“The ‘do you know what I think’ question. I think you want me as much as I want you, Maggie Winter, and that scares you.”
“I’m not scared.” She stepped back.
“Truck’s here, Maggs!”
“Right there, Joe!” Fin called.
His eyes held hers as she stepped away from him and made herself walk by him. The hand he wrapped round her wrist held her close, so close he could lean in and touch his nose to hers.
“I will have the answers to my questions, Maggie, and maybe we can also address whatever the hell this is between us.”
“What questions? There is nothing between us.”Liar.
“There always was, but for some reason, since you’ve returned it’s magnified. Plus, I want to know what happened to frighten you.”
“You’re deluded.” Her heart gave a vicious kick at his words.
She tried to wrench her hand free, but he just pulled her closer and kissed her again. It was hard and fast and made her knees go weak. Maggie hoped they didn’t give way as she made herself walk outside—not run, which her instincts were screaming at her to do.
Joe stood with Jack and Luke. The three were variations of the same guy, differing in build and the odd facial feature. Maggs loved them. She’d grown up with them, and like her brothers, they were good guys.
“Where did you get all this from, Maggs?” Luke asked.
“England. Some of it’s for the gallery and some for home. Just things I purchased over the months I was there.”
“You don’t usually buy old stuff.” Joe grunted as he took a painting the delivery guy lowered into his arms and handed it to Fin as he arrived.
“I know, but I did some of that in London for the gallery I worked in, and I thought why not? It’s just another avenue, and sometimes buyers want older pieces. I have that other room just off the main gallery; I thought I’d set them up in there. I can take pictures and organize a catalogue.”
“Too much for you, bro. Step aside and let a real man show you how it’s done,” Jack said to Joe as he juggled a painting, making her heart stop.
“You show me a real man and I will.”
She’d missed this, the smack talk and fun. These were her people, Maggs thought, laughing as Joe lunged at his brother when he came back from delivering the painting in the gallery. Jack leapt out of his way.
They had the truck unloaded in a short time, and Maggs kept her distance from Fin. He disturbed her; he was right about that. There was also the fact that he’d twice seen her fall apart. He was suspicious and had every right to be. They all did.
Heading back into the gallery to lock up, she found Fin in there studying one of her paintings.
“I want this, Maggie.”
She looked at his face, saw the total focus he had on the painting. Maggie came across pieces occasionally that made her feel that way.
“Okay. I’ll charge you double, though.”
“Such a hardass businesswoman.” He threw her a smile before looking back at the painting.
She locked up, and they were soon standing with the others outside again.
“So we’ll see you later at the lodge, Maggs?” Joe looped an arm around her neck.
“I’m a bit tired, Joe. I might pass.”
“No, you won’t, because you haven’t had much time for us since you returned. Bailey and I will pick you up.” Joe had that look she knew well. He wasn’t taking no for an answer.
“I have too had time for you,” Maggs defended herself, even though the words were true. She’d been avoiding people. “And I’ll drive myself.”
“Fine. If you don’t arrive, I’m coming to get you.” Joe smiled; she bared her teeth.
