"That works out well, since I want you, too."
He began to undress her slowly, kissing her between every piece of clothing. She thought she'd never experienced anything quite so sensual. Her hands ran across his bare chest after he removed his sweater. The feel of his muscles under her fingertips was intoxicating.
As he lowered her to the bed, she suddenly was no longer nervous. The look on his face, full of need, told her how much he wanted her. But his hands were gentle, and she knew he would care for her.
"Take me, Eric," she whispered.
And he did.
* * * *
She woke up on her back, with his arm across her waist, one of his legs over hers. It was morning and in the dim light from the edges of the curtains, she looked at his body, so quiet in sleep. Quite unlike last night, she thought with a blush. It hadn't been her first time, but in a way it was--because she'd never had anything happen like last night in her life.
He had made her feel things she didn't know existed. The ecstasy was overwhelming. How could it have been so good? They'd only known each other a few days, and yet their joining had felt so deep and complete. And she realized, in the space between one breath and the next, she was falling in love with him. As if she had always been in love with him, as if the love had been waiting only for him to arrive in her life.
Before she could think more about it, he stirred and rolled to his side. His hand lightly skimmed the skin on her abdomen, causing her to squirm.
"Stop that," she said, half-heartedly.
"Really?"
"Not really."
He moved until he could pull her to him. They started to kiss and then Maggie pushed him away. "The time! Sam is going to be at your house--"
"Damn, I forgot. He glanced at the clock by the bed and sighed regretfully. "I need to get dressed and home right now. But don't forget where we were. I expect to finish this later." He kissed her lightly and got of bed, searching for his clothes.
Maggie pulled a robe from her closet and put it on. She walked him to the door where he gave her a big, comforting hug. "When will I see you?" she asked.
"We have dinner tonight at Julia's?"
"Yes, but that's too long a time."
"I agree. After lunch, I'll meet you here around two. How's that?"
"Perfect."
He left with her standing at the door, watching him go. She shut the door, and went to the kitchen to make a protein shake. She was definitely going to need energy today, she thought with a smug smile.
Her cell phone rang right as she finished drinking her shake. It was Anna.
"Maggie? Are you alone?"
"Yes. Why?"
"Sam just this minute left for Eric's, and I thought I'd give you a head's up in case he was with you."
"He'll be at his place...barely...by the time Sam gets there."
"Maggie!"
"What can I say, Anna? He's...incredible."
"I'm happy for you. It seems a bit sudden, though."
"It is, I guess. But it's like we've known each other already, maybe in another life. You know what I mean?"
"Yes, I do."
"Thanks for the dinner last night, Anna, but I need to get off the phone. Christmas shopping today."
"Yikes, you're on the ball. I need to look at my list. Talk to you later."
Maggie grinned as she put the phone away. Her shopping was not for presents, but was instead for the items she needed to finish her Christmas craft projects that would end up as gifts. Even the kids were getting homemade items this year. She'd been working since the spring on a quilt for each of the two children in the family. Today she was going to buy the satin she needed to edge each blanket. She knew how important that satiny trim was to kid's fingers as they held their 'blankie.' She had appliqued trucks and cars on Joshua's quilt. She knew he would love it. The one for Cody and Julia's daughter, Jennifer, was covered in butterflies and flowers.
As she got dressed for the day, Maggie felt like she was in a dream. She kept remembering Eric's touch, and his whispers into her ears. She could hardly wait for the afternoon to arrive. She wondered if he was thinking about last night too. Probably not. Men were different from women, right?
* * * *
Eric once again realized he'd lost track of the conversation with Sam. The image of Maggie last night, responding to his hands, his body, had taken his mind completely off what they were talking about.
"Eric?"
"Sorry, Sam. I've had something on my mind this morning. What were you saying?"
"I wanted to know if you fished at all."
"I never have tried it."
Sam looked completely surprised. "You've never fished--ever?"
"Nope."
"Somehow, I think that is about to change, my friend. Wait until Cody hears this."
Eric laughed. "I've spent most of my life in rooms with computers. I was never much of an outdoor guy."
"I used to spend a ton of time at my computer, writing, but I also spent time outdoors. Then my life became much fuller when Anna entered it. You and Maggie seem to be getting along very well."
"Yes, we are. I like your sister quite a bit. I know it's only been a short time that we've known each other, but it feels like longer."
"Here we are. This dock leads to Cody's Bait and Tackle Shop."
Eric was surprised by the size of the place once they were inside. It looked like the store must have every type of fishing equipment ever made. Cody came out from behind the counter and sat with them around the wood stove, in the rockers that surrounded it.
"Never fished, you say? Unreal, man," Cody said. "Now's not the best time to go out for deep sea fishing. Unless we get a good day, it might have to wait until spring. You're willing to try it, right?"
"Sure. You run a charter service also?"
"That's right," Cody said. "Not much call for it during the winter months."
"Tell me something, guys. What kind of things is Maggie interested in that I might use to get her a Christmas present. I've had one idea, but I've always thought that it was best to give a woman more than one gift."
"Good one. Yeah, Maggie can be tough to shop for," Sam said. "She's always so into her arts and crafts, or her martial arts, she doesn't have much time for anything else."
"Hold on--arts and crafts?"
"Yes. You didn't know? Half the stuff in her apartment she made herself. I have no idea of the full list of what she can do. She's always been into crafts."
"I noticed the paint job on the bookcase--it looked hand-painted."
"Yeah, she did that."
Cody said, "Julia is always telling me that we should convince her to do it full time. The arts and crafts thing. It's obvious she really doesn't like public relations."
"Anna has said the same thing to me," Sam said. "Maggie should do something she loves."
Eric thought about what they'd said, as the rest of the morning passed by with a tour of the shop and more fishing discussion. Maybe there was a way he could make it happen for her.
Sam took him to the Diner for lunch. There they had homemade cream of tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. Eric liked Sam, his easy manner and his conversation that traveled all over the place. He guessed as a writer that Sam had researched a lot of things, but as they talked he learned that Sam had also done a lot of things. It made Eric feel almost naive about the world, to hear the other man talk.
Eric knew he'd been so caught up in his passion for computers that he'd narrowed his focus greatly in life. At one point, he'd definitely qualified as being a geek. The more he'd delved into his studies, the more esoteric his conversation had become. Eventually, he'd realized he had to look up from the keyboard every now and then. His father had gotten particularly pissed off at him over how he talked. 'Can't you speak like everyone else?' he remembered hearing.
Usually, he'd had a good relationship with his parents, so his father's anger had a major impact on him. He started paying attention when othe
r people spoke to him, and remembered to speak like a regular guy and not like he was the computer. He made further changes in his socialization efforts by taking up the guitar again and beginning to perform wherever he could. All of which had stood him in good stead when he formed the company. He'd learned how to get along with people, not just computers.
But the world was a big place. And now he had the money to travel, to see some of it. Or he could pursue other interests. He didn't have to go back to school, he realized. He didn't have to become obsessed with another big project. It bore thinking on.
"Sam, how would it be if I brought the wine for the Thanksgiving meal?"
Sam smiled. "That sounds like a great idea. Let's just let Frank know about it." He gave a quick call to Frank who approved of the plan.
Eric felt better knowing he'd be contributing. And that made him remember his idea. "I was talking to Maggie and she told me about how you all distribute food and presents for the holidays to those who need it. And it occurred to me that there are probably a number of low income households that don't have computers. I'd like to change that."
Sam sat back in surprise. "What a fantastic idea. I don't know why none of us thought of that. Especially Julia, since her work is with computers. If you want to do this, it might be best to go through the foundation she and Cody already set up. Just logistically speaking, it will help you out a lot, at least for this year. If you were to continue the program, you could set up your own thing if you want."
"Maggie and I are having dinner with Julia and Cody later on, so I'll speak with them about it. I'm still not used to having access to so much money. If I can do something meaningful with it, it will help me to adjust to my change in circumstances. And I can't imagine growing up in a house these days without a computer. Every kid needs access."
Sam nodded. "The library has computers available, but children really do need access at home."
"I haven't even gone online since I got here. I was taking a break from all computers. How's the internet connection?"
"Julia runs it. She got tired of waiting forever, how slow it was, so she set up a whole deal that I don't begin to understand. All I know is, the town now has fast internet speed, and it's due to Julia. The whole town is one giant wifi spot."
"Now that is excellent news. It will make giving people access even easier. I'll definitely bring it up to Julia tonight."
The two men went out to the building site for the Sully Point Project and Sam took him through the plans. Eric was impressed by their goals, and that they were actively doing something for the Sully Point area. He'd like doing something for others that would help and make a difference.
Sam dropped Eric off back at the cabin. As soon as Sam was gone, Eric grabbed some clothes to wear to dinner and took them to his car. He was on the phone to Maggie as he started driving toward her apartment.
"I'm on the way over," he said.
"Now? Okay, I need to clean some stuff up first."
"Are you doing some kind of craft project?"
"How do you know--Sam! Yeah, I was."
"Keep it out. I want to see what you're into."
She agreed and they ended the call. The rest of the drive Eric spent reminding himself to be sound impressed no matter what her arts and crafts project looked like. He'd never really liked homemade projects.
Maggie opened the door to him a few minutes later. Her curls were sticking out in all directions, like she had spent time tugging at them in frustration. He walked in and set his extra clothes on a chair, then turned to grab her and kiss her. He'd wanted to do that all day, and the kiss deepened as he felt himself falling into that great feeling of closeness to her.
At last he lifted his head and gave her a big hug, lifting her off the ground. She started laughing.
"What are you doing, you crazy man?"
"Loving you," he said without thinking.
Then they both froze as it registered what he'd just said. Maggie slid through his arms to land on her feet and stare at him. "What did you say?"
"Uh, yeah. That wasn't what I was expecting to say."
"You must be one impulsive guy," she said with a bit of a smile.
He frowned. "I'm not, though. I usually think things through very carefully. But since knowing you, I'm breaking all my rules."
"And does that bother you?" she asked tentatively.
He looked at her and smiled. "Not at all. It surprises me, but I like it."
"Good."
He looked past her to see a quilt spread across the sofa. "What's that?"
"It's a Christmas gift for Joshua, Sam and Anna's little boy."
Eric walked over and lifted a corner of the quilt to examine it closely. He was surprised at the professional looking quality of it. "Maggie--this is good. Really good. The stitching is exquisite. You did it by hand?"
"Most of it, yes. I just finished the satin edging today. It was a pain to do. Here, I'll show you Jennifer's." She spread another one out and he stared at it.
"How long have you been quilting?"
"Oh, gee, probably since I was twelve or so. My grandmother taught me."
"Is quilting the only craft thing that you do?"
"No, I'm into other stuff. Decoupage, macrame, cross-stitch, really any kind of needlework, a few others. I find it very relaxing. I've always had a busy mind, and this type of work settles me down. I bet it's like playing the guitar is for you."
He nodded. "Yes, that makes sense."
She folded up the quilts and put each one in a tissue paper-lined box. "I'll wrap them with the others nearer to Christmas."
"More quilts?"
"Nope. But don't ask me what. I want the rest to be a surprise," she said with a grin at him. She stacked the boxes in a closet, and then asked him if he wanted anything to drink or eat.
"I had lunch with Sam at the Diner, so I'm all set. There's only one thing I want right now, something I've been thinking about for hours."
A rosy blush crept across her cheeks, and she said, "I have had a few thoughts myself."
He walked across the room to her and picked her up in his arms. As he walked to the bedroom, she reached a hand up to caress his face. That one touch of her hand set him on fire.
They undressed quickly, looking into each other's eyes. There was a steady, strong flame of desire that grew until they were lying next to each other on the bed. Suddenly he was kissing her passionately, his hands running over her body.
As she kissed his neck, he murmured softly, "I love you, I love you."
She stopped for a second. "Really?"
"Yes, really. What do you feel?"
"I've been afraid to look at what I feel. Because it seems like it's too soon to be feeling what I'm feeling."
"But...?"
"But I feel the same way. I love you, Eric. I think I fell in love with you when I heard you singing that first night. Is this even possible? Can it be real?"
"Sure feels real to me. I think sometimes people do fall in love at first sight."
"Make love to me, Eric. Make it all real."
* * * *
Maggie thought waking up next to Eric was the most delicious feeling she'd ever experienced. Until she realized that she'd been asleep, and that they were supposed to be going to dinner. She sat up abruptly tossing Eric's arm to one side.
"Yikes! Wake up! We barely have time to get ready."
Eric raised his head from the pillow and stared at her blearily. "What are you talking about?"
"It's evening. We fell asleep after we, uh, made love. A lot." She couldn't help but smile at that. "Anyway, we have to get dressed to go to Cody and Julia's house for dinner."
His eyes widened, but then he nodded and started to get out of bed. "How much time do we have?"
"We can take a quick shower if we do it together--and no funny business! My hair dries quickly but you'll probably need the hair dryer."
They managed taking a shower together with minimal distractions. Maggie was sure
that the shower would be revisited when they had more time to explore the possibilities. She yanked a green velvet skirt from her closet, pairing it with a soft gray dressy sweater. Eric came in just as she finished her make-up in the mirror that hung on the closet door. He looked startled.
"You're ready?"
"Except for my boots, yes."
"I didn't think women could actually manage to get ready that quickly."
She punched him in the arm.
He reached out and touched her hair. "It's still damp. Let me dry with the hair dryer."
"No, I'll do it. You still need to put on a shirt." She couldn't help staring at the picture he made, bare chested with gray pleated-front pants that fit him perfectly. His hair was down around his shoulders and she wanted to wrap her hands in all its silky goodness. That was a lovely memory from their afternoon together.
She left him at the mirror pulling his hair back, while she went in the bathroom to quickly dry her hair.
"All set?" he called out from the living room.
"Yeah," she said and walked in to see him holding out a coat for her to wear. She saw him and laughed. "Eric, you're wearing purple and I'm wearing green. We match each other's eyes."
He looked down at the deep purple, almost eggplant-colored sweater he was wearing and laughed. "You're right. Here, get this coat on. It's freezing out there."
They were soon on the way, gliding into the night in the Lincoln. Eric's hand found hers, and she discovered the different sensation of holding hands when they were both wearing gloves. There was something so satisfying about the strength of his fingers entwined with hers. She sighed in contentment.
"What?" he asked.
"I'm happy."
"Oh. That's good then."
"Yes, very."
They said nothing else for the rest of the ride.
Cody opened the door to motion them inside when they arrived. "Hurry, hurry, it's too cold out there."
They went into the house and took off coats and gloves. Eric was looking around a large foyer that faced a staircase. A living room was situated to the left and the dining room was to the right, with a hall that led behind the staircase to the back of the large house. To Maggie, it was just Julia and Cody's house, but she could see that Eric was impressed by it. Julia's sense of taste and elegance could be seen throughout the place.
Love Promises (Sully Point, Book 4) Page 6