His attention drifted to her luscious mouth. “You’re the boss.”
Outside the car a welcome breeze greeted him. It was past eleven and a million stars twinkled in the black sky above the moonlit sea.The constant roar of the surf carried over the distance, as familiar as the beat of his own heart.
By the time he reached the passenger side, Maggie had already exited. “Hey now. You should let me be a proper gentleman.”
“You can carry me up the stairs. These heels are killing me.”
He started to sweep her into his arms.
She skittered away, laughing. “I was kidding. I’m no lightweight, you know.”
His gaze took a quick tour down the length of her and back up. “You’re perfect.”
She didn’t reply but her lips twitched as she skirted him and took the steps to the porch. She’d told him once that in high school she’d wanted to be one of those petite girls who looked as if a strong wind might blow her over. But instead she was as tall as some of the boys, with swimmer’s shoulders and muscular legs.
But to him Maggie was everything a woman ought to be: resilient, beautiful, feminine. If she could see herself through his eyes, she’d never wish herself any other way.
They reached the landing where the porch light dispersed an amber glow. Maggie dug in her purse for her keys. “I wonder if Sharon managed to get Zoey down.”
“I wonder if Sharon is asleep and Zoey has free rein of the house.”
“Now there’s a scary thought.” She withdrew her keys and looked up at him. As the moment lengthened, a wistful smile tipped the corners of her mouth. “Thank you for tonight, Josh. I had fun.”
“Me too.”
“I always have so much fun with you.”
He arched a brow. “Even when we’re solving mysteries that might have devastating consequences?”
“Even then.”
It was true. Even in the midst of this strange journey they’d been on this summer, they’d found a way to laugh. He wouldn’t want to go through this with anyone but her. “Maybe we can do it again next week.”
A twinkle glinted in her eyes. “Dancing and swabbing?”
“Maybe we’ll skip the swabbing next time.”
“Spoilsport.” She leaned in, wrapping her arms around him.
He reciprocated the hug, his hands finding the small of her back, the dip between her shoulder blades. She tightened the embrace and he followed her lead, letting her set the pace. Her body was flush against his. She was warm and soft in all the right places. Could she feel the heavy thump of his heart?
Her hand followed a path to the back of his neck and her fingers stirred the hair at his nape. She tucked her face in the cradle of his shoulder, and her breath teased the sensitive skin there. He relished every sensation. Tucked away the memory for later.
Having her in his arms was a piece of heaven on earth. Maggie didn’t trust easily. Who would, with her mother, her childhood? Adulthood hadn’t been much kinder. That she trusted Josh made him feel like a superhero somehow. She might not see it, but she was a strong woman. A fighter.
A squeal sounded from beyond the door.
Maggie drew back. “Uh-oh. Sounds like I have a wound-up little girl in there.”
“Want me to come in and play tickle monster with her?”
“That would be a no. I probably won’t get her down till midnight as it is.” She placed a quick kiss on his cheek. “Good night, Josh. Thanks again for tonight.”
“Night, Maggie.”
With one last smile she slipped inside, careful to keep Zoey from spotting him. Then Josh descended the steps, his mind whirling with all that had happened tonight.
As he got into his car he couldn’t stop smiling. At long last he and Maggie were dating. She was giving him a chance. He’d had his arms around her in a meaningful way on that dance floor—and again just now—and she’d been responsive. He could still feel the slight weight of her head against his shoulder, the press of her palm to his heart.
