AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Because I had to work.”
“Uh-huh. I think you’re frightened of getting close to him. I’m taking matters into my own hands. Get out. You’re not working another minute. If you don’t, I’ll fire you.”
There was a mischievous glint in his eyes, but I scowled nonetheless. “You’re a mean boss.”
“It makes me happy to hear you say that. That means I’ve done my job. I’m serious. Go to the party. I’ll be there in an hour or so. You need to get to know the people in this town. Not all of them have bad memories.”
“I guess I have no other choice then.”
“Nope. You don’t. Get moving.”
I untied my apron, more excited than I thought I’d be. Maybe I’d just surprise him and show up. I’d brought another shirt with me just in case, humming as I changed. After gathering my things, I headed to my truck, smiling from the thought of seeing Maverick. As soon as I unlocked the door, tossing my things inside, a strange set of vibrations skittered down my spine, fear crawling into every muscle.
Very slowly I turned around, scanning the parking lot. While there were people coming and going, the busy road in front of the bar filled with traffic, there was nothing unusual that caught my eye, including the boogeyman waiting to drag me to hell.
Exhaling, I reminded myself that I was perfectly safe here before climbing inside. But my hands continued to shake as I started the engine. Maybe one day I’d get over the horrible dread that facing a new morning had given me. I’d played out all the possible scenarios so often I could recite them in my sleep.
But nothing had happened to give credence to the terror. I wasn’t going to let the monsters win. I had a new life and I planned on enjoying every moment of it.
The location wasn’t as far as I’d originally thought and less than twenty minutes later, I was rolling down the last street. Almost instantly several huge buildings came into view. It was easy to see there was significant construction happening on a large ranch. The sanctuary. I couldn’t wait to see it.
When I pulled in, I was shocked to find so many vehicles parked along the fence. There had to be two hundred people here at least. I found a parking spot knowing I’d need to walk quite a ways, but the evening was warmer than it had been, the skies perfectly clear. As soon as I stepped onto the gravel, my senses were assaulted by the scent of barbeque, the blaring country music already making me want to tap my boot on the ground.
I couldn’t remember the last time I’d been to a party. Years. So many I wasn’t certain how to act.
After running my fingers through my hair, I headed for the crowd of people in the distance, the sounds of dogs barking and horses whinnying adding to the festive atmosphere. When I finally came close to one of several groups, I started looking for my man.
My man.
Who was I kidding? I couldn’t imagine him being with just one woman. But maybe… A laugh caught me by surprise, the giddiness I felt unexpected. No one paid me any attention as I weaved through the crowd, until I caught someone’s eye. The sheriff.
He grinned then pointed to the left, his smile widening as soon as I headed in the direction he’d indicated.
I found Maverick just a few seconds later. His muscular back faced me, the man standing with a group of other men, several of them trying to talk over each other as well as the loud music. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed an attractive cowboy was on a makeshift stage, singing his heart out, people cheering and clapping. Everyone had a drink in their hand and animals were running around free and happy.
I’d never experienced anything like this in all my years. While Carmine had required me to attend a few parties while living at his estate, they’d been forced appearances. Even his guests had been demure, as if required to be in attendance. This was entirely different. Party and chaos were two words that came to mind. As I inched closer to the mountain man extraordinaire, I remained silent, unable to keep a smile off my face.
At least two of the men Maverick was standing with noticed me, having difficulty not drowning in smug looks. When I was within a few inches, I wrapped my arms around him, unable to keep from laughing.
That’s when Sam bounded through the crowd, jumping on both of us, the force toppling us to the ground with the hulking mass of a man landing on top of me. The wind knocked out of me, I pushed against him, unable to keep from laughing as Sam tried to lick my face, his entire body wiggling.
“That’s a way to make an entrance,” one of the guys said.
“That’s the kind of girl the big man needs,” another snarked.
I pressed my hands against Maverick’s chest, trying to catch my breath. “Howdy, cowboy. Were you missing me?”
He didn’t react at first, his breathing labored. Then he rubbed his fingers down my cheek, the feel of his throbbing cock pressing against me exciting. “Took you long enough. I’m going to keep you on a leash from now on.”
“Oh, is that how you’re going to take me?” I purred.
When he lowered his head, his scent became intoxicating, filthy thoughts the driving force in my mind. “That’s exactly what I’m going to do.”
He remained hovering over me, his lips dangerously close. All I needed to do was lift my head to force a kiss, but I waited for him to react instead. Sam continued to jump and bark, doing his best to get in the middle of us.
“Oh, for the love of God. Kiss her already.”
The bold statement forced Maverick to grin, everyone else around us to laugh. Then I noticed my mountain savior had raised his arm, giving the man his middle finger.
