Something told him mischievous Maggie would be a whole lot of fun.“You tell me what I need to do and I’ll do it.”
“I will.”She grinned but didn’t elaborate.
After dinner, they had dessert.Conversation stayed light and playful, and Braden was back to smiling uncontrollably the whole drive back to her place.When they parked, he came around and held the truck door open for her.But when he went to lead her to the porch, she stopped him.
“Braden.”She leaned against the truck, her hand catching his.“I told you’d I’d tell you what you needed to do later, remember?For me to agree to a second date.”
That caught his full attention.“I’m listening.”
She tugged him closer.“I think we should do what you said earlier, then decide.”
“What did I say earlier?”At the moment, he was preoccupied by the feel of her soft curves pressed against his chest.
“Kissing.”Her voice wavered.“You said you wanted more kissing.”She looked up at him.“There should definitely be more kissing before we decide about another date.”
He nearly groaned at the way she offered her mouth up to him.“Good point.”He traced his thumb along her lower lip.“It might take a few before we get it just right.”
She nodded.“I’m okay with that.”
He kissed her until she was gasping for breath.He kissed her until she’d melted into him.And when he parted her lips and swept the inside of her hot mouth with his tongue, the sound she made rocked him to his boots.He hoped like hell that locked in a second date.He wanted more of that sound—more of Maggie.He wasn’t sure how he was going to leave her and go home alone.It wouldn’t be easy.But at least he’d get to dream of her.And, in his dreams, she’d be like this.Soft against him, giving and taking whatever he gave her, inflaming his body, shaking him to the core—and tugging at his heart.
Chapter Eleven
It had been two whole days since Braden had kissed her like his life depended on it.And for two whole days, Maggie had found herself daydreaming and—according to Cody—looking foggy a lot.It wasn’t intentional.But, whenever Braden popped into her mind, she was done for.From his smile to his calloused touch to his delectable scent, she happily lost herself in all the warmth and tingles those memories inspired.
When she wasn’t daydreaming of him, they were texting.Short and sweet texts.She woke to his “Good morning” texts and went to bed after reading his “Sweet dreams” texts.Every time her phone pinged, she was filled with anticipation.
It had been surprisingly easy to give in to the feelings she’d been resisting.And it scared her.Instead of keeping her guard up, she’d tossed aside all restraint.The practical side of her kept looking for a flaw or red flag to cool her ardor.But the passion-driven, emotional side of her—a side she’d boxed away for the better part of ten years—was charging full steam ahead and headed straight for Braden.
By the time Tuesday morning rolled around, she was missing him.
“You’re driving Cody to school?”Her mother glanced at the kitchen clock.“Has the bus already come?”
No, it hasn’t.But if she took Cody to school, she might run into Braden, and she really,reallywanted to run into Braden.
“Yeah, Ma.I can take the bus.”Cody finished off his glass of chocolate milk.
“You’re looking a little red-eyed, sweetie.Might do you some good to rest.”Her mother’s brows rose, and she used her assertive nurse voice.
“I will.”Maggie wasn’t going to argue with her mother—or explain why she was taking Cody to school.“After I get back.”
Her mother’s eyes narrowed but she let it go.
Cody chatted the whole way into town.He was almost done with the diorama he’d got for his birthday, and even Maggie thought it was awesome.“Can we invite Delilah and Braden over to see it?”
“Sure.”Now she wouldn’t have to come up with an excuse to get together.
“Thanks, Ma.”Cody grinned.“She’s really getting into dinosaurs.She’ll think the diorama is cool.”
“Cody, if you think it’s cool, she will think it’s cool.”Maggie met his gaze in the rearview mirror as she parked in the school parking lot.
“Uncle Mike says you always looked up to him growing up.”Cody shrugged.“Delilah’s like that.Being her big brother is a big responsibility, Ma.”
A what?Maggie froze.Big brother?Cody thought of Delilah as his little sister?When had that happened?And should she put a stop to it?
“Come on, Ma.”Cody unbuckled and got out of the car.
Maggie was still processing Cody’s words after she’d dropped him off at his classroom.This was exactly the sort of thing she’d been scared of.One kiss—lots of kisses—andshe was setting aside her motherly duty to protect her son from getting hurt?Yes, she and Braden enjoyed spending time together, but it was too early for Cody to be thinking about being a big brother to Delilah.
