Quiet Types, page 17
The kids were staying with their grandparents because the party was exclusively for adults. I briefly imagined my younger siblings running around, eating all the expensive canapés, spitting them out and yelling that caviar was gross, then trying to steal people’s drinks. It put a grin on my face as I collected some empty champagne flutes, setting them on a tray before I turned to bring them to the kitchen.
I couldn’t help being distracted by a tall woman who must’ve been a model or maybe an actress. She wore a long red gown fitted perfectly to her body. She was stunning. I was busy covertly admiring her and wondering what I might look like wearing such a gown when a familiar form caught my eye, and I froze.
Was that … Shay?
He stood in the corner of the high-ceilinged room wearing all black, and I was struck by how handsome he looked. I remembered Mrs Reynolds mentioning she’d hired security for the event because there were some high-profile guests. Shay must’ve been freelancing for extra cash. Tingles skittered down my spine seeing him in work mode, his keen gaze alert and watchful. I found it very attractive. He hadn’t seen me yet, and I didn’t want to distract him from his job, so I quickly hurried past the giant twinkling Christmas tree.
I was almost out of the room when a shrill voice called my name. “Maggie! There’s been a spill out on the terrace. I need you to clean it up right away.”
Shay heard my name being called and his eyes darted to me. He looked surprised to see me, just as I had been to see him. I turned to Mrs Reynolds. “Of course. I’ll take care of that now.”
Without looking back at Shay, I hurried to grab a mop and other cleaning supplies before heading out to the terrace. The expansive back garden was lit up and decorated, an extension of the party inside, where people could drink and smoke or vape freely. Someone had spilled red wine on the paving stones, which normally wouldn’t require urgent cleaning because the rain was sure to wash it away eventually. But as she’d said, Mrs Reynolds wanted everything to be perfect, and that meant no red wine stains on the paving.
Some of the party guests politely moved out of the way so I could clean, and I was almost done when a pair of black boots entered my field of vision. I looked up, mustering a smile for Shay.
“I didn’t know you freelanced,” I said as I got down on my knees to quickly dry up the section I’d mopped with some thick kitchen towels. When I was done, I shoved them into a plastic bag and tied it up.
Shay shrugged and nodded to the other end of the garden where Rhys and two other similarly dressed men were watching the party guests. “Ah, so Rhys is running security for the party?” I guessed and Shay nodded before offering me his hand to help me up. I grimaced. “My hands are dirty. You shouldn’t—” Before I could finish the sentence, he took my hand in his large, warm palm and helped me to my feet.
“Um, thanks,” I said, somewhat breathy as I glanced up at him. His grey-green eyes were intent on mine and tingles shot through me. Why did his attention always make me feel that way?
Needing a distraction, I motioned inside. “This is one of the houses I clean. The owner asked me to do some overtime during the party.” I paused, shooting Shay a weary look as I lowered my voice. “She’s the one I told you about. The, uh, highly strung one.”
He didn’t look pleased at that and glanced around, almost like he wanted to find Mrs Reynolds and glower at her for making me cry that day. I had to will my pulse to quit racing at the idea. Shay returned his attention to me and started to pull out his phone, possibly to type a message, but I quickly made my excuses. If Mrs Reynolds caught me dawdling, there’d be hell to pay.
“I better be getting back,” I said and hurried away with the mop and bucket.
I stowed it in the utility room, then went to wash my hands. After that, I returned to the party and resumed collecting glasses and small plates. I must’ve been off my game, probably from Shay being here unexpectedly, because I mistakenly bumped into one of the party guests, an older man wearing a navy suit. The glass of champagne he held sloshed onto his white shirt, and I paled at the sight.
Of course, Mrs Reynolds was nearby to witness the entire thing.
The man looked furious, and I swallowed thickly as my boss hurried over.
“Frank, I’m so sorry. Let me bring you to get cleaned up.” She took his arm, shooting me a violent glare as she led him away from the party. Anxiety threatened to drown me, and I was surprised she hadn’t given me an earful, but of course, she was probably saving that for later when she could berate me in private.
Through the window, I saw Shay. He was still outside, but he’d obviously seen the whole thing, too. He seemed concerned. A second later, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out, finding a text from him. I mouthed the words as I concentrated on reading them.
Are you okay? Do you need me?
He was still watching me from his spot outside. I shook my head at him, returning my phone to my pocket and started in the direction of the kitchen. Before I got there, I was roughly pulled aside by Mrs Reynolds. Her fingers dug into my arm as she dragged me to the end of the hallway, then finally let go.
“Do you have any idea who you just spilled champagne all over?” she seethed. “Frank Gleeson is a highly acclaimed film director. He’s won two BAFTAS.”
“I don’t care who he is. Don’t grab me like that again,” I retorted, shocking even myself when I said it. I didn’t want to be fired, but I also wouldn’t tolerate her being physically aggressive with me, no matter how grave my mistake. I wasn’t about to stand there simpering and begging to keep my job while she intentionally dug her nails into my arm.
“Excuse me?”
“I’m sorry for bumping into him, but it was an honest mistake. And I might only be your cleaning lady, but that doesn’t give you permission to assault me.”
I swear I saw a blood vessel about to burst in her normally smooth forehead. “Assault? That wasn’t … Maggie, listen, I’m going to—”
Before she could finish, a woman came hurrying down the hallway. “Sariah! Clark has just arrived outside. Everyone’s taking their places. Come quick.”
Mrs Reynolds narrowed her eyes on me. “We’ll talk later,” she said and stomped away. I blew out a breath, my nerves frayed. I was just so sick of trying to keep her happy all the time. I’d held my own during the encounter, stood up for myself, but now my emotions rushed forth, my hands shaking and tears threatening to spill. I’d always hated confrontation, and I hated people grabbing me even more.
It reminded me of how Mam would do it. She’d throw her weight around when she was drunk or angry about something and in the mood to take it out on me.
There were noises of excitement when I finally I got my emotions under control, wiping at my eyes as I returned to the party. Someone turned off all the lights so they could surprise Clark when he stepped in the door. Darkness surrounded me, and my eyes still hadn’t adjusted when someone’s warmth met my back. I knew it was Shay when his familiar fingers slid through mine.
I turned, finding his eyes shining down at me in the dark. He tugged on my hand, and I let him lead me away from the party. We reached one of the downstairs bathrooms, and Shay pushed the door open before tugging me inside. He flicked on the light, then closed the door behind him and turned over the lock. His eyes were a little wild as he took me in, full of questions and concern. It soothed some of my frayed nerves to have him there, the person who always made me feel so protected. Whatever Mrs Reynolds made me feel, Shay was the antidote.
I was vaguely aware of the party guests shouting, “Surprise!” when Shay pulled me to him and wrapped his arms around me tight, somehow instilling me with the peace and calm I craved. The fact we’d been physically distant the last two weeks made his hug affect me even more. I felt soothingly surrounded, and I didn’t want to leave the loving protection of his hug. His hand petted gently at my back, and I closed my eyes, allowing myself the indulgence of savouring the solace of his strong arms and comforting embrace.
14.
Maggie
My eyes remained closed as I inhaled Shay’s now familiar scent. It caused some kind of chemical reaction in my brain because my body was instilled with a calm I hadn’t felt two minutes ago. His hug set my body and heart on fire, enveloping me in a comforting warmth but also a sensual heat. I could feel his pulse thundering beneath my ear as my arms threaded around his neck. This felt right. It felt like … home.
He felt like home, I realised and startled.
His arms tightened around me, and I was swept up in an overwhelming wave of desire. I couldn’t resist pressing my lips to the corner of his jaw. A shudder went through him, and a second later, his mouth was on mine, his tall frame crowding me until my back met the wall.
His tongue was a delicious invasion, and I moaned loudly. God, I’ve missed this, I thought, as his hand came up to cup my cheek, his thumb tracing back and forth over the delicate centre of my throat. A rough gust of breath escaped him as his other hand left my waist to grip my arm. I winced and gasped, momentarily breaking the kiss as a sharp sting of pain shot through me.
Shay drew back, his eyes dark and questioning. My arm felt bruised. I hadn’t noticed it until he touched me, but it must’ve been from when Mrs Reynolds grabbed me and dragged me down the hallway.
Shay signed something. I suspected it was a question along the lines of “What’s wrong?” or “Did I hurt you?” His features were etched with worry and concern.
I cleared my throat, still feeling upset over the whole thing. “Mrs Reynolds was mad at me for knocking into that man. Supposedly, he’s some bigshot film director. She got a little rough with me just now, but don’t worry. I stood up for myself and told her she had no right to grab me. She seemed shaken when I used the word assault—”
Before I could finish, Shay was typing into the app on his phone.
“She fucking grabbed you?”
Glancing up at him, I saw how wild his eyes were. He was furious.
“Yes,” I answered. “But I’m fine. No harm done. Well, not much, at least.”
Without hesitating, Shay shoved his phone back in his pocket and gently began rolling my shirt sleeve up to inspect my arm. I glanced down, surprised by the bruise already forming. Shay inhaled sharply, his fingers tracing the tender area before his expression hardened. He unrolled the sleeve and fixed it back down for me. I couldn’t read what he was thinking, but then he took my hand, unlocked the door, and led me back out into the party.
I had no idea where he was taking me. The guests were much louder and more jovial now that Clark, the guest of honour, had arrived. Shay never let go of my hand as he led me out to the garden. Rhys stood by the back wall, his tall, broad shoulders straight as he scanned the area. Shay approached him, only dropping my hand so he could sign something to his cousin.
Seeing them together, the family resemblance was striking. It was pronounced in the way Rhys’ expression darkened just as Shay’s had when he discovered my bruise. His eyes, which were blue as opposed to Shay’s grey-green, landed on me. They travelled over me intently, as though searching for injury. It was clear Shay had just relayed my encounter with Mrs Reynolds.
“Maggie, are you okay?” Rhys asked.
“I’m fine, honestly,” I replied, though my voice sounded brittle.
His thick eyebrows drew together, obviously not convinced by my answer. I wasn’t either, to be honest, but I hated being scrutinised, especially with how delicate I was feeling.
“I should get back to work,” I said, turning to leave, but Shay caught my hand, his warm palm sliding against mine as he shook his head.
“You’re shaken,” Rhys said. “Shay’s going to take you home, and if Sariah Reynolds comes looking for you, I’ll tell her she’s lucky I haven’t taken my people and quit after hearing how she treats her employees. I won’t be accepting any work from her again after this.”
I was surprised by his vehemence, his protectiveness and the fact he was going to refuse working for her in the future just because of me. His anger on my behalf, which almost rivalled Shay’s, was strangely validating. Most of my life, I’d had to swallow abuse, suck it up and move on. Having those two men acknowledge what had happened and defend me had my throat wobbling with emotion.
I just about managed to hold it together as Rhys tossed Shay his car keys, which Shay caught easily. He still held my hand as he began leading me away from the party. We were almost at the exit when Mrs Reynolds suddenly appeared.
“Maggie,” she exclaimed, her eyes going from me to Shay. “Where are you going? There are empty glasses that need to be collected, and—”
Shay tucked me behind him, his shoulders tensing as he glared at Mrs Reynolds. The way he didn’t hesitate to get in her face had my stomach doing somersaults.
His glare clearly had her frazzled when she sputtered, “And you. Aren’t you part of Rhys Doyle’s security team? You should be working, too.”
Something hardened within me. Maybe it was the way she tried to dismiss Shay like he was nothing. She could talk down to me all she wanted, but not him. A burst of defiance shot through me, and I stepped around Shay’s tall, intimidating form before addressing her, “I won’t be going back to work tonight. In fact, you can consider this my resignation. I quit.”
She blinked, a blood vessel pumping in her neck. “You’re quitting over a silly little misunderstanding? Well, I hope you aren’t expecting a reference. And I’ll be letting all your other clients know—”
“That what?” I interrupted. “That I quit because you got physical with me? Okay, you go ahead and let them know all about that.”
She blinked, looking stunned, as I retook Shay’s hand and led him to where I’d stowed my things in the utility room. He helped me on with my coat before ushering me out and down the street to Rhys’ car.
I hadn’t known Shay could drive, so it was a surprise to see him slide into the driver’s seat after opening the passenger side for me and helping me in. He was treating me like I was made of porcelain, like I might shatter at any moment, and though I wasn’t quite that delicate, it was nice to be taken care of. I’d been through upsetting work situations in the past, but I’d never had anyone sweep me away from it all like that. The car felt like a cosy, snug cocoon away from the anxiety of dealing with Mrs Reynolds.
“I can’t believe you can drive,” I said, wondering why he took the bus to work. It could’ve been for convenience, not being stuck in traffic or having to find a parking space. Or perhaps it was because, like me, he couldn’t afford to run a car.
Shay started the engine, put the car in gear, checked his blind spot, and we were off. My body was still full of adrenaline after quitting. There was also an edge of panic as I contemplated what I’d done. There was no coming back from that. It was an impulsive decision, but I couldn’t regret it, not after how undermining and aggressive Mrs Reynolds had been.
I was leaning towards accepting Jonathan Oaks’ job offer, and now there could be no more indecision. Sure, I could just keep working for my other clients, but I had a feeling Mrs Reynolds was going to try and blacklist me. Well, maybe I could beat her to the punch and tell everyone about her grabbing me and how undermining and critical she always was. It felt petty, but I was in a petty sort of mood.
The drive to my flat was quiet. Shay kept glancing at me every once in a while to check how I was doing. I managed to muster a watery, half-hearted smile for him.
I hated coming across weak, like I needed to be wrapped up in cotton wool and taken care of. It wasn’t something I’d ever really experienced before, which was probably why I was so uncomfortable with it. All my life, I’d had only myself to rely on. If I had a bad day or something went wrong, there was nobody else to comfort me. There was no one to drive me home or glower at the person who did me wrong as Shay had that night.
Just thinking about how he’d pulled me into that bathroom and held me in his arms had my stomach erupting in butterflies. They batted their wings like crazy, making it difficult to breathe. I liked that he was there tonight, that for once in my life there was somebody in my corner.
We reached my street, and he managed to find a parking space close to my flat. He signed at me to stay put, which I was able to understand, then came around to my side and opened the door. Shay released my seatbelt and took my hand before walking me to my flat. He waited silently while I dug out my key, but my hand kept shaking as I tried to slot it into the lock. I blew out a frustrated breath before Shay’s large, warm fingers closed around mine, taking my key and deftly slotting it in for me.
“Thank you,” I whispered, a hitch in my voice.
Shay pushed open the door, then handed the key back to me gently.
When we got inside, I set my things down and just stood there for a moment. I was still a little in shock that after all those years I’d finally told Mrs Reynolds I quit. It didn’t seem real.
I wasn’t sure how long I’d been standing there when Shay took my hand and led me over to my bed. He helped me take off my coat and shoes, then motioned for me to sit down while he went to grab the pyjamas I’d left hanging over a chair.
He placed them in my hands, then turned around, allowing me the privacy to change. I was touched by how caring and patient he was being. He was taking care of me in a way I’d missed out on practically my whole life. I had some brief, fleeting memories of my mother, a handful of times when she’d been nice to me.
Like when I fell and scraped my knee, and she gave me a lollipop and let me watch cartoons for the day. Or when one of my teachers shouted at me because I hadn’t completed a homework assignment. I’d come home crying, and Mam had wiped away my tears, ran me a bath, then made me hot chocolate with marshmallows.
She wasn’t all bad. There was a trickle of love there, but that love was outweighed by the hundreds of times she’d made me feel like a costly burden she could scarcely afford. I hadn’t needed her to be the perfect parent. All I’d needed was her love, but she hadn’t loved me, not properly.
