“Fine,” I growl. “I’ll be here then.” The zipper on my jeans is digging into me with no mercy as I continue to stare down at her. “Fuck,” I add, walking to the door as I shift myself to the side of my zipper.
“I’m really trying to be good here!” I yell back at her as I pull open the door. I can hear her laugh as she gets off the couch to lock the door. I don’t want to say I ran out the door, but I didn’t amble either, it was more of an awkward shuffle.
Sitting in my car, I can finally breathe. After everything that’s happened this weekend, I can’t sleep with her. Of course, she hasn’t asked me to, but I would just be another guy taking advantage of her vulnerability. When we finally act out everything I said to her this morning, it will be on her terms, not mine. I don’t remember ever working at anything so hard only to walk away with nothing. If I jack myself off much longer, I’m going to develop calluses. When did I decide I had to be an honorable guy?
The next afternoon finds us back on the couch surrounded by comic books. “Doing okay? No problem has arisen?” Maggie asks me. Looking up, I narrow my eyes at the smirk on her face. Really? I’m dying a slow death, wanting to be in her so bad it’s stealing my sanity, but she’s giving me shit?
“You’re enjoying torturing me aren’t you? It’s not funny.” She snorts a laugh at me before returning to her comic. “I have a favor to ask while we’re on the subject of torture.” She sits her comic down, taking off her glasses with a flourish. Son of a bitch! Can my dick not behave for even one afternoon with her?
“Anyway, my law firm’s Christmas party is coming up, so I was wondering if you’d come, be my date. I can get you a room at Crown Plaza, not far from me. You can fly up Friday evening, let me show you around for the weekend. If you would like.” She studies me, considering for a few minutes before speaking.
“I’ll expect the VIP tour of course. I’ve never been to Kansas City so I want to experience it all. Hallmark, BBQ, museums, the works. I’ll also expect a tour of your office, everywhere worth hanging out, even your sacred bar.” She’s teasing me, but I’m game.
“You want the platinum tour I see. So, I’ll get you a ticket for Friday night? Now, what do you want on your pizza, princess?” She laughs as I pick up my phone. “Seriously, woman. I’m starving.”
I make sure to leave by ten so I can make it to the airport in time for the last flight. Walking into my condo after midnight, I hear my phone ping in my pocket.
Maggie: Did you get home okay? I had a great time this weekend, even though it was a hot mess. Looking forward to next weekend. I expect you to haveDon Quixotedone by Friday or no recess for you, mister.
Colin: Made it home fine. I like recess so I’ll do whatever it takes to make it into your playground. Good night, beautiful.
Maggie: Good night, Colin.
The next week goes by in a ridiculous manner. I bury myself in work, but when that doesn’t work, I bury myself in my current book assignment. When that doesn’t work, I either run or swim. I’m pretty certain I’ve logged enough laps and miles to equal the distance around the Earth. It doesn’t help but at least I’ve added some muscle. I do everything but sleep because sleeping means dreaming. When I dream I see nothing but Maggie. I’ve jacked off so much now, I’m afraid what they say is true. I really am starting to go blind.
Friday finds me pacing by my car parked on the curb outside the airport terminal. I’m early, but I keep checking the flight information, worried about the flight arriving late. At any other airport, I would have been chased off by now, but I help host the annual widows and orphans fundraiser for the police department every year so these guys all know me. I could do without the smirks on their faces every time they walk by though.
Finally, I see her. One look from those dark eyes has me frozen in place. When she rolls her suitcase up to me, I’m still just staring.
“Hi,” she says, throwing her arms around my neck. It’s enough to bring me out of my stupor, pulling her flush against my body in a hug. “I’ve missed seeing your giant body slumming on my couch all day.” I laugh, squeezing her into an even harder hug.
“Hey buddy, any closer and I’ll cite you for indecent public displays of affection.” one of the cops yells. I can hear his buddies laugh with him. Breaking the embrace, Maggie looks at me.
“Friends of yours? Or do you just have a target on your head. I need to know now if I have to spend the weekend running from the law. I might need better shoes.” Damn, I missed that attitude. It’s not quite the same on the phone.
“Ignore them. They’re just hoping for something to take with them to the shower tonight,” I yell at them over her shoulder. They chuckle, wandering off. “Are you ready to go? I reluctantly turn her loose to retrieve her suitcase.
“So you drive both a BMW and a Maserati? Is there a Batmobile around here somewhere too? Is someone compensating for something?” Maggie is standing next to the passenger seat looking around.
“Very funny, smart-ass. Just get in the car.” She grins at me when I roll my eyes. She’s already lightened my mood. I’ve never known another woman, except Lily, who can get under my skin like Maggie can. I’ve also never known anyone who’s made me crave more of it. “What would you like to do first? I’m sure you’re starving.”
“I am. I got caught after work by a student who’s stressed about his final next week. I just made it to the gate before it closed. I’m exhausted. Can we just eat takeout at your place?”
“Of course,” I agree, pulling out my phone. I place our order at the Thai place next to my condo. When we get home, I let her in. “I’m going to run next door to grab our dinner. There are drinks in the fridge, through that door. You’re welcome to use either bathroom. Mine is at the end of the hall, the other one is about halfway down on the right. I’ll be back in about ten minutes.” I close the door, leaving Maggie looking around the living room, running for the elevator.
It’s closer to twelve minutes by the time I get back. Opening the door, I assume Maggie will be waiting in the living room, but she’s nowhere around. I check the kitchen, setting the Thai on the island, before wandering down the hall.
Not finding her in any of the other rooms, I finally reach mine. Turning the corner around the entrance, I find her sitting in the middle of my bed. Her legs are crossed, having taken her shoes off. She’s also pulled her sweater off and is sitting in a tank top.
“Hey.” My voice sounds like I’ve been yelling at a concert for hours. I hadn’t counted on the impact of seeing her in my bed, even innocently. “What did you find?” She has my first edition ofThe Jungle Bookon the bed in front of her. I look over at the old attorney bookcase in the corner of the room. The top shelf is open. When my eyes move back to her, she is looking up at me with wide eyes.
“I’m sorry. I was just looking around when I found your bookcase. These are all first editions, Colin. Some of them are even signed. You have a whole case of autographed first editions! I really wanted to look at the illustrations in this, but when I got to the bed, it just seemed wrong to open it without you.” She looks back down at the book. Reaching down, I pick it up before crossing back to the bookcase.
“It just became kind of a hobby. My grandparents gave me this one a long time ago. My parents were smart enough to save it for me until I was old enough to appreciate its value. Come on, our food is getting cold, we can look at these later.” I hold my hand out, pulling her off the bed when she takes it. When we are seated at the island eating, I continue.
“I inherited a lot of them from my grandfather when he died. The rest I’ve just picked up here and there. It’s why I prefer to still go to the small independent bookstores. I read stuff on my iPad, but I still like the beauty of a real book.”
“I agree,” Maggie says between bites. “You can’t appreciate illustrations or dust jackets on an e-book. I usually scour the library book sales for old hardcovers. Every so often I make it to an estate sale just to see what they have.” Her eyes are glowing like they do every time she talks about books.
