“Welcome back, my friend.” Maverick toasted Jagger before tossing back a mouthful of whiskey. “How are you doing? Don’t bullshitme.”
“I’m good.” Jagger sipped his water. “Things havestabilized.”
“I’m glad to hear that. You got mykeys?”
After pulling the ring from his pocket, Jagger set it on the table. “Your cabin was perfect. I owe youone.”
“Nah, it was the least I could do. You needed to get away.” Maverick stashed the keys in his coat. “I go there to clear my head. After the stress of a mission, I needsilence.”
“Been in the Middle Eastlately?”
“Yeah, and I’m headed backthere.”
“I know you can’t talk here. Becareful.”
“Thank you, bro. Always am.” Maverick tossed back another mouthful. “Looks like you’re out of the media hotseat.”
“For the most part. Now, I work all the time, especially before a hotel opens. You coming tovisit?”
“Hell, yeah, but I can’t make it for your grand opening. In two weeks,right?”
“No, next week. Valentine’sDay.”
“Good luck. You’ll dogreat.”
When a different server delivered their appetizers, Maverick grinned. “Hello, beautiful. Pull up a chair and joinus.”
A pinkish hue covered her cheeks. “Is there anything else you need,gentlemen?”
“Hell, yeah, how ‘bout ablow—”
“No,” Jagger interrupted. “Thankyou.”
Her eyes never strayed from Maverick, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “Yes, sir,” she replied, and left theroom.
Jagger slid the raw meat dish closer. “You’re crazy, you know that,right?”
Another grin split Maverick’s face. “Certifiable, but I think she would have doneit.”
Chuckling, Jagger sliced off a piece of tartare. “Doesn’t it getold?”
Holding the shell with the tongs, Maverick forked out an escargot and popped the delicacy into his mouth. He chewed, swallowed. “Yes and no. So many sexy chicks, but Colton and Crockett’s engagements got me thinking.” Maverick shrugged. “Then a cutie crosses my path and, well, I’ve gotta haveher…”
The men laughed. “At least you’re getting some,” Jaggersaid.
“Hit a dryspell?”
“Like the goddamnSahara.”
“If you’re not playing with the ladies, whatareyoudoing?”
“Work, golf,” Jagger said. “I’m frustrated ashell.”
The pretty server returned with a finger’s worth of whiskey. “Compliments of the house.” She set the drink in front of Maverick and handed him a folded piece of paper. “Text mesometime.”
He slipped the note into his inside breast suit pocket. “I’m keeping this close to my heart,darlin’.”
After refilling Jagger’s sparkling water, she shot Maverick a flirty smile andexited.
