Page 66 of Best Part of Me

I’m sure the mention of it would send Maverick into a full-blown panic attack. He’s not against crowds or parties. It’s the one on one that gets him anxious. It’s the commitment.

“Me?” he questions.

My skin heats. “And my career,” I blurt quickly.

“What about your career?”

We smile at another couple as we pass them on the trail. “I don’t know if I should get too comfortable at the store.”

“Why’s that? I thought Jack was training you to take it over so he can retire?”

I snort. “He’s reluctantly training me. We both know he’d rather it be Jones who took over the business. That’s been the plan all along.”

“Yeah, well, I think based on your decisions the past few days, you’ve shown that plans can change. A lot of times for the better.”

“I’m not so sure Jones or my dad will see it that way.” I take a wide step over a thick root from an evergreen.

“What do you want?”

It’s a loaded question. Maverick continues to ask these questions that hit deep, and I’m not sure I’m prepared to answer. Or to say out loud.

“Ever since I was a little girl, Martin’s Hardware has felt like home. I love it there. I have so many ideas. Ways we can update and grow. I just want my dad to trust me and give me his blessing. And not take it back if Jones suddenly decides he’s done playing bartender.”

“We both know Jones doesn’t want the responsibility of the store. It doesn’t really seem like his calling, but instead, it’s been like a burden, something holding him back from his own hopes and dreams.”

Turning to look at him, I find his stubbled jaw set as he’s in deep thought. “You think so?”

“You should see your reflection when you talk about the store, or maybe I should photograph you next time. Your entire face lights up, and your smile is unlike any of your other ones.”

My body heats. And not just from the strenuous exercise. My face feels flushed, and I can’t help but let a small smile slip now.

“You know my smiles?”

We hold eye contact and fire licks my skin feeling as if it reaches my bones.

“Sunshine, the way I can differentiate each of your smiles is a skill I feel lucky to have acquired.”

“You can’t knowallmy smiles.” I reach up to my hairline at the back of my neck and wipe at the sweat there.

“A few days ago, that’d be true. There was one last smile I was missing. But then I got to witness it.”

I swallow. I don’t need to ask which smile he’s referring to. Pretty sure I can figure that out on my own.

“And that last smile might be my favorite of all your other smiles.”

Part of me wishes the ground below my feet would swallow me up. After all Maverick and I have experienced the last few days, I shouldn’t be embarrassed anymore. But for some reason, being out here, passing strangers, and talking about my orgasms, it feels too intimate.

* * *

Back at our campsite,it’s late afternoon and still warm enough to only wear my sports bra and yoga pants. After the hike, I’m probably in need of a shower, but instead, Maverick sets up his hammock and convinces me to climb inside with him.

I maneuver next to him, both of us careful not to rock it too much so we don’t flip it and cause us both to tumble out. He winces when I jab his side with my elbow and yowls when I knee him in the crotch.

I can’t help but snort a laugh but then am quick to say, “Sorry.” Finally settling next to him, my shoulder presses next to his.

“It’s okay, could’ve been worse.”

“You should’ve let me take a shower first. I got sweaty and dirty today. And you probably did too.”

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