Chapter Eight
“A speed dating event,” Connor said with a distinct lack of enthusiasm.
Susan tossed her head. “You don’t have to go. Guys have an easier time meeting women to date,” she added. “But, I need all the help I can get. I want to find a man and settle down. I want to have children, and I’m running out of time.”
They stared at her, and she met their glances with one of quiet determination.
Maggie hadn’t realized Susan wanted children so bad. She risked a quick glance at Connor and found him studying her.
“I hope this maternal cluckiness isn’t catchy,” Julia said into the distinct uneasiness that had overtaken them after Susan’s outburst.
“I refuse to apologize,” Susan said, studying her fingernails. She tucked her hands on her lap and lifted her chin. “Besides, my mother is driving me nuts. My sisters are married. She’s convinced my ovaries will wither, and I’ll die an old spinster.”
“I hope you told her to butt out,” Julia said.
Susan issued a loud sigh. “She means well. And I do want to get married.”
“That doesn’t mean you should settle for second best,” Christina said. “Mr. Right doesn’t always come along straight away.”
“Look, I’m sorry. Forget I said anything.” Susan forced a smile.
“We don’t expect you to apologize,” Maggie said. “You can’t help how you feel.”
“The speed dating was a suggestion. I’m attending and thought it might be fun if we all went.”
Maggie felt bad for Susan. Wanting security and a child wasn’t so different from wanting to find a man to spank her. Deep down she wanted the same things as Susan—security with a man who loved her.
“I’ll go with you,” she said. “It sounds like fun.”
Connor looked as if he might argue, and Maggie glared at him.
“I’m in,” Julia said, breaking the uncomfortable silence. “It will make a change from drinks at the pub.”
“Sign me up too,” Connor said.
“Really?” Maggie asked.
“Yeah, really. Susan is my friend and I want to support her.” Connor’s voice held a trace of defensiveness. “When is it?”
“Are you trying to weasel out of it?” Maggie asked in suspicion.
“No, it’s my mother’s birthday coming up. If it clashes with the speed dating, I’ll have to pass.”
It was the first Maggie had heard of his mother’s birthday. She blinked against a sudden surge of moisture to her eyes. Her throat tightened, and she swallowed to dispel the sensation. Despite reminding herself she and Connor were casual lovers, she couldn’t stop the possessive thoughts filling her mind. She wasn’t even looking for another lover. Connor had spoiled her, and every other man came up lacking in comparison.
But she wanted to do normal couple things. The sneaking around had lost its excitement.
“It’s next week. Thursday night at eight,” Susan said.
Christina checked her calendar. “Works for me.”
“My mother’s birthday is on Saturday,” Connor said.
“What about rugby practice?” Maggie asked.
“We have a bye this weekend.” Connor picked up his beer and took a sip. “There’s no training this week.”
Maggie crossed her legs. “I’m free.” She noticed Connor watched the move, his gaze lingering on the expanse of thigh displayed by her new skirt. Connor hadn’t been the only one paying attention. She received requests for dates from two of the lawyers at the firm next to them. Greg also continued to ask her out, despite her firm negative answers.
