Page 27 of Maverick

“Yes. Just one. I met Della at Dewey’s, about three years ago. We hit it off, and I was sure that maybe she was the one, but I soon found out she wasn’t. We argued constantly.”

“What about, or is that too painful?”

“No, it’s not painful. She was a very jealous woman. I couldn’t even talk to another woman without her jumping on me about it. I got tired of it. I knew we were just heading for trouble. I never cheated on her. I don’t cheat. Hell, any man in his right mind wouldn’t get involved with more than one woman at the same time. There were days I’d be late getting in from work, and she’d accuse me of being with someone. I couldn’t take it anymore, so I broke up with her. She took it hard, but it was for the best.”

“She must have been very insecure.”

“Her ex-husband cheated on her all the time.”

“I see. That can be hard to get past, but not everyone will cheat.”

Maverick nodded. “That’s true.”

“Hey, you two, what can I get you?”

“Hi, Connie. It’s quiet tonight,” Parker said.

“It always is this time of day.”

They ordered their meals and conversation flowed as they ate, then after finishing, they went to Dewey’s. Maverick held her hand as they pushed through the crowd to get to the bar. After finding seats at the bar, they ordered drinks, and watched the people. Maverick would rather watch Parker. He was surprised at how attracted he was to her. He’d put off having any kind of relationship after Della. He was sure he’d never love anyone again. Now, looking at Parker, he was sure he could.

He wasn’t sure what it was about her, but it seemed like she was all he thought about since he met her, and he was anxious to see if they had something between them. He sure felt something for her, but he didn’t know where it would go. It could just be because she was beautiful and he was infatuated with her, but he didn’t think so. He was a grown man, he didn’t get… infatuated.

As the night wore on, they drank, danced, and laughed. He was having a good time and she seemed to be too. He wanted her in his bed, but he knew that wasn’t going to happen. Not tonight at least, but he hoped soon.

Maverick sat at the bar watching Parker in a line dance. He grinned when he saw her laughing with Mitzie Moore, but then he saw a cowboy move in beside her and grin at her. She gave him a polite smile but didn’t flirt back. But he kept talking to her. Maverick saw her shake her head several times, but the jackass wouldn’t leave her alone, and Maverick’s blood boiled.

When the dance ended, she made her way through the crowd and took the stool next to Maverick.

“Wow, I need a drink. It’s hot out there.” She grinned at him.

Maverick raised his hand for a bartender and ordered Parker a coke. She didn’t drink much, and he assumed it was because a drunk driver killed her husband and child. The bartender brought her drink, set it down, and moved to another customer. Parker picked up the drink and took a long gulp of it then set the glass on the bar. She spun around on the stool to watch the people dancing.

“You and Mitzie looked like you were having fun out there.”

“I love her. I think her and Liv were separated at birth.”

Maverick chuckled. “They could have been, for sure. So, did that cowboy ask you out?”

“He had trouble taking no for an answer.” Parker shook her head.

As he picked up his beer, he saw that cowboy sit on the stool on the other side of her.

“Can I buy you a drink?” he asked her.

“No, you can’t,” Maverick said.

“Hey, buddy, I wasn’t talking to you.”

“First off, I’m not your buddy, and second, I know you weren’t talking to me, but you are talking to my date.”

“You might have brought her, but she might not be leaving with you.”

Maverick grinned when Parker snorted out a laugh and looked at the cowboy.

“You shouldn’t aggravate him.”

“Oh, come on, sugar, I’m not afraid of him.”

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