Page 53 of Coming Home to Maverick

“Do they not appreciate it?”

“No, they don’t, but it’s more than that. All of a sudden, I’m just not satisfied. I used to do most of the work happily, but now I’m wanting them to pitch in extra.”

She studied him. Did he wish to go after his dream? Was it finally time for Maverick to ride the circuit?

“Nash thinks I should ride the circuit.”

“I think that’s a great idea. Why don’t you?”

His eyes clouded. “I don’t know if that’s the solution. I love the ranch, and I love the circuit. But I think what’s unsettling my saddle is I’ve found something I care about more.” His gaze lifted to hers, and she sucked in her breath.

“You have?”

“I have. And nothing else matters. Bailey, when you left, my world went flat, meaningless. And then Dad passed away, and I filled my life with duty. I thought I was happy, or at least satisfied, but when I saw you again, everything came back, all the happiness, the purpose, the meaning in my life. I know what I’ve been missing all this time. And I see that, really, I don’t care one lick about any of the rest of it. All I care about is you.”

Her heart pounded. She didn’t deserve this. And she saw, once again, what she’d done to a good man, the man she loved.

He wasn’t finished. “I’d love to work the ranch with you on it. I’d be thrilled to ride the circuit if you’re in the stands watching and waiting for me when I’m done. Or better yet, riding the barrels like you used to. But what do either of those things mean to me without you?” He shrugged. “I guess lately I’ve just realized how little I care about any of it.”

She scooted closer, trying to pretend she wasn’t hundreds of feet in the air. “Listening to you talk like that makes me sad.”

“Sad? That I want to be with you?”

“No, sad that you haven’t had everything you deserve in life.” And that she’d been the cause of most of his unhappiness.

“Well, what I’m saying is ranch or circuit, your teaching at school or even a new singing career, whatever it is, I want in, Bailey. I want to be a part of your life. Forget the whole friends thing. You said you’re not going anywhere. Well, I’m not either.”

“Why’re you telling me this way up here?”

He looked around. “I don’t know. I didn’t really plan this, you know.”

She swung her legs.

“Why? What’s wrong with up here?”

“Well, you remember when we were in high school and you went through that hillbilly accent phase?”

He leaned back and laughed. “Ah. Now, I don’t rightly know what you’re on about, seeing as how I always talk just the same.”

“Well, I was just thinking, with you talking all sincere-like, we needed to be somewhere a bit cozier. Because, like you used to say—”

“Them’s make-out words.” He laughed again. “I’d forgotten, but you’re so right.” He scooted closer until their knees met. “I still think we should seal this with a kiss. How about it, Bailey. Will you be my girlfriend? Again?”

She leaned forward and rested her hands on his thighs, knowing she didn’t deserve it. But she wasn’t able to resist. “Yes, I will.”

He met her halfway and pressed his lips to hers. “Much more of that later.”

A bright light blared from the darkness, blinding them, and for a minute, Bailey thought the police had finally started enforcing the no-trespassing rule. But then a train whistle blew, and she and Maverick grinned.

“Whooop!” He waved a hand in the air.

It was considered good luck to be there while a train went underneath. They’d only managed it once before—the first time he’d asked her out.

He reached forward and took her hand. Then they grinned as the train vibrated underneath them.

When it had passed, he checked his watch. “You ready to go dancing? I’m full of energy, and I can’t even move up here.”

“You know I am! Let’s go.”

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