Maggie Moves On

by Lucy Score

To Binge Readers Anonymous, my found family—this one’s for you.

“Don’t fall for it,” Sy said. “He’s a diabolical attention whore.” On cue, the dog let out a howl. “You can let him out, you know,” Sy’s future wife said, falling into the dog’s trap.

“Maggie Nichols, I don’t mean to scare you off, but I think you just might be the girl of my dreams.”

But the brewery looked new, or if not new, it hadn’t caught the eye of her twelve-year-old self all those years ago.

know I’m coming on strong, and I know a lot of it’s just flirtatious fun. But when I look at you, Mags, I see something I’ve been waiting for.”

“Did I ever tell you that my heart skips a beat every time you walk toward me?” Silas said, flashing her a slow, panty-melting grin. “You should probably get that checked,” she said lightly. “Could be something serious.” “Oh, I sure hope so,” he drawled.

He leaned in dangerously close. “You’re my business, Maggie. Whether you like it or not. Accept it or not. That kiss last night makes you my business.” “Please,” she scoffed. “You don’t get to go all Idaho cowboy just because we locked lips.” “Darlin’, welcome to the Wild West.” “Oh, I want to slap the crap out of you right now,” she hissed. “I can’t decide if I want to shake some sense into you or kiss the hell out of you.”

He could love her, he realized on the spot. That smart mouth that made his blood sing. Her tentative trust in him. The body that tortured him every day and night since he’d met her.

“Confidence comes from knowing that whatever the situation, you know you’ll make the best of it. Confidence is certainty in your ability to rise.”

“Just because people are talking doesn’t mean their opinions matter,”

“Well, before this episode goes live, consider me your first fan.” He took her hand and kissed her knuckles. “I might not be your first, Mags. But I am your biggest.” She looked at him impishly. “Fan, right?” “Take it however you want,” he said smugly. “Ugh. You’re the worst.”

His apple crumb pie is a religious experience, which is why we’ll be eating it in bed. After.” He gave her his best lecherous look. She laughed. “After-sex pie. You, Silas Wright, are one-of-a-kind.”

“You ever stop and wonder what if life isn’t about earning your way to pleasure? What if it’s enjoying it when it makes itself available to you?”

And there was that stomach drop. She’d almost gotten so used to feeling it every time she saw him that she didn’t bother defining it for what it was. “Well, I’ll be damned,” she muttered to herself as she paddled in the direction that she’d gone and fallen in love with.

She looked beautiful, ethereal. And maybe a little crazed. God, he loved that about her. He loved every fucking thing about her. Even the parts that drove him nuts.

“My mom said, ‘Maggie, that’s the way you do all the best things in life. You just run and jump and hope for the best. Just like that boy.’ Just like you, Silas.” “How?” It wasn’t the right question, but it was the only one he could come up with. “It’s our sign. I’ve been carrying you around with me since I was twelve years old,” she told him.