“You need a haircut,” Maggs said, as she had nothing else.
“That’s all you have to say to me after two years?” Before she could stop him, he’d stepped closer, wrapping his arms around her. “Welcome home, baby girl, we missed you.”
She tried not to stiffen up. The old Maggs would have stolen a kiss or put her hands on his ass. Instead she inhaled his scent, smelling the outdoors on him. As the local park ranger, he was always trekking over the mountains or doing something outside. Sniffing him again, she thought it felt good to be in the arms of someone she cared about. One of her people.
“What’s wrong?” He eased back, his hands gripping her arms.
“Nothing. Just thinking how soon I can grab your ass without it being rude. I mean, it’s been a while. I just thought I’d give you some time.” She stepped out of his reach. Buzz moved to her side, and she dug her fingers into the fur on top of his head briefly.
Fin’s eyes narrowed. “You never need permission to grab my ass, you know that. You didn’t hug me back, and why is your hand clenched in a fist?”
He was following her as she walked backward, which she hadn’t even realized she was doing.
“Stop moving.”
“For heaven’s sake, Fin. I just drove into town, I’m tired, and I need to head home and get ready for the invasion from my girls.”
“Did you just arrive now?” He was frowning, his eyes running over her face. “You’ve lost weight.”
“Yes and yes. I was fat. Now, bye, I need to go.”
“You weren’t fat; you were perfect.”
She would not cry. No one had said anything like that to her since she left Ryker Falls. The men and women in her life here were always throwing about compliments right alongside insults.
“Aww, that’s very sweet of you to say so, Fin.” She stopped moving and made herself smile. She hoped it was like the cheeky ones she often used before she’d left. Unclenching her fist, she leaned in and patted a cold cheek, feeling the rasp of his chin. “You always know the right things to say.”
“What’s wrong, Maggs?” He stood there, a big hunk of confident man who had more women in lust with him than was healthy for his ego.
She hated him for that confidence. Maggie had once been exactly the same.
“Nothing’s wrong. What could possibly be wrong?” She backed toward her car. “I’m tired like I said, Fin. And arriving unexpectedly is a surprise for everyone, so I need to wash and get ready for the celebrations.” She turned, about to scurry to her driver door. Scurry, for pity’s sake! The old Maggs would never do that.
He stepped closer and grabbed her arm, stopping her from leaving. His eyes then ran over her face.
“I heard something bad went down when you were over there. You were involved in a terrorist attack. But I also heard you were just shaken up, unhurt.”
Holy shit.
“That was months ago, Fin. I’m good now.” Maggie’s heart was beating so hard, it actually hurt her chest.
“No. Good is what you are not,” he said, moving closer. So close, soon there were only inches between them.
“I-I just got home! There is no way you can s-say that.” Maggs fought the desperation and panic beginning to claw up inside her. “Now let me go, Fin. I want to go home.”
He cupped her cheek, running a thumb over her skin. She felt it, wanted to close her eyes and lean into him. But if she did that, she would fall apart, and there was no way she was doing that again, especially not in front of this man.
“I know you, Maggie Winter. I’ve watched you for years. Coming home to us should not be terrifying, and yet for some reason it is.”
“No—”
“Yes, but that’s a discussion for another day.” He leaned in and placed his lips on hers. A soft kiss, gentle, and through her panic she felt it to her toes. He eased back when he was done. “Welcome home, sweetheart. You come to me if you need anything.”
She stepped away from him. Maggie then walked to the driver door, making herself open it slowly. She gave Fin a wave, then climbed inside. Firing up the car, she drove slowly down the main street. After all, you didn’t speed through this town, because everyone knew who you were. Looking in the mirror, she saw Fin now on the street watching her.
“I know you, Maggie Winter. I’ve watched you for years. Coming home to us should not be terrifying, and yet for some reason it is.”
How had he known? How had he sensed something was not right with her? She needed to be better at hiding her emotions going forward. She could do that. Present a normal façade.
