Page 17 of Maverick

“I am.” He opened the door and nodded for her to go out.

Parker smiled at him, stepped onto the stoop, then locked the door. He took her hand in his and led her down the steps. She was so impressed with his manners. Cowboys. He walked her around to the passenger side, opened the door, and held her hand while she stepped onto the running board, then slid onto the leather seat.

Maverick grinned at her, closed the door, and strode around the front, then climbed in behind the wheel. He started the truck and drove out of the alley.

“Did you have a good day?” she asked him.

“I didn’t do anything, so yes, I had a good day.” He chuckled.

“Those are usually the best days. We were busy today.”

“It’s that time of year.”

“Yes, I never realized how busy the town gets during the summer.”

“Spring City too. The Bur Oak Guest Ranch is there, and a lot of their guests come to Clifton to shop.” He pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant.

After he parked, they stepped from the truck, and Maverick held her hand as they entered the restaurant. The hostess asked if they had a reservation and after telling her they did, she led them to a table, handed them menus, and went to get their drinks.

“I’m glad you were able to get a reservation,” Parker said after sliding into the booth and glancing around.

“I wasn’t. I had to call Grant.”

“Grant?”

“Hunter. He owns the place.”

Parker chuckled. “He has the same name as the country singer.”

Maverick smirked. “He is the country singer.”

“Oh, yeah sure. The superstar country singer owns the Hartland Restaurant.”

“Didn’t Shay ever mention it?”

“No. Wait. Are you serious? Grant Hunter, the singer, owns the restaurant?”

“Yep. He was born and raised in Clifton. He’s a good man.”

“He’s a gorgeous man, is what he is.”

“Hey,” Maverick said with a laugh.

“You know what I mean. You’re gorgeous too, but he’s… Grant Hunter.” She shrugged.

Maverick laughed. “Well, if he happens to be here, I’ll introduce you.”

“Oh, please don’t. I’ll just gush all over him. I have all his songs on my phone.”

“He’d love to hear that.”

“He got married, didn’t he?”

“Yes. Jessa is a wonderful woman.”

“I was so sad when I heard he had gotten married.”

Maverick laughed. “Why? Did you think you had a shot?”

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