17. Maggie

Maggie

I follow behind the striking woman who's the spitting image of Tilly. This must be Grayson's other cousin, Miranda. Her short black hair is styled neatly at her shoulders, and she's wearing what looks like a Chanel dress. Gold hoops dangle from her ears, matching the elegant jewelry adorning her wrists and neck.

As we step through the front door, Miranda turns and gives me a mischievous smile. "Need anything? Towel? Condom? Cold shower?"

Grayson shoots her a dark look, but I laugh, trying to lighten the situation. We've been caught, and if I don't make light of it, things could get awkward fast. "Detective Maggie Parker, sorry you had to witness that."

Miranda waves a hand dismissively. "Please. I used to walk in on my sister and her man all the time. I know how many freckles that man has on his ass. So, are you the girlfriend he's been moping over?"

Grayson growls from where he's leaning against the wall. I give him a playful look and smile. "Uh, that's still up in the air." Riding the high of what was undeniably the best orgasm of my life, I shoot Grayson a wink.

"She's not my girlfriend. What are we, fifteen?" he grumbles.

Miranda hooks her arm through mine, ignoring him completely. "Hush, Gray. Go call Roger while Maggie and I chat." To my surprise, Grayson listens to his bossy cousin and leaves. Miranda leads me to the back glass-walled office. The room is filled with personal touches—photos of twin boys, sunsets, and even a brooding picture of Grayson. I pick up the frame, noting how his hair was longer and his eyes looked...empty.

"That was the day he got out," Miranda says from behind me. "He was…grumpy." I chuckle, setting the picture back in its place. "That much hasn't changed."

She snickers. "And it never will."

She turns around, giving me a quick once-over before tapping her chin thoughtfully. "You two are heading out somewhere, right?" I nod, glancing down at my disheveled outfit. She spins on her heel and opens a closet. "Let me find you a new shirt. It might be a bit loose in the chest, but we can't all be perfect."

I laugh at her light-hearted jab while she sifts through her wardrobe. She pulls out a bright green shirt, tilting her head as she evaluates it before handing it to me. When I see the designer label, I try to hand it back. "No way can I borrow a Ravella!" The blouse must cost a fortune.

"Oh, yes you can. My cousin is stubborn, and this will make you look hot hot." I have to admit, the muted green would go great with my auburn hair.

Without hesitation, I slip off my ruined shirt and put on the new one, not bothering to shy away from Miranda's gaze. She studies me with an appraising look. "God, you're gorgeous. It's a pity you wasted your life being a cop. He's going to flip."

I smile as I button up. "So, you're not going to warn me away like Tilly?"

Miranda blows a raspberry. "No way. Grayson is always so calm and collected. Seeing him lose control with a redheaded bombshell? That just tickles me. The guy needs to get laid."

"Oh, I'm not sleeping with him," I quickly reply, though the thought has definitely crossed my mind. I can't help but feel a little giddy at the idea.

Miranda raises an eyebrow, and I continue. "I mean, yet, I guess. Is that weird?"

"It's a little weird since he's my cousin, but…" She shrugs, clearly unfazed. I like that about her, and I find myself chuckling, surprised at how well I'm getting along with the former mob boss. "And you're okay with George? I know it's early to ask, but he does have a kid. Would be dumb to let this go any further if you're not into kids." Her eyebrow arches, daring me to deny anything she's just said.

To my surprise, I feel my face heat up and I glance at the floor, twisting a finger in my hair. Miranda shakes her head, her gold hoops glinting. "Never mind, you love him," she says with a laugh. Her comment only makes my cheeks burn more. I do care about George—a lot, actually. Even though we've only hung out once, I'm already smitten with the little guy.

"All right, I need to get back to work," Miranda says, sitting down behind her computer. "But I want that shirt back. It hugs the girls perfectly, and I'm on the prowl." She presses her chest together dramatically, and I laugh out loud.

Grayson knocks before stepping into the room, looking a little sheepish. He thumbs over his shoulder. "Roger's at the boat; we need to go."

Miranda's face flushes with irritation. "That man! We need to put out an ad for a new tour guide."

Grayson strides over and grabs my arm, clearly eager to leave. "I'm not discussing that now. Roger stays, Andy."

As he leads me back out to the front room, Miranda yells after us, "I'm firing him!"

"You're not," Grayson growls, and damn it if I don't feel it deep in my bones. Once we're outside, I pull my arm free.

He stops and turns, his face a mask of unreadable stoicism.

"We're going to talk about what just happened," I say, not willing to let him off the hook.

Grayson exhales heavily. "Maggie…"

I shake my head, cutting him off. "Don't you start with that tone. ‘It was a mistake, we can't do this.'" I mimic him in a deeper voice, hoping to lighten the mood.

He raises his hands slightly, his expression weary. "It was a mistake. We can't—"

"We can. Next objection?" I challenge.

His brow furrows. "I have a kid." I roll my eyes, unimpressed with his excuse. "I'm not in a position to have a relationship."

Really? That's the best he can come up with? I laugh, unable to help myself. "You're worked up. We'll revisit this later."

His fist clenches at his side. Through gritted teeth, he finally admits, "I'm not… scared you'll… fuck, Maggie." His hand relaxes, running through his hair. "Someone's trying to kill me. They already shot you!"

I take his hand and press it to my chest, letting him feel my heartbeat. "I'm a cop. I get shot at all the time." It's not entirely true, but it's close enough. I close the gap between us, pressing my body against his. "And," I add with a sly smile, "I'd be an idiot not to see what you can do in the bedroom." His face remains stoic, but I can feel his body responding to me. "And you'd be just as dumb to not see what I can do when I have some space to move."

"Fuck, Maggie," he breathes out, clearly affected. I kiss the tip of his nose, teasing him further.

"We're good together, Gray, and I'm not letting you run from me." His fingers grip my arms as if he's fighting the urge to tear off my shirt right there.

"Maggie…"

"Later, Grayson. Let's get on our boat." I take a step back, putting some distance between us as I gather my hair into a high ponytail. I might want to jump his bones, but we have a job to do. No matter how much this man sets me on fire.