Page 24 of Maverick

“That’s brilliant!”

“I do have good ideas sometimes. That way you’ll know what he has in mind.” Shay tilted her head. “Do you want to spend the night with him?”

“I do, but I’m not ready for that step. We just started seeing each other, and to be honest, it scares the hell out of me. I’ve only been with Brad. When Maverick kissed me—”

“Oooh, was it good?”

“Good? No. Fantastic? Yes.”

“I knew it would be. He’s too sexy to be a dud.” Shay giggled.

“I agree and that scares me too.” Parker sighed.

“Tell me.”

As Shay listened, Parker told her everything she’d told Maverick about her relationship with Brad. When she finished, she looked at Shay to see tears on her cheeks.

“I knew something other than their deaths was preying on your mind. I’m so sorry you lived like that, Parker.”

“It’s my fault. I knew how he was, but I thought I could change him. Be more affectionate, but he never changed. I’d see couples who’d been married forever, and I’d be so jealous of how the husband would always touch his wife. Well, like you and Wes. Anytime he’s near you, he’s looking at you, or touching you in a loving manner. I envy that.”

“I don’t think you’ll have to envy it if you’re with Maverick. He’s so sexy.”

“He’s a nice man too. Very polite and has wonderful manners.”

“Most cowboys do. Wes and Warren are the same way.”

When the door to the shop opened, both sighed, then looked toward the door. Shay smiled when Parker gasped. She leaned close to her.

“Let me introduce you to the sexy sheriff.” Shay walked toward the man and Parker wondered what was in the water around here.

“Hi, Sam,” Shay said.

“Shay, how are you?” He touched the brim of his hat and grinned.

Good heavens! Parker walked toward them, not taking her eyes off the man and knew Shay hadn’t lied when she called him the sexy sheriff. He could handcuff her any day.

“I’m good. Do you know Parker? She works with me.”

“No, I haven’t had the pleasure.”

“This is Parker Tisdale, Parker, this is Sam Garrett, the sheriff of Clifton County,” Shay introduced them.

“Hello, Sheriff,” Parker said as she shook his hand.

“Ma’am, it’s nice to meet you.”

Parker stared into blue eyes, and they made her think of Maverick.

“What can we do for you, Sam?” Shay asked.

“Tessa’s birthday is coming up and she was telling me about a glass horse in here she liked.” Sam shrugged.

Parker grinned. Men had no clue what they were shopping for when it came to women.

“I think I can help. I spoke with Tess one day she was in here and I’m sure I know which one it was.” Parker walked to the glass shelves behind the counter, and lifted a purple, blue, and white glass horse down. She carefully set it on the countertop.

“Okay, I’ll take it.” Sam grinned, pulled his wallet out, and handed her his credit card.

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