Page 74 of Forbidden Whispers
Noah was still smiling as he opened the coffee shop door. “That was Ben Newcastle. He’s one of the students I tutor at JAMZ.”
Maggie’s expression cleared. “Oh, right, that’s the music education charity program for low-income kids that you told me about before, right?”
“Right,” Noah said, leading her to join the line-up for coffee.
“I didn’t realize that the kids actually learned to write music in that program,” Maggie said.
“Not all of them get that far,” Noah remarked, gazing down at her. “But Ben and a couple of the other kids we work with have a natural talent for it. Along with music lessons, our program also provides the kids with musical instruments for free, which is so great. I just strongly believe that musical training shouldn’t be limited to only those who can afford expensive private lessons.”
Maggie was looking up at him with an unreadable expression in her eyes. There was something about the way she looked at him that made his heart flutter with hope.
Then an idea began forming in his mind.
“Look, Maggie,” he said as they surged a step forward with the line. “I know you’re ending our professional relationship. And you’ve made it clear that you’re not interested in anything romantic with me, so what I’m about to ask you is not a date. But I’d really love it if you’d come with me tonight. Some of these kids are really gifted and I think you’ll be impressed.”
He studied her closely as she nibbled at her bottom lip for several interminable seconds.
He pressed on. “Think of it as a reward. We’ve definitely earned it! Now that we know Valentina is okay, and we have a plan in place to help her break free from her situation, we should celebrate. Just as friends.” It pained him physically to add that last bit, but he kept his expression neutral.
“I...guess that would be okay.” She finally nodded her agreement.
“Awesome!” he said, and clenched his fists to help him fight the overwhelming urge to wrap her in his arms and lift her off her feet.
“You’re already awesome and you haven’t even placed your order yet?” Olivia joked as they reached the front of the line. “What can you possibly be so happy about?”
“Getting to see your smiling, beautiful face,” Noah said, giving her a wink.
“Pshawww! Get outta here!” Olivia laughed with a wave of her hand.
Noah continued grinning as they placed their orders and then moved to the other end of the long counter to wait for them.
“You really do seem ridiculously happy about just getting a cup of coffee,” Maggie observed, taking a sip of her caramel delight latté—with extra caramel, of course.
“Just enjoying the company,” he said as he took a sip of his own café Americano.
They were quiet as he drove her back to her apartment. When they stopped, he said, “Can I ask you a favor?”
She’d opened her door, but paused to look back at him with a questioning look.
“Could you keep Boon with you just until we meet again tonight? I haven’t figured out what to do with him yet now that we know he’s not Valentina’s. I have some errands I need to run that would be difficult if he was with me. And besides, I’d feel better knowing you have a watchdog protecting you while we’re both at work.”
“I’m sure I’ll be fine,” she said. “But I admit I’d love his company. Are you okay with that, Boon?” The dog poked his head through the seats and gave her an answering lick on the cheek, making her laugh. He looked particularly adorable, with both of his long ears flopped over at cockeyed angles the way they sometimes did.
Maggie and Boon exited the car, and Noah watched them walk away, his plan solidifying in his mind. He grinned to himself again. He’d come up with the perfect way to share the true depth of his feelings for her. It was risky, but he knew in his heart that it would be the perfect grand gesture for a romantic like Maggie.
He’d reached the point of stay safe or risk it all. And he was ready to risk it all.
After tonight, either Maggie Milena would become the woman of his dreams or leave him broken-hearted forever.