“We’re going to head home. Use your big head this time brother not your dick,” Gunny mutters, slapping my shoulder as he leaves.
Thor hesitates before leaving. Out of our brothers, we’re the most alike when it comes to women. Neither of us had mothers that stuck around, and it coloured our perception of women. I wasn’t proud of the way I treated some of the women I’d been with, but the one thing I always was with them was honest. I never slept with anyone without them knowing that sex was all I was after. Most of them were willing, but there was alwaysone who thought she could change me. I’d never intended to be caught. At least not until today.
“You can say it, Thor.”
Thor studies me, then says, “I don’t think I have to brother. I can already see that you know she’s different. Tread carefully though because I have a feeling she’s not that experienced.”
I nod, because I’d already figured that out. He didn’t have to spell it out for me. It was part of Maggie’s appeal, the innocence that clung to her, but as I’d found out today, innocent did not mean that she’s weak.
Thor taps the table as he slides out, waving goodbye to Maggie and the other waitresses as he walks out the door to join Gunny. The two of them pull out into traffic and turn towards home.
Settling back in my chair, I wait for Shep to come back and, in the meantime, I watch my new obsession as she goes about her business with an efficiency that I admire.
***
The café is empty, and I know it won’t be long before it closes this evening.
“You need to stop staring,” she grumbles, placing an ice-cold Coke on the table in front of me.
“Can’t help it, Maggie.”
“Now you’re talking to me,” she rolls her eyes. “You blow hot and cold, Dog. I don’t need you playing with me.”
Taking hold of her hand, I tug her towards the chair next to me.
“I’m not playing Maggie. I’m sorry if I’ve confused you. I wasn’t expecting to find the woman of my dreams in our café but here you are. And while I know exactly what I want I don’t want to steam roll over you. So, I’m working at keeping my impatience in check and taking my time.”
Maggie narrows her eyes at me. My cock twitches, and I bite back a groan. Who’d have thought a feisty woman would turn me on so much.
“I know your reputation, Dog. I’m not the type to jump into bed with someone so if that’s what you’re after you’re shit out of luck and you’d best find someone else.”
She’s barely finished speaking and I’m shaking my head. “That’s not what this is, Maggie. Do I want to sleep with you? Hell, yes, I do. I mean have you seen yourself? You’re gorgeous.” When she growls at me and tugs at her hand, I know I’ve got to get what I’m feeling out so that she isn’t in any doubt that I want her.
“But,” she stops trying to escape and turns her attention back to me. “That was the me from before. This me, wants what Shep and Kate have. I knew as soon as I saw you that you were the one person I’d been waiting for and now that I’ve found you, I’mtrying not to rush you. I’m five steps ahead and ready to get you down to the registry office tomorrow. But I get you aren’t ready for that yet. We can take our time to get to know each other. Although I’ll have to get better at ducking because your aim is superb.”
Maggie flushes and tilts her head down. I struggle to hear her when she says, “I’m so sorry I threw the spoon.”
Pinching her chin with my fingers, I tilt her head back up. “But not for the slap?”
She tilts her chin, removing it from my hold, and shakes her head. “Nope, you deserved the slap.”
“I did,” I agree. “If I was to ask, could I kiss you without a slap?”
She shrugs one shoulder, replying, “Ask and find out.”
Sliding my hands up her cheeks, I tilt her face towards mine. “Maggie love, can I kiss you?”
Instead of replying, she leans forward and presses her lips to mine. Groaning, I lick at the seam of her lips until they open for me. Tilting her head, I deepen our kiss, pulling her closer until she’s all but sitting on my lap. It’s only when I hear Shep clearing his throat that I pull back. Maggie’s face is flushed, but she doesn’t hide from me; instead, she smiles wide, quirking an eyebrow at me.
“See how easy and pain free it is when you ask nicely.”
My laughter is loud, and I’m gratified when she leans against me, laughing along with me. Wrapping my arm around her shoulders, I press my lips to her temple.
“Looking forward to many more laughs with you, Maggie girl.”
“Me too Dog, me too.” She smiles up at me.
“Robert to you Maggie.”
