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“Cash, this is my boyfriend, Maverick.”
“We’ve met, but it’s nice to officially meet you as Spencer’s boyfriend. How are you doing man?” Cash extends his hand, and they shake before exchanging pleasantries and Maverick recommending everyone to try one of the new specials.
“Oh, Spence, you definitely need to bring Maverick to dad’s this weekend!” Emerson is bouncing on her seat a little and looking more like her bubbly self the longer we all spend together. Maverick gives me a questioning look wondering what she’s talking about.
“Yes, you should definitely come if you’re free. We decided we’re taking over our dad’s house this weekend for a cookout.”
“I’ll have to double check with Olive, but I’m pretty sure I have Pat this weekend. I think she’s on second shift. Would it be okay if I brought him.”
“Yeah, you’re right. She’s on the second shift this weekend. I hate doing that to her but being one of the newest nurses on the unit, she tends to get the shittier shifts. And it would be awesome if you brought Pat even if you didn’t have to watch him. Then Penny would have someone else to play with and not boss us all around the entire time. Hell, it’s supposed to be warm still, we can set up the slip-n-slide.”
“We make it work. It’s not too big of a deal since I own this shindig and can make my schedule work around hers. And I’m sure Pat is going to be super excited to come. Just let me know what I can bring.”
A wicked smile spreads across Chayse’s face knowing that our meal is going to be even better than normal since I’m in charge of food and there’s no way Maverick will let me do all the work on my own. “Excellent. Spencer is always in charge of the food, so she can let you know what we need. We’re going to go head to our table so we can get our food in before trivia starts. Come over in a little bit, k Sis?”
I nod my head before I turn back towards Maverick and give him all of my attention. Maverick slides the plate towards me, and I snag one of the sliders. The burger is delicious and smothered in what tastes like goat cheese and bacon jam. If Mav keeps feeding me like this, I’m going to have to get a gym membership to be able to work out over the winter when hiking isn’t as attainable.
“I’m really glad you want to come over for the cookout. It’s one of my favorite things to do with my family. It’s loud and messy, but it’s so much fun.”
“I’m excited to meet your dad and happy to spend any time I can get with you. It’s going to be a blast.”
Maverick gives me a smile before heading down the other end of the bar to refill drinks and place new orders. I sit at the bar while I finish my food and talk to Maverick when he has a free minute. When I’m all done, he shoos me over to the tables with my sisters where he watches on in amusement for the duration of trivia as he sees a whole other side of the Wilson sisters. We sweep the competition with ease because of our diverse background in so many different areas.
It doesn’t take long for my exhaustion to sink in once the high from winning trivia wears off. Maverick was actually able to join us for the second half of trivia once two more bartenders arrived to help out with one of the most popular nights at The Tavern.
I’m slumped up against Maverick who has one arm slung over my shoulders as his fingers run slowly up and down my arm in small circles. I’m so comfortable that it’s almost impossible to keep my eyes open.
At least I’m not passed out with my head laying on the table like Emerson, but I don’t blame her with how much time and work she’s been putting into making the shop run exactly as she wants. Thankfully she rode with Cash and Chayse, so I don’t have to worry about her falling asleep on her way home.
I’m barely paying attention to the conversation, but I’m extremely happy that Cash and Maverick get along so well, not that I had any doubts. It’s just nice to think that we may be able to go on double dates in the future and that Maverick will have someone to hang out with when my sisters and I inevitably get wrapped up in our own little world like it always seems to happen when we all get together. I know dad is going to be over the moon adding some more testosterone to the mix.
After another yawn, Maverick pulls back and tips my head up to look into my eyes. “As much as I’m loving holding you in my arms, you’re fucking wrecked, Sweets. Do you want me to drive you home?”
I can’t help but smile and nuzzle back into his warm chest. “Mmm, as wonderful as that sounds, I need my car for work tomorrow.”
“You promise you’re okay to drive? You know what, hold tight. I’m going to go check to see if the shift manager is all set and if she is, I’m just going to follow you home.”
“You don’t have to do that, Mav.”
“I know I don’t, but it will make me feel better if I do. It was nice getting to hang out with you all and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone this weekend.”
Maverick shakes Cash’s hand and gives Chayse a quick hug. I’m surprised when he brushes Emerson's wild blond curls off her head before he leans down and presses a quick kiss on her forehead. But then I remember he’s used to seeing her in here with the guys and has even mentioned how she reminds him of Olive in a lot of ways. I can’t help the content smile that spreads across my face.
“He seems like a great guy, Spence. I’m glad you’ve decided to give him a chance. It’s going to make the cookouts that much better.” Cash leans over and gives me a kiss on the cheek before going over to Emerson and scooping her up. She doesn’t even notice, and I’m reminded how envious I always was of her ability to sleep so deeply.
I stand and give Chayse a hug and watch them leave. I’m a little startled when Maverick slips in behind me and wraps his arms around my waist.
“Ready to get out of here, Sweets.”
“Yes, I’m exhausted.” Like the gentleman that he is, he holds the door for me and walks me out to my car before following me home where he walks me up to my door.
“I’m so glad you came to see me tonight and that I got to spend some time with you and your sisters. I can’t wait for the cookout.”
He leans in and gives me a slow, delicious kiss that instantly has me melting into him. I’m dazed as he pulls away. He tugs the keys from my hand and unlocks the front door before ushering me in. He gives me a quick kiss before he locks the door from the inside and pulls it shut. I watch as he heads back to his bike and heads home.
Tonight was unexpected, but so amazing, too. Hopefully he and my dad hit it off this weekend and the cookout is our best one yet. I stumble to my room and barely make it through my nightly routine before I slide under the covers and into my bed. Within a minute, I’m struggling to stay awake as I daydream of a scruffy beard, tattoos, and the most beautiful smile I’ve ever seen. The weekend can’t come soon enough.
Chapter Fourteen
