Page 56 of Maverick

Nova:How are you holding up? You better be back soon. Don’t you have work on Monday?

I almost laughed at the reminder. Work. The normal world.

I typed:

Me:Yep, I might have to call in. But at least I’m alive, right?

Nova’s reply came with the speed of a best friend who always had the perfect comeback:

Nova:Haha, yeah. Could be worse… you could be dead.

Nova:How’s that tat, by the way?

I reflexively touched the tender area on my lower stomach. It still stung, but not as intensely.It’s more the emotional impact that throbs.

I wrote back:

Me:Still hurts, but I’m dealing. Kinda worried about… something else hurting soon.

Nova’s next text was immediate:

Nova:Where are you going?!

I rolled my eyes. Of course, she’d interpret it that way. I’d already told her he said he wanted some privacy.

I typed a quick, mischievous response:

Me:Nowhere special. Just some alone time with… him.

Me:I’ll give you details after the deed is done, promise.

She shot back a barrage of laughing emojis:

Nova:You better. Good luck, Smutty. I’m sure you’ll do just fine in bed, you big nerd.

I smiled, shutting off the phone as footsteps approached outside.

The door creaked open, and Maverick stepped back in, carrying two coffee cups and a paper bag. The rich aroma of fresh brew made my stomach growl.

“Hope you like greasy bacon or sausage.” He handed me a coffee. “They were out of eggs, so I got whatever was left. Just in time, I guess, the prospect in the kitchen was about to toss the last batch to the dogs.”

I laughed, taking the bag and peeking inside. A couple of breakfast sandwiches, one bacon, one sausage. I raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Better than starving. Thanks.”

We settled on the bed, cross-legged, devouring the sandwiches and sipping coffee.Damn, it tasted good.The coffee was cheap and bitter, but after days of stress, it felt like a luxury to share a simple meal with Maverick. My stomach fluttered at how domestic it all seemed.

“So,” he said around a mouthful of bacon, “any ideas where you wanna go for our little getaway? Gotta be somewhere not too far from Lebanon, but nicer than a roadside motel. Possibly one with actual water pressure.”

I pulled out my phone, opening a search. “Let’s see… I’m sure there’s a decent hotel within an hour or so. Hang on.” As I scrolled, Maverick watched with mild interest. “Okay, there’s some bed-and-breakfast type places, some chain hotels with decent reviews… or…oh, there’s this fancy resort-spa type place about thirty miles from here. Might be pricey, but they have big tubs, a sauna, the works.”

Maverick shrugged, swallowing the last of his sandwich. “I don’t mind pricey if it means you’ll finally relax. The MC can foot the bill.”

I eyed him skeptically. “A spa resort? Kinda out of your comfort zone, isn’t it?”

He leaned over, pressing a short, possessive kiss to my temple. “Princess, I’d sit in a fluffy pink robe and let them paint my nails if it meant I get you in a hot tub afterwards.”

Heat rushed to my cheeks. “So we’re going all out?”

He grinned. “Damn straight. Let’s do it.”

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