Page 57 of May 11

She pushed out of the back room. "We can't leave until Maverick gets..."

Seeing Maverick locked into an embrace with Brooke and Skye hopping beside them, waiting for her hug, Cora smiled. Everyone was back safe. They could all go home.

She hugged Wire's side, staying close as they walked toward the clubhouse. There were questions she wanted to ask, but she bit her lip until they could have privacy in the van or reach his house.

He squeezed her against his side, kissing the top of her head. "It's sure good to see you, babe. It's been a long fucking day."

"You're all I've thought about." She stretched up, getting a kiss without missing a step.

"Like to hear that."

He helped her prepare the van for travel and then followed her as she drove to his house. The A/C blew against her face, cooling her off. She was excited. Having the freedom to go to Wire's house had to mean their meeting today was a success.

She pulled into his driveway.

Wire parked beside her, closest to the front door. She put the van in Park, stepped back, gathered her small bag in which she kept her toothbrush, makeup, and hair supplies, and then opened the side door.

She smiled at Wire, standing there waiting for her. He put his arms around her waist and lifted her out of the van. She kissed his waiting lips.

Her nose bumped into his as he carried her toward the house. She laughed against his mouth.

"I can walk." She nibbled his bottom lip.

"I can carry you."

That thrilled her. As someone who always shied away from sitting or lying to others and not letting anyone attempt to lift her, she felt perfect whenever Wire handled her without hesitation or difficulty.

But then again, maybe she always dated the wrong kind of boys.

Maybe she needed someone older, bigger, stronger, and more determined.

Wire made her feel beautiful and feminine.

He set her down at the door. She leaned against him as he unlocked the house.

"Babe?"

She stepped inside. "Yeah?"

"I'm fucking starving."

"Me, too." She dropped her bag. "Can I cook us dinner?"

She missed cooking in a real kitchen. The van was small and lacked an oven for her to use any culinary talents that she had.

"Nah. No need." He took out his phone. "I'll order something and have the prospect bring it over. What do you feel like?"

"Anything. I'm not picky." She kicked off her shoes and footies.

He put the cell to his ear. "Yeah, I need to place an order to go. Two seal burgers. Two large deep-fried mushrooms and a basket of fries." He paused. "A guy named Chip will pick it up and pay for it."

He disconnected the call and then texted. She sat on the couch.

"Seal burger?" She wrinkled her nose. "I'm not picky, but that sounds disgusting."

"It's a hamburger with Canadian bacon and barbecue sauce on it. You'll find that businesses in Seaglass Cove change the name of things to fit in better with the tourists." He flopped down on the couch, leaned over, and placed his head on her lap.

She combed his hair off his forehead with her fingers. His eyes closed.

---