Page 60 of Maverick

“Looks like you’ve got it bad. Why don’t you take tomorrow off? It’s not busy at the shop,” Shay suggested.

“I don’t want to make things difficult for you. What if we get a lot of customers?”

“Parker, you always have Wednesdays off and I manage just fine. Nothing will change if you take one more night to be with Maverick. I understand how much you want to see him. I’ve been there when I was dating Wes. I couldn’t spend enough time with him and whenever we were apart, it drove me crazy.”

“Maybe I’ll call him and ask if he’s free tonight.”

“Or, better yet, surprise him,” Shay grinned mischievously.

“I don’t know... I don’t really like surprises.”

Shay let out a laugh. “I understand what you mean, but we’re women. It’s different for men. They don’t mind if someone drops in unannounced, but for us, it’s important to look our best. Does that make sense?”

Parker nodded in agreement. “Yes, I think I’ll do that. I’ll have to go home and pack an overnight bag.”

“You can leave a little early from work. I can handle things here.”

“Are you sure?” Shay nodded. “Okay, I’ll leave around five then.”

The day seemed to drag on since Parker had decided to leave early. Finally, the clock struck five and after telling Shay she’d see her Thursday, Parker headed home.

She climbed the stairs to her apartment, unlocked the door, and stepped inside. A smile spread across her face as Pumpkin came running toward her. She picked her up and the kitten immediately began purring. Parker hated leaving her alone at home, but there was no litter box for her at Maverick’s place. If their relationship was going to continue, she would need to ask him if she could bring one over. But then again, maybe he didn’t want the cat there with Blue around. It was something they needed to discuss... once he finally told her he loved her.

As she drove over to Maverick’s place, she hoped he wouldn’t be upset that she just showed up unannounced. Maybe she should have called or sent a text first, but she was already so close by. With a heavy sigh, she pulled onto the road that led to his house, a separate driveway from the main ranch.

Stopping her vehicle by the front porch, Parker looked around but didn’t see Maverick’s truck anywhere. He could still be working or maybe he had gone out somewhere.

“Oh great,” she scolded herself, “you should have called him first.” But it was too late now. Parker got out of her car, crossed the porch, and knocked on the door. All she could hear was Blue barking inside.

Taking a deep breath, she tried the handle and found that it was unlocked. She stepped inside.

“Hey there, Blue. Where’s your owner?” She closed the door behind her. “Maverick?”

Parker searched through the cabin, but it was empty. Pulling out her phone from her pocket, she sent him a text.

Where are you?

At the barn, working. You?

I’m at your house.

What are you doing there?

I wanted to surprise you. Shay let me take tomorrow off.

Well, damn. I’ll be finished in about an hour.

I’ll be waiting.

Can’t wait, baby.

She set down her phone on the kitchen counter with a smile on her face.

****

A grin spread across Maverick’s face as he slid his phone back into his pocket. He couldn’t wait to get home and see her waiting for him, the thought alone made him happy.

“What’s got you grinning like that?” Grady asked, sneaking up on him as usual.

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