His face crumpled and his sturdy shoulders heaved.
The beam of the flashlight shook and it took me a moment to realize it was my hand moving around like that. “I never said anything to make you think I would want to wake up alone. I wanted you to be there.” I stomped away and set the flashlight down on the floor before I went outside and slammed the door, even though it was a petty move. I was almost to my Maserati when I heard cursing behind me, and Maurice raced around with the flashlight in his hands to block me from getting in my car. The rain began to come down harder and I shivered as the dampness hit my skin.
I was too mad to say anything.
It took him a minute to stop staring at my chin and meet my eyes. “You’re right. You’ve never said a single mean thing to me.”
Fury and something else coiled in knots in my stomach—something painful. “If you don’t like me, it’s fine. I get it. I’m not for everyone. But don’t make this about something I never did.”
Maurice shuffled forward and hugged my middle. Yes, I was upset, but nothing in me wanted to hold back from him. I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and rested my cheek on the side of his head. He squeezed me tighter and some of the awfulness that had been in me for two days drained away.
“Anyone would be lucky to have you,” he whispered.
“I feel the same way.”
We were quiet for a bit, the drizzle getting us wet, but we stood there clinging to each other anyway.
After a few long minutes, he sighed. “If we do this, I still don’t think we should tell anyone at work.”
“I doubt it will be a problem.”
“It’s a bad idea.” His tone left no room for arguments.
My stomach fell to my toes, but I at least understood where he was coming from. This wouldn’t be me taking him out and showing him off; this would be a low-key affair. Part of me ached at the idea of agreeing because this picked at my own old wounds, but I liked him a lot. “Okay, I accept that. Does this mean I can stay the night?”
He nuzzled his face against my neck and sent a warm tremble racing down my spine. “Sure. Come on in.”
“Don’t mind if I do.”
He glanced up at me, and I swooped down to seal my mouth over his. My insides melted when he opened his lips and flirted his tongue with mine. This was what I’d needed the other morning when I woke up and couldn’t find him, and maybe it wasn’t exactly what I wanted, but nothing was ever perfect. I would take what Maurice was willing to give.
10
MAURICE
As the frontdoor closed behind me, embarrassment raced around in my gut. The electricity being off made me feel strangely guilty because I couldn’t offer Wick much hospitality. My house from end to end probably wasn’t as big as the great room in Wick’s mansion. I’d bought and paid for this property, and he’d inherited his—Wick’s wealth was still a hell of a difference between us. I bit the inside of my cheek and spun toward him.
“I’m sorry. You would’ve been more comfortable at home, especially if you have power there. It’s too warm here.” I tugged at my collar, but not because of the physical heat in the room. I was melting down due to the way I was feeling, not the humidity, and I didn’t like that. I’d avoided these types of emotions for the last few years. It was difficult to think about opening up to a man, and damned terrifying to put myself out there again. I wasn’t sure I would survive having my heart stomped on one more time.
Wick shrugged. “We can both go to my place in the morning. With the roads the way they are, it’s better to stay put and hope a crew goes through to clear away the trash before we need to get anywhere.”
I clutched the flashlight as if it were a lifeline. “You’re sure? Won’t anyone miss you?”
He grinned and stuffed his hands into his pockets as he paced toward me, his silver hair glinting brightly. “Mrs. Riggins will probably send a text checking that I won’t be back tonight, but I don’t have to answer. I do own the place. I don’t have to ask anyone’s permission to run away from home or bring guests over.” The wink he flashed had me sighing.
I shoved his arm. “That isn’t what I meant.”
“What did you mean?”
Shit.Who knew anymore? I sure don’t.“Uh....” I shrugged.
Wick snorted and grinned. “Did you eat yet?’
I nodded. “Unfortunately. It was crackers and peanut butter. I had to toss everything in my fridge. I’m hoping mold doesn’t set in before the power comes back. After Hurricane Ida I had to get rid of the fridge because it was too gross to save. It would be a shame, since this one wasn’t that old.”
He hummed. “Yeah, that would be some bad luck.”
I plucked at my wet shirt and shook my head as a drop of water rolled down my face. “I’m not sure if I have anything you can wear, but you can come into the bedroom and check with me.”
