Page 1 of Maverick

Chapter One

The door opened, signaling the arrival of more tourists. Parker Tisdale let out a sigh as she greeted them with a smile. Working at A Touch of Glass was a job she enjoyed, but she hoped that once the tourist season ended, it would slow down. She didn’t realize how busy it got in Clifton, Montana, and it could be exhausting.

Shay Coleman, her boss, emerged from the back to help with the influx of customers.

“I keep hearing that chime,” Shay said quietly.

“I know. I haven’t even had a chance to use the bathroom and I’ve been holding it for over an hour. I hope I don’t have an accident,” Parker joked.

Shay laughed and told her to go take a break while she handled the customers.

“Thanks,” Parker said before hurrying to the restroom.

When she returned, she saw another customer entering and went to assist them.

“Hello, my name is Parker. If you need any assistance, please don’t hesitate to ask me or Shay. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have,” she said with a smile.

“Is all of this handblown?” the customer asked.

“Yes ma’am, by artist Lou Rogers.”

“I love his work. I’ll definitely be purchasing some pieces,” the woman replied before wandering around the shop.

Parker made her way back behind the counter. Shay stood next to her.

“I’m starving,” Shay complained.

“Me too. When is Wes bringing our lunch?”

“I’ll send him a text,” Shay said before quickly typing on her phone and placing it back on the counter. It buzzed within minutes, and she grinned when she read the reply.

“He said Maverick’s bringing it.”

“Maverick?” Parker asked.

“He’s one of the foremen at the Triple C,” Shay explained.

“Oh, that’s right. I haven’t met him yet, but if he’s bringing us lunch, I already like him.”

“He’s a great guy. Oh, there he is now.”

Parker turned to see a tall man enter wearing a white cowboy hat. When he looked at her, she couldn’t help but notice his striking sky-blue eyes. She almost let out a sigh as he held the door for a few women walking out, touching the brim of his hat. They stared at him as they passed. One even going so far as to rub against his body.

There was some gray at his temples and in his sideburns, making him look like he was in his late thirties or early forties. He greeted Shay with a grin before placing a white bag from the Clifton Diner on the counter.

“Lunch,” he said in a deep voice.

Parker glanced around the shop and chuckled at the way all the women were staring at him. Even she couldn’t resist stealing glances.

“Thank you, Maverick. We’re both famished, aren’t we, Parker?”

“Yes, starving,” she murmured while maintaining eye contact with him.

“Parker, this is Maverick Whitaker. He’s one of the foremen at the Triple C Ranch. Maverick, this is Parker Tisdale, my assistant.”

Maverick nodded politely, removed his hat, and extended his hand toward her. She placed her hand in his and didn’t want to let go. It had been years since anyone had caught her attention like this since before her deceased husband, Brad.

“Ma’am, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” he said with a smile.

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