16.
Maggie
I stood alone in the bathroom, naked but for the towel. I was confused why Shay would kiss me like he wanted to consume me, then leave like he might burst into flames if he stayed a moment longer.
Maybe he would have. I certainly felt like I was going to combust if he didn’t put his hands on me again soon. But he wouldn’t. He said as much earlier, and I wished he’d quit being so chivalrous, just for one night. He’d obviously been aroused. I could see he was hard while he sat sketching me, but he’d only kissed me. Barely touched me. I didn’t know whether to be impressed or frustrated by his restraint.
Blowing out a breath, I dried off, then wrapped the towel around myself, securing it above my breasts. I collected my clothes and snuck across the hall into Shay’s bedroom. Peering out the window, I saw his dad’s car was still gone. I should really leave before he got back. It seemed rude to take a bath in someone else’s house while they weren’t at home. Sure, it was Shay’s house, too, but still, I didn’t want to feel like I was taking liberties.
I needed something to comb my hair out. It was a long, wet tangle down my back because I couldn’t find another towel to wrap it up in. But there’d been no hairbrush in the bathroom, and one didn’t appear to be in there either. It was a man’s house, and both Shay and his dad had short hair. They probably only used those tiny combs, which wouldn’t do anything at all to untangle my knotted mane.
Shay was still nowhere to be seen, but I could hear him puttering around downstairs in the kitchen. I opened the door and called, “Shay, um, do you have a hairbrush?”
There was no response, not a verbal one, at least, but I knew he’d heard me. I returned to his room, and he came up the stairs a moment later. His bedroom door opened, and he appeared, carrying a plate of food and a glass of juice. I sat on his bed, my back to the headboard, still clad in only a towel. Shay’s eyes traversed my legs, which thankfully, I’d shaved only a few days ago. Something flickered in his jaw as he set the plate and glass down on his desk, then went to rifle through a drawer. He pulled out a large navy T-shirt and a pair of lounge pants before silently offering them to me.
“Oh, thanks,” I said. “They’re going to be swimming on me, though.”
He shrugged and continued holding out the clothes. After another beat, I took them. Back in the bathroom I’d experienced a moment of bravery when I’d stood from the water, allowing Shay to see me naked. His eyes had flared hot at the sight, and it created a deeper desire in me. I wanted him so much more when I saw that look.
I wasn’t feeling the same bravery now, though. It was like I’d been drunk on his attention, but I’d since sobered up. I motioned for him to turn around, and he did. I quickly removed the towel and pulled on the T-shirt and pants. As expected, they were too big for me, but the soft cotton material was luxuriously comfortable.
I cleared my throat and bit my lip. “I still need a brush for my hair.”
Shay’s eyes wandered over me, his throat moving, then he motioned to the food he set on his desk. There was some ham, potatoes and vegetables, obviously leftovers from the day’s dinner I hadn’t been able to attend. My mouth suddenly watered as I realised how hungry I was.
He typed into his phone. “Eat, and I’ll go look for a hairbrush.”
Shay left the room, and I sat by his desk, taking a long gulp of the sweet but tart apple juice before eating almost the entire plate of food in several hungry mouthfuls. I’d literally finished every scrap by the time Shay returned with a hairbrush and a fresh towel. He grinned when he saw the empty plate.
“Guess I was hungry,” I said shyly.
Shay’s eyes were warm, and my heart flip flopped inside my chest. He went and sat on his bed, setting the brush and towel down as he rested his back against the headboard, then patted the space between his legs. He looked so relaxed and masculine at that moment; it was difficult not to be drawn to him.
My heart beat even harder as I moved towards the bed, then climbed on and settled into the crook of his thighs, my back to his front. I loved how hard and solid his chest felt. Tingles skittered down my spine as he picked up the towel and began slowly scrunch drying my hair.
I adored being that close to him, sitting in the cradle of his large, warm body. When he picked up the brush and began gently combing out my hair, a strange, deep-seated emotion was wrung from me. Shay was always caring, but that was on another level. I didn’t have a word to describe the emotion, but it was the feeling you got when another person took care of you after many years of being alone. Tears rose, but I pushed them back down, breathing deeply as I tried to relax.
Soon my muscles turned liquid, and every worry and stress just left my body. I closed my eyes, my breathing even as Shay gently combed out the long strands.
Finally, he swept my hair over one shoulder and set the brush aside. His arms went around my middle, holding me to him. My relaxation turned into arousal as I felt his chest rise and fall behind me. I was surrounded by his warmth and scent, my nipples beading under his T-shirt I wore. His hand stroked my belly, the back-and-forth motions forcing me to squeeze my thighs together to dull the ache. I wanted him even more now than I had when I’d first arrived on his doorstep, but I was no longer desperate. It was a slow desire, thick and heavy, the result of many weeks of wanting him.
Turning my head to gaze up at him, I asked, “Will you kiss me?”
His look was devastating. I saw his own need reflected and knew he wanted me just as badly. I could also feel his erection prodding at my lower back. I wanted nothing more than to slide down his bed, pull his cock free and take him into my mouth.
“Just kiss. We don’t have to do anything else.” As soon as the words were out, Shay caught my jaw, his fingertips digging into my skin. He lowered his mouth on mine in a possessive manner, and I felt the tension go out of him. He’d been strung tight, but now, he channelled all that tension into kissing me.
I twisted in his hold, then crawled up his body and sat astride his hips. His gruff exhale told me he approved of the new position. His tongue slid into my mouth, and I moaned loudly, relieved his dad wasn’t home. Before I knew it, I was grinding myself off his erection. Both our breaths were coming hard and fast. Shay’s hands were braced on my hips, slowly moving up my back and across my shoulders before travelling the same path back down.
There was something about the motion that awakened my every nerve ending. I was rutting against him now, his cock hitting the perfect spot and driving me to distraction. A second later, I came, shuddering into his mouth as he kissed me hungrily like he could feel my pleasure through the connection of our lips. I wasn’t sure if he noticed I’d come, but maybe he had because his hands grew rougher, more urgent.
I broke our kiss and brought my mouth to his neck, pressing my lips to the hollow between his ear and shoulder. He exhaled heavily, his fingers brushing the underside of my breast. “I want to make you come,” I whispered in his ear, and he released another gruff breath. “I want to see what you look like,” I went on, sliding my tongue along his earlobe, then softly biting.
Suddenly, Shay flipped us. It happened so fast that, between one second and the next, my back was flat to his mattress, and he was above me, his mouth crashing back down on mine. I sighed sweetly when his hand cupped the back of my skull, his fingers sifting through my hair and massaging.
“Please,” I mewled, clawing at his T-shirt, just wanting all our clothes to disappear so I could feel his skin against mine. I was so wet I was sure there was going to be a damp patch on the lounge pants he’d given me. “Let me put my mouth on you.”
I felt him shake his head as he continued kissing me, grinding his erection into my core and driving me crazy with want. I’d just orgasmed, but the need to have him inside me made me ache.
“You’ve taken such good care of me, baby,” I said, breaking away breathlessly. “Let me take care of you.”
His eyes were dark with lust and indecision. “It will feel so good. I want to make you feel good,” I persuaded, and he dropped his face into the crook of my neck, exhaling and creating a delicious dampness on my skin with his minty breath.
I managed to slip out from under him, climbing off the bed as I took his hand and tugged him up with me. A second later, he was standing before me, and I dropped to my knees. I stared up at him, and Shay watched me with rapt attention. I undid his jeans, my knuckles dancing along the muscles of his lower abdomen before I tugged them down. The way he gazed at me caused a fresh wave of wetness between my thighs. I looked my fill, turned on beyond words at the sight of his hard cock.
Then I pushed him back down onto the edge of the bed, so he was sitting. He went willingly. I crawled forward, and his eyes never left mine, his chest rising and falling as his breathing quickened. I saw his anticipation, and it made me feel powerful. Even though I was below him, my knees on the carpeted floor, I was the one in charge, and it was a drugging feeling.
I bent and pressed my lips to the head of his cock, and a shudder went through him. I smiled, exhilarated by the effect I had on him. I opened my mouth and took him in as far as I could go. His fingers sifted through my hair once more, then gently gripped. I swirled my tongue around his cock, and his hips bucked.
I continued sucking him, my hair hanging over one shoulder as I glanced up and found his head thrown back in ecstasy, his eyes closed. Then he opened them, a dark heat rising when he saw I was watching him. He breathed roughly, and I held onto his thigh, my mouth speeding up as I felt his muscles clench beneath my fingers.
The next second, he was coming, his desire filling my mouth as I swallowed. I didn’t withdraw until I knew he was finished. His cock fell free, and he tugged me up his body, wrapping me in his warms as his chest rose and fell. I could feel his heart thumping.
“I love doing that to you,” I said as I buried my face in the crook of his neck and inhaled his scent. He was sweating a little, and the pheromones must’ve affected me somehow because I didn’t want to stop breathing him in. Shay held me tight, and somewhere along the way, I fell asleep.
My dreams were peaceful, contented, and I didn’t wake again until soft morning light streamed through a slim gap in Shay’s bedroom curtains.
He wasn’t holding me anymore, and I laid alone in his bed. I was relaxed and sated for a moment before realisation dawned that his father would be home, and I was still there.
Oh hell, that was bad.
I also had to get to work. Glancing at the clock, I saw it was thankfully still early. I had time to nip home and change into some fresh clothes. Well, there was also the chance Mrs Reynolds had spent the weekend blacklisting me and I wouldn’t have a job to go to.
With that in mind, I grabbed my phone and sent a message to Jonathan Oaks.
I’ll take the position. Regards, Maggie.
I must’ve read the message over about ten times, making sure everything was spelled correctly before I hit send. Then I began stressing, because accepting the new job meant I was going to have to spend the week putting in my notice with all my other clients.
A response came a few minutes later.
Great. You can start tomorrow. J.
It was followed by another message with the address of his firm. I was relieved when I saw it wasn’t too far from the Balfe Hotel. I’d still be able to take the same bus route as Shay, but then my stress returned. Jonathan wanted me to start tomorrow? That left no time for me to work notice for my clients.
I was about to call him and explain the situation, but then I hesitated. Technically, I could start working at my new job and work notice at my cleaning jobs at the same time. I just had to schedule the cleaning for after hours. It meant working almost an eighty-hour week for a fortnight, but I could manage it. It wouldn’t leave much room for anything other than sleeping and eating, but it was only temporary.
Plus, it meant double earnings for two weeks. Maybe I’d have enough money to take the kids away for a weekend. That would certainly be nice, especially because I expected visiting Mam was going to leave them all with a lot of strange feelings and emotions. They might need something to lift their spirits.
I heard someone speaking downstairs and recognised Eugene’s voice. It sounded like he and Shay were having breakfast. The kitchen was at the back of the house, so maybe I could sneak out the front without anyone noticing. Shay’s dad seemed to like me well enough, but I didn’t know if me staying the night would bother him. He might find it disrespectful.
I was also embarrassed by the idea of him suspecting I’d been intimate with his son. I was shy about that sort of thing, and I was certain parents felt awkward knowing about their children’s sex lives. The same way kids felt uncomfortable hearing about the sex lives of their parents, no matter what age they were. I cringed thinking of the times when Mam would have a new boyfriend, and I’d have to put my headphones on full blast so I didn’t hear anything coming from her bedroom.
Pulling myself from the memory, I dressed quickly in the clothes I’d had on yesterday. I neatly folded Shay’s T-shirt and lounge pants, then paid a quick visit to the bathroom to pee and use some mouthwash. It would tide me over until I could get home and brush my teeth.
Returning to Shay’s room, I grabbed my things and quietly headed downstairs.
“I just don’t want you to get hurt again,” Eugene’s voice filtered through from the kitchen, and I stilled. “Maggie seems lovely, but Emer was lovely, too. I remember how depressed you were after that breakup. You’ve only just gotten back to your old self.”
Unsurprisingly, it didn’t feel good being compared to Emer, especially after how she broke Shay’s trust by cheating. I wanted his father to know I wasn’t like her, that I would never do something like that to anyone I was with, and especially not Shay. I felt so much for him, and I never wanted to cause him pain.
It was also clear Eugene was aware I’d stayed the night, and discomfort niggled at me. Why had I allowed myself to fall asleep? It was a stupid mistake, and now, I was in a horribly awkward situation because of it.
There was a silence, and I imagined Shay was signing something to his dad.
“Look, just be careful, okay? I like that you’re spending time with her, but I also don’t want you rushing into anything serious. Just take it slow.”
Now that Eugene knew I was there, it would be rude to sneak out, so instead, I stepped more heavily on the stairs coming down, making sure they heard me. I’d just made it to the hallway when Shay appeared. Through the doorway, I saw his dad standing by the counter, a cup of coffee in hand.
“Good morning, Maggie,” he greeted with his usual pleasant smile. There was a faint shadow of wariness in his eyes, though. A wariness that hadn’t been there before. I didn’t blame him for worrying. Shay was his son, and he had every right to care about who he let into his heart.
Though, it did seem odd because Eugene had been so welcoming and encouraging of our friendship up until then. Damn, I knew staying the night was a bad idea. It made me look like I was trying to get my feet under the table when nothing could be further from the truth.
“Morning, Eugene,” I replied, just as politely. It was on the tip of my tongue to explain my staying the night wasn’t planned but bringing it up would probably just make things even more awkward.
I glanced at Shay. “I need to get home and change before work. See you on the bus?”
He pulled out his phone and typed, “Don’t you want to stay for breakfast?”
“Oh, no. That’s okay. I’ll grab something later.”
His eyes flickered between mine, obviously seeing my awkwardness, so he nodded and walked me to the door. I’d just stepped outside when I turned back. “Your dad hates me now. You shouldn’t have told him I stayed over,” I whispered. “I could’ve just snuck out or something.”
Shay shot me a look like he found me adorable. “I take it you heard some of that.”
“Yes, and I’m mortified. He thinks I’m going to hurt you like Emer did.”
Shay’s eyes flashed as he stepped forward, his gaze full of heat as he caressed my cheek, then drew back and typed, “You’re nothing like her, and he doesn’t hate you. He’s just a worrier, always has been. And I’m allowed to have people stay over. He doesn’t mind that, honestly.”
“Really?” I replied, still whispering. “Because I don’t want him to think I’m overstepping or trying to get my feet under the table.”
Shay smiled, but there was a small flicker of pity in his eyes, too. It made me realise any normal person wouldn’t be worried about something like that. Staying over for one night didn’t mean I was going to start living there. But I’d been on the streets, and a home was so much more of an elusive, hard to get thing in my world. It was a precious thing. If you had one you didn’t want anyone coming in and invading your space.
“He doesn’t think that,” Shay said finally. “I promise you.”
I blew out a breath, still feeling exposed and far too seen. “I hope you’re right.”
“I am,” Shay typed before stepping closer. “I fucking loved last night.” The heat returned to his eyes, and I flushed, remembering kneeling before him, my knees on the carpet. His face when he came. “I liked having you sleep in my bed.”
“I liked it, too,” I said quietly, then changed to a less butterfly inducing topic. “I accepted the job with Jonathan Oaks, by the way. His office is close to the Balfe Hotel, so we can still get the bus together. That’s good, isn’t it?”
Hearing that, Shay smiled and nodded. I wondered if he’d been fretting about us not having our bus journeys any longer, too.
“Right, well, see you in a little while,” I said, stepping up and pressing a kiss to the corner of his mouth. I was about to retreat when he caught my jaw, pulling me back to him and kissing me in a much less chaste fashion. I was breathless as I drew away, memories from last night once again filling my head. First, Shay sketching me in the bath, then me going down on him, and finally, falling asleep together.
Remembering the drawing, I whispered, “I need that sketch, by the way.” Shay arched an eyebrow, then grinned. I shoved his shoulder. “Not for anything weird. I just don’t like the idea of there being a picture of me out there anyone could stumble upon.”
“I’d never let anyone see it,” he typed into his phone. “But I understand. I’ll bring it with me to the bus.”
“Okay,” I said, relieved. Then I hurried to get home and change in time for work.
***
Later that evening, I sat in my flat staring at the sketch Shay had drawn of me. Again, he’d managed to capture me in a way that was completely fascinating because all I saw was myself. I didn’t see my mother, and it felt liberating.
I’d spent the first part of my day cleaning Jonathan Oaks’ penthouses for the very last time. It was oddly emotional. I’d always found the penthouses rather lonely and sterile, but it was the end of an era. I was moving onto something new, and it was both scary and freeing.
The second part of my day was spent calling up my other clients, letting them know I was handing in my notice and arranging to clean in the evenings rather than during the day for the next two weeks. Everyone was surprisingly amenable and encouraging, though they did express their regret I wouldn’t be cleaning for them any longer.
Mr Cole was particularly glum because we’d become something close to friends during my time working for him. He made me promise to come visit him the next time I could manage it, and it lifted my spirits to know he still wanted to keep in touch.
“Oh, and I’m not sure if you’re aware,” he said over the phone. “But Sariah Reynolds called. She said you quit on her in the middle of a party and that we should reconsider availing of your services. Though I suspect there’s more to the story than she let on.”
I blew out a sigh, rubbing at my temple as I replied, “It’s true, I did quit on her in the middle of her husband’s birthday party, but I had good reason.”
“Oh, do tell?” Alan said, intrigued.
“Let’s just say we’ve had our issues for a while. She pushed me to my limit the other night, and I finally decided it was enough,” I replied.
Yes, after the party I’d been all fired up to tell everyone how she treated me, but if I did that, it would only make her more of an enemy, and I’d rather just cut my ties with Mrs Reynolds and be done with it. I knew how spiteful she was, especially if she was calling around about me already. It was incredibly lucky I had the new job lined up because she could’ve destroyed me otherwise.
“Taking the high road, I’m impressed. My gossip loving heart still wants to know the details, but I understand you want to keep it private. And just so you know, I wouldn’t have fired you because of what she said. We’ve been able to rely on you for years without any problems. I once had Sariah turn up at an art opening of mine, and she kicked up a stink about there being dairy in some of the hors d’oeuvres. I can only imagine what it must be like to work for the woman.”
“Well, she’s in my rearview mirror now,” I said with no small amount of relief.
By the time I hung up with Alan, I had just enough energy to eat some noodles for dinner before I collapsed into my bed. I had an early morning at a brand-new job where I would be learning on my feet. I’d just set my alarm and was about to go to sleep when I noticed a voicemail on my phone. Someone must’ve left me a message while I’d been chatting with Alan. It was from Delia.
“Hi, Maggie. I’ve been trying to get through to you, but your phone has been engaged all evening.” An inconvenienced huff followed, then, “I just wanted to let you know I’ve arranged for the kids to see their mother on the twenty-fourth. Vivi said you agreed to bring them, so I take it you changed your mind? Anyway, the visit is scheduled for midday, so you should probably come pick them up around eleven or so. Talk to you then.”
Delia’s message made my heart sink and my anxiety build. I’d been so busy today I was almost able to forget about visiting Mam. Now it was scheduled for Christmas Eve, so I couldn’t even enjoy the run up to the holiday. The whole time I was just going to be dreading what was ahead of me.
Dreading her.
And now I wished I hadn’t listened to that voicemail until the morning because my heart was racing too fast to rest. My mother had a way of making my fight or flight instinct kick in, which meant I got a horribly fitful night’s sleep.
The following morning, I was worse for wear, but I still took extra care getting ready, neatly styling my hair in a sleek ponytail and donning my most office friendly outfit, black trousers and a plain white shirt.
Still, the extra effort couldn’t hide the tired bags under my eyes.
Shay was at the bus stop when I arrived.
“Hi,” I whispered, stepping close to him. It was a frosty morning, and I had to focus on not slipping on the icy path. I pressed a kiss to his cheek, and he slid his arm around my waist, tugging me close. I savoured his warmth as we waited for the bus to arrive. He must’ve sensed my nerves about starting my new job because he held me extra tight, as though his warmth could imbue me with confidence.
“Because I’m working my notice in the evenings for the next two weeks, you won’t see me on the bus home,” I said, chancing a peek up at him. Shay nodded, though he did look disappointed. “Finding free time is going to be tough because I still want to attend my literacy classes, too, but I’ll figure something out.” I paused and squeezed his arm. “I want to be able to see you. The morning bus isn’t enough.”
There was more I wanted to say, but I was too nervous. I wanted to suggest he stay the night at my place because if I couldn’t see him for two weeks, then sleeping together would be nice. Then I remembered his dad’s cautious warnings and wondered if Eugene would be concerned about Shay spending nights at my flat. He was obviously protective over his son, and given Shay’s mutism, I understood his need to protect him. I just wished he knew there was no way I would ever willingly hurt him.
The bus came, and we boarded. Too soon, we arrived at our stop, and we alighted. Shay pulled me close, hugging me tight before he released me, turning in the direction of the hotel. It was only as I was walking toward the office my phone buzzed with a text.
Shay: You look beautiful this morning. Good luck with your first day. x
My heart skipped a beat when I finished reading because I felt tired and worn out and not beautiful at all. It gave me a little boost as I headed down the street, many of the houses and businesses donned with Christmas decorations. The twinkle lights cast a magical glow over the gloomy, chilly morning.
I was surprised when I reached Jonathan Oaks’ office and found the man himself in the reception area waiting for me. His firm was called Treeline Investments, announced by a fancy gold plaque by the entrance.
“Hello,” I greeted and was instantly waved inside.
“Follow me. I’ll show you to your new office,” Jonathan said without preamble. There was a small, middle-aged woman at his side with a light brown bob and a smart dress sense. “This is my executive assistant, Therese. She’ll be conducting your training this week.”
“Hello, Therese,” I said, smiling at the woman. “I’m Maggie.”
“Nice to meet you, Maggie,” she replied before shaking my hand.
Jonathan led us into a small office with a desk and several filing cabinets. It wasn’t much to look at, but it was mine, and I felt a swell of pride. I had a job with my own office, and in two weeks, I might never have to clean someone else’s toilet ever again.
“Right, well, this is where you’ll be working most of the time,” Jonathan said. “There’s a phone and a computer, and I’ve left a list of items that need attending to on your desk. Therese will fill you in on the rest of it.”
I stilled, nerves suddenly flooding my system. When I took this job, I hadn’t anticipated how computer based it would be, and using a computer meant a lot of reading and writing. I’d come a long way since starting my literacy classes, and reading Shay’s messages gave me good practice, but I was still slow. And now I had to be trained by a shrewd looking woman who was probably going to figure out my deficiencies fast.
I glanced at Jonathan, and a lump lodged firmly in my throat. “Would it be okay to speak with you privately for a moment?”
He studied me, then nodded before looking to Therese. “Give us a minute.”
She left, and I turned back to Jonathan. “I’m not sure I can accept this job after all,” I blurted, and his eyes flashed with both annoyance and disbelief.
“Pardon?”
I wrung my hands, a lingering shame settling in. I was embarrassed having to tell a successful, professional businessperson like Jonathan about my learning difficulties. I knew it was wrong to feel that way, and I had nothing to be ashamed of, but I couldn’t shake the feeling. I also couldn’t shake the disappointment I was probably going to lose the opportunity before it even began.
Clearing my throat, I told him, “I would’ve disclosed this sooner, but because of the unconventional way I was offered the job, it never came up. And I just didn’t anticipate the work would involve using a computer quite so much.”
“Get to the point, Maggie,” he said, impatient.
“Well, I have dyslexia, you see. I attend literacy classes in the evenings, and I’ve been improving a lot, but I’m slow. I’m afraid I won’t get tasks done quick enough. Therese will probably become frustrated while training me, and I feel bad about putting her through that when she also has her job as your assistant to do on top of it all.”
Knowing what I knew of Mr Oaks and what a tyrant he was with his employees, or at least that was the rumour, I expected him to lose his temper. But that didn’t happen. Instead, his eyes softened. They were almost empathetic.
“That’s fine,” he said. “I’ll let Therese know about your dyslexia and that she needs to be patient with you. Now, is there anything else? Any other reason you might try to get out of a perfectly decent job?”
I stared at him, stunned he was being so understanding, even if there was a hint of sarcasm in that last question.
“Why are you being so nice to me?” I asked. I wasn’t sure why, but I suddenly felt suspicious. Jonathan seemed strangely eager for me to accept the job, and I just didn’t get it. Had he decided to take on a charity case or something? Was there some kind of A Christmas Carol scenario playing out, where the rich finance guy was trying to make up for past misdeeds?
He ran a hand through his stylishly cut, dark blond hair, looking stressed and conflicted. Then his eyes met mine, and he replied, “I’m being nice to you because I’m your half-brother, Maggie.”