His Mission

CHAPTER 2: Maggie

CHAPTER 2: Maggie

––––––––

Maggie stared out the window as Terry drove her home. This was a mistake. She should’ve taken an Uber. She was pretty sure he had no intention of going to the gym which meant he’d brought a change of clothes for other reasons. Her body tingled at the thought of another night with him. She dug her nails into her palm, reminding her traitorous body that it was over, no more nights of passion. She got too attached too fast. She wasn’t going to make the same mistake again. She had to stop relying on men to help her. She needed to learn to take care of herself.

“So, where are you moving to?”

“Down the road.” She wasn’t telling anyone except those she had to where she and her children were moving. It was embarrassing. The neighborhood was a dump and she’d cried all night when she’d realized that it was the only place she could afford.

“Is there a reason you won’t tell me where?” He glanced at her. “I promise not to show up on your doorstep.”

“That’s not it.” She smiled at him. She was sure she’d fantasize many nights about him arriving at her home and sweeping her off her feet and into his bed.

“Then why are you being so secretive.”

“I don’t see why it matters.” This was going to be hard. “Terry, I appreciate all you’ve done for me, I do.”

“But...” His jaw clenched and his eyes narrowed as he stared at the road ahead of them.

“But I have three kids. I don’t have time for a man in my life.”

“You had time for one between your legs. Several times.”

She inhaled sharply and turned toward the window. He was just like David and every other man, lashing out when he didn’t get his way.

He didn’t say anything and neither did she but she wanted to. She was always the one who made the peace but she wasn’t doing it this time. He’d been cruel and she deserved better than that. He pulled into her driveway and she hopped out.

“Thank you for the ride.” Her face heated at his smirk. “For bringing me home. Goodbye.”

She slammed the door and hurried toward her house, his footsteps right behind her. She was tempted to run, but that would be undignified. Plus, she’d never make it to the door and inside before he caught up with her.

He stopped next to her on the porch. “When do the movers get here?”

She put her key in the lock and opened the door. “Movers? What movers?”

“You’re packing the whole house by yourself?”

She didn’t have money for movers. “Yes, and I have a lot to do.” She stepped inside. “Thank you again for helping with my car and bringing me home and—”

“And everything.” He moved closer.

She wanted to rest her head against his chest, let him fight her battles and protect her from the world, but that never worked, so instead she took a step back. “Goodbye, Terry.”

She started to close the door but he caught it. She stared at him, waiting for him to say something—apologize for being so rude, tell her goodbye, ask to see her again. She’d have to refuse, of course, but she wanted him to ask.

“Do you want some help?”

“What?” She hadn’t expected that.

“Packing. I can help.” He pushed the door open a little. “Point me in the right direction.”

“Ah...” She shouldn’t let him. She needed to end this and after his crude comment in the car it’d be the perfect time.

“Come on. This is a lot of work and you could an extra pair of hands.”

That was true. The two older kids tried to help but they made more messes than anything else. “Are you sure?”

“I wouldn’t have offered if I didn’t want to do it.” He stepped inside her house, closing the door behind him. “So, where do we start?”

This was a mistake. She knew it, but she couldn’t send him away. Not yet. “I guess little Davy’s room. He won’t care.”