Page 37 of Maverick

“You deserve a good man, Parker.”

“I told Brad I wanted a divorce. Then that weekend, he was killed, and I felt so guilty.”

“You had no way of knowing that would happen. But if you wanted to divorce him, then you knew that something was missing in your marriage.”

Parker nodded and knew Shay was right.

The women continued to unpack boxes as they got ready to open for the day. They were sure it would be another busy day. But no matter how busy they were, Parker couldn’t stop thinking about Maverick. The thought of getting closer to him made her heart race and her palms sweat with nerves. Maybe by Saturday night she would finally gather enough courage to make a move. Only time would tell.

****

Maverick strode through the barn, his heart filled with anticipation for the weekend ahead. Tomorrow night he would finally get to see Parker again, and he couldn’t help but hope she wouldn’t leave him alone once more. He understood her reservations about having sex, but at thirty-eight years old, she acted like a shy and inexperienced teenager. It frustrated him to no end. How could her husband not have shown her how desirable and sensual she truly was? In Maverick’s arms, she would never doubt it.

He wanted her desperately, and their relationship needed to progress or there was no point in continuing it. He refused to be with a woman if it didn’t lead to something more intimate, especially if they both wanted the relationship to amount to something. Of course, relationships weren’t entirely based on physical intimacy, but it certainly didn’t hurt.

What was supposed to happen between them? Just date indefinitely? The thought made his gut clench. Her kisses were electric and aroused him in ways he had never experienced before, but he wanted more. He wanted to show her just how much he desired her.

Taking out his phone from his pocket, Maverick sent Parker a quick text message. She was always busy during the day, so this was the best way to reach her.

Hey, how’s your day going?

So busy! Came her immediate reply.

I’m sorry to bother you, but how about dinner at my place tomorrow night? I have some steaks I can grill.

That sounds good. Do I need to drive there?

No need. I’ll pick you up around six.

Okay, see you then. Do I need to bring anything?

Just yourself, darlin’.

Alright.

I’ll see you then.

Okay, bye!

As much as Maverick wanted to ask her to stay the night, he couldn’t bring himself to do it just yet. He feared rejection and wasn’t sure how he would handle it if it didn’t happen this weekend. He couldn’t keep going on like this, but he also couldn’t bear the thought of losing her.

Saturday evening, Maverick pulled into Katie’s Florist and Greenhouse, his truck rumbling to a stop on the gravel lot. He stepped out of the vehicle and took a deep breath, inhaling the sweet scent of blooming flowers that surrounded the shop.

Stepping inside, he was greeted with a warm smile from Madilyn Morgan, who stood behind the counter. Her long red hair fell in loose waves around her shoulders, framing her face like a halo.

“Hi, Maverick,” she said cheerfully.

“Hello, Madilyn. How are you?” he replied, returning her smile.

“Great. What can I get for you?” she asked.

“I want to pick up some flowers,” he stated, his eyes scanning the colorful displays around the shop.

“Well, I kind of figured that since we’re a florist,” Madilyn teased, giving him a playful grin.

“Does Brody realize he married a smartass?” Maverick chuckled, enjoying their banter.

Madilyn laughed. “Of course he does, but he loves me, so he overlooks it.”

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