“I’m sorry,” Maggie whispered, and she hoped Jenna understood it was for more than the spilled drink.
“It’s fine.” Jenna’s voice soothed some of the ache inside Maggie. “If a rich, powerful guy like that can’t find a girlfriend without bribing one, there’s got to be something wrong with him.” She nudged Maggie’s arm with her shoulder. “Like maybe his junk don’t work?”
Maggie gave a small laugh. “I don’t know about that.” She turned, ready to thank Griffin for rescuing her once again, only to find that he’d disappeared.
“He left right after the other one,” Jenna told her. “Hopefully not to track him down.”
Maggie swallowed and dug in the cross-body purse she wore for her wallet. “I’ve got to talk to him,” she whispered.
“Your drink’s on the house,” Jenna said. “Or the table more like it. You go after Griffin. Don’t let him get away.”
With a sharp nod, Maggie walked through the bar, purposely avoiding eye contact with anyone or answering the myriad of comments and questions she received on her way out.
“What happens now?”
“Does this mean Stonecreek lost?”
“Too bad the cameras weren’t filming tonight.”
The temperature had risen into the low forties earlier today, melting most of last weekend’s snow. Right now it dipped closer to thirty degrees, and the cold night air felt good on Maggie’s face as she exited the bar.
Quiet enveloped her as the heavy door slammed shut, and she closed her eyes for a moment, trying to calm her racing heart.
“Please tell me you aren’t thinking of going to his room.”
She turned at the sound of Griffin’s voice. He leaned against the brick building on the other side of the bar’s entrance.
Her stomach flipped wildly as if she hadn’t seen him in months instead of minutes. “You can’t be serious.”
“The last thing I heard you tell him was ‘our relationship isn’t over.’” He straightened, running a hand through his hair as he approached her.
“I was talking about the town. You saw me slap him, Griffin. Wasn’t that clear enough for you?”
“I don’t know what to think anymore. A few days ago I was in your bed and tonight I have to listen to that CEO chump share his plans to get lucky with you after your date. Your date, Maggie.”
“It wasn’t a date. I agreed to meet him to explain that we weren’t going to have a relationship. I thought I could make him understand without jeopardizing the town’s chances in the competition.”
“By going on a date,” he muttered.
“It. Wasn’t. A. Date.”
“You don’t know how it killed me to play nice with him.”
She laughed despite her mounting frustration. “That was you playing nice?”
“He’s not bleeding.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t talk to you about my plans for tonight,” she said softly.
“You don’t owe me that,” he answered. He moved forward, reached out and cupped her cheeks between his palms. As always, she revelled in the warmth of his touch. The rough feel of his calloused palms sent sparks racing along her spine. Would this electric response to Griffin Stone ever stop? It was part curse and part blessing. She couldn’t decide which would weigh out in the end.
“I didn’t mean—”
He placed his two thumbs on the seam of her lips. “When Christian told me he was going on a date with you, it ripped at my heart. But I also understand how badly I messed up when I left for Seattle with only a lame text.” He shook his head. “I thought I was doing the right thing at the time.”
“It’s okay.”
“I love you, Maggie.”
She pulled away, even as the words ricocheted through her heart. “Don’t say that.”
Griffin’s mouth dropped open and she saw pain, raw and unfiltered, in his gaze before the emotional shutter dropped over his eyes. “I thought that’s what you wanted.”
“I... Yes... No...” She shook her head, wondering how to explain something she barely understood herself. “I’ve moved on,” she lied.
“You haven’t.” He crowded her, his warmth easily melting the ice she was trying to keep frozen around her heart.
“I don’t trust you,” she whispered, miserable for both of them.
“You trusted me enough to let me into your bed,” he said, his voice a low rasp.
She closed her eyes and shared the truth that would drive the final wedge between them. “But not enough to open my heart again.”
“Maggie.”
The word was both a plea and a promise.
“You’re here now because it’s necessary. You have to settle down for Joey. But what if things change?”
“What things?” he demanded, taking a step back like her words were shards of glass stabbing at him.
“I don’t know.” She threw up her hands. “What if you get sick of the wine business or small-town life in Stonecreek? You could take him anywhere or leave him with your mom while you—”
“I’d never do that.”
She knew he wouldn’t desert the boy. Unfortunately, she had no such confidence in his devotion to her. She wanted to believe him, but him leaving had damaged something deep inside her. She’d made a decision about the path her life would take and was too scared to change it now.
“I can’t, Griffin,” she said, letting a finality she didn’t feel color her tone.
“What about the other night?”
“It was lovely,” she said quietly. “But a mistake.”
“A mistake? Good to know how you really feel.”
She kept her gaze on the sidewalk. If she looked into his eyes right now she wouldn’t be able to let him go.
“Thank you for coming to my defense tonight,” she told him. “Even if between the two of us we ruined Stonecreek’s chances of becoming the next LiveSoft headquarters, I appreciate having you on my side.”
“I’ll always be on your side.”
She swallowed back the sob that threatened to escape.
“Goodbye, Griffin.”
“Good night, Maggie,” he answered and she walked away before he had a chance to notice the tears streaming down her face.
Chapter Twelve
“Did you find out Santa put you on the naughty list?” Marcus asked the following morning.
Griffin lifted the ax high above his head then swung it down hard, the piece of oak splitting with a satisfying crack. “What the hell are you talking about?”
“You’re chopping that wood like you have a personal vendetta against it,” Marcus said, flexing his gloved hands. “I think your mom could have an actual bonfire every night for the rest of the season and still have a pile of kindling left over.”
“It may snow again,” Griffin answered. “The temperatures will drop.”
“Have you heard of the nifty invention called a furnace?”
Griffin swiped a hand across his brow, rolled his shoulders against the ache already forming there. “Did you need something, Marcus?”
“My wedding’s coming up in a couple of weeks.”
“New Year’s Eve.” Griffin grabbed another log from the pile and set it on the wood block. “It’s on my calendar.”
“Brenna pointed out to me last night that I don’t have a best man. Would you stand up with me?”
Griffin stilled. “Me?”
“Don’t sound so shocked,” Marcus said with a soft laugh.
“I am shocked.” Griffin set the ax on the ground and pulled in a deep breath. “I’m honored, but it’s not a good idea.”
“Why not?”
Heartache clogged Griffin’s throat, making it difficult to get the words out. He walked away a few paces and rearranged several logs on the woodpile as Marcus waited for an answe
r. Griffin had always admired the other man’s seemingly endless patience. He wished he had more of it.
“Is Maggie going to be Brenna’s maid of honor?” he asked finally, turning back.
“Of course.”
“There’s your reason.”
“I thought the two of you were working things out.”
“Yeah, well...” Griffin massaged a hand along the back of his neck. “I thought so, too, but—”
“You can’t give up on her.”
Both men turned as Brenna walked up the hill toward them. Griffin glanced at his friend, jealousy winging through him at the obvious love that filled Marcus’s dark eyes. He immediately walked forward and wrapped an arm around Brenna’s shoulder, the action at once protective and tender, like he couldn’t resist his need to touch the woman he loved. The gaping hole in Griffin’s chest widened at the thought that he’d lost his chance for that with Maggie.
“It’s hard to give up something that was never really mine,” he said without emotion.
“I thought you’d changed when you came back. I thought you were going to fight for Maggie.” She stepped away from her fiancé’s embrace and toward Griffin. “What about the video?”
Griffin shook his head. “What video?”
“The one Ray Sharpe took at the bar last night.” She placed her hands on her narrow hips, one foot tapping like she was dealing with a recalcitrant schoolboy. “Christian Milken is a slimeball.”
“No argument here.” Griffin shrugged. “But what does that have to do with me giving up on Maggie? I told her I loved her, Brenna. She walked away this time.”
“She’s scared. You hurt her.”
“I know, but I can’t make her give me another chance. She might be right that I don’t deserve one.”
“Coward,” Brenna whispered then pulled her phone from her coat pocket. “Press Play.” She shoved the phone in front of him, and Marcus came to stand next to Griffin as he hit the play button. The same anger he’d felt last night bubbled to the surface as he watched the events in the bar, this time as an observer. It was difficult to hear all of what was being said until the bar gradually went quiet, but the outrage and disappointment in Maggie’s eyes were clear. And the murder in his own.
He got to the point where he stepped in front of her to confront the dirtbag CEO and his breath caught in his throat. During the interchange, Maggie’s gaze stayed on him, filled with gratitude and...love. All the emotions she tried to keep hidden from him were clear. She looked beautiful and vulnerable and strong as hell all at the same time, an intoxicating combination.
The realization struck that since he’d returned to Stonecreek six months ago, Maggie had continually put herself on the line to show him how much he meant to her. He’d had nothing to lose, the black sheep of the family coming back home with no plan to stay. He’d made no promises or commitments and given her very little reason to believe he had anything to offer.
She hadn’t cared. She’d brought a light to his life, helping him to make peace with his past while giving him hope for the future for the first time in ages. She’d grounded him with her love. For that, he owed her more than he could ever repay.
He couldn’t imagine his life without her. He’d promised himself that he wouldn’t give up, but Brenna was right. He was a coward. Maggie hadn’t fallen easily back into his arms, and he hadn’t rolled up his sleeves to fight for her.
She deserved a man who would stay no matter what. She’d let him back into her life after he’d hurt her. No wonder she didn’t trust him. He still needed to earn that trust.
He muttered a string of curses then handed the phone to Brenna, shocked to find her grinning at him.
“Sorry,” he whispered. “I need to watch my language.”
“The language doesn’t bother me,” she said. “It sounds like you’re finally ready to pull your stupid head out—”
“I think you made your point, hon,” Marcus said, shaking his head.
“Right.” Brenna pocketed the phone then lifted a challenging brow at Griffin. “So what are you going to do about it?”
“I just came to the realization I’m an idiot. Give me a minute to figure out how to make things better.” His mind raced as he thought about the possibility of winning her back. It was a challenge he’d find a way to overcome, no matter what.
* * *
Jana took the glass of wine Jim handed her and downed half of it in one gulp.
“Nervous?” he asked, a smile curving his lips.
“Are you sure it’s okay for me to be here?”
He nodded. “Morgan and Ben went to a basketball game at the high school. They won’t be back for hours.” He traced a rough finger down her cheek. “Even if they were at home, it would be fine for you to be here too. You’re important to—”
“You shared this house with your wife,” she blurted, setting down the wineglass on the kitchen table and walking to the window. She lifted her hand to the cold glass, looking out to the cheerfully decorated houses up and down the street. Christmas lights twinkled in the darkness, making the neighborhood look even more charming.
“Yes,” Jim agreed slowly. “We were happy here. Just like you and Dave made a life at Harvest. But that has nothing to do with now, Jana. Are you going to let the past ruin this chance we have for a future?”
“I don’t want to, but I can’t seem to let go.” She turned, laughing softly. “No wonder Griffin can’t move on from everything he went through with his dad. He has a terrible role model in me. I don’t know how to get over having my heart broken over thirty years ago.”
“You got over it,” he said softly. “You created an amazing life for yourself.”
“You make me happy,” she told him then added, “and I feel guilty because of it.” She clenched her hands until her nails dug into the soft flesh at the centers of her palms. “Because it was always you, Jim. I knew it, and Dave knew it. I loved him, but my heart wasn’t whole so I could only ever give him half of it. How can I think I deserve to be happy after that?”
“Jana.” He moved closer, laced his fingers with hers. “Of course you deserve happiness. Dave would want it for you just like Charlotte would for me.”
“I don’t know,” she whispered.
“Then let me be sure for both of us,” he told her, and warmth infused her heart. “I wasn’t able to when we were younger, but I’m different now. You fell in love with a boy, but I want to love you the way a man should. The way you deserve to be loved.”
She blinked away the tears that sprang to her eyes. Could this truly be happening? Her heart felt so full it was almost bursting. She leaned up on tiptoes to kiss him.
He deepened the kiss and she happily opened for him, their tongues dancing as liquid heat pooled low in her belly.
“Dad?”
At the sound of Maggie’s shocked voice, Jana tried to yank away. How had they not heard her come into the kitchen?
But Jim held tight to her, tucking her against his side.
“Hey, Mags,” he said, his voice just the slightest bit breathless. “I didn’t expect you to stop by tonight.”
“Ya think? I left a few sweaters in the closet upstairs. I guess I should have called first.”
Jana finally glanced up from the floor. “We didn’t hear you,” she mumbled, feeling like a teenager who’d been caught making out by a disapproving parent.
“Are you two...?” Maggie shook her head. “How long...?”
“It’s new,” Jana said quickly. “If you’re not comfortable then—”
“We hope you’ll get used to it,” Jim interrupted. “Griffin isn’t the only guy around here who let a good one slip away. I’m not going to make the mistake again.”
Maggie stared for another long moment then gave a soft laugh. “My dad is straightening out his life before me. I don’t know
whether to feel hopeful or more depressed.”
“I vote hopeful,” Jim answered. “I’ve had way more time to figure things out.”
Jana lifted on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek then moved out of his embrace and toward Maggie. “You aren’t messed up, Maggie. To me it seems like you’re doing everything right. I haven’t seen so much excitement in this sleepy town in years. You’re putting us on the map.”
“Not for long,” she said, and the remorse that flashed in her eyes made Jana’s heart hurt. “I think I ruined our chances of winning the competition.”
Jana shook her head. “That’s impossible. We’ve all seen how hard you’ve worked. Stonecreek has never looked so good.”
“I slapped Christian Milken at O’Malley’s last night,” Maggie said dully. “Everyone in the bar saw and he was really upset.”
“What did he do?” Jim asked.
Maggie flashed a watery smile, as if grateful her father assumed the CEO had done something to deserve her ire.
“He made it clear I needed to be willing to offer more than a ‘proposal’ on the town’s strengths in order to win his favor.”
“I’ll kill him,” Jim muttered.
“Griffin had the same response. He stepped in when Christian got angry.”
Jana swallowed. She could only imagine her son’s reaction to Maggie being threatened. “Did he...?”
“They exchanged words,” Maggie told her. “No more. But I can’t help thinking I could have handled things better. I was friendly with Christian from the start. Maybe too friendly.”
“No.” Jana took her hand. “Don’t you dare blame yourself for anything that man did or made you feel. You don’t owe him anything.”
“It’s not what I owe him that has me the most upset,” Maggie said miserably. “It’s what my actions are going to mean for the town.”
“Sweetie, no.” Jana glanced at Jim, who looked like he was ready to track down the LiveSoft CEO and challenge him to an old-fashioned duel for besmirching his daughter’s honor. But Jana knew that wasn’t what Maggie needed at the moment. It dawned on her that she could have a place in this house and in this family’s life. Despite everything that had gone before, the pain Jim had caused her and the decades of animosity between the Stones and Spencers, she cared about all of them.
A Stonecreek Christmas Reunion Page 15