by Opal Carew
“With pride, boy.” Ian ruffled his hair, then put Geo in a headlock.
Maggie watched the play with fascination, not having realized how affectionate Ian would be, considering Mac seemed standoffish unless wanting sex. Then again, that same man had cuddled with her on the couch after offering her a hug. He made her brain hurt trying to figure him out.
“What’s that look, Maggie?” Ian asked.
“You seem very different than Mac. He’s domineering and standoffish.” At work. “But you’re…not.”
“That’s because you’re looking at superior genetics.” Ian flexed the arm around Geo’s neck, and Geo choked. “Oh, sorry. There you go.” He let Geo go.
Geo glared at him, fingered his throat, then sighed. “I have to run. Got a date with Andrea.” He looked at the clock overhead. “And it’s already seven. Later, Ian. See you at Shelby’s party, Maggie. Merry Christmas!” He took off like a shot.
“I’d love to have half his energy,” Ian said with a groan. He turned a speculative glance back on her. “So what are you up to this holiday season? Got plans? Family, boyfriend? The boy said you’d be at Shelby’s party?”
A bit intrusive, but he was her boss, technically. “I usually spend the holidays with Shelby and her family, which this year includes Shane.”
“That sounds nice. Shane’s a good man, and from what I’ve heard about Shelby, she seems like a good fit. Mac likes her well enough, and she’s done wonders for his knee.” Ian looked through the glass at Mac again.
Mac noticed them looking, frowned, and turned back to his friends.
“Boy is a pain in my ass,” Ian muttered.
Mine too.
“But he’s family. I love him. We’re actually going to Shelby’s party as well.”
Damn. So much for avoiding Mac at Christmas. Now she’d have to get him a present. She felt better about the fact, because she’d been trying to rationalize why getting him something wouldn’t break any of her no-dating rules. “So I’ll be seeing you both at Shane’s house in a few days. Now if we could just get the sleet and rain to turn to snow, we might get a white Christmas.”
“Gotta love the Seattle weather, eh?” They laughed together before Ian noted the clock. “Guess I’d better get going as well. I’d like to say I have a hot date like Geo, but the truth is I have a business appointment.”
“This late at night? Bummer.”
“Yeah. But some things can’t keep. It was nice talking to you, Maggie.”
“You too, Ian.” She smiled at him, liking the softness in his gaze when he glanced back at Mac. The clear love she heard in his voice for his nephew spoke well of him. As did the remembrance that he’d given up his career to raise Mac. “Mac is lucky to have you.”
Ian beamed. “Feel free to remind him of that whenever you like.” He left, passing Mac in the doorway.
They exchanged something she couldn’t quite make out, then Ian moved away while Mac approached her. “You.”
“You.” She dragged on sweats over her gym clothes.
“I need a ride home.”
She waited with a raised brow. “I need a raise.”
“Funny.”
“What’s the magic word?”
He blew out a breath, and she fought the urge not to laugh. “Would you please give me a ride home?”
“Hmm. What’s in it for me?” A glance over his shoulder showed Megan pouting as she stared at Mac. Was it wrong that Maggie took joy in the woman’s obvious jealousy?
“How about a bonus?”
“What kind of bonus?”
“Drive me home and I’ll think of something.”
“Please. Drive me home, please.”
Mac snarled, “You’re on my last friggin’ nerve, Doran. So help me, I’m gonna take this out on your ass later.”
She shivered and cooed, “Oh, I can’t wait.” Not smart to bait the tiger, but the flare of interest he couldn’t hide made it worth it.
“I am really going to enjoy taming you.” He leaned closer to whisper, “Little Sub.”
She forced herself not to lean into his heat and took a hasty step back, aware of the glass wall so close. “Yes, well.” She coughed and cleared her throat. “That’s not appropriate here.”
“Why?” He smirked. “Going to claim sexual harassment?”
“No. But I’d think you’d be embarrassed to walk around with a hard-on.” She smirked back at him and added in a whisper, “Because when I remind you that I know what you taste like and what you feel like in my snug ass and tight, wet pussy, you’ll be thinking about what we did and how hard it made you.” The sudden bulge at his shorts showed her she’d improved her dirty talk.
He sat on the bench and lowered his head in his hands, leaning over his lap and effectively hiding his arousal. “Enough, you little witch.” He chuckled, surprising her. “Would you wait for me in my office for a minute? I’ll walk you out… as soon as I’m able.”
She snickered and left. On the way to his office, she passed several of his fan girls.
“Oh my God. What did Mac say to you?” Megan asked. “Did he mention me?”
Maggie wanted to hate the woman, but the pathetic need in her eyes stopped her. Maggie had been there, so wrapped up in a man she couldn’t see straight. And then, inevitably, she’d suffer disappointment. “He was talking about the holiday schedule. Sorry, no mention of anyone but his uncle and staff.”
Megan frowned. “He looked upset after talking to you.”
“Probably.” Inspiration struck. A bonus indeed. “I have plans on Christmas Eve and the week after. He’s having a hard time filling the slot. Know anyone who could help?”
Megan perked up. “Oh. Maybe I could step in. See you.” The woman raced around Maggie back toward the aerobics room.
Maggie would have felt bad about siccing Megan on Mac except she knew he had no interest in her. Hearing Geo talk about Mac turning women down had pleased Maggie to no end. He hadn’t lied about that, at least. He’d stated plainly that he only dated one woman at a time. He’d had sex with her, so that might not qualify as a date. But he didn’t seem to be having sex with anyone other than her. And though he didn’t seem that pleased to see her lately, he acted annoyed with everyone in general, so she didn’t take it personally.
A typical Mac mood consisted of grunts, a few growls, and orders. He saved his smiles for the gym patrons. A good thing, because if he smiled at her, she might break down and beg him to continue what they’d started Friday night. Despite wanting to keep her heart safe, she couldn’t stop thinking about Mac, what he was doing, how he felt, if he thought about her.
God, now I sound like Megan. It’s just great sex. Snap out of it. She’d have an easier time believing that if she hadn’t seen him looking at her the last few days with a strange expression on his face. Almost like frustration and longing, which made little sense. The guy constantly had women all over him. Maggie didn’t need a man like that. She’d been with boyfriends not half as good looking, and they’d disappointed her time and time again. Mac had easy access to any woman he wanted. Why should Maggie expose herself to trouble she didn’t need?
As she made her way to his office and waited, she continued to force herself to look at him with detachment. He was funny and charming when he wanted to be. So what? He had a big cock and knew how to use it. The ability to turn her on and keep her revved during sex more than satisfied her. Why complicate things with a relationship, one he hadn’t even asked for? Typical Maggie.
She entered his office and closed the door behind her. He wasn’t around, so she sat in his big chair and kicked her feet up on his desk. She closed her eyes and concentrated on not liking him more than she had to. Who knew Mac Jameson would be so hard to deny?
***
Out in the main gym lobby, Ian stood with his hands in his pockets and stared out at the dark, wet night. He had a chill in his bones but a spark in his brain. He hadn’t missed how Maggie had looked at Mac, or how his nephew h
ad studied Maggie like he was starving for her.
Ian couldn’t blame him. Maggie had outward beauty, no doubt. Petite but curved in all the right places. That light blond hair and blue eyes, her milky skin over clearly defined muscle packed a knockout punch, and then hearing her soft voice and watching her interact with others… She had charm, personality, and a giving heart—exactly what Mac needed.
Seeing her with Geo had reminded him about the last time someone had interfered in a man’s personal life. Geo had filled Ian in on the gory details of his lame matchmaking attempts between Shane and Shelby.
Yet the pair seemed tighter than ever. If not for Geo’s, Mac’s and Shelby’s parents’ involvement, Shelby might still be languishing as a single woman without love on the horizon.
Ian just had to figure out how to get his nephew on board the love train. He grinned at the thought of it.
“My, my. They do make them handsome out here, don’t they?”
He turned to see a gorgeous creature in a fuchsia workout getup so bright he feared his retinas had been scarred. A mature woman with dark red hair frosted with white, merry green eyes, and rings on all her fingers, smiled at him.
He had a hard time breathing. Magnificent didn’t come close to describing her. The woman had presence, something he hadn’t come across in years. “And who might you be?” he asked, unable to disguise his interest.
“Oh my God. That accent. I think I’m in love.” She stepped closer and held out a hand. “I’m Mimi Vanzant. A friend of Maggie’s. She’s an instructor here.”
He knew that name, Vanzant. Ian took her hand and brought it to his lips. “A pleasure.”
She flushed and withdrew her hand, but if anything she stepped closer. “Mine as well.”
“So you’re here to see Maggie, eh?”
“I am. You know her?”
He realized he hadn’t introduced himself. “Ian Jameson. You might know Mac, my nephew.” Pieces connected in his mind, and he understood fate had dropped this woman in his lap. “You’re Shelby’s mother, aren’t you?” The same woman who’d interfered in her daughter’s life and snagged her a man. Ian’s grin broadened when she nodded. “Mimi, why don’t I treat you to dinner, and we can talk. I’ve got a problem I think you’re more than qualified to help me with.”
She stared at him with wide eyes. “Really?”
Realizing she might have mistaken his intent, he hurried to reassure her. “Strictly a platonic dinner. I have a nephew who could use some help. Like the kind you gave Shelby and Shane.”
Mimi nodded. “Sounds right up my alley.”
Ian had to add, “And after that, well, I’d like to take you out on the town. Been a while since I’ve had such a striking woman on my arm.” He intensified his brogue because she seemed to like it.
Her eyes sparkled. “I don’t know how I could refuse such a charming offer from a gentleman.” She let him tuck her hand in the crook of his elbow. “Mac’s uncle, hmm? I think you and I might already be working toward the same goal. I’m Maggie’s spiritual mother, you know.”
“You don’t say.” Ian escorted her to his BMW. After he closed the door after her, he took a deep breath and let it out, reminding himself not to blow this. He was a bit rusty when it came to dating, but it hadn’t been so long that he’d forgotten how to handle a woman as sexy as this one. He joined her in the car. “Now where would you like to go, my dear?”
“Hmm. I think I have just the place. It’s quiet, the food is good, and if I’m right, we’ll need the backup.” She took out her phone and called someone named Ron. After she gave him directions, she sat back and sighed. “This car is wonderful. I love the smell of leather.”
“Me too.” He paused. “So that Ron. Not your boyfriend, is he?”
She laughed, rich, honest amusement she didn’t try to cage. He liked her more already. “Ron is my business partner and best friend. We’re going to his and his boyfriend’s new apartment for dinner and some planning. Will that work?”
Ian smiled. “Sounds perfect.” Her best friend had a boyfriend. Outstanding. Now he had a shot at not only snagging a woman for his nephew, but maybe a girlfriend for himself as well. A glance at her widened his grin. “I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship, Mimi.”
She rested her hand on his shoulder, and he felt a flare of heat all the way to his toes. “I think you may be right.”
Chapter Ten
Maggie dropped Mac off at his house. He waved goodbye without a backwards glance. He hadn’t made a move or a suggestive comment the whole way home. No mention of payback or their next Master/sub session either, which irked her.
Okay, so Maggie didn’t want a relationship with him. She wouldn’t mind the opportunity to turn him down, though. Granted, that might make things between them a bit hairy, but it would reinforce her confidence, letting her know he wanted her.
Instead, she had to wonder if he’d gotten what he wanted out of her after all. Like a few before him, once they had her in bed, they backed off. As if sex was the only thing Maggie had to offer. Of course, most of the guys she’d been with had been less than satisfying. Not that she’d dated that many men, but of the ones she’d had sex with, she could count on one hand the number who had sexually fulfilled her.
So depressing. Then to find a man who not only gave her orgasms, but was into the exact kink she needed? There had to be some way to ensure Mac and she could continue their special friendship. But what if he’d accepted an offer from Megan? Perhaps Maggie had pushed Mac too hard, and he didn’t want to deal with her anymore.
Bah. She hated feeling torn over a man. She needed to stop thinking about him anyway. Maggie had shopping to do tomorrow.
She made sure to get a good night’s sleep and was raring to go the next day. The clouds had disappeared, leaving the streets awash in melting ice and the glow of a rare December sun. A sure sign Maggie needed to indulge in the positive and embrace her Christmas spirit.
Humming while she readied for her big day, she wasn’t prepared to hear a knock on her door. Curious, because she had the day completely free and Shelby knew not to call her, Maggie reached her door and looked through the peephole.
To her surprise, she saw Mac standing outside. Dressed in jeans and a winter coat, the man appeared masculine, sexy, and good enough to eat. She had the experience to back up such a claim, and knowing that brought a flush to her cheeks. She calmed herself and straightened her hair before opening the door.
“Mac.”
“Hey, Maggie.” He pushed past her and headed toward her coffee pot.
“Hey, yourself.” She closed the door before following him. “Gee, Mac. Why don’t you come on in?” Yet she couldn’t deny she liked seeing him in her apartment.
“Thanks.” He winked at her, and her heart raced.
“So.”
“So.” He grabbed her coffee and took a large sip out of it. “Ech. Too sweet. But man, I needed the jolt.”
Sighing, she found a clean mug and handed it to him.
He smiled, and after pouring himself a huge helping, finally explained what the hell he was doing there. “I have a favor to ask.”
“Another one?”
“So after you drop me off at the car dealer—”
“Excuse me?”
“I need you to pick me up something for Shelby. Something girlie, but not too personal because I don’t want Shane on my ass.”
“Huh?”
“You’re going Christmas shopping today, right? You bitched about not having any time so much that it made my ears bleed.”
“Jackass.”
“So will you do it?”
“Why don’t you shop for her? It’s the thought that counts, right?”
He groaned. “Women. You tell men you want us to think of something, and when we do, it’s wrong.” He narrowed his gaze. “Take you for instance.”
“What about me?” She put her hands on her hips, annoyed. “I haven’t asked you for anything.
”
“Besides a spanking,” he murmured before quickly following with, “if I were to get you something for Christmas, I’d buy you a pretty teddy. Some lace panties, maybe some edible body butter.”
“For Christmas? Who is this for, you or me?”
“See? I thought you’d be this way.” Yet his smile told her he’d intended to rile her. “So use your taste to buy Shelby something she’d like. What do you want for Christmas? Think along those lines. So what are we talking? Books, lingerie, perfume?”
“Is this your pathetic way to see what I want for Christmas?”
“Nope. I just know you and Shelby think alike.”
“Well, that’s true.” She thought about it. “I don’t know. Candles, soaps. Some perfume, but you have to get the right kind. Perfume is kind of like shoes. Everyone has a certain taste.”
“See? I’d be wrong already. So no chain and collar, eh?”
She tamped down the excitement at the idea. “And no on the nipple clamps,” she added drily.
He made a sad face, and she laughed.
“Okay. I’ll pick something up for her for you. But you’re wrapping it.”
“Awesome.” He dug in his pocket and handed her a hundred dollars, cash.
How nice to be able to spend that much on your friend’s girlfriend. She stifled a sigh. She’d saved all year long to make her Christmas budget and still afford her bills. The year hadn’t been that bad, and her overtime at the gallery and extra gym hours helped. But still…
She pocketed the money. “Anything else, moneybags?”
“Yeah, this.” He kissed her on the cheek.
The cheek.
“Thanks for doing this, Maggie. I owe you.” He finished his coffee, put his cup in the sink, then grabbed her keys off the counter. “So you ready to go or what?”
Or what, she thought half an hour later. Mac Jameson had kissed her friggin’ cheek. That bastard. No sexual innuendo, no groping, and no hints about more spankings. What the hell was he thinking?