulder. It takes all of my willpower to sit still.
“If I had to guess,” she says in a stage whisper. “I’d say they are definitely together.”
“What does she see in Grayson’s numbers nerd? Do you really think it’s him? I’ll kill him. It’s bad enough he takes my money at poker. If he is doing my sister, he’s not going to see tomorrow.”
Maggie laughs. “Slow down, counselor. It’s only a guess, remember. You need to wait until you have confirmation. Besides, what do you have against a girl getting a little something, something?”
“I have absolutely no problem with it just as long as it’s not with my kid sister.” I watch as my little sister makes eyes at the analyst. “Damn it. You’re right.” My eyes narrow as I watch them skirt around each other. A scowl is forming on my face when Maggie cuts into my thoughts.
“You know, just throwing this out there, but that might be why she won’t tell you. You look like you could murder someone right now.” My eyes cut over to her for just a second then return to watching Lily. “Do you react to all of her boyfriends like this?”
“No!” Then with a grin I add, “Okay, yes.” I hear the beautiful sound of laughter bubble up in her throat again.
“She’s a big girl now, you know. Besides, if anyone can take care of themselves it’s Lily.” We watch Grayson walk out onto the balcony to check the food. He hasn’t noticed us sitting in the dark corner.
“You know it’s not just Lily. I busted Grayson’s balls about Izzy too,” I say as Izzy wanders out onto the balcony sliding her arms around Grayson.
“So you’re a dick on general principle then?” I look at her incredulously.
“Did you just call me a dick? Really, Maggie, are you that infatuated with my junk tonight? First my balls, now my dick.” I shake my head with a quiet chuckle wishing I could still see what color red her cheeks turn.
“I said you areadick, not necessarilyyourdick.” She snorts out a laugh. Of course, the aforementioned body part just got harder.
“There you go again.”
“Mr. Rhett, you're incorrigible! I also think we might want to move,” she says, tapping on my thigh.
“Why would we need to move?” How does it keep getting harder? Oh, that’s right, I’m infatuated with her and she’s touching my leg. Maggie points behind me.
“I don’t think we want to be here once that turns X-rated.” I turn around to find Grayson and Izzy engrossed in an aggressive wall groping.
“For fuck’s sake,” I mumble before yelling over at him. “Hey Jackass!” I feel Maggie jump and instinctively place my hand on her shoulder. It feels like a lightning bolt has struck me.
I yell something about barfing up our burgers at Grayson before turning back to her. Her eyes are wide as she stares at my hand. I slowly remove my fingers mumbling.
“Sorry.” She stands abruptly.
“Well, I probably should be going. I have to be at work early tomorrow.” I’m such a fucking moron! Why couldn’t I just keep my hands off her? Something about her always turns me into an awkward asshole. I stand trying desperately to think of a valid reason for her to stay just a little longer. With a sigh, I finally give up.
