Magic Man Page 7

  “Grayson is here?” Maxwell spoke from behind me, and we entered the house together.

  “I am.” Grayson Jackson was tall, well-built, and thoroughly hunky.

  I was impressed.

  He shook my hand. “You must be Millie. Good to meet you.”

  “You, too. Lucy told me you were out of town.” I looked over at his wife and waved my greeting.

  “He got an unexpected break and came home just for the night.” The shine in her eyes told me that was very welcome news, indeed.

  I patted Pearl’s velvety head while Maxwell and Grayson made small talk about storm damage in town. It seemed that Grayson had the scoop since he was a local policeman.

  “Any damage to the bakery or anywhere else in town?” I turned to Lucy again, worrying about the friendly lady I had met yesterday.

  “No. The damage seems to be limited to some power outages on the other side of town due to downed trees. I don’t think anybody was hurt. At least, not so far that we’ve heard.” Lucy put on her shoes as we talked. “Grayson and I are going to ride around in his patrol car and see if anybody needs help.”

  I instructed Ivy to gather her things. “You sure it’s okay for me to bring her back tomorrow?” I cut my eyes to Grayson. I didn’t want to impose on their brief reunion.

  “Of course.” It was Grayson who answered with a smile. “I’ll be gone when the sun comes up, but even if I weren’t, I might just be tempted to put Ivy to work on patrol with me.”

  Ivy laughed and hurried to slip on her own shoes. We said our goodbyes and piled in Maxwell’s car, while he stood on the small porch with Grayson, and they exchanged a few more words.

  Returning to the car, Maxwell shut his door and started the engine. “Where would you ladies like to eat dinner tonight?”

  Ivy looked eager, but I held up a hand. He was smooth, that was for sure. “We really can’t impose.” I shot Maxwell a dry look.

  “Darby just texted me that there doesn’t seem to be any damage at the house, but the power is out at Peacock Alley. She and Nathan are going to grab a bite in Mathiston.” He glanced at Ivy over his shoulder. “No power means no working stove or microwave, Monster. And you look hungry.”

  Bastard. He was getting to me in the most effective way, through my child. Clever, sexy man.

  “I am hungry.” Ivy was enthusiastic. “Ms. Lucy and I had sandwiches for lunch, and then we made cookies this afternoon. Chocolate chip.” She smacked her forehead. “Oh! I saved you one, Mom, but then I forgot all about it when the storm hit.”

  “No matter, baby. I’ll have cookies with you another time.” I smiled at Ivy to reassure her.

  “Anyway, I guess worrying makes you hungry. It makes me hungry, at least. Hungry for tacos. Is there a place we could eat tacos, Mr. Maxwell?” She leaned forward, dead serious.

  I laughed. I was used to my daughter’s antics.

  Maxwell grinned. “I know the perfect taco place, so stop worrying. I don’t want you getting so hungry you eat my car.”

  Ivy scoffed. “Nobody could eat a car.”

  The two of them bantered back and forth all the way to the restaurant. I stayed mostly quiet, enjoying the easy camaraderie between the pair. They acted like they had known each other for some time.

  We pulled up to the Lazy Taco on Main Street.

  “Best Mexican restaurant for miles.” Maxwell escorted us inside, and soon we were seated in a booth in the back, perusing menus and munching on chips and salsa.

  Ivy found what she wanted and closed her menu. “Mom, Officer Grayson was nice, don’t you think? He didn’t smell like a tadpole at all.”

  I snorted before I could stop it. “No, he smelled very nice.”

  My daughter was starting to pay attention to the male species. God help me when she decided she liked a boy. I shook my head wryly.

  “Smell like a tadpole? What am I missing?” Maxwell paused for us to order, and then he told the server what he would like. She left the table looking flustered.

  I’m sure she was just the latest victim of Maxwell’s smooth sexiness.

  Ivy blushed a bit, realizing she had spoken her tadpole line in front of a boy. I jumped in to save her.

  “Ivy and I think boys smell like tadpoles.” I shrugged in an innocent gesture. “It’s a valid point.”

  Maxwell pretended to think it over, and then he turned to Ivy. “Do I smell like a tadpole?” He sniffed his arm as he spoke.

  Ivy giggled, and I couldn’t help it. I had to smile, too.

  “No, you don’t smell like a tadpole. What do you think he smells like, Mom?” Ivy raised her eyebrows at me.

  This is the thanks I get for rescuing my daughter from an embarrassing situation?

  I squirmed. “Well...”

  “Yes, do tell me.” Maxwell looked me straight in the eyes, a twinkle in his own eyes. “What do I smell like?”

  “You smell like the woods at night.” Where did that come from? One orgasm at this man’s hands and I was ready to write poetry.

  It hit me then that Maxwell had not been satisfied earlier. I had left him wanting. I sent him a quick look when the thought occurred to me, and Maxwell took a slow drink of his beer, and he winked at me.

  He couldn’t know what I was thinking, could he? No, he couldn’t possibly.

  Maxwell opened his mouth, his eyes on me. “I wonder where our food is? It’s not pleasant to be left sitting here, unsatisfied.”

  I choked on my water, causing Ivy to turn to me, concerned. “Mom? Are you okay? Did a chip go down the wrong way or something?”

  Maxwell leaned across the table and rubbed my back with one steady hand. “Your mom is going to be fine. I’ll make sure of it.”

  Glancing up, I met his eyes again, and my damn shivers returned. I wanted him once more, just like that.

  Where was this strange and crazy desire coming from?

  I was saved by the arrival of our food, and we all started to eat. I hadn’t realized how hungry I was until I saw my plate of tacos. Maxwell was right. This was fantastic Mexican food.

  We laughed and chattered our way through dinner. It seemed natural for the three of us to be together. Ivy was so happy I relaxed as best I could and went with the flow.

  Afterward, Ivy tugged on my hand just outside the door to the restaurant. “Can we run by the bakery? I think it’s still open, and Miss Casey said I could have a cupcake today.”

  Maxwell looked to me for approval, and I nodded. “Run on ahead, Ivy. Your mom and I will be right behind you.”

  Ivy took off before I could protest.

  Maxwell took me by the hand. “She’s completely safe in town. Peacock isn’t like the big city. Besides, we can see her all the way to the bakery.”

  Sure enough, I could see Ivy scurrying down the sidewalk in front of us. I tried to free my hand, but Maxwell wasn’t having it. He squeezed it tighter, and then he whispered into my ear, even though there was no one around to hear him.

  “Tell me you don’t like it, and I will let go.” His tone challenged me to make a decision.

  I loved it. His hand was warmly wrapped around mine, but not unpleasantly so. I couldn’t help but feel cherished and loved, but that was ridiculous, wasn’t it?

  We met yesterday.

  He was my boss.

  He was older than I was.

  I opened my mouth to lie and tell him I didn’t like it, but he grinned. “I’m old, remember? I need your support to make it down the sidewalk.”

  I laughed in spite of myself. Somehow, I knew if I told Maxwell I didn’t like him holding my hand, he would let go, just like he said he would. And I wanted him to keep holding it.

  It felt so good.

  So we walked hand in hand down the sidewalk toward the bakery. Right before we got to the door, I dropped his hand. He didn’t fight me on it this time. I hoped he realized I didn’t want to start Ivy questioning what was going on between us.

  Ivy was chattering away with Casey at the long cou
ntertop in the back of her bakery. I realized it had to be closing time.

  “I’m sorry, Casey. Did we interrupt closing time?” I put both my hands on Ivy’s shoulders as I spoke.

  “I was about to lock up, but Ivy is keeping me company while I put stuff away for the night.” Casey smiled at both of us, but I saw her curious gaze fall on Maxwell. “Maxwell, look at you, turning up with Millie again.” Her smile carried a hint of mischief with it.

  “Don’t start trouble, Casey.” But he smiled back. I could tell they knew each other well. “Cade will spank you if you cause trouble.”

  Casey gasped, outraged, and glanced at Ivy. My daughter was thoroughly into her cupcake, however, and the remark went right over her head.

  Then Casey surprised me by laughing. “You are probably right.” She addressed Ivy with her next words. “You want to help me carry this stuff to the fridge in the back? I’ve got some special brownies back there that need a home. I could pack some up for you to take with you.”

  Casey winked at Maxwell and me as she walked out with my child. Why did that feel like it was prearranged somehow?

  Maxwell leaned against the counter top and spoke to me as soon as the door swung shut behind them. “If you will let me take you to dinner Friday night, just you and me on an official date, I promise to spank you afterward.”

  Shocked, my mouth fell open. “What did you say?”

  He leaned closer and spoke directly into my ear in his warm, sexy voice. “I said, be my good girl Friday night, and I’ll spank that sweet behind of yours as a reward.”

  I stumbled backward, shocked by his words and the strength of my desire to have him follow through on his promises.

  Maxwell laughed at my shocked reaction. “I’ll arrange for a sitter for Ivy. Leave it all to me.”

  I stammered, but nothing of substance came out of my mouth. What had just happened?

  Ivy and Casey reappeared, and this time Ivy was holding a small bag of treats in one hand.

  “Ready to go home, Mom?” Ivy crossed over to where I was standing and grabbed my hand. “Do you feel okay? You seem kind of pink in the face.”

  Casey’s gaze was knowing as she looked at Maxwell standing so close to me. “I think your mom is going to be just fine.”

  Maxwell smiled at Casey. “See you later, Case. Ladies first.” He held open the door for us, and the bell jingled overhead.

  I stumbled through it, barely remembering to wave my thanks to Casey as I left.

  Eleven

  The next morning I went about my rounds feeding the horses in a daze. I had so much to think about. Last night before I had fallen asleep I remembered I had never confronted Maxwell about the vibrator. Now I didn’t know if I should even bring it up.

  I had dropped Ivy off at Lucy’s a little while ago, and now I weighed the horse feed and notated how much each animal was getting on a small card at each stall. While I worked, my mind thought about all the changes in my life.

  I took comfort in the familiar routine. This was a task I had completed many times before in different jobs I had held, and it was good to be back at work again. I was so focused on my task; however, I missed the approach of a strange man until his shiny dress shoes came into my line of sight.

  “Oh!” I dropped the empty feed can and jerked my gaze up to the man’s face in surprise.

  He stooped down to pick it up and held it out to me. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.” He held out a manicured hand for me to shake. “I’m Nathan Randolph.”

  I took the feed can with one hand and shook Randolph’s hand with the other. “Millie Carter.”

  “Right. Our new horse trainer. You came highly recommended, Ms. Carter.” He smiled at me and seemed friendly enough.

  Conscious that he was the big boss, I was a bit nervous. “Just call me Millie, please.”

  “Of course, Millie. And you will call me Nathan.” He stepped back a few steps and indicated I should follow him. He continued speaking to me over his shoulder as he walked. “Maxwell told me you are already doing a great job, even though you just started here.”

  “Thank you, sir. You have an impressive setup, and the horses are all top quality. I’m enjoying being here, and I’m grateful I was given this chance.” Everything I said was the absolute truth.

  Nathan paused at the doorway to the office and pushed the door open. He took a seat and motioned for me to sit opposite him, so I did.

  “I’ll be blunt. My wife says I know no other way.” He paused again, looking me over, but his gaze was friendly enough. “Maxwell is my right-hand man. I couldn’t manage this place without him, and we are also partners in business separate from the estate. In addition to all that, he’s my best friend.”

  I stayed quiet, letting him come to the point in his own time.

  “I trust him, which is a good thing since he told me he is interested in pursuing a relationship with you outside of work.” Nathan lifted an eyebrow as he finished speaking, his face impassive.

  Startled, I sat up straight. Maxwell had done it. He had gone to Nathan and confessed all. Although now that I thought about it, I shouldn’t be surprised. Maxwell had told me he was going to do it, and he seemed to be a man of his word.

  I shuffled my feet and thought about what was the right thing to say here. “Maxwell is very insistent when he wants something.”

  I blushed. That had sounded better in my head.

  Nathan smiled, and I could see the kindness in his eyes. He might be a ruthless businessman if the rumors online were true, but he was a good man, too. I could see that with no problem.

  “I need to know that his attentions aren’t unwanted, Millie. And the lawyers will want you to sign paperwork saying you don’t feel harassed. I also need to reassure you that regardless of the status of your relationship with Maxwell, you will have a job at Peacock Alley as long as you perform your job duties.” He leaned back in his seat, and I saw a hint of the tough businessman there. “You need to be honest with me here. Is Maxwell bothering you, or do you return his interests?”

  I blushed again.

  Nathan leaned forward again, and he clasped his hands over his knees. “Look, I know what it means to fall for someone. It’s okay. Love happens when we least expect it sometimes. But if you aren’t interested in him, you don’t have to be afraid to say that, either. You will not have any blowback coming at you, either way.”

  I believed him. Holy shit, for the first time, I thought that here were two men who didn’t mean me any harm. This was kind of a huge moment for me.

  “I’m...” I cleared my throat. “I’m interested in Maxwell.” I closed my eyes briefly, shocked that I had said those words aloud.

  When I was eleven, I had gone with a friend to a community pool. The facility had three diving boards, each at different heights, and we had taken turns jumping from the two lowest boards. We had spent the day laughing and having fun, and then my friend had dared me to try the highest one. I had climbed to the top, never thinking I could just say no to her. I remembered the feeling of standing on that highest board and looking down at the water. It had seemed so far away from me, and I had been scared to death.

  But I had finally taken a deep breath, and I jumped, screaming all the way down. It seemed that I was about to jump again. Maybe this time I wouldn’t scream like a fool in the process.

  Nathan smiled, and he shook my hand again. “I’m glad, Millie.” He laughed a little. “I came here hoping you would say you weren’t interested, and then I would go back to Maxwell and smack him in the back of his head and tell him to cut it out. But he’s never expressed a serious interest in anyone before, an employee or not, so understand that this all means something to him. And you seem like you might be worthy of my friend.” He smiled again to take the sting out of his next words. “Please be worthy of my very good friend, okay?”

  I nodded, feeling shy. “I’ll try. I promise.”

  Nathan stood up, signaling that our impromptu meeting was
over. “I’ll contact the lawyer and have him draw up the paperwork.”

  I nodded again, and it was a relief to scurry away from his commanding presence. I guess this was how on the job relationships were conducted in this new age.

  Twelve

  The rest of the week passed without incident. Maxwell was around, of course, but he spoke to me only in a professional way. Perversely, I missed the flirtatious Maxwell, and my frustration grew.

  I relied on my fantasies to get me through each night. I hadn’t unpacked my journal yet, recalling them from memory only. Maxwell had talked about spanking me, and his brief words had turned me on in a major way. I had a fantasy already written down about wanting to be punished. Each night I played with the vibrator, but it was only satisfying if I was thinking of my new boss, and even then it wasn’t quite enough.

  I wanted the real thing.

  But the longer Maxwell stayed away from me, the more concerned I became. Was I making the right decision? I had fled my last job because my boss had thought I should be providing him with sex as part of the job description. I hadn’t agreed, of course, and it had led to a sudden parting of the ways.

  And when I first met Maxwell I had repeatedly insisted that I would not, no, that I could not get involved with my employer. The chances of this working out and turning into something lasting were low, but the chances of me needing a good job to put food on the table for Ivy were high.

  What was I doing? Why would I take such a crazy risk?

  Friday morning Maxwell met me outside of one of the big stalls where I had been checking on a mare the Randolphs had recently bred. Everyone was curious to know if she was pregnant, or not, but it was way too soon to know. I gave her extra feed regardless, concerned that she has proper nutrition to carry her through any potential pregnancy.

  “Us moms have to stick together, don’t we?” I murmured to her as I closed the stall door behind me, and I turned around to see Maxwell leaned against the opposite wall.

  He smiled at me. “It’s Friday.”

  I wasn’t giving an inch. “Seems that it is.” All my doubts and fears returned with a vengeance.