Page 69 of Coming Home to Maverick

“You could have made it in Nashville.”

She shook her head. “I’m done talking about this.”

“It was my fault.”

She opened her eyes. For years, it had always beenherfault. “What do you mean?”

“I didn’t know the first thing about being an agent. I didn’t know any of the big players. It was all a lie. I tried to make my career with a new talent, with you. But I didn’t know what I was doing. I burned bridges, and you suffered because of it.”

Did she believe him?

“It’s true. I see you believing all the lies I’ve thrown at you all these years. But you weren’t the problem. I blamed you, but it was me.”

“I don’t see how it matters now, but thank you for telling me.”

“You could still make it big. Opening for Honky Tonk is a big deal…”

“Stop.” Bailey waved her hand at him. “Just stop.”

He held up his hands. “Okay. But if you change your mind, I’m in a better place now, I could try to represent you.”

She shook her head, anger rising. “You did not just say that.”

“I did, but you obviously aren’t in the mood to hear—”

“No, I’m not. I’m gonna say this one more time. Get out of my life.”

“Whoa. Maybe you just need your coffee…”

“Well, isn’t this cozy?” Maverick stepped into their conversation. “Sleep well?” His eyes were unreadable.

“Not really.” Bailey leaned back in her chair again, wishing to sink into the earth.

Daniel stood. “I was just leaving.”

“I think that’s a good idea,” Bailey and Maverick both said together.

She eyed him, choosing not to be amused. Maverick looked guarded, suspicious, resigned. Three things she never wanted him to be when it came to their relationship.

As soon as Daniel made his way out of their campground, Bailey stood. “You ready?”

“Yeah, you?” His gaze traveled from her flip-flops to what must be a messy knot in her hair.

“Not quite. Wanna come in?” She opened her trailer door, and he followed her inside. “Gracie is—”

“Good morning, Uncle Maverick.”

His face softened, and his mouth lifted in his signature grin. “Well now, how’s my favorite girl?”

She wrapped a trailing quilt tighter around herself. “Great! I’m really excited about the fair. And as soon as Mommy’s done practicing, I’m gonna go see Nash, my pig, and then we’re gonna go pet every horse.”

Maverick chuckled. “The fair’s the best, isn’t it?”

She puckered her lips and then shook her head. “Nope. Willow Creek’s the best. My grandmas’ houses, my ponies, even Nash is there too.” She shrugged. “But I love the fair.”

Bailey’s eyes welled with tears. She avoided looking at Maverick, grabbed her toothbrush, and slipped inside the tiny bathroom.

“Me too. Let’s talk about your pig.”

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