Page 21 of The Maverick of the Mountain
“Maverick…”
It comes out like a plea. Begging him. But he removes his hand from my arm, which is the complete opposite of what I want.
“Probably about time to hit the hay.” His voice is raspy. Deep and gruff. I feel it all over my body.
“Yeah,” I mutter, although I don’t mean it.
Even though I’m worn out, I wouldn’t mind staying up a little longer with Maverick. The storm’s still going, and I wonder if there’s something else we could do that would take my mind off of it…
But, like last time, I’m too late.
Maverick stands up and heads for the kitchen, grabbing himself a glass of water. My arm is still tingling from his touch, and other parts are aching. Needing more.Wantingmore. It’s so strange how attached I’m becoming, and so soon. It’s not good.Not at all. I’m only here for a few days, and then I go back to life as usual. And that thought feels like a punch to the gut.
Maverick sighs, setting down his glass and then turning to me. “I’ll get some fresh sheets on the bed.”
“No,” I blurt before I have the chance to think. I’m not sure where that came from, and the look on Maverick’s face shares the same sentiment. “I-It’s just you’ve already done so much for me. It’s late, and there’s no need to go through the trouble.”
His expression turns neutral, but there’s that fire in his eyes I saw earlier. But his voice is level this time. “Okay. I’ll set them out just in case.”
But he doesn’t move, and neither do I. My stomach is churning. My chest is fluttering. And I want nothing more than to tear at the buttons on his flannel shirt and see what’s beneath.
He grunts and then fills up a second glass. “The bed’s nothing fancy, but it’s comfortable.”
I swallow, watching Maverick as he moves through the cabin, each footfall shaking my chair. “Coming from my sofa bed, this will be heavenly.”
Maverick grunts again, disappearing into the bedroom. I guess I should follow him.
He’s rummaging through his closet when I enter, and I can’t help but watch those big muscles on his back work. They’re so big that I can see them through his shirt. And I can’t help but wonder how they’d feel beneath my fingertips. How the rest of him would feel. Firm chest. Tufts of fluffy hair all over his body. Theweightof his body on mine.
Whew. Good thing he brought me that glass of water.
“I’m up early,” he says, turning around to me, clothes in hand. “And I don’t want to wake you, rummaging through the closet.”
“You don’t have to change what you do for me.”
“It’s not a problem.” His eyes dip briefly to my bare shoulder and the swath of skin across my chest. My nipples tighten as my breath hitches. I like his attention. That’s why I skipped the shirt he gave me, hoping it might attract it a little more. But he’s been on his best behavior, which is annoying but not unexpected. Maverick’s a different breed of man than I’m used to.
“I’ll be out there if you need anything.”
I shouldn’t be as disappointed as I am. Of course, he’s sleeping on the couch. Of course, he’s not going to share the bed with me. Of course, of course, of… course.
“Thanks,” I say, stepping into the room. “You’ve done so much for me. I’ll take the couch tomorrow.”
His eyes light up. “You’ll stay here tomorrow?”
“If you don’t mind. I’m sure they canceled my reservation at the Inn since I never checked in.”
He takes a few steps forward.Thump. Thump.“I don’t mind at all. I…”
For a brief moment, I think he’s going to touch me, but he doesn’t.
“I’ll get your car situated. Make sure you can get to your wedding on time.”
Oh. Right. The whole reason I’m here. It feels like I’ve lost track of everything since I’ve been with Maverick.
“I’m definitely in your debt,” I say, and without thought, I reach for Maverick, resting my hand on his torso. “I’ll pay you back, I swear.”
I tug my bottom lip with my teeth as I stare at his lips. Every breath I take is filled with his rugged scent, a mixture of pine, man, and spices from his slow-cooked stew. My fingers slide up slowly, the hard ridges of his torso beneath them.
