Caught off guard by his closeness, Maggie bit her lip, her thoughts racing. "I..." she began, her voice faltering.

The answer was right on the tip of her tongue.

With him moving on to marriage, she wouldn't have dared to seek him out again.

Sanford's eyes bore into hers, his voice dropping to a cold, menacing whisper.

“Dare to deny it!" he challenged, his grip tightening on her chin.