Page 34 of Maverick

“I don’t mind. I love this dog. How old is she?”

“Three. I’ve had her since she was seven weeks old.”

“Where did you get her? I’ve always been a fan of Australian Shepherds. I’d love to have one. We didn’t have dogs because Brad was allergic, but I always wanted one.”

“Gabe Stone used to breed them and sell them. A lot of ranchers and farmers use Aussies for herding. He said that was the last litter.”

“I’ve met Gabe before. He’s quite handsome with that mustache, and Emma is such a sweet woman.”

“I agree about Emma, not so much about Gabe.” Maverick grinned.

Parker laughed. “You’re not a fan of his mustache?”

“He’s not my type.” He shrugged. “Besides, he’s married.”

“Good thing. Otherwise, why am I here?” Parker teased.

Maverick chuckled. “I can grow a mustache if that’s what you like.”

Parker eyed him, tilting her head from side to side before shaking it with a smile.

“I have a feeling it would look more like a pornstache on you. I’d hear bow chicka wow wow anytime I looked at you.”

Maverick laughed. “Yeah, that’s probably not a good look for me.” Maverick wrapped his arms around Parker’s waist and gazed into her eyes.

“I’d rather have nothing covering this handsome face,” she said as she cupped his lightly whiskered cheek in her hand.

“Whatever you want, sweetheart. Let’s go inside then and escape this heat.” Maverick took her hand and led her out of the barn.

“Where’s your horse?” Parker asked curiously.

“At the main ranch. Why?”

“I just wanted to see what he looked like.”

“I can take you there if you want.”

“I’d love that,” Parker replied eagerly.

“Anything for you, darlin’.” Maverick grinned. “Let’s go.”

They got into his truck and Blue hopped into the back seat with a bark of excitement.

“She knows where we’re going. She loves Cisco.” Maverick drove them to the main part of the ranch and parked beside the horse barn. After getting out, he led Parker to his horse’s stall, Blue trotting ahead of them. She stopped in front of the gate.

“She knew exactly where to go,” Parker whispered in amazement.

“Yeah, she loves coming here. This is Cisco,” Maverick said, gesturing toward the horse.

“Oh, my goodness! He’s stunning. What breed is he?”

“He’s an American Quarter horse, standing at seventeen hands. A big boy.”

“May I pet him?”

“If you’d like.”

Parker eagerly approached the gate, her feet dragging slightly in the dirt as she couldn’t seem to take her eyes off Cisco. She rested her hands on the metal bars and gazed admiringly at the large horse before her.

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