Page 14 of Wild Curves
She sighs like she doesn’t believe me. She thinks I’m messing around, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to make this shy girl mine, and I’m not wasting it.
“23 Hildon Drive. The block of apartments.”
She chooses to ignore my comment, which is fine for now. She’ll come around later when I have her in my cabin.
I know the address. It’s a back road of Wild, and it doesn’t take long to get there.
We pull up out front of the shabby looking apartment block. The gate is hanging off its hinges, and there’s litter strewn across the courtyard.
“You live here?” It’s so different than my cozy cabin nestled in the woods.
“Yeah.” She sticks her chin out defiantly. “It’s cheap.”
It looks cheap. And too damn run down for my woman. I’ll move her out of here as soon as I can. As soon as she agrees to be mine.
Her parents pull up, and we head to her ground floor apartment. Despite the run down exterior, Maggie’s made the inside of her apartment homey. The walls are a light lavender color, and the place smells of berries and chocolate. The small kitchen is crammed with her cooking gear, and recipe books take up every spare surface.
There’s a bed in one corner and a couch in the other.
“You two can have the bed, and I’ll sleep on the couch.”
Her mom looks around in dismay and Maggie looks down, clearly preparing herself for a lecture. But for once it doesn’t come. Maybe her mother’s finally at a loss for words.
I had no idea Maggie was living in a place like this. She twists her hands as she looks around, clearly embarrassed.
“It’s all I need,” she says simply. “It’s perfect for a single woman.” Her mouth snaps shut as she realizes her mistake.
But Debbie’s too sharp. “Will you be moving in together soon?”
Jim holds his hands up. “There’s no rush, sweetheart. You don’t have to move in until you’re married.”
He looks at me pointedly, and behind the calm and quiet exterior I glimpse the same fire that Maggie hides.
“We’re not getting married,” Maggie says quickly, gaining a sharp look from her mother.
“Not yet,” I say, grabbing Maggie’s hand in mine. “But I want you to know, my intentions toward your daughter are serious.”
Debbie beams, and Maggie gives me a dirty look.
“Let’s give these two some space, babe.” I pull her toward the door before her mom can ask any more awkward questions.
“But where are we going?”
“You’re staying with me for the weekend.” Excitement flashes across her face before she rearranges it into a disapproving look. She’s trying to stay cross with me, but her defenses are weakening.
Debbie claps her hands together. “We can go to a hotel; I don’t want to put you out.”
“It’s not putting me out. We stay most nights at my place anyway.”
Jim scowls at me, but Debbie beams. Maggie looks like she wants to kill me, but she puts on a smile and follows me outside.
“We’ll see you two tomorrow.” I wave as we shut the door.
As soon as the door’s shut, Maggie throws my hand down and strides to the bike. I watch the sway of her angry hips. She’s coming to my cabin. Now I just need to figure out how to get her cute ass into my bed.
7
MAGGIE
