by Katie Reus
Ethan nodded, his frown deepening. “Let me know if you need anything.”
“I will, thank you. And I’ll have that paperwork to you in the next hour and a half.”
He paused, as if he wanted to say more, then nodded. “Okay. But seriously, if you need anything or need to let someone else show me places temporarily, you won’t lose my business. Your safety is more important.”
He really was a good guy. Mary Pierce needed to open her eyes and scoop him up. “Thank you. I’ll let you know.” She didn’t think things would go that far, but she appreciated the offer. She just had to have faith that the sheriff was going to locate Nelson Smith and she’d be able to put this craziness behind her and get on with her life.
As Ethan got into his vehicle, she slid into the passenger seat of Maguire’s car and automatically locked her door. Before she’d strapped in he leaned over, cupped her cheeks in both big hands, and claimed her lips with his in a searing, toe-numbing kiss. He completely dominated her, his tongue teasing hers in a breath-stealing mating of their mouths.
It was over all too soon. He pulled back, his pale blue eyes seeming darker as he watched her intently.
She blinked as she tried to regain her bearings. “That was…” She started to say hot until it sank in why he’d just kissed her so thoroughly—and in front of another man. “Was that you, like, staking your claim?” Why was that thought so sexy?
“Yep.” Absolutely no apologies from him.
She shouldn’t like this caveman attitude. She really, really shouldn’t. “I…don’t even know what to say to that. You know Ethan likely can’t even see inside your car anyway. The tint is too dark.”
Maguire lifted a shoulder in that casual but ridiculously sexy way of his. “Then I just kissed you because I wanted to. Because I can’t keep my mouth off you when you’re sitting next to me.”
She swallowed hard. That little niggle of worry that this was too good to be true, that he was way too good to be true, whispered through her mind. “The feeling is mutual.”
Maguire didn’t say anything for a long moment. When he glanced away she felt the loss immediately. It was so easy to get caught up in those pale eyes.
As he scanned outside the vehicle, the lines of his body taut, she frowned even as tension rocketed through her. “What is it?” She started to scan their surroundings too, including the strip of stores across the street. All of them were decorated with a Christmas theme. Since Ethan had already pulled away, there weren’t any cars close to them along their own parking strip, and the building they’d parked in front of wasn’t occupied and hadn’t been for a couple months. “Do you see something?”
“No.” His sexy voice brought her back to face him. “I just wanted to make sure we didn’t have an audience.”
Her eyes widened at his seductive tone. He couldn’t mean… “Why not?” she whispered even though it was just the two of them.
In response, he reached over and slid his hand up her inner leg. “Lift your hips, pull your dress up to your waist.”
Shivers skated across her skin at his words and touch. “Maguire…”
He leaned closer, crowding her space as he watched her intently. “Like I said before, feel free to say my name when you come against my fingers.”
Heat rushed through her, creating an ache between her legs she knew he could fulfill. “Right here?” she asked even as she did as he ordered.
His hand crept higher up her inner thigh, sending little pulses of pleasure through her, making her feel even more lightheaded. She couldn’t believe he was doing this. That she was letting him. This wasn’t her—or maybe it was, and Maguire was the man to bring this side of her out in the open.
No one could possibly see them, and she knew Maguire would keep an eye on their surroundings. It was the only reason she was able to let go of her control as his hand ate up the rest of the distance to her covered mound.
Eyes on hers, he pushed the flimsy material to the side and rubbed a finger over her pulsing clit. She didn’t have to look down to know that it was peeking out from her folds, swollen and begging for his touch. If she and Maguire were within five feet of each other, her body was always begging for his touch.
Slowly, Maguire slid his finger through her folds until he was cupping her mound. Samantha’s wetness slicked his finger as he thrust one into her. Her eyes were dilated, her breathing erratic as she stared at him. He would kiss her in a moment, was powerless to stop himself, but he wanted to watch her like this. To watch her come apart from his touch.
Making her come could easily become an addiction. In his peripheral he kept an eye on their surroundings. This had been her last showing of the day and he’d been patient. Now he had to get her off. So far they were just dating—exclusively—but he wanted to bind her to him, to cement this thing growing between them so that there was no going back for her. He knew she wanted him. That was never a doubt. Their chemistry was off the charts, but he wanted more than sex and dating. He wanted everything from her.
“You’re already so wet,” he murmured.
Her breath hitched at his words and all she could do was nod. Which was fine with him.
He didn’t want words unless it was his name on her lips and she was moaning. Slowly, he pulled his finger out, then slid two back in.
“Ahh.” She rolled her hips, letting her head fall back against the seat as he began thrusting in a steady rhythm. He’d learned her body quickly—had never forgotten what she liked from all those years ago.
He barely brushed his thumb against her clit, intentionally just teasing her as he worked her up. “I’ve thought about this all day. But in my fantasy I bend you over the hood of my car and take you hard and fast from behind.”
“Maguire!” she rolled her hips faster, clearly needing release.
He should drag it out, but hell, he wanted to see that exquisite look of pleasure on her face when she came.
Increasing the pressure against her clit with his thumb, he began massaging her in tight little circles even as he thrust faster and faster. His own breathing was uneven, harsh, and over-pronounced in the interior of the car as he watched her with her head back, eyes closed and looking so sexy it made his entire body ache.
He knew no one was near the vehicle and it would be impossible to sneak up on them without him seeing, so he crushed his mouth to hers. She was close and he wanted to taste her, to drink her in as she came.
As soon as his tongue clashed with hers, she clutched onto his shoulders and cried out into his mouth. Her inner walls started convulsing around his fingers as her orgasm slammed into her. The feel of her coming against him had his cock kicking against the zipper of his pants.
Soon enough he’d lose himself inside her again, but for now he savored the feel of her coming against his fingers, of all that wetness that was just for him, proof that she wanted him.
Her orgasm seemed to go on for ages and when she finally opened her dark eyes, hazy with lust, the grin she gave him was enough to knock him on his ass.
She blinked a couple times as she reached up to cup his cheek. Her palm was soft, smooth. “You’re bad,” she murmured.
“You like it.”
“Yeah, I do. And as soon as we get back to your place I’m going to show you how much.”
Grinning, he slid his glistening fingers into his mouth, watching with pure delight as her lips parted in shock. “You taste incredible.”
Her cheeks went crimson as she pulled her dress back down over her hips. He hadn’t thought it possible to render her speechless but it seemed he had as she strapped in and settled back against the seat.
Soon enough he’d have her talking—or crying out his name as he buried his cock inside her.
Chapter 9
Maguire stuck his head out of the attic opening of the ceiling of the garage. “There are a few boxes of Christmas lights marked ‘change bulbs.’ Should these stay?”
Samantha’s mom snorted and shook her head. “No. Ha
ul those down too. They’re going in the garbage.”
Sam snickered next to her mom. “Dad swore he’d change out the broken bulbs so the rest of the lights would work. That’s a decade’s worth of lights, I’d bet.”
“Longer.” Her mom shook her head. “That man had a hoarding streak when it came to stuff like that.” For a moment pain etched her expression but just as quickly she shook it off. “I miss him, but I won’t miss all this junk.”
Sam wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Want to head back to the guest room?”
Her mom nodded and leaned into her for a moment.
“We’re headed back inside. You good up there?” Sam called up to Maguire.
He poked his head out again, a big smile on his face. “Yep. I just found some old Halloween costumes. I don’t know if they’re yours, but I’m pulling them down too.”
“Go ahead and haul all the boxes down,” her mom said. “I’ll just go through everything at once. It’ll be easier that way.”
“Yes, ma’am.” A smile on his face, he gave a half salute before ducking back out of sight.
“So…you two must be serious,” her mom said once they were in the privacy of the guest room. “Because a man—and his brother—wouldn’t be here on a Sunday helping clean out my house unless he was very serious about you.”
Sam pulled out a drawer. “It’s weird. I never expected this. Not so soon. And okay, not at all, really. And yes, I think he’s serious.” She knew she was, even as she battled her inner bullshit. If she gave her heart to him completely, then lost him? Hell, she knew it was just a risk she was going to have to take. Because she’d fallen for the man. “We’re exclusive.” And she felt bad being so happy when her mom had just lost her husband.
But her mom’s genuine smile eased some of her guilt. “I’m so happy to hear that. I worried moving back here would be difficult for you. I know what you said about being happy, but I’m your mom. I’m allowed to worry.”
“I…thought it might be difficult too. But I really love it here. Even if Maguire and I hadn’t started this thing, I’d still be happy.” She was glad she’d moved somewhere else for a time, experienced life away from Holly, but coming home felt like the most natural thing in the world.
“Well, Maguire is a nice young man. The whole family is. Though you know Alison will start bothering you about giving her grandchildren soon.”
Sam snorted. “We just started dating.”
“That won’t mean a thing to her. She’s got a pool going down at the salon on how long it’ll take Maguire to put a ring on your finger.”
She shook her head as laughter bubbled out. They were exclusive, yes, but a ring? Okay, the thought freaked her out a little. Because marriage? She’d just gone from moving back home, launching her career here and now she and Maguire were very much together. Not to mention she was dealing with a freaking stalker. She didn’t want to think about anything else at this point. “Why am I not surprised?”
“I might have placed a bet.” Her mom’s expression turned sheepish.
“Yeah?”
“Two months out from now.”
She blinked. “That’s pretty soon.”
Her mom just gave her a knowing look and lifted a shoulder. “All right. I’ve got a bunch of your dad’s old fishing clothes. I’m going to keep a couple shirts out of sentimental value, but the rest… I don’t know if I should take them to Goodwill or just toss them.”
Even though it hurt that her dad was gone, Sam found herself laughing through an unexpected prick of tears. “That man would wear shirts until they were literally falling off him.”
“That’s what happens when you grow up with nothing.” Her mom’s voice was wistful as she hauled a handful of shirts still on the hangers out of the closet.
That was true enough. Sam’s dad had grown up poor, a few towns away from Holly. His family had been happy, but farming wasn’t lucrative. Not to all farmers, anyway. Even when he’d started his own business and become successful, he still drove his vehicles until they gave out and pinched pennies wherever he could. Sam had learned a lot from him about how to save.
Swiping at another rush of tears, she cleared her throat and pulled open a drawer. It was time to get down to business.
* * *
Maguire scanned the street June Murphy lived on before heading back inside the house. Even though they’d been helping out around her house all day, he and his brother Nolan had been vigilant in checking the street at random times. And his other brother Jackson had taken to driving by—as well as the sheriff.
So far no one had seen Nelson Smith, but Maguire sure as hell didn’t think the man had left town. According to Brad, most of his stuff was still at the motel. Not knowing where the guy was… It was making him crazy. He wanted to lock Sam down and keep her safe but knew that was impossible.
He understood that she had to work and couldn’t let some nut rule her actions and life. But that didn’t mean he was going to let her out of his sight. Thankfully, she didn’t mind.
“You see anything?” Samantha asked as he stepped into the kitchen where she, her mom and Nolan were all eating sandwiches.
“Nah. We’re all clear. I think I’m going to take a load of the boxes up to Goodwill in a bit.” He’d already eaten and was antsy to get this stuff done so he could get Sam back to his place. And naked and underneath him.
“I’ll take the rest in my truck,” Nolan said.
“I don’t know how to thank you boys for all you’ve done today,” June said.
Maguire grinned at the term ‘boys.’ “It was our pleasure. And you can thank us by telling our mom how wonderful we are at dinner tomorrow night.” He’d invited Sam and her mom to their Monday night dinner. “Make sure you say it in front of Fallon, really send the message home that we’re perfect sons.”
Samantha laughed at the same time her mom did, the sound music to his ears.
“I’ll make sure to do that.”
“I think we’ll be ready to head out too, as soon as I load the dishwasher,” Sam said, already clearing the empty plates.
Her mom stood to stop her, but Sam shooed her away.
“Mrs. Murphy, you can ride with me. I’ll drop you off after we drop everything at the thrift store. Aunt Carly is closer to me than Maguire.”
Samantha’s mom was staying over at their aunt Carly’s tonight. After she found out what was going on, she’d insisted that June stay at least one night. Since Maguire was selfish enough to admit he wanted naked time with Samantha—and her mom would be safer away from Sam, since Sam was the target of an obsessed stalker—he was glad June had declined his offer to stay at his place.
“That sounds good to me. Have you heard anything from the sheriff?” June asked Samantha as she pressed the start button on the dishwasher.
“He texted that he had no news, but just wanted to check in, so…no news yet.” She half-smiled but the strain in her expression was clear.
And it made Maguire want to hunt down Nelson Smith and pummel the shit out of the guy.
Less than ten minutes later they’d all left, with Nolan and Sam’s mom heading to a thrift store on his side of town, and Maguire and Samantha heading to the Goodwill closer to where he lived.
“I know I’ve said it, but I really do appreciate all your help today. I think cleaning out the house is part of how my mom’s dealing with my dad’s death. And you guys helped make a big dent in everything.”
“You can show me how grateful you are later.” He shot her a sideways glance as he steered into the parking lot of the Goodwill.
She just snorted. “You’re a machine.”
“Where you’re concerned? Oh yeah. Besides, we’ve got lost time to make up for.”
“Fair enough… The sign says to go around back. They’re closed.” She glanced at her cell phone. “Jeez, I didn’t realize how late it was. We really did work you and your brother all day.”
“Like I said, I take payments in sexual favors
.” Grinning, he steered around the side of the building. He’d made more than one drop-off here for his mom when she got in her spring cleaning mode.
“Hmm, not sure I like the sound of that.” Her voice was light, teasing.
“Only from a tall, leggy brunette who likes getting off in my car.” Her cheeks tinged pink and he had to order his cock back down. Which seemed to be the norm around her.
“That’s acceptable, then.”
He steered his dad’s truck—which he’d borrowed for today’s work—right up to the back door. It was a rollup kind, but was down since they were closed. An overhang protected the huge donations bin, basically a steel box with a small swing door for dropping items inside. It would protect anything inside from the weather.
“I’ll get all the boxes and bags. Just sit tight.”
Samantha gave him a “get real” look and slid out of the passenger seat. “We’ll get this done quicker if I help. And I’m ready to get back to your place as fast as possible.” The heat in her dark eyes intensified before she shut the door and met him at the back of the truck.
Maguire hefted up the nearest box and headed to the big bin. She was right. The quicker they got out of here, the quicker they’d be naked. He didn’t even have to close his eyes to imagine hoisting her up against the wall of his shower, thrusting inside her as—
A jagged awareness sliced through him as he rounded the back of the truck and saw a disheveled man a mere ten feet away from Samantha, a rusty knife in his hand. The guy looked like shit, in clearly days-old, rumpled clothes, dark stubble covering his face, his eyes wild. But Maguire recognized him from the picture the sheriff had shown him.
Nelson Smith.
Maguire was about twenty feet away. Too far, but not so far that he couldn’t see the fear etched on Sam’s face.