Hold Me Close (Ryker Falls #5) - Wendy Vella Page 0,2

months ago, Fin. I’m good now.” Maggie’s heart was beating so hard, it actually hurt her chest.

“No. Good is what you are not,” he said, moving closer. So close, soon there were only inches between them.

“I-I just got home! There is no way you can s-say that.” Maggs fought the desperation and panic beginning to claw up inside her. “Now let me go, Fin. I want to go home.”

He cupped her cheek, running a thumb over her skin. She felt it, wanted to close her eyes and lean into him. But if she did that, she would fall apart, and there was no way she was doing that again, especially not in front of this man.

“I know you, Maggie Winter. I’ve watched you for years. Coming home to us should not be terrifying, and yet for some reason it is.”

“No—”

“Yes, but that’s a discussion for another day.” He leaned in and placed his lips on hers. A soft kiss, gentle, and through her panic she felt it to her toes. He eased back when he was done. “Welcome home, sweetheart. You come to me if you need anything.”

She stepped away from him. Maggie then walked to the driver door, making herself open it slowly. She gave Fin a wave, then climbed inside. Firing up the car, she drove slowly down the main street. After all, you didn’t speed through this town, because everyone knew who you were. Looking in the mirror, she saw Fin now on the street watching her.

“I know you, Maggie Winter. I’ve watched you for years. Coming home to us should not be terrifying, and yet for some reason it is.”

How had he known? How had he sensed something was not right with her? She needed to be better at hiding her emotions going forward. She could do that. Present a normal façade.

Everyone would know she was back before the hour was up. Maggs shuddered. It seemed her hope of slipping into Ryker Falls were dashed. Now she had to prepare herself for the invasion of her girlfriends. They’d all come, knowing she’d returned. The thought made her nauseous.

No way she wanted them all in the small space that was her house. She felt it again, the onset of panic. Pressing her foot down on the gas pedal, she shot out of town, turned right, and headed to her house. She’d be safe there once the doors were locked. Safe, and home. This place would heal her. It had to.

Chapter Two

Fin watched Maggie’s car until the taillights disappeared. Rubbing a hand over his lips, he could still feel the press of her sweet mouth to his. That woman had always disturbed him. The first time he’d seen her, he’d been blindsided. He’d been in his friends’ stables when she’d ridden in, laughing. Eyes alive, face flushed from the exercise. He’d looked at her and thought, well hell, that woman is going to spell trouble for me.

Strangely they’d kept their distance from each other, and Fin had never really been sure why.

He liked women and enjoyed their company. Loved the way they laughed—well, most of them. Mrs. L cackled like a witch around a cauldron. Loved the way they teased him.

“What is your deal, Maggie Winter?”

He’d sensed something was off with her from the start. Sure, it could be coming home and the travel. But he would bet his new Harley on this Maggie Winter being vastly different from the one who left them two years ago. He wasn’t sure why he knew that, just that he did.

He’d seen her break up a bar fight in A.S. one night. Two men had been going at it yelling at each other when he’d arrived. She’d waded in, grabbing the arm of one guy and hauling him away before Fin could stop her.

“You look confused, bud. Your date just cancel or something? Need help adding two plus two again?”

“Loser.” Fin looked at his old friend. Tall like him, with an easy smile, the man was pushing a stroller. “I know it’s five, we’ve discussed this already, and what woman could resist me?”

“I’m still no wiser about that.” Joe pointed to the banner strung across the street.

“Nearest I can figure, it means some kind of weird mating ritual. I mean, what adults actually want to play musical chairs, and won’t the kids in this town be really pissed they’re not included?”

“Dylan thinks his mom’s behind it and it’s something to do with getting her girls hooked to the men she’s handpicked