But more than that, I loved what it meant. She wanted me as a regular guy who lived in a dump and repaired bikes. I smiled at the irony.She wanted the Griff from fifteen years ago.
But hey, I was still that guy underneath.
And besides, I'd learned something during the past few weeks. I missed being that guy – an anonymous Joe who worked with his hands and didn't spend his evenings dodging social climbers looking for a fix.
And now, looking at Maisie – with her eager eyes and soft smile – something inside me melted. This wasn't about my bank account. Or my skyline apartment.It was about us.
Her and me.
It hit harder than I wanted to admit.
And yet, I couldn't help but wonder,Why the change?
What exactly had Franny told her?
Carefully, I asked, "For how long?"
Her smile faltered. "Well…I know you're only here for another week."
It was a little longer than a week, but who was I to quibble? And besides, if things played out the way they were looking, I wouldn’t be going anywhere.
Not without Maisie.
I was breathless and tongue-tied at the thought.
When I said nothing, she kept going. "But youcouldstay a little longer – or a lot longer – if you want." She hesitated. "And we could make your job totally official, like I tried to earlier."
Nope.
But I didn't say it.
I didn't need her money. I didn'twanther money.
I wanted to spend my money onher– not the other way around.
And as far as the pay, my going rate would break the bank.I knew this, just like I knew that I was still missing a big chunk of the puzzle. But seeing her standing there, all soft eyes and undisguised hope, I couldn't bring myself to care.
Not now.
I'd been missing her so much it hurt.
Sure, I still had questions. But only a jackass would push for answers when she was looking at me like I was the only guy she’d ever wanted, dump and all.
It was the kick I needed. Before I could overthink it, I was striding around the table as she rushed to me to meet me halfway.
When our lips met, it felt like coming home.
Tomorrow we could talk.But tonight, all I wanted was to hold her.
And more.
61
Just Say When
Maisie
I laughed in spite of myself. "Oh, stop it. You did not."
