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I know I need to find my voice, but I’m struggling. I’m not bubbly like Emerson or brave like Chayse. Besides, what would I say anyway? Thanks for the best sex of my life, do you think we could do it about 50 more times?
“I haven’t been avoiding it, but I haven’t really had a reason to come in. I’m pretty sure I told you I’m a homebody, and without my sisters and Seraphine to force me out, I’m very content to stay at home with some good food and an even better book.”
“Well, I can’t really say I blame you there. The bar is finally getting to the point where it’s self-sufficient so I can now take a little more time to myself. I haven’t read a good book in ages. Maybe you can recommend one to me.”
I can feel my face flush even more when I think about the books that I read most of the time. Sure, I love a good thriller or mystery book, but my go to reads are always romance. What can I say? I love reading a story where everyone involved ends up getting their happily ever after, even if it does take some time and struggles to overcome to get there.
Unfortunately for me, Maverick doesn’t miss a beat and calls me out. “Hmm, what is it you like to read, Sweets? From the flush running down your neck to those delectable tits, I’d say it’s something that’s NSFW.” He smirks as my jaw drops. There’s no way that Maverick reads romance, but how else would he know what that abbreviation stands for. He can’t stop himself as he laughs at my reaction.
“How do you know what that means?”
“I have a little sister, Spence. Books were a huge coping mechanism after her husband passed. She was always complaining that she loved her books but hated not having anyone to talk about them with. So, I decided to read the one that she had been talking about for months and I was hooked. Who wouldn’t love a book where the guy gets the girl, one or both characters usually go through some kind of personal growth, and of course the hot as fuck sex scenes.”
I’m still standing there shocked by what just came out of this man’s mouth. “Gosh, Maverick. It’s really sweet that you picked up a romance book to read so that you could talk about it with your sister.”
“Oh Sweets, it wasn’t just one romance book, but tons. It became our thing and now we take turns picking out which book we read next.”
“Um, wow, just wow. I honestly did not expect to be having this conversation with you.”
“Right back at ya babe, but I’m not mad about it either. It’s not a secret, but it’s also not one of those things that I advertise. But, I do love discovering new authors and genres in the romance world. What do you say about going out with me sometime and we can talk all about our favorite books. Maybe after we can go back to one of our places and re-enact some of our favorite scenes.”
I can’t stop myself from laughing at his playful manner. He’s grinning from ear to ear as he raises his eyebrows up and down making me laugh even harder. I didn’t even realize he was caressing my arm or that we were closer than publicly acceptable until I hear my dad call out my name as he turns the corner of the aisle.
I immediately take a step back from Maverick and try acting like I have never seen the man naked before. There are just some things your dad doesn’t need to know, and one-night stands are at the top of that list.
“Hello, sir. I’m Maverick Sanders. I own The Tavern. Sorry if I stole Spencer away from you. We got caught up talking about books.”
“You know Spencer?” My dad looks back and forth trying to figure out what our relationship is, but to his benefit, Maverick isn’t giving anything away as he stands there talking to my father.
“I had the pleasure of meeting her and Chayse one night at the bar when they came in with Emerson and I believe it was Seraphine? You have some of the sweetest ladies I’ve ever met. Emerson is like a ray of sunshine when she comes in with the guys from the garage.”
“She sure is. Impossible to say no to that one.”
“Somehow, I don’t find that hard to believe.”
Dad nods his head before turning to me. “Why did you run off, Spence? I was having a ball watching Brant make an ass out of himself while his bimbo stared on watching.”
“Dad, we’ve talked about this. Sure, what Brant did was awful, but we’re honestly better off apart. And Jasmine is not a bimbo.”
“Anyone who lets another woman’s fiancé knock her up is most definitely a bimbo.” I can see Maverick’s posture stiffen and his jaw tighten at my dad’s remark. Thanks for airing all my dirty laundry out, dad. What is it with my family and not being able to keep things to themselves?
“That was the weasel dick who cheated on you? And she’s pregnant?”
“Yes, but it’s fine, Mav. Well, not fine, but I’m okay. I promise.” Feeling the tension roll off of him, I need my dad to go away so I can get Maverick to calm down before he does something stupid like go search out Brant and beat him up. I’m not sure that he’d actually do that, but I know cheating is a sore spot for him, and he looks royally pissed right now.
“Hey dad, do you think you could give me a minute and go grab some vegetables for the stir fry? I’ll catch up.”
“Sure thing, kiddo. It was nice meeting you, Maverick.” My dad extends his hand, and I can see Maverick relaxing a little bit.
“You too, sir. Stop in and grab a beer sometime. My treat.”
“I will absolutely take you up on that offer.” Dad smiles as he grabs the cart from me and heads to the opposite side of the store to the produce section. Maverick’s eyebrows are furrowed and his jaw is still tense as he stares intently at me like he’s trying to figure out what will happen next in the book.
I don’t even think when I reach out and grab his closed fist. It slowly opens as he relaxes a little at my touch. I struggle to make eye contact, but I want to make sure he hears me.
“I promise I’m okay, Mav. We really were more like best friends than lovers for years before Brant blew everything up. I’m obviously not thrilled by the latest development since I’d love to have kids of my own, sooner than later, but we weren’t supposed to be each other’s forever.”
He’s relaxed and back to the Maverick that I started to get to know a few months ago, and I’m relieved. I know it’s hard to believe, but I really am much better off, and I need him to know that for some reason.
