“It’s the apple pie from last time.” He leaned close and kissed her on the cheek. “This day sure dragged while I waited impatiently for your arrival.”
Maggie nodded since the touch of his warm lips against her skin interfered with her ability to articulate.
“You look lovely, Maggie.” He took the canvas bag from her and of course their fingers had to brush, and she felt a tingle all the way to her toes. It didn’t help that he looked so super-handsome in khaki shorts and a short-sleeved pale blue shirt that made his eyes appear even bluer. His short-cropped black hair was getting longer, giving him a boyish charm that softened the pure masculine line of his jaw.
“Thank you. And thank you for the flowers. They were beautiful and such a lovely surprise.”
“I’m glad you liked them. Would you like a glass of wine out on the back deck?”
“Oh, I meant to bring a bottle.”
“No worries. I have quite the selection, if you recall.”
Maggie smiled and fell into step with him toward the kitchen. She sat down on a stool by the large island.
“I opened a Cabernet Sauvignon about an hour ago to breathe, but if you’d rather have white I have a Chardonnay in the fridge.”
“Oh, the Cab sounds nice.”
“I couldn’t find a decanter so I poured some into the wineglasses. I wanted the wine to soften.” He grinned as he handed her a glass. “The two glasses sitting there were a constant reminder that you were coming but weren’t here yet. It was like they were mocking me.”
Maggie laughed. The fact that he was making no bones about how much he’d been looking forward to their dinner put her at ease.
Richard sat down next to her and lifted his glass. “To a wonderful evening ahead.”
Maggie tapped her glass to his and took a sip of the full-bodied wine.
“Do you like it? Be honest, because I don’t mind opening another bottle. I knew this vineyard produced a wine a bit more fruit forward, with less of the earthy finish. I hoped you would enjoy it.”
“I’m hardly an expert but I appreciate bold flavors. This is nice.”
When he seemed relieved Maggie reached over and put her hand over his. “Don’t worry. I’m easily pleased but I won’t waste calories on something I don’t like.”
“I know one thing. You’re easy to be around. I really enjoy your company, Maggie.”
“I feel the same way,” she said.
“I thought we’d have grilled salmon, a tossed salad, and wild rice? But if you’re not a salmon lover I have a couple of steaks in the fridge as well.”
“Oh no, salmon is a favorite of mine. The menu sounds delicious. And you said you couldn’t cook?” She pointed to the apple pie cooling on the counter. “Browned to perfection. I don’t think you’re giving yourself enough credit, or maybe you were holding out on me.”
Richard lifted one shoulder. “I have to admit that I’ve been surprising myself lately.”
When he reached for his wineglass his tattoo caught her eye once more. He seemed so refined, so educated, and the unexpected tattoo gave him that edge that she found compelling . . . and so damned sexy. “What does your tattoo say?”
Richard turned his forearm over so she could see. “Work hard, play harder,” he said with a slight wince. “Not one of my best decisions.”
“The tattoo?”
“Yeah, well, maybe but I was referring to the motto. It should be the other way around, I think.”
Maggie traced the script with the tip of her finger. “I don’t know. I spent most of my life working and not playing. Maybe you’re not as wrong as you might think. Any other tattoos?”
Richard gave her a playful grin. “Want to find out?” he asked, and then put a hand over his face. “Pretend I didn’t say that. I didn’t mean to sound crass.”
Maggie reached over and pulled his hand away. “It’s okay. I asked, remember? Let’s forget it and go outside with our wine.”
“Okay.” He appeared relieved and Maggie wasn’t sure if it was because he regretted his playful remark or if he was embarrassed about other tattoos.
Either way, Maggie remained curious not only about the tattoo but the rest of his life. After they sat down in the padded lawn chairs on the back deck he remained quiet, making Maggie wonder what was on his mind. “If you’re wondering, I find tattoos sexy.”
He turned and gave her a slight grin. “I was wondering. Of course I’ve been wondering about a lot of things lately.”
Again, Maggie sensed unease, as if something was troubling him. She wondered what he was hiding away from in the woods. “You don’t have to walk on eggshells around me, Richard. If there’s something on your mind, you can speak it. I’m a good listener. And I’m here if you need a friend. I want to know everything about you.”
“Thank you. True friends are hard to find,” he said, and then looked out over the river as if deep in thought. Maggie watched him take a sip of wine. He swallowed, licked his bottom lip, and turned to face her.
22
Dancing in the Moonlight
RICK WANTED TO TELL THIS LOVELY WOMAN EVERYTHING: who he was, why he was here, his past, his regrets, and the recent plans he’d been dreaming up lately. Most of all he wanted to pull her into his arms and kiss her.
But what would she do if she knew all of those things?
Right or wrong, and he admitted to himself that there was some wrong involved, he decided that Maggie needed to get to know the real man, not the image, the rumors, or who he’d been pretending to be for so many years. The past few weeks he’d felt as if he’d shed his skin and was ready to start fresh.
“So, if I may ask, why are you really here in Cricket Creek?” Maggie asked quietly.
Rick thought about how to answer. It was only fair that if she came out here and spent time with him she knew some of the truth, which, for now at least, was pretty much based on where he was going and not where he’d been. “I was at a dead end in my career and so I decided to come here and reflect on my life. Make some much-needed changes.”
“Change can be difficult. Frightening. I hope you discover what you’re looking for.”
“It’s a work in progress, but I’m getting there.” He was actually pretty excited about the idea that had suddenly come to him in the middle of a sleepless night. He wanted to share it with her so badly but now wasn’t the time.
“I can relate.” She nodded but didn’t pry, even though he could see in her eyes that she wanted to know more.
“But right now all I care about is spending the evening with a beautiful woman.”
“Oh, are you expecting company?”
Rick laughed. There was something so real and wonderful about her. “No, she’s already here.” Rick expected her to dip her head and blush or look away but instead she held his gaze.
“Why, thank you.” The breeze caught her hair, blowing it across her face. She brushed the strands away, laughing as if life was simply wonderful.
Something was different about her tonight, not just in the extra care she’d taken with her makeup, but a certain confidence that wasn’t present before. And he liked it. “Let’s get dinner started—what do you say?” When she nodded Rick stood up and offered his hand. She took it and it felt so good having her small hand in his firm grasp.
“Is there something I can help you with in the kitchen?”
“Nope, I want you to simply sit back and watch. I want to spoil you a little bit,” he said, and realized it was true. She’d been a hardworking single mom and deserved to be pampered. And he was just the man to do it.
