Page 54 of Coming Home to Maverick

He scooted back until he reached the end and then maneuvered to start climbing down the bolts again. She gave him some space and then followed.

As soon as they were on the ground, he pulled her close. “You’re shaking.”

“I’m not used to this stuff anymore.”

“Good. ’Cause I was scared to death up there.”

“You were?”

“Absolutely. But I’m glad we did that.” He wrapped his arms more tightly around her. “Glad we rode it with a train. And more than anything, I’m glad you said yes.” He searched her eyes. “I love you, Bailey.”

“I love you too.”

He dipped his head and pressed his lips to hers in a desperate sort of familiarity she found difficult to resist. She rose up on her tiptoes and clung to him like she would never let go. He lifted her up and held her in his arms while their mouths moved with a beautiful energy, a oneness they’d always had. He tugged on her bottom lip, drawing it into his mouth. Then he ran his tongue along hers, teasing, asking.

She responded, lifting herself in his arms, pulling herself as close as she could get, and wrapping her legs around his waist.

He held her close, raised his face to meet hers, and kissed her more.

She wanted Maverick. Forever and only Maverick. And she wished this one kiss could wipe away all the wasted years.

His energy more insistent, his kisses coming faster, he walked back toward the bridge and pressed her up against it.

Her feet dropped, but she clung to him until she didn’t think she could stand any more. And that’s when he slowed and paused, resting his forehead against hers. “Wow, Bailey. There’s a lot of years of waiting in that kiss.”

She lifted her gaze to his, full of longing. “I reckon I’m just about done waiting. How about you?”

He studied her, his gaze traveling every inch of her face. “I reckon you’re right. And I want to do this the right way.”

She nodded, expecting nothing less from him.

Then he stepped back and took her hand. “Let’s get to BJs so I can show off my pleasantly mussed and well-kissed girlfriend.”

She laughed, reaching a hand up to her hair. “Am I…”

“Gorgeous. Just how I like you.”

“Then that’s all that matters.” She stepped in beside him, and they swung their hands back and forth as they made their way to his truck.

When they pulled in front of BJs, the place shook with music. Bailey grinned. “Just like old times!”

“Just like old times.”

They hopped out of the truck and ran to the building. They flung open the door and pressed through the crowd to the middle of the dance floor.

The place looked just as it always had. Thick dark wood made up the walls and the furniture, and the tables lined the edges of the room. The place was packed. Bailey glanced around at the faces; most looked familiar, but she couldn’t place them all.

Maverick pulled her into his arms, and they danced long into the night, one song after another.

He swung her around in a circle, brought her back into his arms, and Maverick murmured in her ear, “I’ve never been happier.”

Bailey didn’t think her life could be any sweeter.

Maverick dropped her off at home with a long, lingering kiss full of promises. She was so full of courage, of hope, of desire for a happy future that she didn’t think anything could disrupt her happiness.

Until Daniel called again that night. And this time, because she was full of courage and confidence, she answered him.

Chapter 16

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