Page 50 of Shot to the Hart

I don’t know if he’s worried that I’m still hurt or about me meeting his Dad, or if it even has anything to do with me, but I’d love to help get rid of that expression. “Oh, of course. It’s been a long week. I probably won’t be too far behind you.”

He pushes up from his chair and starts to head inside, but since I’m a glutton for punishment I call after him, “Hey, Mav, one question?” He turns and smiles at me, the genuine one that I can’t get enough of.

“One answer, Darlin’.”

“The other night, did you actually want to stop?” I almost whisper at him, nervous about what he’s going to say.

He grimaces. Not a good sign. “No, I didn’t want to stop.” Turning on his heels, he rushes inside, leaving me alone with the knowledge that he actually does want me. And God, do I want him too. This tension is going to burst at some point and it’s either going to go really well, or it’s going to end really badly.

Sitting at the local park, I’m watching Stu push Bella in the swings. She is giggling like a maniac, and Stu has a huge smile on his face watching his granddaughter, his smile lines more prominent because of his age I pull my phone out and snag a quick video, sending it over to Maverick.

Mav

Thanks for hanging out with them. He really needed that today, I think.

Me

Of course, Mav. *smiley face emoji*

Stu and Bella join me shortly after so Bella can have a snack before we head back to the house for her nap.

“So, Kodi, how’s it been working with Maverick? He’s so protective of Bella,” Stu asks, breaking the silence.

“Honestly, he’s been so kind and easy to work with. You raised a really good man.” I can feel my cheeks blushing at the thoughts of the small moments Mav and I have shared that really showed me what a good man he is.

“Yep, I would mostly attribute that to his Ma. Bella seems to be doing really well with you.” A fond smile spreading across his face, his eyes are distant like he’s thinking about his wife. Thinking back to the night he told me about his Ma causes my heart to squeeze for both Maverick and his Father.

“I’m sorry about your loss, Stu. She seemed really wonderful.” I smile fondly at the little girl currently stuffing quartered grapes into her mouth like a squirrel gathering nuts for hibernation. “Bella, slow down baby. They aren’t going anywhere.” This causes Stu to chuckle.

“She was really wonderful, I miss her. Mav doesn’t often talk to others about her. He must really trust you to share those memories.” I knew Mav didn’t talk about his Mom passing often, but to hear Stu confirm what I know already causes my eyes to well a little bit. I think Stu notices but gives me a moment to collect myself instead of saying anything more.

We hang out for a while more, holding light conversation. Stu is so easy to talk to, it makes my heart hurt a little, wishing Ihad grown up with a Father like Stu. Hope blossoms that maybe I will have the opportunity to build a relationship like that with him one day.

When Stu has said goodbye to Bella, I get her home and down for her nap.

I called the girls and we decided to do a wine and charcuterie night at Harley and Sin’s place. I’m packing up an overnight bag when Maverick taps softly at my bedroom door.

“Come in,” I say loudly enough that he can hear me, but Bella won’t wake up from her nap. My door opens and Mav steps inside, standing by the door instead of stepping fully in.

Without even considering the consequences of my intrusive thoughts spilling out of me, I ramble, “I was just thinking how you look like a teenager trying not to get caught kissing his girlfriend in his bedroom. You can actually come into my room, Maverick. I didn’t invite you in for you to stand over by the door.” His cheeks turn rosy, he’s embarrassed, and I kind of love it. “Come sit. What's up?”

He sits on the opposite corner of my bed, face cast downward, clears his throat, and says, “My Dad’s going to take Bella this weekend so that I can go out too. I was thinking we could still ride together unless you were going to get ready with the girls or something.”

I smile, knowing Stu will love this. “We haven’t talked about it but I think it makes sense for us to ride together. We actually had some really great conversation about you and my time with Bella.”

Mavericks head shoots up. “You guys talked about me?”

Oh, he’s nervous. He thinks his Dad told me some embarrassing story about young Maverick. A devious grin spreads across my face. “Of course we did. He even mentioned a few stories about?—”

Before I can finish my statement, Maverick mutters, “I don’t want to know. Please don’t finish that thought.” The cackle that escapes me has me holding my stomach and falling over onto my bed.

“You little brat! He didn’t tell you anything, did he?” he practically shouts.

Still trying to catch my breath, “No, Big Guy. He didn’t, but I hope he does because with that reaction there are clearly some good stories about you available.”

For a second, it’s so quiet I think maybe he left the room. As I peek my eyes open, I notice Maverick is now sitting directly beside me and he’s so close that I’m having flashbacks to the other night. I need to avoid this, so I jump up into a standing position. I don’t know what's taken over him, maybe that tension is finally going to snap, but he looks determined.

Maverick stands just as fast, backing me into the wall next to my bed as his hand gently comes up to my throat, goosebumps erupting on my skin. He’s gotten as close as he can without our lips touching. I want our lips to touch so badly, but I know he won’t let that happen again. He’s looking right into my eyes, like he is going to say something but shakes it off.

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