“But what about your little friend? I was sure you had more plans for the night.” Maggs smiled at her brother. It was sickly sweet. “I can always get a lift home if she gave you her key.”
Nash growled. Fin was still glaring, and strangely Maggs felt lighter inside. What did that say about her?
“I’m going to the bathroom. Wait here,” she said, walking from the room. Like everything else in the place, the bathrooms were scrupulously clean and decorated elegantly. She was heading back when she saw Mallory Hudson ahead of her. The girl turned right, then opened a door. Maggs followed.
Chapter19
Someone brought them another round of drinks, and slowly the red mist eased from his eyes. When he’d seen Maggs grab that idiot Mackie’s arm to try and stop him, his heart had nearly stopped. He’d reached her seconds later, carrying her to safety.
What did that say about him, that all he’d seen was her and the need to reach her?
She’d worn a dress tonight. Midnight blue, it didn’t show off vast amounts of flesh like Lola’s but it looked good on her, better than good. It fitted her lovely body, enhancing all those lush curves and stopping midthigh. Her heels were black and sky-high. He’d wanted his hands on her. Wanted to simply slide his hand down her back and pull her close as they’d stood at the table. It had been primal, the urge to stake his claim. Primal and terrifying. Whatever he felt for Maggie Winter was growing in a big way. Some of that was because she had a new vulnerability about her.
“Thanks for the help, Fin.” Ted interrupted his thoughts.
“All good, bud. No damage done?”
“No, thankfully. You all stepped in just in time. I just saw your sister Mallory, by the way. She’s talking to Maggs.”
He straightened. “Where did you see them?”
“In that seated area near reception.”
“Be back soon.”
He found Mallory and Maggs exactly where Ted had said they were, seated together. His sister was waving her hands about as she talked. Her hair was in a single braid again, and she wore jeans and a red sweater with a white heart on the front. Looking at her tugged at something inside his chest. Looking at both of them did that, if he was honest.
Maggs had those lovely legs crossed at the ankles and appeared to be focused on Mallory. He’d had her full attention before and knew how it felt. He also knew she had a way of getting people to feel comfortable and clearly had done that with his sister.
His sister.
“Hey.”
Maggs gave him a smile that reached all the way to her eyes.So sweet,he thought.
“Hi, Fin. Come and sit. Mallory is just telling me about her hobby. Did you know she loves nature like you?” Maggs patted the seat beside her, so he took it.
“I didn’t know that.” He smiled at his sister. She was nervous.
“I need to go to bed. Mom and Dad think I’m there.” She began to rise.
“Don’t go,” Fin said softly. “Please.”
She sat.
“Tell me about this hobby you have, Mallory.”
Her eyes shot to Maggs, who nodded her encouragement.
“I like to go rock climbing.”
“No way.” Fin smiled. “I love that stuff.”
“Really?” Mallory looked hopeful.
“Really. I don’t go inside much these days, but I climb over the mountains here all the time.”
“He does,” Maggs said. “He’s a regular mountain man. Me,” she tapped her chest, “I’m not big on exercise.”
