Chapter 24
Maggie leant her chin on her palm while she listened to Dash prattle on about the most recent band playing in St David's. It was Tuesday night and the two girls were having a casual dinner in the dinning area of the Imperial in an effort to unwind from the chaos of the previous weeks. Unfortunately for Maggie, she had inadvertently made a comment on one of Dash's CD's and was currently getting the lengthened version of the band's history, hits and personal lives. It had been almost a week since she had visited PJ, both having agreed that it was crucial that they kept Dash off track. She had gone home and told Dash of a 'friend' that she had met when she had been in St Davids a few months prior at her Professional Development Seminar. He had been passing through, came in late after PJ had left and had spent the night on the couch. She liked him, but that was all. PJ was a close friend but she was not attracted to him. That was their cover story. The explanation and Maggie having been constantly home the past week, seemed to have nullified Dash but the time apart had been harder then either herself or PJ would ever admit.
Maggie kept the small smile on her face, entertained slightly by Dash's enthusiasm and too polite and tired to try to steer the conversation onto other topics. However, just as she was contemplating calling it an early night, a slight movement a few paces back from Dash caught her eye. It was PJ, staring at her, eyes darting cautiously around the room before giving her a subtle motion to come over to him. Maggie felt her breath catch in her throat, slightly surprised by the boldness of his action. Trying not to give his presence away to Dash, Maggie continued nodding in response, alternating her gaze between the two of them. PJ jerked his head sideways sharply, indicating her to follow him outside and waited until she gave him a look of understanding before heading out.
Maggie turned her attention back to Dash, who did not seem to have noticed her momentary distraction. She exaggerated a yawn before giving Dash a small apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, I'm beat," she mumbled, stretching her muscles to emphasis her point.
Dash looked at her incredulously. "It's a bit early even for you" she commented and Maggie just shook her head "Must be getting old" she replied jokingly before motioning with her head towards the main bar area.
"I saw Adam and a few of his mates walk in, you could join them," she offered, before adding "Or I can drive you home"
"Nah, I'll go join Adam" she replied energetically and Maggie suppressed a smile at the predictability of her housemate.
"Alright, I'll see you at home" she stated as she rose from her seat and waved a quick goodbye over her shoulder before heading out the door.
She had barley taken a few steps before she was suddenly pulled into a secluded space between the two buildings, the fire escape completely shielding her from passers by. PJ pulled her into his embrace, his arms snaking protectively around her waist, while she placed her arms around his neck.
"Idiot!" she whispered affectionately, too happy to be with him to be angry about the risk he was taking.
"What if Dash had seen you," she added, as PJ moved his body closer to hers, leaning in and breathed softly in her ear "She didn't"
She leaned her head on his chest, appreciating his warmth, and his arms around her. "We should get out of here," she murmured.
PJ nuzzled the top of her head and breathed deep before he murmured, "You read my mind"
She pulled her head back so she could see his eyes "Your place," she stated and PJ allowed a grin to spread across his face. He tugged on her hand for her follow him, as he led her towards his car. It was ten minutes later when he pulled the car into the driveway and turned off the ignition. Maggie unbuckled her seatbelt and opened the door, locking it behind her as she moved toward the entrance.
Glancing around the front yard, she eyed him suspiciously, indicating with her head to the yard next-door before commenting, "Where is your nosy neighbor, her lights not on"
PJ sauntered over to her, wrapping his arm around her waist before bringing her close to him, breathing in her ear "Away"
Maggie shot him a bashful grin and lent against him as he fiddled with the key in the lock, once he finally opened the door he flicked the light on and Maggie made her way towards the kitchen.
"Do you want something to drink?" she asked but was silenced as PJ pulled her closer towards him. He stroked her cheek affectionately, meeting her gaze, seeking permission as he moved forward. She let a small seductive grin spread across her features and pulled him in the rest of the way, lips locking in a tantalizing kiss.
PJ deepened the kiss, left hand supporting her against him, right hand sliding up to cup the side of her face, while she ran her fingers along the nap of his neck, the other slinking around his waist, leaning herself into him to keep her balance. Slowly he broke the kiss, in need of air, and met her intense gaze as she tilted her head to the side. He leant down, running teasing kisses along her throat and down to her collarbone. Maggie's breath hitched at his touch and she clutched the material of his shirt in response, before bringing her lips down to meet him in another fiery kiss. The bedroom seemed to far away and she could feel PJ slowly start to shift them over to the couch when the irritating chiming of the doorbell interrupted their activities.
"PJ" Maggie moaned in-between kisses as he traced his fingers just under the hem of her shirt "Door" she managed to gasp but he only gave a low moan in response.
"Ignore it," he growled, as he leaned her down on the coach. The bell, however, only increased in ringing.
Stifling a groan, Maggie broke the kiss and stilled PJ's hands, meeting his eyes in a silent communication. PJ sighed and lifted his weight off her, stopping briefly by the hallway mirror to fix his hair and calm his breathing, before heading towards the door. Maggie sat up and rebuttoned her jeans, which had somehow come undone without her knowledge and tucked a few whips of hair behind her ear in an effort to look less messed.
She leant back in the couch and at the sound of the door shutting, could not suppress the seductive smile that graced her face. She turned as she heard him approach, but her smile quickly dissipated into one of shock when the taller frame of Ben Stewart came into view, PJ following close behind.
"Ben" she yelped in surprise, eyes wide in shock.
"Maggie" he replied almost simultaneously, obviously surprised to see her. "What are you doing here?" he asked, gaze flittering between her and PJ.
PJ gave a small teasing smile "Maggie lost a bet, she just came over to pay up" he replied casually, giving her a brief glance as he spoke.
She shrugged her shoulders, catching on to PJ's excuse "I was just on my way out, actually" she added, rising to grab her purse, shooting Ben a small smile "It's really good to see you Ben" she added, voice warm and he locked his eyes to hers, a small smile spreading across his face "You too" he replied.
"I'll walk you out" PJ offered as Maggie made her way into the hallway. "Ben the spare linens are in the closest, second door on your right" he called over his shoulder, as he followed Maggie out the passage. The moment the front door clicked shut behind them, he grabbed her arm, slowing her pace.
"I wasn't expecting Ben to show up" he stated apologetically, his fingers running softly up her forearm "The Imperial is packed with that convention and I grudgingly offered last time he was in town" he began elaborating but she shook her head silencing him.
"I would think less of you if you didn't let him stay" she replied, moving forward quickly to place a peck on his lips "I just wish I could actually see you" she mumbled as he wrapped his arm around her, pulling her closer to his side as they walked.
"How are you getting home, your car is still at the Imperial" he stated and Maggie sighed having forgotten that they had driven back together.
"It's a ten- fifteen minute walk at best" she replied, "It won't take long"
"Its not safe" he replied automatically and Maggie rolled her eyes in response "We know every resident on those streets," she pointed out before adding, "I'll call you when I'm home safe"
"I miss you" he whispered and she nodded in understanding.
"The convention will only be in town two more days" she replied solemnly "We're just going to have to wait"
PJ groaned in response and she hit him playfully "One track mind"
"No, I just enjoy every part of you" he replied, placing a soft kiss on her cheek and Maggie could not help but blush.
"You better go back in, Bens going to get suspicious," she added as she slowly untangled herself from his embrace. As she walked, she could not help but stifle a small smile knowing that PJ would be watching her, looking out for her safety, until she was out of sight.
