Maggie's Turn (26 page)

"My goodness, you clean up nice," he said, teasingly as she walked over to him.

Maggie smiled up at him. Rob was dressed in tan trousers, a blue shirt and striped tie, and a dark navy blazer. He looked handsome. "You don't look so bad yourself," she told him.

They decided to walk down the driveway to the building below where the party was being held. The driveway was well lit, and the outdoor house lights were on, so they wouldn't have much trouble walking back in the dark.

The busload of tourists had already arrived, and the party was in full swing when Maggie and Rob appeared. A string quartet played softly in the background while waitresses mingled among the guests offering glasses of wine as well as trays of cheeses, meats, crackers, and a variety of hot hors d'oeuvres.

Maggie looked around the lovely little building that looked like a miniature of Rob's home. Outside was a veranda where ivy grew up the posts and twinkle lights were strung all around, accomplishing a romantic effect. Inside, the room was a soft mustard yellow with terra cotta tile floors and a cozy brick fireplace against one wall that was crackling with an inviting fire. Against the other wall stood a long, curved bar of gleaming oak with padded oak stools lined in front of it. Behind the bar was a wall-length mirror with rows of sparkling wine glasses on shelves. There were tables and chairs strewn about with a spot left clear in front of the band for dancing. The guests were already enjoying the food and wine, and laughter filled the room and veranda.

Rob picked up two glasses of red wine off a server's tray and handed one to Maggie. "We'll start with their Pinot Noir, then try some lighter wines," he said. They clinked glasses and each took a small sip.

"Delicious," Maggie said. "I'm not a wine connoisseur, in fact, I hardly ever drink alcohol, but this is very nice."

"Then we'll just sip, so you can try a few different samples of their wines in between eating food. We don't want you stumbling home, do we?" Rob asked, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

Rob looked around the room, then his eyes lit up. "I see the owners," he said. "Let's go say hello." Placing a hand on the small of Maggie's back, he guided her through the room of people to introduce her to his friends.

"Maggie, these are the owners of the winery. Gino and Adrianna DeLuca, this is Maggie Harrison. She's staying with me for a few days."

Maggie shook Gino and Adrianna's hands in turn. They were both definitely of Italian decent, with thick, black hair and rich brown eyes. Adrianna was a beautiful woman with a svelte figure and a mane of curly, black hair that fell down to the middle of her back. She'd worn a burgundy colored dress that fit every curve of her body, and tall black heels. Her husband, Gino, was as handsome as she was beautiful. His wavy hair curled around his face, and his eyes sparkled when he shook Maggie's hand. His light-colored suit fit him impeccably and accentuated his olive skin. They were a gorgeous pair, and it was difficult for Maggie to believe that either of these sophisticated looking people spent any time in the vineyards or working in the winery.

"It's so nice to meet you both," Maggie said.

"It is so nice to meet you also," Adrianna said, smiling at Maggie. "Emma told us that Roberto had a guest, but we could hardly believe it. He so rarely brings company home."

Maggie slid her gaze to Rob, just in time to see him redden. She tried not to laugh and embarrass him even more.

"Emma is Adrianna's aunt," Rob told Maggie. "We're a big area, but almost everyone is related in one way or another."

Maggie nodded. Having lived in a small town for over twenty years, she knew exactly what he meant.

"I hope you'll be staying here for a while," Gino said to Maggie. It's so beautiful this time of year. I'm sure there's plenty for you and Rob to do and see around the area."

The DeLucas were called away to talk to other guests, leaving Maggie free to mercilessly tease Rob. "
Roberto
is it?" she asked, as Rob reddened again.

"Adrianna likes to put on a show for the tourists," Rob said. "She is a third generation Italian-American and has no accent. She just plays up the Italian accent when guests are here."

Rob took two new glasses of wine from a tray on the bar and handed one to Maggie, taking the empty glass from her and setting it on the bar. "Try the rose wine," he said. "It's wonderful."

Maggie and Rob sat for a while by the fireplace, eating a plateful of food and enjoying the music. The party guests were having a delightful time. Some danced slowly to the music while others tried the various wines that were being passed around. Chatter, laughter, and music swirled around the room, and Maggie enjoyed every minute of it. She felt a million miles away from the woman she'd been just a few weeks before. The old Maggie wouldn't have been sitting here, dressed up and sipping wine. She decided that the old Maggie was boring, and she liked the new Maggie much better.

Rob brought them both a glass of Chardonnay to try next, and Maggie sipped it slowly. She was a lightweight when it came to drinking, and she was already feeling the effects of the alcohol, despite being careful. When Rob extended his hand to her as an invitation to dance, she accepted without any reservations. Her inhibitions had completely escaped her, and she felt happy and carefree as Rob placed his other hand on her waist and gently lead her around the dance floor.

"You can dance, too?" she asked, surprised at how smoothly he danced. "Are you good at everything you do?"

Rob raised his brows, making Maggie laugh and shake her head. "Forget I asked that," she said.

They danced several times and drank sips of wine in between. Outside, night drifted in, and the stars twinkled high above. Inside, Maggie shined as she had never done before, dancing, joking, talking, and laughing as she forgot about the heaviness of her old life and enjoyed one of the best nights she'd had in years.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Andrew took the noon flight out of Woodroe's small airport to Minneapolis, then connected with a non-stop flight to Seattle. After settling Kaia in at Megan's house and being assured once again by Megan's mother that she was happy to have Kaia there for as long as necessary, he'd packed a bag and headed out. He'd called Kyle from the airport to tell him where he was going, and Kyle cheered him on and wished him good luck. "Tell Mom we love her and really need her, okay?" Kyle had said. Andrew had smiled at his son's words. It made him proud that his almost grown-up son wasn't afraid to show his affection for his family. Maggie had done such a good job raising the kids, and he was bound and determined to let her know just how much he loved and appreciated her.

Andrew's plane landed in Seattle at four o'clock in the afternoon. He'd gained two hours coming west, so it was still early in the day here. He grabbed his luggage and stepped into a waiting cab, giving the driver Cassie's address. Before he knew it, he was standing at Cassie's front door, hoping Maggie was back from her trip, and that he'd be welcome in Cassie's home.

When Cassie opened the door after he rang the doorbell, she'd stood there, staring at him in disbelief.

"What are you doing here?" she asked.

"I'm here to see Maggie."

Cassie looked from Andrew to his suitcase on the porch beside him and back again. "She's not here. I told you on the phone that she had gone with a friend to California. She's not back yet."

Andrew took a deep breath and swallowed his pride. If he was going to do this right, he knew he'd be doing a lot of pride swallowing over the next few days. "I know she's with your friend, Rob, at his house," he said. "Maggie told me. Would you mind if I stayed a couple of days and waited for her to return?"

Cassie just stood there, hesitating. Finally, Andrew said, "Listen, Cassie. I know you don't like me. I know you've never liked me, for whatever reason. But despite what you may think, I love Maggie. I've always loved Maggie. And I just need a chance to tell her that in person. Please, may I stay here just a couple of days? I promise I won't be any trouble. Heck, I won't even talk to you if you don’t want me to."

His speech brought a smile to Cassie's face. "Of course you can stay, Andrew. And I'll even let you talk to me, if you want," she said with a sly grin.

Andrew followed her into the house and stopped in the foyer. "Can I ask you one more favor?"

Cassie turned, her brows raised in question. "Okay."

"Please don't tell Maggie I'm here. I want her to come back on her own, because she wants to. I don't want her to come back here just because she knows I'm here, and she thinks she has to. Okay?"

Cassie nodded. Then she showed Andrew to his room.

***

Maggie and Rob danced one last slow dance as the party was winding down and the guests were preparing to leave. By this time, Maggie had tried several varieties of the DeLuca wines, and even though she'd been careful, she felt a little tipsy and lightheaded. With her arms around Rob's neck, and his around her waist, they swayed gently to the music, unaware and uncaring if anyone was watching them.

"Thank you," Maggie whispered in Rob's ear as the music played on. Her face was so close to his, she felt the softness of his beard against her cheek.

"For what?" Rob asked, surprised.

"For making me feel alive again," Maggie said.

The music ended, and they thanked Gino and Adrianna for the lovely time. Adrianna gave Rob, then Maggie, a big hug goodbye. "Come again soon," she said, the thick "play" accent now gone. "I'd love getting to know you better," she said to Maggie.

Maggie and Rob stepped out into the clear, starlit night, happy that the fog hadn't rolled in bringing the dampness with it. Maggie stumbled, and Rob caught her. She wrapped her arm around his for support as they slowly made their way up the hill.

"I think I drank more than I should have," she said, giggling. "You shouldn't have given me so many different wines to try."

"You really are a lightweight with alcohol," he teased. "I'll make some coffee when we get back to the house."

They reached the house and Rob started the coffeemaker, then placed a couple of logs in the fireplace, and, soon, they were crackling and giving off a warm glow. Maggie sat in one of the cushy chairs and slipped off her heels.

"I have a surprise for you," Rob said, heading over to his stereo system. He turned it on and, a moment later, Bob Seger began singing "Roll Me Away".

Maggie laughed. "Nothing else could be more perfect."

Rob poured two mugs of coffee, walked over to Maggie, and handed her one. She held it tightly in both hands, savoring the warmth of the mug and the aroma of the coffee.

"Bob is quickly becoming my favorite person," Rob said with a smirk. "Without him, you may have never come here."

Maggie smiled at Rob. He was sweet and kind, and she'd enjoyed spending the last few days with him. "Thank you for such a nice time," she said. "This whole trip with you has been so relaxing and fun. I'll be sorry when I have to leave."

"Then don't leave," Rob said, a serious look on his face.

Maggie's eyes grew wide as she stared at Rob.

"What I meant is you're welcome to stay as long as you like. I have nowhere to be and no one needing me, so I'm happy for the company," Rob said.

Maggie stared down into her half-full mug. "I do have somewhere to be, though," she said quietly. "I can't run forever. I'll have to go home eventually. Probably soon."

They both sat there silently for a while, drinking their coffee and listening to the music. After a time, Rob spoke up. "You looked beautiful tonight, Maggie. I was proud to have you with me at the party."

Maggie continued staring at the fire, unsure of how to respond. "If I looked good at all, it's because Emma did a wonderful job picking out a dress for me."

Rob set down his mug and turned toward Maggie. He lifted his hand and placed it lightly under her chin, turning her face toward his. "That was a compliment, Maggie. Don't downplay it and sell yourself short. You're a beautiful woman. Don't you know that?"

Maggie lowered her eyes. "I've never thought of myself that way. When you've been married as long as I have, compliments go by the wayside. I haven't thought of myself as pretty in a long time. But thank you."

Rob stood and reached for Maggie's hand. "Let's have one more dance, compliments of Bob."

Maggie stood and followed Rob to the open area between the family room and the kitchen. Bob was now singing "We've Got Tonight", a slow mellow song. With Maggie's heels now off, she was much shorter than Rob, but she fit in perfectly against him as he placed his arm around her waist and held her hand. They swayed slowly to the music, in the dim light of the room, the fire crackling in the fireplace.

Maggie moved in closer and placed her head on Rob's shoulder, enjoying his closeness. It had been a long time since anyone had held her close. A long time since she'd felt a caring touch. She cleared her mind of every worry and heartache she'd ever felt and just absorbed the nearness of this man who she barely knew but who she felt she'd known for ages.

"If I were lucky enough to have someone like you in my life, I'd tell you how lovely you are every day. You deserve that, Maggie," Rob whispered in her ear as he held her tight.

Maggie lifted her head and gazed up into Rob's mahogany eyes. They looked warm and inviting. He reached up his hand and softly touched her face, running his thumb across her jawline, causing her body to feel weak with the need to be touched. Slowly, he lowered his head and gently touched her lips with his. Maggie responded, wrapping her arms around his neck and rising up to meet his lips with her own. For one long moment, they kissed, but then the music ended, and it jarred Maggie out of her dreamlike state and back to reality. She reluctantly pulled away, taking a step back from Rob.

"I'm so sorry," she said softly, seeing the crestfallen look in Rob's eyes. "I just can't. I'm married, and I can't do to him what he did to me."