Page 50 of Maverick

“I don’t know... it’s so hot out.” Parker sighed.

“We could go back to my place and swim,” Maverick suggested.

“I’d love that. After we finish eating, I’ll go grab my swimsuit from my apartment.”

Maverick smirked. “You don’t need a suit.”

Parker playfully rolled her eyes. “Maybe you don’t, but I do.”

“No skinny dipping?” Maverick teased.

“I’ve never done that,” she admitted.

“Well then it’s about time you did.” He grinned.

Parker shook her head with a laugh. “I’m too shy for that.”

“Alright then, we’ll get your suit. But that doesn’t mean I won’t try to convince you to take it off.” Maverick winked.

She laughed and shook her head. “Let me guess, you won’t be wearing one.”

Maverick shrugged nonchalantly. “I never do. No one ever comes around my place.”

As their meals arrived and they continued to chat and laugh, Maverick couldn’t help but feel a deep longing to be with her. He knew he was falling hard for her but had no idea if she felt the same way. All he knew was that she didn’t just hop into bed with anyone.

After they finished eating, they headed back to Parker’s apartment so she could grab her swimsuit before heading to Maverick’s house.

“You’re still staying with me on Tuesday night, right?” Maverick asked as they made their way to his truck.

“Yes,” Parker replied with a smile.

He nodded, then focused on the drive. The sweltering heat was almost unbearable, and he couldn’t wait for fall to arrive. Working in the barn during the cooler months was much more comfortable. Even though he still sweated while working, it wasn’t as suffocating as the summer heat.

As they reached his cabin, he pulled to a stop and opened the door, stepping out into the sweltering heat. As he walked around to open her door, he saw that she had already stepped out of the truck. Taking her hand, he led her inside the house where they both let out a sigh of relief at the cooler temperature.

“Even just walking from the truck to the house has me sweating,” Parker said.

“Are you ready for a swim?”

“Yes.” Parker looked around. “Where’s Blue?”

“I’m not sure. Let me check the backyard.” He walked to the laundry room door and searched outside but didn’t see the dog. Stepping onto the porch, he called for her and smiled when she emerged from under the hedges. After shaking off some dirt, she ran toward him excitedly. He kneeled to pet her before opening the door for her to run inside. Maverick chuckled when he heard her barking at Parker.

In the kitchen, Parker was sitting on the floor with Blue in her lap.

“You’re going to spoil her.”

“So?” Parker shrugged playfully. “Where was she? Isn’t it too hot for her outside?”

“Her fur insulates her. Aussies have a double coat for optimal insulation year-round. She was under the hedges, digging a hole and lying in the cool dirt. Her pet door is open, so she knows she can come inside if she needs to. Let’s go. Come on, Blue, we’re going to go swimming,” he said as he helped Parker up from the floor and couldn’t resist kissing her lips.

“Did she stay here alone while you were gone?”

“She was here, but Warren made sure to feed and water her. I take her with me on the other cattle drives.” He grinned. “Go change into your suit… if you must.”

Parker smiled. “Okay. Where can I change?”

“Either the bathroom in my bedroom or the one in the hallway.”

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