She glanced up. “Oh no, it’s great.”
“Is that why you’re glaring at your plate with such intensity?” He asked with a smile.
She let out a laugh. “I’m sorry, James. I suppose I’m not great company. I’m just perplexed.”
James sat back. He knew what was coming, but he asked anyway. “About what?”
Margaret dropped her fork and waved her hands. “All of this. What are we doing here, James?”
“Eating,” he said sheepishly. “Well, I am. You’re just playing around with you food.” When she glowered, he grinned and said, “Sorry. I missed you, Maggie. I wanted us to spend some time together and talk.”
“Before you leave in a few days?”
He nodded. “Is that so bad?”
“Yes, James it is bad. I’m not going to get sucked in just to have my heart torn out again when you leave.”
James sighed. His appetite suddenly vanished. It was time to tackle the elephant in the room. He had known that him leaving her years ago would have to be addressed, but he had hoped they could enjoy dinner and light conversation first.
“Alright, let’s talk but not here. Let’s go back to my place.”
“You’re place? As in your Aunt’s house?” She knew he had moved to Wimberley when he was a teenager to live with his Aunt after both his parents died in a car accident. She also knew that he had held on to the house after his aunt passed away a few years back. Margaret still felt bad for skipping out on the funeral. She’d been afraid of running into James. Looking back, she didn’t know why she had been so afraid to see him.
He nodded. “That’s where I’m staying.”
“I’m not going home with you.”
His eyes narrowed. “Fine, we’ll talk at your place.”
Margaret bit back a moan. There was no way she was going to invite James into her house to discuss their past, not with her daughter present. Sighing is resignation she said, “Your place it is then.”
They had a silent and extremely awkward, ten-minute drive to James’ place. Margaret hopped out of the car, not bothering to wait on him to open her door. Lord knew she couldn’t handle being so near to James. She still felt the same jolt of electricity when he touched her, as evidenced by the shock she felt when he held her hand to help her out of the car earlier. Maybe it’s just my imagination. No, deep down she knew she didn't imagine it. The spark was still very much present.
James led her inside. “Would you like something to drink?”
“Do you have wine? Any kind will do.” She needed the alcohol to settle her nerves.
“Have a seat,” he pointed to a sofa. “Make yourself comfortable.” He returned moments later with two glasses and a bottle of red wine. “I can only have one drink with you. I’m the designated driver.”
Margaret accepted the glass and watched him fill hers half way. “I thought you would opt to stay in a fancy five-star hotel. You know since you’re a billionaire and all.” He shot her a questioning look, and she shrugged. “Word gets around. I’m happy you achieved what you set out to do, James.”
He gave a small smile. “Thank you. I’m still a simple man. Maggie. I actually miss the charm of this small town sometimes. A break from the big city is needed once in a while.” He turned on the sofa to face her. “Now, let’s get right to the main point.”
Margaret took a long drink from her glass, and James smirked knowingly. He was just as anxious as she was.
“Why didn’t you come back?” Margaret inquired softly, holding his gaze.
“You never answered my calls. I figured you hated me and didn’t want to see me.”
She snorted and sat back. “Well, at the time, my young and very injured heart told me that I didn’t want to see or hear from you. I suppose it’s majorly my fault we lost touch. But, if you had shown up, I would have run without care into your arms, James,” she confessed.
He closed his eyes briefly. A pained expression flickered across his face. “I should have come back for you. It was my intention. I wanted to get my life and business started, create a good life for you, for us.” His gray eyes pierced her. “When I heard you got married, it felt like my world collapsed.”
She gasped, surprised by his confession. “I thought you had moved on. I didn’t hear from you in years. I-I had to move on with my life.”
James nodded. “Of course, I don’t blame you for anything.” It was his stupidity that had caused her to slip away. “I’m sorry about your divorce. You deserve happiness, Maggie.”
She shrugged. “It’s fine. I’m fine. Unfortunately, things didn’t work out. Life goes on right?”
“Right.” He paused for a moment as if choosing his words carefully. “Maggie, I want you to know that I never stopped loving you.”
Margaret blinked, her mouth opening and closing several times. “James, I-I” Was it safe for her to tell him the truth or should she lie to him? I’m a thirty-nine-year-old woman, not a teenager. “I never stopped loving you either, even after I married Jacob. I loved him, but I never got over you. But, none of-”
James moved so swiftly; she was taken off guard. His mouth found hers and began to move slowly. Margaret’s body responded before her brain could process that she was being kissed by the man she had never stopped loving. She melted into his arms, her mouth moving beneath his, as naturally as if they hadn’t spent a minute apart. Logic slowly began to seep into her mind. She pulled away.
“James, we can’t.”
He ran his fingers through his hair. “I’m sorry. I just wanted to do that since I saw you this morning and now you’re within reach. I couldn’t help myself.”
She pressed her fingers to her mouth, her lips tingling and her entire body on fire. She wanted his kiss, but she wasn’t about to admit it. “It’s too soon. Y-you just came back to town today. I can’t-we can’t-”
“Our feelings for one another are still there. Why can’t we?”
She stared at him for a while before answering. “I don’t want to experience the pain I felt when you walked out of my life. It’s best if we avoid getting too close.” Her gaze dropped to his lips, longingly.
“It doesn’t have to be like it was back then. I can travel, we can make things work.”
“Whoa, James, slow down. We’re just seeing each other after so many years. Let’s take it easy.”
James hung his head and let out a laugh. “Don’t mind me, Maggie. I suppose you again had sent me into a tailspin.” He let out a breath and glanced up to see Margaret studying him with amusement.
“I like seeing you all flustered. Having that effect on you makes me feel young and pretty like back then.”
“You are still young and pretty.”His eyes swept over her. “Quite gorgeous actually.”
Margaret blushed. She has been married, divorced and had a child and yet, James still made her blush. Inching closer to him, she tentatively reached a hand up to cup his jaw. She brought her face closer, her desire reflected in her eyes.
“Are you sure?” He asked hoarsely.
She nodded and leaned forward to claim his mouth.
Chapter Four: The Fire that Burns
Years of pent up passion flared, engulfing Margaret and James. The easy way they set one another ablaze was an indication that the torch they held for one another had never lost its flames. James pulled Margaret onto him so that she straddled his thighs. Her dress rode up, revealing creamy thighs, waiting for his touch. His hands caressed her legs, moving upward to cup her bottom, drawing her closer.
Margaret gasped softly when his erection pressed into her groin. Her parted lips gave him the opportunity to plunge his tongue into the warmth of her mouth, and she welcomed him eagerly.
“Bedroom,” James breathed.
“Yes, okay,” Margaret answered but was unwilling to stop kissing him long enough to get up. James chuckled against her lips and stood up, holding her wrapped around him and set off toward a closed door. Pushing it open, he placed her on her feet
. With their lips still joined, he found the zipper at the back of her dress and eased it down until the material fell from her shoulders.
Suddenly feeling self-conscious, Margaret pulled away to glance shyly up at him. “I’m not a young girl anymore.”
James tilted his head and frowned. “What does that have to do with now?”
She bit her lower lip. “I mean, I don’t look as good as I did when I was nineteen, and I’m sure you date plenty of younger women.”
James’ brows shot up. “Are you finished?” She nodded yes. “Good, now we can get back to business.” He pulled the zipper all the way down and let her dress fall to the floor, leaving her in sheer red underwear. “You are beautiful,” he whispered, taking in every dip and curve. The hunger in his gaze was evident; making Margaret indeed feel like the most beautiful woman in the world. He hurriedly removed his shirt and moved on to his pants.
Margaret watched intently, amazed at how he had kept himself together. The toned muscles on every inch of his six feet frame rippled with every movement. He certainly didn’t look like a businessman who spent most of his time in an office. She sucked in a breath at the sight of his jutting erection, anticipation coursing through her veins.
“Well, this isn’t fair,” he teased. “You still have underwear on.” He stalked her with a predatory look, making her giggle. She pursed her lips surprised by how young she sounded, by how young she felt.
“Let me even the playing field,” she drawled. Unhooking her bra, she tossed it aside and reached down to remove her panties.
“Let me do the honor,” James said hooking his finger in the waistband and slowly peeling them down her thighs. Margaret’s breathing accelerated as she stepped out of her underwear. She was now fully exposed and vulnerable, and strangely she didn’t mind. There was a comfortable familiarity with James that she wouldn’t have expected to still be present.
He lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bed, putting her down gently. She moaned softly as he feathered kisses along her neck, moving downward toward her chest. James took one nipple between his teeth and swirled his tongue over the beaded flesh. Gasping at the pleasure she felt, Margaret arched her back encouragingly. He moved on to lavish her other breast with attention.
Moisture pooled between her thighs. “James, please I can’t wait any longer.”
He looked into her eyes. “Are you- can we-”
Margaret grinned, amused by his embarrassment. “I’m safe right now.”
He grinned and settled between her thighs. His erection pushed at her entrance. He braced himself on his elbows and lifted a hand to trail a finger down her cheek. “I have waited nineteen years for this, Maggie.”
Her eyes widened slightly. He breached her entrance before she could respond. A moan slipped past her lips, and her eyes fluttered closed.
“Keep your eyes open,” he ordered softly. “I want to see you.” By that, he meant he wanted to see every emotion that flickered in her expressive eyes. Margaret’s eyes opened. Their gazes were joined just as their bodies were. James began to move, setting a slow sensuous rhythm. Her legs lifted to wrap around his waist, urging him deeper.
“Oh, James, I’ve missed you.” Way too much than she wanted to admit. His gray eyes seemed to darken the more her tight sheath gripped his length.
“I don’t have to tell you how much I’ve missed you,” he whispered. His actions and the emotions played across his face said enough. “God, I love you, Maggie.”
“James-”Her muscles clenched around him as she reached her peak and shattered into pieces. He maintained his pace until he followed her over the edge, his large body shuddering above her. Margaret’s arms and legs remained wrapped around his shoulders.
James stirred. “I’m too heavy.”
“Mhmm.”
“Maggie, I’m going to crush you.” She moaned and reluctantly released him. He rolled onto his side, pulling her into the crook of his arms.
“That was incredible,” she murmured. “It’s been four long years.” As soon as the words left her mouth, she gave herself a mental kick.
“You haven’t had sex in four years?” James asked incredulously.
She flushed. “What’s wrong with that?”
“Nothing. It’s just… look at you. Are the men in Texas blind?”
She shrugged. “I haven’t had time for dating with my business and a pre-teen.” Or maybe I was waiting for you; she added silently. “Do you have children, James?”
“No. I never got married, never had kids.”
She turned to look at him. “Why not? I imagine women fall all over you.”
He chuckled. “Thank you for the compliment. I never felt right settling down with anyone but you.”
“I-I see.” Suddenly feeling overwhelmed, Margaret sat up. “I should get home.”
“Hey, did I say something wrong?” James asked, eyeing her with concern.
“Err, no. Of course, not. It’s getting late, and Jessie probably wants to go home.”
He nodded. “The babysitter, right.”
“Don’t ever let Cassy hear you call her that,” she murmured, reaching for her dress.
James’ lips lifted. “Well, she isn’t a baby. Where is her father, if you don’t mind me asking?”
Pulling on her dress, Margaret sighed. “Jacob lives in Huston. Cassy spends every other weekend with him. Although now a day, he’s too busy with his new girlfriend to pick her up most of the time. I don’t want to discuss my ex-husband any further.”
“Okay. Let’s get you home.” James reluctantly followed her to the door. He would have loved to have her spend the night so they could talk more and maybe go a few more rounds in bed. Take it easy, Sullivan. He didn’t want to scare her away by going too fast. She probably still hadn’t forgiven him for leaving.
Pulling up in front of Margaret’s place, James turned to her. “Can I see you again?”
“For a date or another round in the bedroom?”
His lips curved. She certainly was more forward than she used to be. “Both would be fine with me.”
She snorted but smiled. “I don’t see why not.” What would it hurt to have fun with James while he was in town? She wanted another go with him in bed that was for sure. She watched him get out of the car and walk around to her door. He held out a hand, and she placed hers in his. Did he feel the same jolt she experienced?
They walked to her front door. She noticed that James never let go of her hand. Warmth spread through her, but it was quickly doused. She had to keep in mind that he wouldn’t be in town much longer. Sadness pricked her heart. She was going to lose him, again.
James reached up to tuck a lock of hair behind her ear. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” she answered quickly. “Thanks for dinner and well, you know.” Her cheeks flamed.
James let out a laugh. “Did you just thank me for sex, Maggie?”
She blushed harder, shutting her eyes. “Oh God, I just did, didn’t I? Forget that part, please.”
“Has anyone ever told you that you are adorable when you blush?”
“For goodness sake, James. I’m almost forty. I can’t be adorable.”
“Like hell, you can’t be.” He leaned forward and captured her lips, giving her a quick hard kiss. “Just like our first date, when I stole a kiss at your front door.”
“Even though I made it clear that I didn’t kiss on the first date.”
He smiled sheepishly. “I never could keep my hands off of you, gorgeous. I’ll pick you up tomorrow at seven for our second date.
“What? I didn’t-” He kissed her again. “Get inside and lock the door, Maggie.” He turned and walked to his car.
She glared at his back. “Still as arrogant as ever,” she grumbled. A smile hovered on her lips. She was glad he was still very much the man she fell in love with.
Chapter Five: Decisions
“You are positively glowing, Maggie. What have you been up to?”
> Margaret smiled at the elderly woman, as she put the books she purchased into a bag. “Thank you, Mrs. Noble. I suppose I have been getting more rest.” She couldn’t tell the inquisitive Mrs. Noble that she had spent the last week in her ex lover's bed, and that was the result of her ‘glowing’ appearance.
“Mhmm. I hear you got yourself a new man.”
Margaret’s mouth nearly dropped open. “W-what? Where ever did you hear such a thing, Mrs. Nobel?”
“The word on the street is that you have been spending quite a lot of time with one of the handsome newcomers in town.” Mrs. Noble’s voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. “I hear he’s rich.”
Margaret resisted the urge to roll her eyes. In the small town, there was always word on the street about someone’s business. “He is just an old friend, Mrs. Nobel, not my new boyfriend.”
“Okay dear,” the older woman responded. She didn’t sound convinced.
Margaret handed her the bag of books with a smile. “Thank you for your business, Mrs. Noble. You take care now, and enjoy your books.”
“Thank you, Maggie darling. I’ll see in a few weeks.”
Margaret let out a breath when she was alone. Great, the entire town probably knows about James and me. Not that there was anything to know. Was there? She wasn’t sure what was going between her and James. Deciding not to dwell on it, she pushed the thought aside.
*****
“Hey boss, are you joining us tonight? We’re all going out for a few drinks.”
James stopped in his tracks and turned to Jerry. “Not tonight, Jerry. I have plans.”
“Of course, you do. I hear you’ve been spending time with that hot bookstore owner. I would spend another month in this small town to get a chance with her.”
James gritted his teeth, fighting the urge to introduce his fist to Jerry’s face. “Don’t go near her with your flirting Jerry,” he bit out.
Jerry held up both hands in surrender. “Whoa there boss, I would never mess around your territory. I was merely saying that the lady is very nice to look at. Anyway, see you tomorrow boss. We’ll be wrapping up by then.”
Billionaire Alpha Romance: The Proposal (Mature Gentlemen Book 2) Page 219