Page 38 of Maverick

Willow

As I opened my eyes, I couldn't help but smile. Maverick was spooning me from behind and Orion was snuggled up at the bottom of our feet. I rubbed my eyes and quietly got up out of bed. It was still dark, which meant I had plenty of time to set my paint up for the sunrise.

I grabbed a pair of yoga pants, one of Maverick’s sweatshirts, and went out to the small porch. I gathered up my easel and paint case and headed into the field. The sun was starting to rise so I quickly set up my easel and started to paint.

Beautiful hues of red, orange and yellow filled the sky. It was absolutely mesmerizing and I lost myself in painting.

“The sky is almost as beautiful as you.”

I jumped at the voice behind and quickly turned around. Maverick was standing behind me in jeans, a black shirt, and his black boots. Orion was right by his side.

“Jesus Christ, Maverick! You scared the shit out of me!”

He laughed as he wrapped his arms around me. “Better pay attention to your surroundings then, babe.”

I smiled as I stood to kiss him. His lips tasted like rich coffee with a hint of peppermint. “Made coffee for yourself, but none for me?”

Maverick pulled out a travel canister from a bag on the ground and then pulled out a coffee mug. “I would never, baby!”

I laughed as he poured me a cup. He sat down on the ground as I turned to my canvas. “When I paint, I tend to lose myself in what I’m creating. I know it’s a bad habit, but I just can’t help it. It’s like an escape for me. Like when you ride your motorcycle on those winding roads.”

“I know exactly what you mean. Thankfully, there’s plenty of security around here. You may not see it, but it’s there. Plus when Striker moved into the big house with Lilah, he went a little crazy to protect her and the boys.”

I laughed as the brush glided across the canvas. “I can’t say I blame him. She’s worth protecting. She and your mama are so sweet.”

“You’re worth protecting, Willow.”

Maverick got up and turned me around to face him. He bent down and slowly placed his lips on mine. He held my face in his hands and kissed me like I was his entire world. Time stopped and everything felt like it was blurred together, like the colors of the sunrise and the paint on my canvas.

As we pulled apart, I couldn’t help but smile. Maverick looked down at me, “Whatcha grinning about, pretty lady?”

“Just really happy right now, Mav.”

“Good. I am too. Now let’s go. I’ve got plans for us today. Striker put me on probation for some shit.”

“Everything okay?”

Maverick shrugged. “Club business, baby.”

I rolled my eyes and turned back to my canvas.

Maverick gently played with my hair before clearing his throat.

“Listen, Willow. We need to talk.”

I turned around and gave him all my attention. Something in his voice shook me to my core.

“The only reason I’m telling you this is because it involves you. I’m not gonna give you details-”

“Because club business, I know.”

Maverick gave me a sad smile. “Yeah, club business. But anyway, I claimed you as my Old Lady in church. Everybody knows it now.”

I stood there in shock. I wasn’t sure what to think. On one hand, I was pissed. He didn’t even ask me if I was okay with it. On the other hand, I was happy because that meant he was serious about me.

“Say something, baby.”

I snapped out of my thoughts and looked up at him.

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