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“Yes, I remember, but there’s been some misunderstanding.” I accepted his gesture, but my instinct was kicking into overdrive. Maverick had a hand in this. I was certain of it. I didn’t need to be beholden to anyone, especially a man.
Hear the man out. Don’t be foolish.
“How so?” he asked as he moved toward the door, sticking a key into the lock.
“I gave you a price range. There is no way I can afford something like this, especially since I’d need to purchase furniture.” I hated being desperate. At the least the motel from hell was safe and dry.
Or so I believed.
“Well, you might be surprised. This is actually a cabin owned by a couple who is out of the country for a couple years working. They decided on the rent, not me. I tried to talk them out of it, but they were insistent that as long as I found someone who would take care of the place to keep it low. I thought of you immediately.” His grin was genuine and as he opened the door, I took a deep breath before walking inside.
When I did, I almost ran away. The cabin was completely furnished, the living room filled with beautiful, comfortable furniture. I pressed my hand across my lips, trying to decide if I could dare believe strangers would be so kind. “This has nothing to do with Maverick?”
He laughed, scratching his head. “I’m not going to lie to you and say he didn’t make certain I met with you. He’s that kind of guy, forceful as fuck, but I run my business my way.”
Yes, Maverick was forceful alright, as he’d told me countless times, refusing to take no for an answer. My body tingled just by thinking his name. The passion we’d shared had been more intense than the time before. I already missed him, worried about the hunt he was on.
I turned in a full circle, the little voice inside my head nagging me to accept. “I don’t know.”
“Take a look around. I’ll be right here.”
Giving him a half smile, I moved through the house, my nerves on edge. There was everything I needed. Furniture, linens, plates, and glasses. A working refrigerator. I was stunned, furious with Maverick for interfering, and longing to throw my arms around him. As I walked back into the living room, I took another deep breath. “It’s really five hundred a month?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“And the deposit?”
“There is none. I know you’re getting on your feet here with your new job and all. Just pay me by the end of the month and we’re square.”
“I can’t take charity.”
His laugh put me somewhat at ease. “I don’t do charity, Lily. But I do know all about a woman who deserves a break. If you’re honest with me, I’ll work with you. Fair deal?”
This time I threw out my arm. “Thank you, Mr. Jones. This means a lot to me.”
“It’s Jeff and if you need anything, let me know. Here are the keys.” As he placed them in my hand, he grinned. “There’s a nice stream about a hundred yards from here. It’s real pretty this time of year.”
“Thank you. I look forward to seeing it.” I stood in shock after he left, far too many emotions finding their way to the surface. When I finally collapsed on the couch, I allowed a few ugly visions and memories to crowd my mind, a single tear slipping past my lashes. But there would be no more tears after this. I was strong. I was resilient. This was a new life.
And I refused to waste another minute of it.
Laughing, I headed toward my truck, yanking my camera from the duffle bag. As I took a deep breath of the cold, crisp air, I felt free, as if I could do anything I wanted.
Including going back to finish getting my degree. Spending time with Sam had rekindled my desire to work with animals. I’d find a way.
I snapped a few shots, turning in full circle to capture the incredible landscape in a full three hundred sixty degrees. When I lowered the camera, I lifted my head, gazing at the clouds tickling the tops of the mountains. Then I lifted my middle finger.
Watch out, world. There’s no stopping me now.
* * *
Maverick
Silence.
One of the many aspects about living so close to several mountain ranges was the quiet that enveloped me as soon as I stepped foot on the terrain. The limited peace I’d enjoyed by hiking through the forests, standing by the raging rivers had been a lifesaver at one point in my life. As I stared up at the peaks of Sapphire Ridge, the ugliness of memories I’d never wanted to resurface hit me in the gut.
Brutally hard.
