Page 40 of Falling for the Maverick

“It depends on what I’m doing. If I’m reading, then it’s classical music, but if I’m cleaning or cooking, then it’s movie soundtracks.”

“You’re kidding! Why movie soundtracks?”

“Because they energize me. I have some on my cell phone. Do you want to hear them?”

Lucas couldn’t stop grinning. Michelle was full of surprises. “Of course. Give me your phone.”

Michelle handed him her phone. “Are you a film enthusiast?”

“I’ve seen my share of movies over the years,” Lucas admitted. “Why?”

“Because I want to know how many movie sound­tracks you can recognize.”

His eyebrows lifted slightly. “So is this a put-up-or-shut-up moment?”

Michelle wrinkled her nose. “Something like that.”

“What are you willing to wager?” he asked her.

“If I win, then you’ll make dinner for me. But if you win, then I’ll make dinner for you.”

“Hey, didn’t you say you can’t cook?”

“Don’t put words in my mouth, Lucas Brandt. I said I bake better than I cook.”

“Okay, point taken. Now if I win, can I choose the cuisine?”

“Yes, as long as it isn’t Thai or something really exotic.”

Lucas paused. “I’d like some real down-home Southern cooking.”

“You’re not talking about barbecue?” Michelle asked.

“No, bae, because we’re going to have barbecue tonight.”

“Okay, then I know what I’m going to make.”

“Aren’t you going to give me a hint?” Lucas questioned.

“No. What we make for each other should be a surprise.”

“So, the pretty lady is a tease,” he drawled.

“What the lady is, Lucas, is competitive. Now, stop jawing and sync the doggone phone.”

He laughed loudly. “Yes, ma’am.”

They played Name That Tune during the long drive from Tenacity to Bronco, and Lucas was shocked that he was able to identify so many soundtracks. He immediately recognized themes from The Mission, Last of the Mohicans and The Dark Knight. It took him awhile to recall the haunting piece from Gladiator.

“Not bad,” Michelle said as they entered the Bronco city limits. “You recognized four out of five. We’ll see how you do on the drive back.”

Lucas smiled. “It certainly made the drive go by faster.” It was approximately one hundred miles between Tenacity and Bronco.

“It was fun,” Michelle remarked.

“That’s because you’re fun.”

She bowed her head. “Thank you.”