Murder in Red

Chapter 3

Sunlight filtered in through partially opened blinds. Warm but slightly uncomfortable, Maeve tries to move but is surprised to be stopped by something heavy. She yawns and rubs her face. Slowly opening her eyes she realizes Magnus is holding her. Maeve moves back enough to survey the blond man in front of her. His wild, curly locks hanging carelessly in his face.

He looks just like a child - so peaceful and vulnerable. Maeve brushes a few curls out of the way and feels Magnus begin to stir. She tries to wriggle free but is held tighter against her partner.

"No" comes the low and raspy voice. Stay...day off 'member?" Magnus trailed off.

Maeve knew by the quiet snores that her partner had already drifted back to sleep. His warmth overtaking her again - she felt cozy and safe in the young man's embrace.

Pity he would never return your affections, her brain argued. "Oh, shut up," Maeve mumbled before slipping off to sleep herself.

It was early afternoon when Magnus opened his eyes. He looked at the young woman beside him. At some point, they had shifted, and Maeve was now wedged between the back of the couch and Magnus. Smiling at her, he took the chance to admire the redhead. The blond lightly caressed her cheeks noticing the tiny freckles sprinkling her face. He thought that Maeve's fiery hair complimented her fair, creamy complexion. Magnus' hand moved to tuck a stray piece of her hair behind her ear. How he longed to run his fingers through her ginger locks - they always looked so soft. At that moment, the blond realized that he loved everything about the spunky redhead in his arms, and wished that they could stay like this forever. His gaze drifted to her plump ruby lips and wondered what they would feel against his own...how they would taste.

"Beautiful," he whispered.

"Didn't your mum ever tell you that it's rude to stare?" Maeve's voice was quiet and sleepy.

Magnus liked that. "Sorry, darling. Lost in thought."

"About the case?" she inquired.

"Something like that."

"Mmm, you promised that we'd take the day off." She yawned, stretching slightly. There wasn't much room, so she ended up pushing herself against him.

"Then why don't you open those pretty eyes of yours and we'll make a plan." Magnus chuckles and squeezes her arm.

Maeve's emerald eyes slowly fluttered open. She blinks a few times and smiles at the man.

"There's my girl," he says softly. His cheeks turn slightly realizing what he just said. "How about we get up and go for lunch and then we can pick up some food for your cupboards?" Magnus asks standing up and offering his friend a hand up.

The redhead nodded. "Meet you back here in twenty."

After lunch, the pair ran a few errands and headed back to Maeve's flat. Both loaded with groceries, they made their way to the kitchen.

"If you put away, I'll start dinner." Magnus offered, beginning to prep.

"You really don't have to, Mack. I can cook."

"If I remember correctly, the last time you cooked, the baked potatoes burst into flames." he joked.

"Fine," Maeve laughed. "I'm not the best cook, but I can bake like nobody's business."

"Very true, M. You make the best pudding around." Magnus winked.

"What are you making, this sauce smells divine."

The blond made room for Maeve to slide in front of him. "Pasta with cream sauce and broccoli on the side."
"That sounds amazing, Mags. Can you, ehm, teach me how to make it?"