Magic Man Page 11

  He scowled at me. “If I were tired of you, I wouldn’t invite you to dinner, now would I?” He lifted my chin again to glare at me. “Stop doubting your feelings. I want to be with you, and if you want to be with me, just say yes, damn it.”

  I glared right back. “Okay. Yes, damn it.”

  And we burst into laughter together, the dark cloud floating away as if the sounds of our mingled happiness pushed the darkness out of the car.

  Maxwell drove us to pick up Ivy, and I clutched his hand in mine for the entire trip, enjoying the feel of our linked fingers, drawing strength from his closeness.

  Ivy bounced out to the car when she saw us drive up, followed by Casey. Both girls were beaming. I rolled down my window to speak to Casey as Ivy climbed into the back seat.

  “Did y'all have fun? She wasn’t too much, was she?” Casey didn’t have children, and she had spent a tremendous amount of time with my daughter with no break.

  “We had a blast, didn’t we, Ivy?” Her voice had a ring of sincerity to it.

  Ivy gave an enthusiastic yes from the back seat as Maxwell exchanged pleasantries with Casey. He added, “We are going to dinner. Want to come with us?”

  Casey smiled her thanks but declined his offer. “I have to catch up on some paperwork before Cade gets back in town tomorrow.”

  She waved as we drove off.

  “Where are we going for dinner, Mom?” Ivy was excited. Our usual budget didn’t allow us to eat out much, so this evening out was a treat for her.

  “Where would you like to eat?” Maxwell looked at her in the rearview mirror as he pulled away from the bakery.

  “The Lazy Taco.” Ivy didn’t hesitate in her answer even though we had eaten there so recently.

  Maxwell looked to me for confirmation, and when I nodded, he drove down the street the short distance to the restaurant.

  Soon we were munching on tacos and catching up on the events of our day. Ivy was full of stories of baking sweet treats and bakery customers, and I told her about shopping with Maxwell.

  Maxwell watched our interactions with a bemused expression on his face, and I got the impression he enjoyed the banter between mom and daughter. As someone who had grown up with distant parents, I could only imagine he was thinking about his own dysfunctional upbringing. I know I was grateful every single day for the gift of Ivy in my life, and I cherished our relationship. I worked hard at nurturing it, too.

  I could see Maxwell appreciated the effort I put in.

  “Mr. Maxwell, do you have any children?” Ivy wiped a dribble of salsa off her chin as she spoke.

  Startled, he looked at her for a moment before replying. “No. I always wanted children, but I never met the right person, I guess, to build that family with.”

  I bit my lip, thinking over his words.

  “Maybe you aren’t too old to have a family now.” Ivy was being her usual blunt self, not realizing the back of my neck was growing hot.

  This dinner was taking an awkward turn, to say the least.

  But Maxwell didn’t seem bothered by her careless words. “Maybe I’m not too old. What do you think, Millicent?”

  I flushed. “I don’t think you are too old to start a family.”

  He met my eyes with an even expression that was hard for me to read. “Maybe I should put that on my to-do list.”

  I flushed some more but didn’t comment again.

  After dinner, Ivy insisted on showing me the town park, so Maxwell drove us there, even though it was a short distance away. Grateful for the air conditioning, I didn’t argue.

  The park had its own duck pond and a playground, as well. Ivy took a short turn on the swings while we watched. It didn’t take long before she came back to where Maxwell and I stood.

  “It’s too hot to swing for long.” Ivy frowned at me, disappointed.

  I tugged at her braid. “No worries. We will come back in the fall when it’s cooler, okay?”

  “Okay.” Despite her disappointment, she chattered about how awesome the playground was all the way back to the car, and Maxwell drove us back to the estate.

  Maxwell said his goodbyes to us both, giving my hand a little extra squeeze in the process. “Can I take my girls to breakfast in the morning?”

  My heart skipped a beat. It was becoming more and more natural to spend time with him, and Maxwell seemed to really enjoy the company of my daughter.

  So I didn’t even have to think about it when I replied, “Yes! We would love to have breakfast with you.”

  Ivy did a cheer. “Breakfast sounds great, Mr. Maxwell.”

  “Okay. I’ll come over at about 9, little Monster.” He tweaked Ivy’s nose before strolling off.

  Ivy turned to me. “Can I watch a little TV before I take my bath?”

  I nodded. “Sure. Take the key and run on upstairs. I’m going to feed the horses, and then I’ll be up.”

  I handed her the key, and she was gone in a flash. I walked into the barn and measured out all the feeds, loading up a small cart to make the job easier.

  Pushing a cart to the first stall, I was startled to find a petite redhead standing in the stall, rubbing down the horse.

  She smiled knowingly at me. “You must be Millie.” She stepped out of the stall, and I realized she was about my age, maybe even younger. She held out a well-manicured hand for me to shake. “I’m Darby Randolph.”

  Oh, wow. This was Nathan Randolph’s wife? Not at all what I was expecting.

  I shook her hand. “Nice to meet you, Mrs. Randolph.”

  “Darby, please.” She looked at me so closely I had a twinge of discomfort.

  She noticed and shook her head. “I’m sorry. I’m being rude. Nathan told me you were dating Maxwell, and I had to see for myself who had managed to snag Mr. Mystery.”

  “Mr. Mystery?” I was curious about the nickname.

  “Maxwell is my very good friend, but I’ll never completely understand him. He always seems to be a tad psychic about things.” Darby laughed. “I know that sounds crazy, but I swear, he reads my mind sometimes.”

  I laughed with her. “I know what you mean. I haven’t known him very long at all, but he does seem to defy explanation at times.” I fed the horse and stepped back out to continue our conversation. “But I wouldn’t say I’ve snagged him.”

  Darby huffed out a laugh of disbelief. “Uh, yes, you have. He and Nathan had a screaming match in the library over you. I finally had to go referee. Maxwell has always dated discretely, but I’ve never seen him in a relationship. Until you.” Her eyes sparkled as she grinned at me. “So that’s why I was eager to see you in person. I didn’t expect us to be the same age, but that’s awesome, too. Maybe we can grab lunch together one day next week?”

  I nodded, impressed by this light-heartened, beautiful woman. I had expected the lady of the estate to be older, with a diamond ring on every finger, and lots of makeup on her face. Darby was a delight and a natural beauty.

  I heard running steps, and I turned to see Ivy jogging down the aisle. “Can I have a snack while I watch cartoons, Mom?” She stopped short when she realized I wasn’t alone. “Oh, sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

  Darby stepped forward. “I’m Darby. What’s your name?”

  Ivy smiled. “Ivy.”

  Darby grinned in a friendly way. “Well, Ivy. I think you are just the person I need to see. I’m making plans to build a playground here at Peacock Alley, and I’m trying to decide what kind of structures to include. Do you think you could help me with that?”

  Ivy’s eyes lit up. “Oh, yes! Swings! Lots of swings, for sure, please. And maybe a slide?”

  Darby nodded. “And I was thinking a tree house. Kind of like a fort, maybe?”

  Ivy jumped up and down. “Where is it going to go?”

  “By the duck pond, I think. In the shade of those big oak trees.” Darby turned back to me. “Maybe I could borrow Ivy tomorrow afternoon? I’m meeting with the contractor to look at playground designs. He’
s coming to the house to see the site.”

  Ivy squealed. I was thinking, contractor? Playground designs? Peacock Alley always went full out.

  “Nathan thinks I’m nuts. My son is only a few months old and obviously not ready for a playground, but when I heard you had a daughter, I thought why wait until he’s older? Let’s do this thing!” Darby smiled at Ivy. “Us redheads need to stick together, am I right?”

  Ivy nodded with enthusiasm. “I’m going back upstairs, okay, Mom?”

  I waved her off, watching with a smile as she skipped away. Then I resumed talking to Darby. “Thank you for putting in the playground early. Ivy was at the town park earlier, but it was just too hot for her to play.” I laughed. “Now you seem to be the psychic one, guessing what we need before we even fully understand it ourselves.”

  She grinned. “Maybe Maxwell is rubbing off on me.” But then Darby frowned when my comment about the heat registered with her. “Yes, it’s too hot to play outside, so that’s why I’m putting ours under the trees, and maybe I need to plan on putting some commercial fans around the structures.” She looked up and smiled again. “And no need for thanks. It will be a lot of fun to plan this thing. I love a good project.”

  She walked with me and helped me finished up the feeding. We talked and chattered like old friends. Darby was just easy to hang out with.

  I was liking my new job more and more each day.

  LATER THAT NIGHT I took a long bath. My muscles were sore, unaccustomed to the rigorous sex marathons Maxwell and I had enjoyed. I grinned to myself, smoothing bubbles with one hand, remembering the sweet, sweet times underneath his impressive body.

  I heard a distant buzzing and frowned. What was that noise?

  Oh, yeah. The estate phone. It was in my pants pocket, lying on the floor. I lunged for it, dripping soapy water everywhere.

  I really loved my job, and if one of the Randolphs was calling for me to saddle horses for a late-night trail ride, I didn’t want to let them down.

  To my surprise, the caller ID said it was Maxwell calling. I answered the phone and settled back down into my warm bath water.

  “Hello?” I was hesitant. Was this business or personal?

  “Hey, baby. I didn’t wake you, did I?” Maxwell’s deep voice made my toes curl in the scented water.

  “No, not at all. I’m in the bathtub, actually.” I leaned back as I spoke, pleased to hear from this incredible man, no matter what the reason for his call.

  “Hmm.” His voice got impossibly deeper. “I wish I were there with you. I would settle you against my body and wash you all over, dirty girl.”

  “I wish you were here, too.” I languidly lifted one leg from the water and watched the soapy water cascade back into the tub, dripping from my toes. “I met Darby tonight, by the way.”

  “I’m surprised it has taken her this long to come seek you out.” Maxwell laughed a little. “She has been pestering me for days, wanting to know all about you. I asked her to let you get settled in before she descended on you like a hurricane.”

  “She was a lot of fun. And get this. She said she wants to build a playground by the duck pond. Isn’t that awesome? Ivy is stoked.”

  “Yeah, she’s been wanting to build one for her new baby, but Nathan and I both told her to slow down. The kid can’t even crawl yet.” He snorted. “But when she heard you were coming to work here, and that you had a daughter, she decided it was fate telling her to build the playground.”

  “It’s very generous of her to do it. Ivy will certainly put a playground to use.” I found myself smiling, just enjoying the sound of his voice.

  “Nathan and Darby are very generous people. And they will get a kick out of Ivy using it.” I heard him give a deep sigh and it sounded like he was settling in, making himself more comfortable. “Are you nice and relaxed, kitten?”

  “Absolutely.” I could hear the smile in my voice and knew he could, too.

  “And naked in the tub. I’m a lucky man with great timing. As Darby would say, maybe it’s fate.”

  I giggled.

  “So, Millicent, now that you are naked and relaxed, I need you to do something for me.” His voice deepened.

  “What?” I was breathless with anticipation.

  “Play with your nipples.” He sighed again. “Use both hands and pluck those pretty, pink nipples for me, okay?”

  Feeling shy, I tucked the phone into my neck to hold it securely, and I palmed my breasts. Hmm, I was kind of awkward.

  “Don’t be shy, kitten.” His voice sharpened.

  How did he know I was hesitating?

  At his command, I pulled gently on each nipple.

  “Are they standing up for me?” His earlier lighthearted tone had disappeared.

  I shivered, enjoying his naughty words as much as the sensation of my touch. “Yes, they are.”

  “Good. Keep doing that for me.” I heard him shift again. “Are you obeying me? Are you being my good, sweet girl?”

  Goosebumps sprang up on my arms that had nothing to do with the room or water temperatures. “Yes, Sir.”

  I knew that would make him happy, and I so wanted to please Maxwell.

  I continued playing with my breasts while he talked low into my ear. “I’m going to take my pants off. You know why?”

  I played dumb. “No, sir. Please tell me why.”

  “Because you being such a good girl has made me hard. I think I need to do something about that since you aren’t here to take care of it for me.” He paused for a moment. “What do you think?”

  “I think you should definitely do something about it.” I closed my eyes, concentrating on the sensations building in my body.

  I heard Maxwell’s breathing quicken, and I knew he was touching himself.

  That made me so hot. I pictured it in my mind. Maxwell was in a darkened room, reclining in his bed. Or maybe he was in his favorite chair, sitting relaxed with his legs open, a drink sitting on a nearby side table. Maxwell curled his large hand around his erection and stroked from root to tip, fondling himself roughly.

  I moaned a little.

  “You like touching yourself, baby? You like me touching myself while I’m talking to you?” He voice was harsh, and I knew that hand on his cock was picking up speed.

  “Yes, Sir.” My voice was tiny but sincere.

  “Play with your clit.” Maxwell sounded bossier than ever, but I was eager to comply.

  My hand dropped between my thighs, and I rubbed, pretending it was his touch.

  “You wish I was there?” His voice was low and teasing.

  There was no point in being surprised anymore when Maxwell seemed to know exactly what I was thinking. “Yes, I wish you were here. My touch is nice, but it’s not as nice as yours.”

  “Hmm. Keep playing with your clit, but slide a finger in that sweet pussy at the same time.”

  I hurried to keep up with his orders, loving this game we were playing. He made me so hot.

  “Are you wet, kitten? Wet from more than your bath?” He was a bit breathless.

  “Yes.” I breathed out the word, focused on the sparks building in my body.

  “Yes, what?” Maxwell’s voice was sharp.

  “Yes, Sir.” I grinned, safe in the knowledge that he couldn’t see me.

  “Don’t be bad, Millicent, or I will have to give you a harsh spanking. Understand?” He spoke louder, wanting to make himself clear, I guess.

  “Yes, Sir.” I squirmed in the water. I was getting close.

  From the sounds of his heavy breathing, so was Maxwell. It sounded like he was working hard, his hand a blur as he jerked off.

  I experienced a heady rush of power. “I want you to fuck me.”

  Maxwell groaned. “I want that, too. So much. So damn much.” I heard him take a deep breath. “Are you ready to come for me? Come so hard on your dainty little fingers?”

  “Yes!” And just like that, I came, moaning softly into the phone. Even lost in my pleasure, I was con
scious of Ivy a few walls away and didn’t want to be overheard.

  “No Sir? That’s it. Next time I get some alone time with you, I’m spanking that tight ass of yours.” He growled at me this time.

  I moaned again, wanting precisely that. My moan was what Maxwell needed, the tipping point for his own tremendous orgasm. He groaned loudly and harshly into the phone, and my heart rate sped up even more.

  He was exquisite.

  Breathing heavily, Maxwell took a few moments to recover before speaking again. “You are incredible, kitten. I’m going to sleep so hard tonight after that.”

  I laughed. “Me, too, Maxwell.” I stretched in the tub, ready to get out and go to bed.

  “Dream of me, okay?” Maxwell couldn’t resist one last order.

  “Always,” I whispered out the word, feeling overwhelmed by the flood of emotions I was experiencing for this man.

  Seventeen

  As the weeks rolled by, Ivy and I settled into our new home. Ivy collaborated with Darby on the new playground design, spent a few more happy days with Lucy and her dog, Pearl, and then started art camp.

  I got her registered for school and spent some enjoyable hours with Casey at the bakery, but mostly I focused on my new job. I was proud when I identified some areas where the Randolphs could improve their horse operations, and even more excited when they actually implemented my recommendations.

  And in the middle of it all, Maxwell and I quietly stole moments together each day, and I slowly learned more and more about this man of mine. Because of my responsibilities as Ivy’s mother, we didn’t have exciting date nights or lots of time to ourselves, and I worried that Maxwell would get bored of being tied to a single mom.

  I shouldn’t have worried.

  One day late in the afternoon, Maxwell found me finishing up my work for the day.

  “What are my girls doing tonight?” He took the bottle of leather conditioner from me and put it back on the shelf. “I was hoping I could take you both to dinner.”

  “Ivy is at a friend’s house, another little girl who goes to art camp with her. They are having a pizza night, and she plans on spending the night.” I frowned.