by LuAnn McLane
Maggie located the red plastic box filled with flashlights, candles, a lighter, extra batteries, water, and a radio. Her hurricane supply kit was much bigger, stored in her laundry room. Hopefully, she’d never have to dig into the cans of Spam or Vienna sausages she had carefully tucked away. Maggie believed in being prepared. A bulging, neatly stocked pantry and a full fridge gave her the peace of mind she’d never experienced as a kid. She never ran out of essentials because she always had a backup for everything from toothpaste to toilet paper.
When Maggie spotted the bottle of red wine she’d used in the stew, she decided to pour herself a glass to calm her nerves. “Just what the doctor ordered.” She’d just taken a sip when the doorbell rang. “Are you expecting anybody?” she asked Trixie with a nervous chuckle. “The cute boxer from two doors down, maybe?” she joked.
Maggie hurried to the front door. She peeked through the peephole. “Ohmigod.” Her pulse raced and she turned around, putting a hand to her chest. Maybe if she stayed perfectly quiet, Jimmy Heart would go away. She held her breath and waited.
The doorbell rang again and Trixie started to bark her head off. “Oh, come on,” she whispered, but then, feeling foolish, Maggie let her hair down and fluffed it. She reached in her pocket for her shiny lip balm she always carried around and swiped it across her lips. Then, after a deep breath, she swallowed hard, put a wide smile on her face, and opened the door.
“Hi,” Jimmy said, and handed Maggie a pretty bouquet of fresh flowers. He was dressed in cargo shorts, a blue polo shirt, and flip-flops. Not as good as bare-chested but still …
Hot damn. Okay, catch your breath.
“For me?” she asked in a silly, high-pitched voice. Face-palm. Ugh.
“Yes, indeed,” Jimmy confirmed with a cute grin that made her stomach do fluttery things. She accepted the bouquet and wanted to bury her nose in the sweet scent.
“What for?” Reining herself in, she made a point of sounding more distant. Maybe Jimmy was one of those guys who liked a challenge. She supposed most women melted at the first word he spoke. Okay, she was one of those women too, but he didn’t have to know it.
“I was hoping you might ask me in?”
Trixie growled and danced in a circle.
“Um …” Maggie winced. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”
“I just want to make friends with Trixie.”
“Oh …” Maggie glanced down at the bouquet and felt a flash of disappointment. This was about keeping Trixie quiet. Of course. She should have known. Still, when was the last time a guy had given her flowers for any reason at all? “Thank you.” She cleared her throat. “But you didn’t have to get me flowers.” She stood there, nibbling on the inside of her lip, wondering if she should ask him in or take the flowers and politely turn him down with some sort of excuse.
“Is this a bad time?” Jimmy gave her a slight frown. “I know it’s a little bit late.”
“We, um,” Maggie began. She dug deep for courage and mustered up another smile. “Actually, we were preparing for the weather. I was. Dogs can’t prepare,” she added, and felt the color creep into her cheeks.
“For the rain?” He seemed a bit amused.
“Well, and thunder and stuff,” Maggie explained a bit defensively. “And if the lights go out.”
“Right, you don’t like storms,” he said with a slow nod. “Wait until you witness a tropical storm or hurricane.”
Maggie winced. “I don’t want to think about it.”
“Hey, don’t worry, this place is built like a fort. And we’re up so high that the storms are like a light show out to sea. I love watching them from my balcony.”
“I don’t picture myself ever doing that.” She barely held back a shudder.
“You might change your mind. So … may I come in?” He smiled, and she instantly caved.
“Oh, uh, sure,” she said, not sounding sure at all. She was, but she wasn’t.
Jimmy’s smile faded a little bit. “I don’t have to stay long. I just think if you give me a treat for Trixie, then maybe she’ll warm up to me.” He shrugged. “At least it’s worth a try, don’t you think? I know you wanted to wait for another time, but I got a call from my brother and he desperately needs the song I’m trying to write. So?”
Oliver, she almost said. The youngest, hotter-than-hellfire Heart brother. She’d read that he was engaged to former pop diva Belinda Beal and had moved to Tennessee to host a country music variety show at the Belinda Beal Theater near the Smoky Mountains. Oliver and Belinda had been America’s sweethearts back in the Heartbeat heyday. Maggie wanted to ask so many questions, but she didn’t want to come off as being a fangirl or let on that she knew who Jimmy was. Silly, maybe, but that was the way she wanted to play it, at least for now.
“Maggie?”
“Oh, sorry. I, uh, guess so. I mean, yes.” Maggie couldn’t come up with a reasonable argument against the simple request now that Jimmy was standing in her doorway, so she stepped aside and gestured for him to enter. To her dismay, Trixie immediately bared her little teeth, growling deep in her throat. “Sorry, she’s even worse because of the upcoming storm.”
“Poor thing.” He shot Trixie a look of sympathy, but the little dog stood her ground.
“I know. Follow me into the kitchen and I’ll get a doggie treat for you to bestow upon her.”
“Thanks,” Jimmy said, but Trixie was not happy when he entered the condo. “Hopefully that will break the ice.”
“Yap! Yap, yap … yap!” She circled Jimmy three times.
“Trixie!” Maggie scolded. “Shhh. Be nice.”
“It’s okay. Just guarding her territory. Showing me who’s boss.”
“Follow me.” Maggie tried hard not to be nervous as she walked to the kitchen, but failed. “I’ll put these in water.” Placing the bouquet on the counter, she looked around for a vase, opening one door after another without any luck.
“If you’re looking for a vase, I have several at my place. Want me to go get one?”
“Oh, there’s a few in here somewhere.” She didn’t want him to think she never received flowers! In the meantime, she put the bouquet in a tall glass, managing to splash water down the front of her tank top. Great, why not add a wet T-shirt to the mix. When she plucked at the damp cotton he cleared his throat and she turned away, feeling her cheeks warm. “I’m still trying to remember where I put everything,” she said, which was not even remotely true. Her organizational skills were just shy of OCD.
“So, where are you from?” he asked casually.
“I grew up in Cleveland,” she answered over her shoulder.
“It’s super cold there, right?”
“Yeah.” Maggie groaned. “Endless lake-effect snow.”
“Ah, so you wanted to move someplace warm.”
“Yes, indeed.” Maggie nodded and risked turning around. “I always knew I wanted to move to the coast. And so, here I am.”
“Why Florida and not out west?”
“Too far away from my mom. Getting her on an airplane is like pulling teeth. Plus, Florida is where I first saw the ocean, and I fell in love with it. So, after nearly a year of searching, my Realtor suggested moving to a small town rather than to a big city like Tampa or something. I wanted a quaint, old-Florida vibe but with an abundance of art and music. And we’re far enough north in the state that we get a mild winter, so I still get to wear jeans and sweatshirts.”
“Unless we get a cold front.”
Maggie stopped searching and glanced his way. “You have no clue what a real cold front is.”
“Where everything is cold and not just your front?”
Maggie had to laugh. “Uh, yeah. So after what seemed like endless searching, we found this sweet condo and, well, here I am. Still thawing out.”
“So you like it here?”
“Until this past week, I’ve been on a deadline, so I haven’t done too much exploring other than the beach and basic shopping in town, b
ut I adore my condo and the amazing view.” And your singing. But she kept that tidbit to herself.
“I’d be happy to show you around,” Jimmy offered with a smile. “I grew up here, and I know Sea Breeze like the back of my hand. And other Florida destinations too. Cool places that tourists don’t know about. Do you like boats?”
“I don’t know. I’ve never been on one before, but I mean, probably.”
“I’ll take you boating if you’d like. I know where to spot manatees and dolphins.”
“Thank you,” Maggie said, but didn’t give him any further indication she would take him up on his offer. “Well …” She paused, trying to remember what she was supposed to be doing. Oh yeah, getting a treat for Trixie. She’d stopped barking but she still sat there, giving Jimmy a doggie stare-down.
Jimmy Heart was in her house … dear Lord. The insecure thirteen-year-old, buried deep in Maggie’s chest, reared her frizzy head and peeked around. Even though Maggie knew exactly where she kept everything in her pantry, Jimmy standing so close to her made her memory fail and her fingers fumble. She could smell the sexy scent of his aftershave, and the soothing sounds he crooned to Trixie were as smooth as hot fudge melting over vanilla ice cream. Oh my.
“Hey, cutie, I’m gonna give you a treat,” Jimmy said in a low tone. “As soon as Maggie finds them.”
“Where are they … Oh, here.” Right where they were supposed to be.
“I’ll get you to like me yet. And your pretty owner too.”
“Oh!” Maggie fumbled big-time when she heard Jimmy’s comment. It didn’t help that she was short, and when she tipped the canister of treats forward, she knocked it off the shelf. The damned thing hit her on top of the head, somehow dislodging its plastic lid, and doggie treats went everywhere, including down her bra. “Oh no! Dammit!” she swore, and felt heat flood her cheeks. As good impressions went, this one sucked. “Ouch.” She rubbed her head. “I can’t believe I failed to put the lid on tight.”
“You okay? Are you hurt?”
“Yeah. My pride is a bit bruised, but other than that, I’m fine.”
Trixie pounced upon the scattered treats like she hadn’t eaten in weeks while Maggie knelt to the floor, frantically trying to scoop the little squares up. “No, Trixie!” she scolded, but her command went unheeded.
“Let me help,” Jimmy said, and knelt next to Maggie. He scooped swiftly, and within a few seconds, the beefy nuggets were back in their canister. While he was occupied, Maggie discreetly tried to remove the nuggets from her cleavage, but of course he caught her and chuckled.
“Don’t say a thing.”
“You mean something like, I would have retrieved those for you?”
“Uh, yeah.” Maggie rolled her eyes. “Like that.”
“Okay, but don’t say I didn’t offer.” He grinned, holding a treat out to Trixie. “Here you go, girl, I kept one back for ya,” he said, and placed the square on the palm of his hand.
Trixie looked at the offering with longing and Maggie understood her dog’s dilemma. Jimmy was hard to resist.
“Go ahead,” Maggie coaxed. “Even though you’ve had more than a day’s share.”
“Yap! Yap!” Trixie clearly wanted Jimmy to put the treat on the floor, but he inched his hand closer. Trixie did a little spin, her toenails clacking on the white ceramic tile as if she were tap dancing. “Yap!”
“You know you want it,” Jimmy said in a low, coaxing voice. “Come on. I don’t bite.”
Trixie looked at him with eyes too big for her face. When she whimpered, Maggie could see Jimmy caving in. He looked at Maggie and raised his eyebrows. “What should I do?”
Kiss me nearly tumbled out of her mouth.
“You’ve almost got her,” Maggie said softly, trying not to react to having Jimmy just inches away. They were close enough that she could see flecks of gold in his brown eyes, the dark stubble on his cheeks. Close enough that he could lean in and kiss her if he wanted to. No, she didn’t want him to kiss her.
Okay, well, yes, she did.
Jimmy smiled and said, “How about if you put your hand beneath mine? I really think Trixie will muster up the nerve if we give the treat to her together.”
Maggie’s heart thudded and she nearly lost her balance. “Okay,” she said in a near whisper. She put her hand beneath Jimmy’s, but wasn’t prepared for the hot tingle of awareness that washed over her when her hand cupped his. She felt as if she’d just taken a shot of aged Irish whiskey, warm and smooth and potent. She swallowed hard, but then smiled when Trixie trotted closer, dipped her wiry head, and snatched the treat from Jimmy’s palm with lightning speed.
“Yes!” Jimmy said, so clearly pleased that Maggie had to smile. “Do you think I should risk trying to pet her? Pick her up?”
Maggie laughed at his obvious delight. “Maybe you shouldn’t push your luck,” she said, realizing her hand was still beneath his. She would move it any moment now.
Jimmy’s gaze met hers, lingering. “You think so?” He seemed disappointed, and it tugged at an emotion she couldn’t quite define.
“You know … just go slow,” she added in a breathless voice.
“Let her get to know me? Earn her trust?” he asked in a hushed voice. “Learn to like me?”
“Yeah. Take your time.”
Jimmy nodded, nibbling on the inside of his lip. “And then again, maybe I should just go for it.” Jimmy leaned in, cupping Maggie’s cheek. “What do you think?”
“I …” Of course, she couldn’t think. Couldn’t move. “I …” she began again, and swallowed hard. For a heart-pounding moment she thought he was going to kiss her, but then he withdrew his hand and tilted his head. “Maybe.” She finally remembered he’d asked her a question.
Jimmy looked at Trixie and grinned. “She’s got a big bark for such a little thing.”
“She’s finally coming into her own.” Maggie suddenly thought about the fact that she’d wanted to kiss Jimmy since she was twelve, but she kept that to herself and nearly let out a nervous giggle. “Hey, sorry I haven’t been a very friendly neighbor. I’m still adjusting to moving here.”
“Mmm, you’ve been a bit standoffish, maybe, but there’s a warmth in your pretty green eyes that you can’t hide.”
Maggie lowered her gaze, needing to conceal what she was feeling right now. She inhaled a breath, trying to maintain her composure.
“So, are you open to us getting to know each other better?”
Not knowing how to respond, Maggie scraped her teeth over her bottom lip.
His smile faltered at her silence. “Did I just push my luck?”
Maggie’s vocal cords refused to respond. “No,” she finally managed in a husky tone. But she was sure as hell pushing hers. He was a fantasy, not reality, and she needed to remember he was the famous heartthrob Jimmy Heart, not just the hot guy next door.
“Well then, should I try harder?” He raised his eyebrows and waited.
Maggie wanted to answer, but having him look at her with hope made all coherent thought flee from her brain and scatter like confetti on a windy day. “Are … are you flirting with me?” she asked with the arch of an eyebrow, immediately kicking herself for being so forward.
But Jimmy grinned. “Yes,” he said slowly, as if surprised at himself. “How am I doing?”
“Quite well,” she admitted. “But I’m guessing you’re a bit of an expert,” she added, nearly giving away that she knew who he was.
“Ha, nope. My flirting skills are weak.” He glanced over at Trixie, who seemed bored by the exchange but still a bit wary.
“You could have fooled me.”
“I’m not trying to fool you, Maggie, and I don’t have an agenda, unless you count wanting to spend some time with you.” His gaze dropped to her mouth, and Maggie nearly had to fan her face.
Warning bells clanged. She could fall for him, like, instantly, but she didn’t want to risk the heartache of all heartaches that was sure to follow. How many gir
ls got to flirt with their celebrity childhood crush? As far as dreams coming true, this ranked right up there with the big boys. Why go and ruin it all by thinking something could come of this? No, flirting with Jimmy Heart was crazy, and she needed to end it.
Now.
He smiled, distracting her from her course of action.
Okay, she should end it … soon.
“Should I go for broke?”
“Well …” Maggie dug deep for sass, because the word no refused to make it past her lips. “Are you a risk taker?” she finally asked in a teasing tone.
Jimmy gave her a slow smile that awoke sleeping butterflies in her stomach—light, fluttery, and pleasant. Okay, maybe this bit of flirting was simply innocent, not serious, and wouldn’t end with her heart getting broken. She deserved to have fun, right? Yes, she did. She knew how to flirt, didn’t she? Uh, not really. Well, she’d wing it. “Hmmm, Jimmy?”
“Is that a challenge?”
“Merely a question.”
Jimmy tilted his head to the side. “No,” he finally said firmly. “Not at all.”
“Really?” Should she lean in closer? Bat her eyelashes? No … and hell no.
Maggie should have felt relief when he remained silent, but disappointment washed over her. Clearly, he wanted further encouragement, and she wasn’t about to fully give it. Hinting and teasing were heady enough. Ah, but she longed for a kiss, if for nothing else but to keep in her memory bank to revisit now and then.
“But then again, you’re worth taking the risk for.”
“Oh …” She should pull away. Say something sassy, flippant. Pretend she was simply teasing, playing, or slip back into safe, aloof mode. Then she should stand up, fuss with the flowers, and offer him a drink. No, scratch the drink part. He needed to go before she had a total breakdown of resistance—before she fisted her hands in his shirt and tugged him in for a hot, steamy, curl-your-toes kiss to remember forever. “Jimmy …” she began, but she couldn’t quite find the words with him looking at her like she was dessert. “I’m not sure …”