Staying Grounded (A Rocky Harbor Novel Book 1)

by Marianne Rice

  Normally she gave her patient a goal to work on in between visits, but she’d been so distracted with lust that she couldn’t think straight. “Not today. Do you need a reminder of your next appointment? Tiffany can print you out a card.”

  Graham stood and followed her, taking up too much space in the doorway and in her head. “I think you and I both know when we’ll see each other again.”

  Maggie opened her mouth to argue but no coherent words formed in her mind or on her tongue. Fulfilling his Maverick persona, Graham winked at her, slid on his aviator shades and walked out, leaving his masculine scent of clean soap and overconfident testosterone in his wake.

  Chapter Four

  Graham

  He knew she’d show. Maggie O’Fallon had too much pride not to. Graham may have crossed a few lines the other night and in her office yesterday, but hearing her move around in the bathtub and watching her bite her lip while she listened to him talk about his family made him want her all the more. His groin had tightened to a point he’d never experienced before. Usually when he found himself this…ready, he had a woman willing and waiting for him.

  Everything about her turned him on, from the sound of her voice to her long legs, to her innocent, sweet as pie cherry vanilla scent. He swore as he pushed himself through his last mile of the morning. He just had time for a quick shower and shave before getting to the coffee shop a few minutes before their planned meeting time. Well, his planned time. She’d show. Just to tell him off.

  Margaret O’Fallon wasn’t the type of woman to let a man take control, yet the audacious Maggie who flirted freely and gave her phone number to strangers she bumped into in coffee shops seemed like she enjoyed the give and take between a man and a woman.

  Graham rounded the last corner and walked up the hill to his mother’s house. Hopefully he’d be gone in a week. While he loved his family, living under the same roof with his mom and sister cramped his style.

  If things were going to progress with the beautiful redhead, he needed his private space. Maybe he’d rent a hotel room for a few days. No, Doreen would be heartbroken. Usually he liked to go back to the woman’s house anyway so he could slip out in the middle of the night. No chance that way of her sleeping over and overstaying her welcome. If he knew the woman wasn’t looking for anything more than a hook up here and there, he’d stay over, but that didn’t happen often. Mornings were meant for sex, coffee, and running, not cuddling or talking about relationships.

  The life of a pilot didn’t suit itself for relationships anyway. Always on the go, a different city and hotel nearly every night. His lifestyle was meant for stimulating meetings with new women. Relationships weren’t his thing. They’d require him to settle down, to work less and spend more time at home doing married people stuff.

  Most of the married pilots he knew had cheated on their wives and it irked him how casual they were about it. Many had the audacity to show off their mistresses to the other pilots as if it were a contest of who could be the sleaziest husband. Graham could not imagine going through the whole show of an engagement, the ring, the wedding, the vows, having a house and a family and throwing it all away for sex with another woman. He had no desire for any of it, except for the sex part, and only if he didn’t have a girlfriend, which he never did. It would be like betraying his mother and all that she taught him. Better to be single and not have to worry about vows and relationships.

  Graham made his way up to the bathroom he currently shared with Rachael, showered, changed into cargo shorts and a green T-shirt, pulled a Red Sox hat over his still wet hair, slid on his aviators, and snuck out of the house before his mother, who was out back gardening, could trap him into a long talk about his life.

  It was like he was a teenager all over again, trying to escape Doreen’s inquisitive questioning and Rachael’s perceptive eyes. Those women could break a Navy SEAL, probably why Colton took off for Afghanistan so quickly and rarely came home. His brother had secrets that went beyond his time with his birth family.

  Hell, they all had a shit life before Doreen and Keith Riley adopted them, and all but Rachael still managed to get into trouble even after coming to the family, but something funky happened to Colton before he hightailed it out of the States. Ten years later they were all still wondering.

  Graham didn’t hold any secrets. Not really. His family knew about his messed up childhood with the Davisons, and Graham managed to find trouble for quite a few years after, nothing new to tell there. But those weren’t stories he wanted the entire country to hear. Global Air’s lawyers were working on their end to do damage control and the media loved drama. The dirtier the better.

  Other than checking the weather app on his phone and scrolling through his emails from the corporate office, Graham had avoided the Internet and television for the past five days. Better to be ignorant to what was being said about him. It wasn’t like he could do anything about the dirt they dug up.

  He checked the forecast to make sure the day would be suitable to keep the top off his Jeep before driving in to downtown Rocky Harbor. Parking was still easy to find this early in the morning, before the tourists were out shopping and pining for a close space to the coast.

  Slipping a few quarters into the old fashioned parking meter in front of Coast & Roast, Graham anticipated his day with the sexy therapist.

  No, he wouldn’t think of her in that capacity. She was right. They needed to keep their professional and personal relationship separate. And there would be a personal one. He took off his sunglasses and hung them from the collar of his shirt before entering the shop. The smell of fresh coffee and baked goods permeated the air.

  “Well, now, what can I get for you?” The dark-haired beauty behind the counter smiled. Normally he’d reciprocate the predatory look, but today he only had eyes for one woman. Instead, he flashed his trademark smile and gave her a friendly wink.

  “I’m a simple guy. Plain ‘ol coffee. Black.” Not sure of Maggie’s beverage choice, he hesitated before ordering more. Figuring the small town barista must know everyone’s usual in town, he took a risk. “You look like you know what people like to drink. I’m meeting someone here but I don’t know her preference. Think you can help me out?”

  The woman’s mouth curved into a salacious grin. “Oh, I bet I can do one better than that.” Graham wasn’t sure what to make of her statement. No longer looking like she would eat him up and lick him from head to toe, the woman’s eyes danced with knowing excitement.

  “Do you know Maggie O’Fallon? She’s been here before and works down the street. Do you know what she prefers?”

  The woman licked her lips and laughed. “I have a pretty good idea. I’ll take care of your order. Go find yourself a table.”

  “Thanks…”

  “Mackenzie.”

  Graham nodded and turned toward the seating area. The place was bigger on the inside than it looked on the outside. He didn’t take much time to look around the other morning, focused on his caffeine fix. The walls were painted a friendly, warm golden color, the wooden floors a dark cherry, and mismatched tables and seating areas were scattered around. A large, overstuffed leather sofa and three chairs circled a long coffee table strewn with magazines and books. A perfect place for a small study group, he supposed. Pub style tables and chairs took up most of the space and two small tables in the back by a fireplace gave people who wanted a little more privacy a place to sit and talk.

  That’s where he’d wait for Maggie. Taking the chair facing the door, he checked his cell. Almost nine. When he looked up a wild mane of long, auburn hair followed the object of his nightly fantasies. Ever the gentleman, Graham stood.

  Maggie spotted him instantly and stopped, huffing out a loud sigh, and then marched toward him. When she reached him, he picked up her delicate hand and kissed her knuckles.

  “So we meet again.”

  She snorted and rolled her eyes. “No, we don’t.”

  “Looks that way to me.”


  “You’re not making this easy, Mr. Riley.”

  Graham pulled out her chair and gently pushed down on her shoulders, easing her into her seat. “Graham. And nothing in life is easy.”

  They were interrupted by the barista, carrying a tray with his coffee, a fancy girly coffee, and two baked goods.

  “One black coffee, one skinny latte, and two cranberry scones. Can I get you anything else?”

  “No,” Maggie barked as Graham looked up at the woman and smiled.

  “I think that’s all for now, thank you, Mackenzie.” He gave her a few bills that more than covered their order. “Keep the change.”

  “Why thank you. I’m sure Maggie will take great care of you. Let me know if you need anything.” She clicked her tongue before smirking at Maggie, who glared at the woman.

  Once she was gone, Graham sat back and studied his companion. “And they say I have anger issues.” The tight look on Maggie’s face dropped and she reached for her pastry.

  “I can never refuse these scones. She knows that.”

  “Friend of yours?”

  “Used to be.” Maggie looked over her shoulder and Graham followed her gaze. Mackenzie was back behind the counter laughing with another customer.

  Graham picked up his coffee and blew before sipping.

  “For the record, I’m not going anywhere with you today.”

  “I figured we’d head out to Bug Light or maybe Fort Williams Park? History has always been a passion of mine. I’d love to walk around the ruins of the Goddard mansion. Did you know it was built during the Civil War and—”

  “Yes, I know. And if you know so much about it, I don’t know why you need me.”

  “I know what I read online, but there’s nothing like seeing history in person. Have you been before?”

  “Yes. Dozens of times. My father used to…never mind.”

  “No, I’d like to hear. Your father…?”

  “Nothing. I’d rather not talk about it.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring up bad memories. Is your father still around?”

  Maggie snorted before picking up her coffee and sipping it. “Define around.”

  Family drama. Not something he wanted to get in the middle of for a quick fling.

  No, Maggie O’Fallon was not quick fling material, but he’d only be in town until he could get his name cleared. By her. Maybe having a fling with the gorgeous therapist was a bad idea.

  Guilt engulfed him. He hadn’t intended to put the beautiful doctor in precarious situation. Not once had he thought about what this could do to her professional reputation. Of course she couldn’t see one of her patients, just like he’d never date one of his flight attendants. Only her job had much stronger policies against it than his. He sighed a sad smile. “I apologize for overstepping. We can finish our coffee and go our separate ways. I’ll see you on Monday, though.”

  “Fine. I’ll bring you to the park, but no fancy stuff,” she blurted out, surprising him. “This is completely platonic. I’m a tour guide. You’re a tourist. Try any hanky-panky and I’ll…I’ll think of something and it won’t be pretty.”

  Graham laughed. When was the last time a beautiful woman made him laugh? His time with women was typically spent with their mouths doing other things. And while he definitely wanted to move his mouth all over Maggie’s body, he also looked forward to spending time with her.

  Maggie stood, and looked out the window. “We need to make this fast. I didn’t bring my sunblock and I’m not spending my day out in the afternoon heat only to return to work on Monday looking like a Maine lobster.” She hiked her purse over her shoulder and marched out.

  He followed willingly at her heels, checking out her perfect ass the entire time.

  ***

  Maggie

  He’s totally checking out your ass

  Maggie gritted her teeth and texted back to Kenzie.

  Traitor.

  I’m totally checking out his ass. Go girl.

  Tossing her cell phone back in her bag, she stopped and waited for Graham to catch up.

  “Anxious for our day, huh? Me too.” He clasped his hand around hers and gently pulled her across the street.

  “I’m parked over there.” She nodded behind her.

  “You’re being so kind to show me around, the least I can do is drive.” He opened the passenger door to a Jeep and, picking her up as if she weighed nothing, set her in the seat.

  “I’m perfectly capable of getting into a car.”

  “I didn’t want you to escape.”

  “I should be the one driving. You’re supposed to take in the view while I drive. I’ve seen it all before.”

  “But have you seen it with the top down, the wind in your hair, the music cranked?” He closed her door and rounded the hood. She watched him pull his shades over his beautiful gray eyes before sliding into his seat.

  Okay, he had her there. Still. Maggie pulled her designer sunglasses out from her purse and slid them on as well. She didn’t come dressed to roam the ruins and hike around Fort Williams Park. Her khaki capris would probably be dirty by the time they left, and her white wedges weren’t exactly hiking footwear.

  “Where do you live?” Graham asked as he started the engine. Country music played loudly, and he leaned over to turn it down before she could complain.

  “I don’t give out that information to my patients.”

  “I sure the hell hope not. You probably see your share of nut cases coming through your office door.”

  Her jaw dropped in shock and she turned to reprimand him, his teasing smile stopping the defensive comeback on her lips. An unwelcome flutter invaded her belly.

  “You’re not dressed for a hike. We’ll swing by your place so you can throw on some sneakers and we’ll be on our way.”

  “Oh, will we now?”

  “You promised,” he drawled, his panty-dropping smile making her squirm in her seat.

  “Fine. Take Main Street to the end. Then turn right on to Dexter.”

  He followed her directions until they got to her house. She could hear Sweetie Pie barking inside. “You’re not invited in. Stay here. I’ll be right back.” Maggie unbuckled and leaped from her seat before Graham could stop her.

  “Bring the dog!” Graham hollered from the Jeep as she let herself into the house.

  Oh, he had to go there. Damn insufferable man. Wasn’t it bad enough he had looks that could very well give a woman an orgasm without him even touching her? Why did he have to welcome her dog into the picture too? Maggie forgot to open the curtains this morning—and blamed her distraction on Graham—so he probably didn’t get a look at her tiny pooch. She smiled to herself as she scratched behind Sweetie Pie’s ears.

  “Want to go for a ride with Mama?” Her doggie followed behind as she changed into athletic shorts and running shoes and tied her hair up in a ponytail. She’d never been one to flirt with disaster, to risk her career, but something about those eyes lured her in and taunted her to act reckless. More like…Kenzie.

  Maggie grabbed the pink bling collar and leash from the hook by the pantry along with a handful of plastic bags, and whistled. “Let’s go, princess.” She scooped the little bundle in her arms and headed out Graham’s Jeep. He’d turned the vehicle around and backed it in the driveway, facing the road so his back was to her and he didn’t see or hear her approach until Sweetie Pie started barking.

  “That was quick.” Graham turned his flirty smile on her and started to say something more, but stopped when he saw Sweetie. “You’re bringing a cat?”

  Sweetie Pie barked. “She’s a dog, smart ass. And you invited her.”

  “That’s not a dog.”

  “She’s a Shih Tzu. If you’ve changed your mind and don’t want us to come along…”

  “Oh, you’re coming.” He leaned over and opened the door for her, flashing a knowing smirk at his innuendo.

  Maggie slid into the seat and buckled in, balancing her baby on her
lap. Graham didn’t speak again until they were on the road. “So, what’s her name?”

  “Sweetie Pie.”

  “Seriously?” Graham choked on his laughter.

  “Well, she is,” Maggie said defensively.

  “I was expecting a lab or a golden retriever. Not a…white fluff ball. Are you sure she can handle the trip? She looks like she can’t go ten feet without needing to rest her legs. There are legs under that fur, aren’t there?”

  “Now you’re being cruel. It’s not like we’re hiking a mountain, we’re walking around some ruins and touring a lighthouse. Besides, if Sweetie gets tired, we can carry her.”

  “You. Not we. I can feel my manhood shrinking while sitting next to her.”

  Maggie couldn’t help looking over at his lap, where it seemed to be anything but small. Graham shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “You can’t look at my crotch like that and expect me to keep this thing between us platonic.”

  Snatching her gaze back to the road, Maggie pulled Sweetie Pie closer, using her as a shield. “I did no such thing.”

  Graham shot her a quick glance and quirked his lips. She had excellent peripheral vision and could sense him watching her. During the rest of their drive they argued about which radio station to listen to. He wanted country and she wanted talk radio. Well, she didn’t really, but she perversely enjoyed pushing his buttons to see if she could get a rise out of him.

  Once they got to the park, and Sweetie Pie did her business under a tree, Graham led her to the Goddard Mansion. Unfortunately parts of the ruins were fenced off. “It’s a shame how some people disrespect history, and the community,” Graham reflected as he studied the ruins, running his hand along the stone. Touching the curves and contours of the walls.

  Erotic thoughts filled her mind as she thought about what it would feel like to have his hands caress her in a similar fashion. He rattled off stories of the Civil War and World War One and Maine’s rich military history.