Page 54 of A First Sight

“I’ve heard of him,” Uncle Ben said. “Maybe I’ll suggest to Stellan he get in touch with Carson for our next charity event.”

“I’ll mention it to Maggie. Maybe she can tell Carson,” I said.

“You really like her.”

I could’ve pretended to misunderstand, but Uncle Ben could read me like a book.

“I do,” I admitted.

“And not simply as a new friend?”

I shook my head. “No. That wouldn’t be my preference.”

Uncle Ben’s eyes widened slightly. “You’ve slept with her.”

Shit.

“You don’t even have to answer that,” he said. “It’s written all over your face.”

Dammit.I ran my hand over my face as if I could erase everything he saw.

“Bring her over Sunday evening for dinner. Stellan and I would love to meet her.”

I had to clear my throat before I could answer. “That would be great.”

“It’s settled then.” Uncle Ben stood. “Sunday, the four of us will have a lovely dinner and get to know one another.”

As Uncle Ben left, I leaned back in my chair, emotions in turmoil. I loved the idea of Maggie meeting my family. The three of them would get along wonderfully.

I just didn’t hope Maggie would think this was moving too fast. Sleeping together so soon wasn’t how I usually operated, but it seemed everything was new with Maggie.

FORTY-ONE

MAGGIE

Since Drake wentinto the office today, I finally had a chance to familiarize myself with my new violin. The instrument was beautiful and a genuine pleasure to play, but everything reminded me of what I had lost as I practiced.

However, I continued until I was confident I’d be able to step right back into my position in the orchestra with my new instrument. I hoped that would happen sooner than later.

Following practice, I prepared a lasagne from scratch and popped it in the oven as I watched the clock, anticipating Drake’s arrival soon. I could hardly wait. I wanted to touch him so badly I ached.

Forty-five minutes later I removed the lasagna from the oven to cool as I heard the front door open. I closed my eyes, let out a slow breath, and then brushed my hands over the simple sweater dress I wore tonight. I didn’t want things to be weird by being all dressed up, making this a romantic dinner, but looking pretty made me feel better.

And maybe I was flirting a little.

He took only a few steps toward the table, and then he stopped, his eyes widening as he looked at me. “Wow.”

I blushed. “I wanted to thank you for everything and thought dinner might be a tiny way to start.”

“Unnecessary,” he said, his voice rough, “but appreciated.”

It was then that I noticed he had something in his hand. He came around the table and held out a bouquet of unique-looking red and white flowers.

“The florist said they’re called nerines. I thought you’d like them.”

The uncertainty in his smile chased away my nerves, and I closed the rest of the distance between us and took the flowers. “They’re beautiful. Thank you.”

Our eyes locked for a moment and the room temperature seemed to rise several degrees. The connection between us crackled, far more potent than last night. And it wasn’t just me. I was sure Drake felt this same attraction.

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