Page 40 of Maverick

“Yes, absolutely perfect.”

“Then why do you look so serious?”

His expression softened as he gazed at her. “Oh darlin’, nothing is wrong. In fact, out of all the gifts I’ve ever received, this is by far the most meaningful and cherished one.” He glanced down at the glassware once more before meeting her gaze again. With a gentle kiss, he whispered against her lips, “Thank you.”

She wrapped her arms around him, as he pressed his lips to hers. He pulled her tight against him and deepened the kiss. When Blue barked again, Maverick grinned against her lips.

“I suppose we should let her out.”

“Yes. She’s lonely.”

“I can see she has you fooled.” Maverick chuckled.

“Well, if you didn’t spoil her, she wouldn’t.”

He frowned. “What?”

Parker laughed. “You know what I mean.”

Shaking his head, he continued to frown. “I don’t think I do.”

“No?”

He laughed. “See? So easy to tease.”

“Oooh!” She pushed at him.

“Have a seat, Parker and I’ll start the steaks. I have baked potatoes too.”

Her stomach growled. “Good. I am so hungry.” She moved to a lounge chair and sat. “Hurry up.”

Maverick shook his head. “Already giving me orders,” he muttered.

Parker laughed and he grinned at her.

After he put the steaks on the grill, he asked her what she wanted to drink, then he entered the house to get her a soda and a beer for himself.

A few minutes later, he put the steaks on plates, and set them on the table beside the pool.

Parker cut into her steak, speared a piece and put it in her mouth. She moaned at the flavor.

“Fantastic. It practically melts in your mouth.” She grinned.

“I’ll let Wes and Warren know.”

“It’s their beef?”

“Well, since I work there, it better be the only beef I eat.” He grinned.

“But you had a steak at the restaurant,” she said with a grin.

“Okay, but I know the beef is going to be great there. Grant only buys from local ranches.”

“That’s good that he does that.”

“Same with fresh vegetables and fruit, too.”

Once they finished eating, they cleaned up, and loaded the dishwasher. Then Maverick took her hand, led her to the living room, and they sat on the sofa together. Parker’s nerves were going into overdrive, but she wanted this. God, she wanted it so much.

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