Page 68 of Maverick

Della challenged her with a question, “Or what?”

Parker stood up and walked around the counter, coming face to face with the woman.

“Or I will stir up my own shit. I’m not one for violence, but you’re testing my patience. Leave now,” she gritted out through clenched teeth.

Della took a deep breath and exited the door. Parker let out a sigh.

“I hate confrontations,” she muttered.

Shay burst into laughter. “That was entertaining.”

Parker let out a sputtering laugh. “You’re crazy,” she exclaimed.

Shay joined in on the laughter. “I guess she thought you’d back down.”

“God, wait until I tell Maverick about this.” Parker chuckled, imagining his reaction.

“I’m sure he’ll think it’s funny. Unless it pisses him off.”

Parker hadn’t even considered that possibility. “Because I said what I did?”

“No, no,” Shay shook her head. “Because she came in here trying to start shit with you. But Maverick wouldn’t be pissed at you for standing up for yourself.”

“I’ll tell him later. I don’t want to ruin his day,” Parker decided, refocusing on her work and pushing thoughts of Della out of her mind.

As the day went on, Parker could feel her anger simmering beneath the surface, but she refused to let it ruin her mood. She focused on fulfilling online orders and taking deep breaths to calm herself.

When their day was over, Parker and Shay walked out of the store together. The cold air hit them like a slap in the face, causing them both to pull their coats tighter around themselves.

After unlocking her car and getting inside, Parker drove the short distance to her apartment. Even though it was only a few blocks away, the snow and ice made it too treacherous to walk.

Once inside her apartment, Parker removed her coat and hat and was immediately greeted by Pumpkin. She smiled and picked up the purring feline. “Hi, sweet girl. You’re so lucky you don’t have to go out in this weather. Let’s get you some food.” With Pumpkin in tow, Parker headed to the kitchen to feed the cat before settling in for a cozy night indoors.

Parker took a hot bath and enjoyed her dinner before settling on the sofa to watch a movie as snow gently fell outside the window. Pumpkin was curled up on her lap, purring contentedly. As she relaxed, her phone buzzed on the coffee table, and she grinned when she saw Maverick’s number.

“Hi,” she answered.

“Hey, sweetheart. Are you keeping warm?” Maverick’s voice came through the line.

“I am now.”

“You didn’t walk to work, did you?”

“No, I knew it would be too cold for that.”

“Good. I know it’s not far, but that wind can be brutal.”

“I know. It was freezing just walking up the steps. I need to get some salt for them. They were slippery.”

“Yeah, definitely take care of that. I don’t want you falling.”

Parker chuckled. “I don’t want me falling either.”

Maverick laughed in response. “So, how was your day?”

Parker smiled and shared with him about Della’s unexpected visit to the shop.

“What the fuck?” Maverick’s tone turned angry at the mention of his ex-girlfriend.

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