Page 31 of Maverick

Maverick glanced back and saw Blue sprinting after them with unbridled joy. He knew Blue lived for these wild rides with him. Reaching a picturesque knoll at the edge of the field, Maverick braked and brought the ATV to a stop. He leaned back and spoke to Parker, taking in the stunning view before them.

“The pond is just down there,” he pointed toward its glittering surface, eliciting an audible gasp from her.

“It’s beautiful.”

And it truly was. Nestled among tall trees and boulders sat a serene pond, its waters reflecting the golden rays of sunlight like a shimmering mirror. This was one of Maverick’s favorite spots to spend a lazy day off, and right now, he couldn’t think of anyone else he’d rather be here with than Parker.

With a grin, Maverick twisted the throttle and revved the four-wheeler’s engine once again, sending Parker into another fit of laughter. When they reached the water’s edge, he gently helped her off the vehicle before dismounting himself. Retrieving the cooler from the back, he set it down on the ground with a thud. He then removed a blanket that had been under the cooler and spread it out on the soft grassy bank. Returning to the four-wheeler, he assembled two fishing poles and handed one to Parker. Reaching inside the cooler, he pulled out a Styrofoam cup with a lid on it and handed it to her.

“What’s this?” she asked curiously.

“Worms,” he answered with a mischievous smile.

“Oh, okay.”

Turning to face her, he noticed Parker’s face scrunched up in disgust. “I thought you liked to fish?”

“I do,” she replied, forcing a smile. “I just don’t like touching worms.”

Maverick chuckled. “Well, I’m not putting your worm on for you, woman.”

Parker pouted playfully. “What if I ask nicely?”

He shook his head. “Nope.”

A mischievous glint appeared in her eyes. “How about I give you a kiss for each worm you have to attach for me?”

Maverick frowned teasingly. “I didn’t bring enough worms,” he said with a wink.

Parker laughed. “I might not use that many anyway.”

“I’ll make sure you do,” he countered with a sly smile.

Wrapping her arms around his neck, Parker stood on her toes and pressed her lips to his. Maverick wrapped his arms tightly around her waist, deepening the kiss before pulling away and planting a quick kiss on her nose. Taking her hand, he led her to the water’s edge.

“How tall are you?” Parker asked curiously as they walked.

“Six foot four,” Maverick replied.

“I thought that’s what you were. I’m only five foot seven. You have nine inches—” she stopped when she realized what she said.

Maverick couldn’t help but snort out a laugh at her wording. “How would you even know that I have nine inches? Who did you talk to?”

Parker’s eyes narrowed in playful annoyance before she burst into laughter. “Men,” she said with a shake of her head.

“Come on. I’ll put the first worm on for you.” He removed a worm from the cup, attached it to the hook, and handed her the pole, then he did the same with his. He walked to the bank, cast out, and watched the hook hit the center of the pond, then washed his hands. He turned to look at her and raised his eyebrow. “Do you plan to fish from back there?”

“No,” she said quietly as she walked closer to the water.

“Parker, if you don’t want to fish, you don’t have to. You can just sit there and look beautiful.”

“No, I want to fish. It’s just been a while.” She lifted the pole and cast out over the water. It hit close to the center of the pond.

“Good cast,” he said.

****

Parker smiled as she lowered herself onto the lush green grass, feeling its cool blades tickle her skin. Maverick joined her, laying back with his knees bent and his hat shielding his face from the warm sun.

---