Page 39 of Maverick

Maverick nodded, a mischievous look in his eye. “Among other things.”

As they pulled up to his house, Maverick turned to Parker with a grin. “I hope you’re hungry.”

“I’m starving. I skipped lunch again,” Parker confessed.

“That’s not good,” Maverick scolded playfully. “You need to eat and keep up your strength.”

“I know, but when the shop gets busy...” Parker trailed off.

“Well, let’s get those steaks started then,” Maverick said firmly.

Parker nodded and followed Maverick inside, where Blue eagerly greeted her at the door. Maverick took her hand before quickly kissing her lips.

“I’ll start the steaks now,” he murmured against her lips.

“Yes,” Parker whispered, unable to tear her gaze away from his intense eyes.

Clearing his throat awkwardly, Maverick stepped back and walked to the fridge. “Why don’t you have a seat? How do you like your steak?”

“Medium rare,” Parker replied with a grin.

Maverick’s smile widened. “A woman after my own heart.”

Parker wandered over to the window above the sink and gazed out at the glittering pool. “Is there another way to access the pool besides through your bedroom?” she asked.

“Yeah, there’s a door in the laundry room. That’s where I’ll go out to start the grill,” Maverick replied.

“Do you mind if I go out there too?” Parker asked eagerly.

“Of course not. In fact, let’s go now,” Maverick said, leading her out to the backyard.

The sun shone brightly off the water, making Parker squint. She turned to face the house when Blue barked from inside.

“I thought she had a pet door?” Parker asked.

“She does, but it’s on another door in the laundry room,” Maverick explained. “I put up a fence around part of the yard for her safety. She loves to swim but can only do so when I’m home.”

“That’s a smart idea,” Parker remarked.

“Yeah, I don’t want her falling into the pool when I’m not here. She always swims back to the steps, but I still worry about her.”

Parker nodded in understanding. “I wish I had brought my swimsuit.”

“Who needs a swimsuit, darlin’?” Maverick said with a wink.

She laughed then she realized her forgetfulness. “Oh! I completely forgot your gift.” Without hesitation, she rushed back inside, scooped up the bag from the counter, and hurried back outside. She paused in the doorway, watching him intently as he skillfully lit the charcoal for their steaks. He must have felt her gaze upon him because he turned and met her eyes with a smile, causing her heart to flutter wildly in her chest. A rush of emotion washed over her. Was she falling for this man? She hardly knew him, but he consumed her thoughts and held a special place in her heart.

Gathering her courage, she took a deep breath and approached him with a warm smile, holding out the bag in offering.

“I hope you like it. When I saw it, I immediately thought of you.”

His grin widened at her words. “That sounds promising.” He reached for the bag and pulled out the contents wrapped in delicate blue tissue paper. As his fingers carefully unwrapped it, she couldn’t help but feel a twinge of nervousness; what if he didn’t like it?

But all worries vanished when he finally revealed the gift and his face lit up with pure joy. Smiling brightly, she asked, “Do you like it?”

He looked at her and nodded. “I love it. It’s perfect. Thank you.”

She couldn’t help but ask again, wanting to make sure. “Are you sure?”

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