Maggie nodded. “Actually, I already have. I got a laptop and I’m doing the social media for Too Sweet. I mentioned something about it to Grace and she jumped at the opportunity to pass that off to someone.”
“That’s great! So, you’re freelancing?”
“Yep. I have a couple other clients but they’re virtual. Grace is the only one from town.”
“Awesome! What do you enjoy about it?”
“There’s so much to talk about!” She lit up as she explained, her hands waving about. “Creating the graphics is a lot of fun. It feels like art even though I can’t draw a stick figure. And coming up with content ideas and ways to highlight these businesses is super rewarding. It’s really gratifying when your posts and engagement bring more customers to the little guys, instead of the big box companies. Just the other day, when I was at Too Sweet…”
Luke leaned his chin on his hand as he listened. Her passion shone through like a stained-glass window hit by the sun. This was the real Maggie, he realized. He didn’t know what hadhappened to dim her light, but she was here now. She’d come out of the dark and he was so happy to get to see it.
Could he let her go after his time was up? Luke pushed the thought away. He didn’t want to think about that. He’d meant what he said about being tired of the life of an agent. When he’d first started out, he’d had this same enthusiasm for it, but time and experience had dulled it.
Perhaps he should consider all his options.
Luke tried to talk her into dessert to draw the night out, but Maggie said she was too full. They kept the conversation going on the way home, and despite only doing the speed limit, they arrived at the Haven all too soon.
He walked her up the steps to the porch, his hand at the small of her back. She turned, the porch light making her red hair gleam.
“Luke, I had an amazing time. I don’t want to say goodbye just yet. Do you…” Her cheeks turned pink, and she bit her lip, but her gaze stayed on his. “Do you want to come in for coffee?”
He closed his eyes and breathed for a moment. Yes, he wanted to come in. But he also wanted to unwrap her from that dress and worship every curve. His mother’s warning rang in his head and he knew the temptation would be too great. Luke wrapped one arm around her waist, and the other cupped her face. “Not tonight,” he said. “If I go in there, I’m afraid I’ll do ungentlemanly things to you.”
Heat flared in her emerald eyes. “What if I want you to do ungentlemanly things to me?”
Luke let his gaze wander over her face, the pale freckles across her adorable nose, the sweep of his thumb over her soft cheek. As happy as he’d been that she’d agreed to go out with him, he found he wanted more. “Please let me be a gentleman tonight. I have to go home to my mother after all.”
“Alright.” The side of her lips curved upwards in a near-smile. “Will you kiss me?”
“With pleasure.” He leaned down, glancing the tip of his nose against hers. She closed her eyes, but he watched as they breathed each other’s air. He wanted to engrave this in his memory for all time. Because something told him that this was going to change everything.
Chapter 14
AsdisappointedasMaggiewas that Luke had refused her invitation, part of her was also excited that he was clearly interested in more than sex.
Even though part of his appeal had been that he was leaving.
But she shoved that thought back into its box when his mouth met hers. His lips were as soft as she remembered, and just like her cheek had, her lips caught fire. He explored softly at first, but when she sighed and kissed him back, he pulled her even tighter to him and drank deeply. Maggie opened her mouth on a moan and his tongue slipped in to dance with her own.
She had no idea how long they stood under the yellow porch light with the silent street behind them, wrapped in each other. Eventually, Luke came up for air, but he chuckled as she chased his mouth. He let her catch him, and she didn’t want to let go.
When they finally broke apart gasping, Maggie’s hands were clutching his coat for dear life. Her knees were jelly; she needed him to hold her upright.
“I should go while I still have the willpower.”
Dazed, Maggie pouted. “If you’re sure.”
He nodded, and helped her steady herself. “I’ll wait till you’re inside.”
“Good night, Luke.” Her hand trembled as she turned the key to the Haven, opening the door.
“Good night, Maggie.” Luke stayed on the porch until she turned the lock, then he waved and headed back to his car. Maggie watched through the sidelight as he backed out of the driveway. She waved as he drove down the street, then turned and leaned her back against the door.
Holy shit. She was in trouble. Because a temporary thing with him would never be enough.
MondaymorningcameandMaggie was still riding high from her date with Luke. They’d texted back and forth, but she’d spent the day before hanging out with Grace above the bakery, watching chick flicks, and discussing ideas for the Too Sweet social media account.
When she came downstairs for breakfast, Virginia had another delivery for her.
