“Okay, you win.” He hugged her before pulling back. “Let’s talk about this, andus,” he emphasized, “after I clean up.”
“You made a big mess.”
“No,youmade a big mess. I was helpless while that firm hand made me see stars.”
“This tiny thing?” She held her hand up. “Wow. And here I thought I was a weakling compared to you. Apparently, I’ve got a death grip.”
“Smart-ass.”
She scooted off him and stood. Reggie left and returned a few minutes later wearing a different T-shirt, having given her enough time to straighten herself and wash her hand.
“That was hot,” she said, at the same time he said, “That wassohot.”
“You’re right. That needed an extra ‘so.’”
He tried not to smile. “Maggie, be serious.”
“Fine. I like you. A lot. I’m obviously attracted to you. And I’m not great at dating.”
“Everything you said. Yeah.” Reggie studied her. What did he see, exactly? Because when Maggie looked in the mirror, she saw a cute, nearly thirty, single mom. Not exactly gorgeous or swinging-from-the-chandelier sexy. “I know we just met, and neither of us seems to be actively looking to date.”
“Nope.”
“Yeah, nope. But we connect.”
“Oh yes, we do.” Maggie tried to stop ogling him, but he was so pretty.
“Maggie, focus.”
“I’m sorry.” She blushed. “Continue.”
He opened his mouth and closed it. Looking like a fish.
“You want to ask me to chalk this up to something physical and not let it happen again.” She sighed. She’d heard it before, but usually she was the one calling it quits.
Reggie frowned. “I was going to say I had a lot fun today, both before and after Monopoly. And I want us to start dating.”
“Oh.” She blinked and smiled. “Oh. Yeah. That sounds good.”
“But I know it’s tough with having a child, so I’d like it if we kept this just between us.” He looked pensive. “I’ve been down this road before. My last breakup hurt a little girl. I don’t want that for Emily.”
Maggie loved that he cared. “I don’t either. I agree. How about you and I go out a few times and have fun? We can see how things are between us, no pressure.”
His shoulders relaxed, and his smile returned. “No pressure. Except of course for all the pressure trying to focus on anything not sex-related around you.”
She blushed. “I thought that was just me. Good to know you feel it too.”
“Oh, I do.” He walked to her and cupped her chin to look up at him. “I like you, Maggie. A lot.”
“Me too.”
“But I know it’s tough to be with an Adonis like myself. So, if you can’t handle it, just let me know.”
“Who’s theloserwho had to trade sex for rent, Adonis?”
“Hey, you started it.” He kissed her.
“I was trying to cheat. You clearly have no idea how to invest your Monopoly money.” She kissed him back. “I still owe you a dinner.”
