Page 6 of Maverick

“I would appreciate that. You’re Maverick, right?”

“Yes, ma’am. And you’re Parker?” he replied with a small grin.

“That’s me,” she confirmed, standing up and walking down the steps. “You really don’t have to help. I don’t want to impose on you.”

“I offered.” Maverick shrugged casually. “Plus, I was just about to grab a burger anyway.”

“Oh, a burger sounds amazing right now. I haven’t had anything to eat today,” Parker admitted.

Maverick shook his head in disbelief. “That’s not good.”

“I know, and I’ve been smelling that delicious food cooking all day.” She laughed, and Maverick couldn’t help but notice how pretty she was. Her sparkling blue eyes captured his attention.

“Well, if you grab me a broom, I’ll clean this up and maybe you can get us some lunch. Just tell Connie I want my usual,” he suggested, opening his wallet and handing her some money.

“I’ll get it. It’s the least I can do for you helping me,” Parker insisted.

“I’m too hungry to argue with you. Just get it and I’ll pay you back,” Maverick replied with a grin.

“I’ll go get the broom and dustpan,” Parker said as she sprinted back up the stairs, causing Maverick to have trouble keeping his eyes off her ass while she went up the stairs in those shorts. It had been too long since he’d been with a woman.

“Damn,” he muttered under his breath before turning around to lean against his truck. He noticed Parker coming back down with the cleaning supplies and a purse slung over her shoulder. He walked toward the steps to meet her.

As she extended the broom and dustpan to him, her phone began to ring, causing her to pause and retrieve it from a side pocket on her shorts. He watched as she leaned back against the building with a casual air. His eyes traced up from her pristine white sneakers, taking in the shapely curves of her calves, flat stomach, and exposed midriff. His gaze was drawn to her chest, lingering on the hint of cleavage before looking at her slender neck, then quickly darting back to her breasts. When he raised his eyes, he saw her raise an eyebrow.

She continued to talk on the phone while staring at him and her soft voice had him wondering how it would sound if she whispered in his ear that she wanted him to—but he shook those thoughts away as he focused on her face once again.

“I’ll go get lunch,” he said gruffly, feeling the need to escape her presence for a moment.

“Are you sure?” she asked, as she put her phone back into her pocket.

“Yes,” he growled, determined not to let his desire show.

“Alright then,” she replied nonchalantly, telling him what she usually ordered before picking up the broom and dustpan. Without another word, she began sweeping up shards of glass.

He made his way through the parking lot, stopping briefly to adjust his now painfully obvious arousal. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself before walking into the diner. Thankfully, his body cooperated, and he walked inside without any embarrassing incidents. Yep, way too long without a woman.

****

After meticulously sweeping up the broken glass, Parker retrieved a sturdy box from the back of her vehicle and carefully walked to the stairs. As she reached them, she caught sight of Maverick returning with a bag in one hand and a tray of drinks in the other. Her heart fluttered at the sight of him. His dark hair was covered with a white straw cowboy hat, and his piercing blue eyes sparkled in the light. She couldn’t help but let out a wistful sigh. It had been so long since she had been truly attracted to a man.

Her smile widened as he took a deep breath and strode toward her. A shiver ran down her spine as she tore her gaze away from him. She knew she was far too drawn to this man, and she barely knew him, but who wouldn’t be? He embodied the classic tall, dark, and handsome archetype that most women secretly dream of.

“I’m so hungry,” she said as she set the box down, and took the drink tray from him. “Let’s go inside and get out of this heat.”

“Sounds good. After you,” he said, inclining his head for her to go.

She hesitated but took a deep breath and ascended the steps. She knew he was behind her, in all probability, looking at her ass. Grinning, she thought, have at it. She mentally shook her head. What’s gotten into her? Sure, he was attractive, but she’d never felt such a pull with a man before. Not even Brad when they first met.

No matter how things would have turned out for her and Brad, she wanted to find love again one day.

Parker pushed open the door, feeling the cool air from inside rush out to greet her. As she stepped into the quaint apartment, she held the door open for Maverick, watching him take in his surroundings with curious eyes.

“I knew this place was up here, but I’ve never been inside before. It’s a cozy little spot,” he remarked.

“I absolutely love it. Connie is just wonderful.” Parker smiled.

Maverick grinned back at her. “I can’t argue with that.”

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