Trouble Walks In (19 page)

“Well, yeah, I guess… I mean…yes,” she sputtered.

“It's a start,” he murmured. His smile faded, and he rubbed his hands up and down her arms reassuringly. “Are you sure you don't want me to go back to the city with you?”

“No.” Maddy shook her head and hugged him, pressing her cheek against the firm muscles of his chest. She would never get tired of the feel of him. “Your family would be disappointed if you left early, especially your mom. I'll be okay.”

“You sure?” He leaned back and eyed her warily. “This isn't one of those times when a woman says one thing but really means another, is it?”

“No,” she said quietly. “And I'll make you a deal. I'll always say what I mean and mean what I say. No beating around the bush or trying to make you guess how I'm feeling. Life is too short to waste it on misunderstandings.”

“Amen to that,” Ronan murmured. He pulled her into another hug and smoothed his hands down her back. “I'm sorry as hell about what's happening to these women, Maddy.”

“Me too,” she whispered.

“And I want you to be careful. Remember what I said about trusting your gut.”

“I will.”

A shiver of apprehension shimmied up her back at the idea of going back to her empty apartment, but she shoved it aside. Selfishly, she
did
want Ronan to come back to the city with her, but she couldn't ask him to leave his family. Carolyn was so happy to have all five of her sons at home with her, and Maddy didn't want to do anything to disturb that. Especially after the warmth and hospitality the McGuires had shown her.

Ronan would say yes in a heartbeat if she asked him to come with her, because that's the kind of man he was. And it was precisely that quality that made her fall in love with him.

* * *

The silence that greeted Maddy in her apartment was deafening.

The funeral and the reception that followed were as sad as she had expected. Family and friends wept. The priest had spouted the typically reassuring words dripping with spirituality, and everyone spoke well of the woman they had lost.

Mother. Wife. Friend. Daughter. Professional.

Yolanda had been all of that and more.

Though the woman was gone, the ripple effects of her life remained, evident in the memories of the people she loved. It dawned on Maddy that for months after Rick died, she had existed without creating any ripples.

What the hell kind of life was that?

She tossed her keys in the little bowl on the sofa table and looked around at her empty apartment. She had always known this space wasn't her real home, but that truth was evident now more than ever. It didn't have a heart or a soul. There was no laughter here or even tears. No pain. No love. Nothing.

That was what she had needed, what she had
craved
, to survive losing Rick. But not anymore. All of that ended the instant she fell for Ronan McGuire.

“No pity parties, Morgan,” Maddy said out loud to absolutely nobody but herself.

She let out a sigh of defeat, and her gaze settled on her laptop, which was sitting open on the dining room table. Maybe catching up on some of the emails she'd been ignoring would help her shake off the sadness from the funeral. She took off her coat and tossed it over the back of the sofa before heading to the computer.

Maddy sat down and went to turn it on, only to discover it was already running. Her brow furrowed.
That's weird.
She could swear she powered it down last night, but the little green camera light was glaring at her.

“Shit,” she said with exasperation.

She and Sharon had done some business over Skype last night, and Maddy must have forgotten to close the program. When she tapped the keys, the screen flared to life, and Maddy's overflowing inbox glared at her accusingly.

“Jeez,” she whined. “I left everything open? I have my head up my ass.”

There were several unopened emails from one potential new client. The guy had sent six messages over the past week and seemed eager to work with Cosmopolitan Realty. Maddy read through them quickly before responding to the last one.

Of course she would be happy to work with him and apologies for the delayed response, but it was due to the holidays. Yada, yada, yada.

She hit Send.

Fourteen more unread messages remained in the queue.

Her fingers hovered above the keyboard. She didn't want to be doing work right now, any more than she had last night. Maddy settled her hands on the table on either side of the computer and stared at the list of messages through a narrowed gaze. A month ago, this kind of distraction would have been exactly what she wanted and needed, to dive into work until she couldn't think of anything else.

“What the hell am I doing?” She tossed her head back and let out a loud laugh that echoed off the walls. “This isn't where I want to be, and it sure as hell isn't where I'm supposed to be. Not anymore.”

Maddy quickly closed out her email. She tried to get the computer to power down, but the damn camera remained on, and she had no idea how to shut it off. The green light blinked at her almost mockingly. Technology was
not
her thing.

“Whatever,” she huffed before finally giving up and grabbing her coat from the couch. She fished her keys out of the bowl and headed for the door with a wide grin on her face. Ronan had texted her an hour ago to say that he had decided to come home early after all and was around if she needed him.

A smile tugged at Maddy's lips as she stepped into the elevator. She did need him, and for the first time, she wasn't afraid to admit it.

* * *

When the doorbell of his apartment rang, Ronan was convinced it was his neighbor's kid trying to sell him more Girl Scout cookies. And if it was, he was going to lecture her again about going door-to-door without her mom. But when he yanked the door open, a far better sight awaited him.

Maddy stood in the hallway with a big bag of Chinese takeout in her hands and a wide smile on her face.

“You were scarfing down lo mein leftovers on Christmas Eve, if I recall correctly, so that's what I got.” She kissed him on the lips and slipped past him into his apartment. “I might have to fight you for the extra egg roll, though.”

Ronan shut the door and slipped the chain on before following her into the tiny galley kitchen. She wore a dark-blue dress and heels but had ditched her coat over the crappy folding chair behind her. The little café-size table for two was all that would fit in the kitchen. She was pulling out containers and chopsticks, and Bowser was already sitting behind her waiting for leftovers.

Her beauty, which always blinded him, shone even brighter against the dingy backdrop of his tiny kitchen. Ronan suddenly felt very self-conscious about the state of this place. He leaned in the doorway and folded his arms over his chest, wishing she'd called first so he could have at least picked up a little bit.

He glanced at the grease-stained slats of the white shade on the kitchen window. Yeah, he needed a cleaning crew to try to get this place in shape. She was too damn lovely to be hanging around in this dump. Hell, she was too good for this city. All he could think about was taking her back to the safety and serenity of Old Brookfield.

“What?” Maddy stilled, and her brows knit together as she sucked soy sauce from her thumb. Her eyes grew wide. “Oh my God. Should I have called first? I'm sorry. I thought you'd like a surprise. You're always doing thoughtful stuff for me, and I know you just got home. I figured that you wouldn't have anything in the house for dinner, so—”

“I love it!” Ronan grabbed her around the waist and kissed her quickly. “Are you kidding? I'm thrilled to see you but…” He lifted one shoulder. “I could have come to your place. Wouldn't you be more comfortable there?”

“Nope,” she said brightly. Maddy put the container on the counter and curled both hands around the fabric of his T-shirt, tugging him close. “I think you've ruined me, McGuire.”

“How's that?” Ronan slipped his hands down and settled them on her backside.

“I was okay, you know?” Her voice was soft and sultry, and her blue eyes were bright. “My world was orderly and neat and safe. I could have existed that way forever. And then
you
came along.”

“Okay…” he said slowly.

“You ruined all that,” she murmured.

She tugged his shirt out from his jeans and helped him take it off, quickly tossing it aside. Ronan fought the rising surge of lust as she trailed her fingertips over his chest and down his stomach.

“How so?”

He unzipped the back of her dress and peeled it from her body, leaving her in only her red lace panties, bra, and heels. Ronan's cock twitched at the sight of all that lovely skin exposed just for him.

“Because you brought
life
back into my life, and now it's like a drug, Ronan.” She flicked his nipple with her tongue while she undid the button of his jeans. “I want more. More of you. Your touch, your taste, and, most of all, your heart. So you see, McGuire, you can't send me back to that empty, soulless apartment, at least not alone. I'd rather be anywhere
with you
than without you.”

As he swept her up into his arms and carried her to bed, one thought went through Ronan's mind: How long did he have to wait before asking her to marry him? And would tomorrow be too soon?

Maddy stared out her living room window and barely noticed the caterers who were busily rushing around the apartment getting last-minute items set up for the New Year's Eve party. She had nothing but thoughts of Ronan on the brain. They had spent every night together since he returned from Old Brookfield, and Maddy felt like a teenager. She was giddy at the mere thought of seeing him, and every time she set eyes on the man, her heart tumbled in her chest.

She had almost canceled the party tonight, fearing it would be in poor taste to host it in light of what had happened, but Ronan convinced her to move forward. He reminded her that now, more than ever, they should recognize the gift of another year. Maddy eventually came to the same conclusion, but she made him promise to come to the party as her date.

He had been reluctant at first, to her surprise, but it hadn't taken much convincing to get him to accept. A grin curved her lips, and she sipped from the glass of pinot grigio in her hand. She'd never had such fun
persuading
anyone in her life. She'd even told him he could bring Bowser. He always seemed more at ease with his partner at his side.

“Maddy?” Sharon's voice pulled her from her wicked memories, and Maddy's face heated. “The caterer said everything is good to go. The bartender is all set, and the first guests should be arriving shortly.”

“Thank you, Sharon.” Maddy took the woman's hand and gave it a squeeze. “Not just for the party, but for everything. I really don't know what I'd do without you. You've been a lifesaver.”

The doorbell rang, announcing the first guest of the evening. Maddy hurried to greet whoever it was, her heart racing with anticipation. Was it Ronan? She smoothed her long, red dress and checked her reflection in the foyer mirror before opening the door.

Five smiling people were waiting patiently on the other side. They quickly swept in and greeted her with air kisses. They were all clients that Maddy had known for years, summer beach renters who were now buying real estate from her in the city, and while she was happy to see them, none of them were the man she really wanted to arrive.

From that point on, the bell kept ringing and the guests continued to arrive, but Ronan wasn't among them. The booze flowed as freely as the music from the speakers set up around the apartment, and the servers passed the food exactly as Maddy had asked.

Almost two hours into the party, Maddy was beginning to think that perhaps he had changed his mind and wasn't coming after all. All of those fears were put to rest when Ronan and Bowser strode into the apartment.

The bell didn't ring, but why would it? He knew his way in to the apartment as well as he knew his way around her body. That moment she saw him standing there, filling the foyer as only Ronan could, was the first time her apartment felt like home.

Dressed in a dark suit, a crisp white shirt, and the tie she'd given him for Christmas, Ronan looked as gorgeous as ever. He was freshly shaven, and it looked like he had gotten a haircut. The man was stunning. He had even dressed Bowser for the occasion. The bloodhound had a silver bow tie around his neck and looked as pleased about it as one would expect.

“Excuse me,” Maddy murmured to Mr. and Mrs. Weinstein. “A very dear friend has arrived. I'll be right back.”

She wove her way through the crowd of people, a walk that seemed far longer than it should, until she finally reached Ronan's side.

“Hey,” she whispered as he placed a kiss on her cheek. “I was beginning to think you weren't gonna show.”

“Sorry we're late.” He wrapped Bowser's leash around his hand, keeping his partner close. He seemed nervous or on edge about something, and he scanned the guests milling about with a professional eye. “I got hung up on a couple of calls.”

“Work?” Maddy tightened her grip on the wineglass. “I mean, no one else is hurt, are they?”

“No.” He shook his head and slipped his arm around her waist as that cocky little smirk curved his firm lips. “Not work. I promise.”

“What are you up to?” Maddy's eyes narrowed.

“Nothing I can share at the moment.” He kissed her quickly on the lips. “Soon, though.”

“Okay, but don't think I'm going to forget about it.” Maddy elbowed him and nodded toward the bar in the far corner. “Come on, let's get you a drink and then I'll introduce you to everyone.”

With Ronan by her side, Maddy mingled through the party, and as she suspected, the man handled himself with all the confidence and charm he was capable of. The women were swooning, and the men were practically flexing muscles as they tried to keep up with Ronan's naturally dominating presence. Everything was going smoothly. Even Bowser had made himself at home and had disappeared into Maddy's bedroom.

To her surprise, Mr. Gregory had shown up, and at the moment, he was grilling Maddy about three new apartments that had recently come on the market. She nodded and smiled, reassuring him that she would pull the full listings for him first thing in the morning. As if anybody was going to be showing homes on New Year's Day! Ronan was a total trouper. He stuck by her, occasionally and discreetly rubbing her lower back, which was both a distraction and a comfort.

Gregory hardly paid any attention to Ronan. In fact, he was one of the only people in the room who ignored him. Maddy wasn't sure why that was, but she chalked it up to his arrogant nature. When Gregory finally finished his litany of requests, he flicked a quick look to Ronan before excusing himself.

Finally, she and Ronan had a moment alone.

“Now,
that guy
might win the Most High-Maintenance Client Award,” she whispered. She leaned into Ronan's embrace and let out a contented sigh. “How long until midnight and all of them leave?”

“Not quite an hour, babe.” His fingers settled on the curve of her waist in a delightfully familiar way. “How can you stand to spend time with these people? Some of them are okay but that last guy, Gregory? He's a cold piece of business.”

“Be nice. His wife has been battling cancer, and I'm going to help them find their new home, even if it kills me. In fact, I'm shocked he's even here. I thought she was coming to the city before the holidays.”

“Well, shit. I'm sorry the guy's wife is sick, but he's still a piece of work. And if he's so concerned about his wife, why would he leave her alone on New Year's Eve and come to a party without her?”

“I know he's a little odd—”

“Odd?” Ronan snorted. “The second you told him I was a cop, it was like I became a nonperson. To high-powered men like Gregory, cops are beneath him. I'm like
the help
.”

“Stop it.” Maddy shook her head and waved him off. “That's ridiculous. As far as Mr. Gregory goes, you're right—he's difficult. But he's also my client. So play nice.”

She turned to face Ronan and found his expression hard. His square jaw was set, and his eyes flashed with a hint of anger.

“What?” Maddy tilted her head and studied him closely. “What's wrong?”

“You don't get it, do you?” Ronan shook his head slowly, his eyes skittering over her face. “These people can buy and sell anyone and anything, and most of them would probably try. Did you see that one guy's face? What was his name? The one with the bad toupee.”

“You mean Mr. Weinstein?”

“Yeah, when
he
found out I was a cop, I thought he was going to run away and wash his hands after shaking mine.” Ronan tossed back the rest of his drink. “You would think a guy with all that dough would have a better rug. It looks like a ferret died on his head.”

“Ronan!” Maddy said, barely able to contain her giggle.

“I'm sorry, Mads.” He pulled one of her curls straight before letting go. “I don't gel with a crowd like this.”

“Is this a money thing again?” Maddy tangled her fingers with his. “I thought we worked this out. You know I don't care about that.”

“It's not a money thing,” he said tightly. “It's a douche-bag thing. My family has money, but they don't act like they're better than anyone else. Why do you want to hang around with these people?”

“I don't,” she said flatly. “This is a business event, Ronan. The only guest here on a personal level is you.”

A smile bubbled up on Maddy's lips, but it was swiftly squelched when she spotted a familiar reflection in the window behind Ronan. Chris Drummond. How long had he been here? Maddy wasn't sure, but based on the drink in his hand, it had been a little while.

“What's wrong?” Ronan asked quietly.

“Remember the asshat that I basically got fired?” Maddy kept a smile on her face and her voice light. She sidled in closer to Ronan and nodded subtly toward Drummond. “That's him.”

“Which one?” Ronan slipped his arm around her waist protectively. “The tall chinless guy with the brown hair? He looks like a weasel.”

“Yes.” Maddy stifled a giggle and elbowed Ronan. “Keep your voice down.”

“The guy has balls to show up here.”

“Well, Drummond is nothing if not bold.”

The moment the words escaped her lips, Chris Drummond looked over and caught her gaze. A slow shit-eating grin slid across his face.

“Damn it,” Maddy hissed. “He's coming over.”

“I got your back, babe,” Ronan murmured.

“Hey, Maddy.” The unwelcome voice of Chris Drummond curled through the air, like a snake through the grass. “Sorry I'm late. I was making the rounds, you know how it is, and your little shindig was last on my list.”

“Hello, Chris.” She kept her voice even but couldn't hide the phoniness in her attempts at being pleasant. “I hope you're enjoying the party.”

Why the
hell
hadn't she thought to put the front desk on alert and ban this guy from her building? Because who would be crazy enough to show up at the home of the woman who had recently gotten you fired?

The answer? An arrogant asshole.

Drummond narrowed his gaze.

“You and I may no longer work together,” he whispered, “but you never rescinded your party invite. Free food and booze? Sounds good to me.”

Maddy noted that he kept his voice low, a smile on his face, and his body language loose. If anyone looked over, they'd never pick up on the disdain in his voice.

“Most people would probably assume the invitation was no longer valid,” Ronan said, his voice calm and strong. “You did get
fired
. Right?”

“No, I quit. Who are you?”

Maddy felt Ronan's body tense, but she answered before he could say a word.

“It's really none of your business, but my friend is right.” Maddy gave Drummond a tight smile. “I think you should go.”

“But it's not even midnight yet.” Chris stopped the waiter who was passing out hors d'oeuvres and waved his almost-empty glass in the air. “Yo, I'll take a Dewar's on the rocks.”

The young man nodded but gave Maddy a nervous look before heading toward the bar. Maddy sucked in a steadying breath and fought to maintain her composure. How could she get Drummond out of here without causing a scene? She glanced casually around the room, but everyone seemed blissfully unaware of the tension between them.

Except for Mr. Gregory.

Damn it all. The man was standing by the bar and staring at Maddy with an expression she couldn't decipher, but it wasn't good. Did Drummond get hold of Gregory and tell his side of the story? A twisted version of the truth?

Shit.

Drummond was going to cost Maddy one of her biggest clients, and who knows what kind of damage he could and would do to her reputation? She had to do some major damage control.

And fast.

“Officer Ronan McGuire,” Ronan interjected. He adjusted his stance and positioned himself between her and Drummond. “I'm with the city's K-9 unit, and I also happen to be Maddy's boyfriend.”

“Boyfriend?” Drummond scoffed, catching Maddy's eye. “You're dating a cop? You turned me down for a civil servant? This guy isn't even in the same league. I bet your entire salary is less than I make on commission from one sale.”

“Maybe, but it's obvious money doesn't buy class,” Ronan said in a calm, steady voice. “At least, not for you.”

“Whatever.” Drummond snorted. “She's not worth the trouble.”

“I think you should leave,” Ronan said flatly. “Now.”

Maddy placed one hand on Ronan's arm. She noticed his hands were balled into fists, but to his credit, he didn't make a move toward Drummond.

“Ronan's right. I want you to leave, Chris.” Maddy kept her voice as calm as possible, but even she could hear the slight quiver within it. “Now.”

“Do as the lady says,” Ronan said in a quiet but deadly tone.

“Or what?” Drummond scoffed. He slipped his hands in the pockets of his slacks and moved closer to Ronan, taunting him with their faces mere inches apart. “You gonna arrest me for coming to a party? What are you gonna do? If you put your hands on me, I'll sue your ass off.” His voice was barely audible, and he shot an evil glance at Maddy. “Or maybe I'll sue her. This is her place, after all. You sure as shit couldn't afford it.”

Maddy tightened the grip on her glass. People were starting to notice that Ronan and Drummond's conversation was less than pleasant.

“What?” Drummond taunted. “Are you going to arrest me?”

“I might,” Ronan murmured. “Unless, of course, my partner gets you first.”

Right on cue and with uncanny timing, a low, animal growl rose up between them. Maddy didn't know when that dog had come out of the bedroom, and she'd never heard that sound coming from him before, but at the moment she didn't care. The look on Drummond's face was priceless. The crowd of partygoers had made way for the massive dog and it was no wonder. With his head low and hackles raised, the sweet, lovable bloodhound with the floppy ears didn't look so adorable anymore.