Chapter Three

Parker stood in front of the mirror on the back of the bathroom door. She turned to look at the back of the dress. She shouldn't have bought a halter dress. What would he think of her going out on a first date not wearing a bra?

"For God's sake, that has to be one of the dumbest thoughts you have ever had, Parker Jean Tisdale," she chastised herself. She turned sideways, looked at her chest and sighed. "He's going to know."

She entered the bedroom, opened the closet door and looked for a different outfit. There was no way she could go braless on a first date. Why not? Because you know you're not wearing one and you'll be uncomfortable.

"And he'd know too. He's a man, but he's not stupid. It's a halter top," she snapped. "I know I can find something before he—" She was interrupted by a knock on the door. "Gets here," she said and sighed. "Too late now," she muttered as she slipped her feet into the red wedge sandals.

She walked to the door, took a deep breath, and opened it. Good Lord! He was so handsome.

"Hi," Maverick said and handed her a yellow rose.

"Thank you," she said with a smile and put the rose to her nose.

"You look beautiful." He smiled.

She smiled and watched as his eyes roamed over her from head to toe and he didn't even linger on her breasts. She frowned. Why the hell not? She cleared her throat.

"Thank you, and you look very handsome." She took in his dark blue T-shirt, dark jeans, and distressed cowboy boots. A white straw cowboy hat sat atop his head.

"Thank you, ma'am," he said, and touched the brim of his hat and she bit back a sigh.

"Come in out of the heat, while I put this in the fridge." She waved him inside.

He wiped his feet on the mat, removed his hat, and entered the apartment. He glanced around.

"It looks nice."

"Thank you. I love it." She picked up her purse. "I'm ready if you are."

"I am." He opened the door and nodded for her to go out.

Parker smiled at him, stepped onto the stoop, then locked the door. He took her hand in his and led her down the steps. She was so impressed with his manners. Cowboys. He walked her around to the passenger side, opened the door, and held her hand while she stepped onto the running board, then slid onto the leather seat.

Maverick grinned at her, closed the door, and strode around the front, then climbed in behind the wheel. He started the truck and drove out of the alley.

"Did you have a good day?" she asked him.

"I didn't do anything, so yes, I had a good day." He chuckled.

"Those are usually the best days. We were busy today."

"It's that time of year."

"Yes, I never realized how busy the town gets during the summer."

"Spring City too. The Bur Oak Guest Ranch is there, and a lot of their guests come to Clifton to shop." He pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant.

After he parked, they stepped from the truck, and Maverick held her hand as they entered the restaurant. The hostess asked if they had a reservation and after telling her they did, she led them to a table, handed them menus, and went to get their drinks.

"I'm glad you were able to get a reservation," Parker said after sliding into the booth and glancing around.

"I wasn't. I had to call Grant."

"Grant?"

"Hunter. He owns the place."

Parker chuckled. "He has the same name as the country singer."

Maverick smirked. "He is the country singer."

"Oh, yeah sure. The superstar country singer owns the Hartland Restaurant."

"Didn't Shay ever mention it?"

"No. Wait. Are you serious? Grant Hunter, the singer, owns the restaurant?"

"Yep. He was born and raised in Clifton. He's a good man."

"He's a gorgeous man, is what he is."

"Hey," Maverick said with a laugh.

"You know what I mean. You're gorgeous too, but he's… Grant Hunter." She shrugged.

Maverick laughed. "Well, if he happens to be here, I'll introduce you."

"Oh, please don't. I'll just gush all over him. I have all his songs on my phone. "

"He'd love to hear that."

"He got married, didn't he?"

"Yes. Jessa is a wonderful woman."

"I was so sad when I heard he had gotten married."

Maverick laughed. "Why? Did you think you had a shot?"

Parker laughed. "Not even a little one."

Maverick shook his head. "He fell hard for Jessa."

"Lucky bitch," Parker muttered, then laughed. "I'm teasing. I'm sure she's a lovely person."

"Yes, she is. In fact, you can meet her because she's coming this way."

Parker gasped. "Oh, my God!"

He got to his feet, and she watched him grin as a beautiful woman with red hair, hugged him.

"Maverick, it's great to see you again."

"Jessa, it's good to see you too. This is Parker Tisdale. Parker, Jessa Hunter."

When Jessa turned to look at her, she smiled at her and Parker felt bad for calling her a bitch, even though it was in fun.

"Parker, it's nice to meet you," Jessa said as she smiled at her.

"You too. I'm so sorry for calling you a bitch."

"You called me a bitch?" Jessa asked in surprise.

Parker shook her head. "I didn't mean it," she murmured.

Maverick chuckled. "Let's just say, she's a fan of Grant's."

Jessa frowned, then laughed. "I get it."

"Parker works for Shay."

"Oh! I love that shop. I am such a fan of blown glass and Lou Rogers is one of the best glass smiths around."

Parker grinned and nodded. Maverick was right. Jessa Hunter was a wonderful woman and Parker was sure, if given the chance, they'd become friends.

"Well, I need to head back to the kitchen to get our food. One good thing about owning a restaurant, you can get food to-go anytime."

"That definitely helps. It was really nice to meet you, Jessa." Parker smiled.

"You too. Please come back." Jessa grinned as she walked away.

****

Maverick almost burst out laughing at the look on Parker's face when Jessa walked off.

Parker looked at him and shook her head. "I hope she doesn't hate me."

"Jessa is used to it. She's great, though."

"She seems like it." She shook her head. "I feel awful."

"Don't. As I said, she's used to it, and she knew you were teasing."

"God, I hope so. She is beautiful."

"Yes, and Grant is crazy about her."

"I can see why." Parker grinned.

"Do you know what you're going to get?"

"I think I'll get the blackened trout," Parker said, as she looked over the menu.

"It's really good, but I'm going with the T-bone."

Once their dinner arrived, they began to eat. Maverick was having a good time with her and hoped to continue to see her.

"This is so good," Parker moaned, and Maverick mentally shook his head. She needed to stop doing that.

"So, do you have any siblings?" Maverick asked as he cut into his steak.

"No. I'm an only child. You?"

Maverick grinned. "I have three older sisters."

Parker laughed. "I'm sorry."

"Yeah, you and me both. They made my life miserable when we were all kids, but we're very close now."

"Were they adopted too?"

"Yes."

"Your parents are wonderful to adopt so many."

"Trust me, Dad would have adopted more, but Mom put her foot down. Are you close to your family?"

"Yes, but I'm closest to my grandfather. I adore that man. You'd like him. He's so down to earth and has a great sense of humor." She shrugged. "He's my best friend. I hope to get home to see him again soon. He was here earlier this summer. We had a blast together. Chester Lang is one of the best men I know."

"That's great that you get along so well. "

Parker laughed. "He has spoiled me since day one."

"So, you're not only a daddy's girl, but you're also a granddaddy's girl." Maverick grinned.

"Exactly."

Once they finished eating, they walked out of the restaurant and headed toward his truck. He opened the door for her and held her hand while she climbed into the cab. He closed the door, walked around the front then got in behind the wheel.

"It's early. Would you like to stop at Dewey's for a little while?"

Parker smiled. "I'd love to."

He grinned as he started the truck, then drove to the bar. After finding a parking spot, he opened the door, walked around and helped her out, then held her hand as they made their way into the bar.

"Oh, my."

"A little crowded, huh?" Maverick shouted to be heard over the music.

He pulled her through the crowd and made their way to the bar. They lucked out and found two empty stools. Once seated, he raised his hand for a bartender and smiled when he saw Siobhan Flynn making her way toward him.

"Hey, Maverick. What can I get you?"

"Parker?"

"A white wine, please." Parker smiled at Siobhan.

"I'll take a beer, on tap."

"I'll be right back with those."

After getting their drinks, Maverick introduced Parker to Siobhan, then they listened to the band. When they played, When You Say Nothing at All , a song by Alison Kraus and Union Station, Maverick asked Parker if she wanted to dance. She nodded, and he led her to the dance floor. She turned into his arms, and he wrapped his around her waist. She placed her cheek against his shoulder, and it felt right to him. She felt right.

"You smell so good," she whispered, making him chuckle.

"Not as good as you do."

He loved feeling her in his arms. What the hell? He barely knew her, and he was thinking this way. Did it matter? If he liked her, shouldn't he continue to see her and find out if they had anything between them? The thoughts running through his head were unlike any he'd had before. About any woman. He huffed and she leaned back to gaze into his face.

"What's wrong?"

"Not a thing."

"I don't think you're being truthful."

"I'm sorry. It's just that I really like you already, Parker. I'd like to continue to see you but that's up to you."

"I like you too, and I'd like to see you again."

"But?"

"Oh, there's no but. I'm just nervous."

"I see. Well, we don't know where this is going if we don't see each other."

"You're right. Okay, we'll go out more and see where we're heading."

Maverick grinned. "Sounds good to me. Are you ready to go?"

"Yes. I'm tired. It's been a long day. All I want to do tomorrow is lay on the sofa and watch movies."

"Let's go." He took her hand, made their way back to the bar where he paid for the tab, then walked out to his truck.

After helping her get inside, he climbed into the cab, looked at her, smiled, and started the truck.

****

As he stopped the truck beside the steps to her apartment, Parker wondered about inviting him inside. If she did, would he expect her to sleep with him? If she didn't, would he think she was playing hard to get? It wasn't that at all. It was the fact that she hadn't been with a man since before Brad died and he was the only man she'd been with. She didn't want to disappoint Maverick and she had a feeling he knew exactly what to do with a woman in bed. Oh, boy.

"You're going to drive yourself insane. I'll walk you to the door, and leave."

"How did you know?"

"You're fidgeting."

She sighed. "I'm sorry. I just haven't been with a man for a long time. I'm not sure what to do."

He looked at her and smirked. "What to do about inviting me in, or what to do with a man? Because, darlin', I'm sure you know what to do with a man."

"Don't be so sure," she murmured.

"What do you mean?"

"Let's go upstairs and we'll talk."

"Alright. "

He got out and started around the truck to open her door, but she had gotten out and walked to the steps. She stopped to wait for him. He took her hand, and they walked up the steps. After unlocking the door, they entered the apartment.

"Have a seat. I'm going to change if you don't mind."

"Sure." He stood beside the sofa, and she smiled as she realized he wouldn't sit until she left the room. With a nod, she headed to the bedroom.

She changed into a T-shirt and leggings, then pulled on a pair of socks, and left the bedroom. When she entered the living room, Maverick stood, causing her to grin.

"You don't need to stand up every time I enter a room," she said.

"Sure, I do." He grinned. So handsome!

"Would you like something to drink?"

"No, thanks. Come sit down and we'll talk." He put his hand out to her. She took it and walked around the sofa and sat down, then he sat beside her.

"I'm not sure where to begin…"

"The beginning is always a good place."

Parker sighed. "Yes, I suppose it is. I met Brad when we were in college. He was studying to become a lawyer and I was goofing off." She smiled when Maverick laughed. "I didn't want to go at all, but I didn't know what I wanted to do. Once I met Brad, school no longer mattered. We fell in love right away and got married when we were both twenty-three. He still had a lot of schooling left, but he did it. I worked part-time jobs to help. His parents also helped us a good bit, so we didn't hurt for money. Brad passed the bar exam, right after he turned twenty-eight. I had our son when I was twenty-five. I was a virgin when I met Brad, and he is the only man I have ever been with. I loved him, but he was about as romantic as a fence post." She shrugged. "I learned to live without the fireworks."

"You shouldn't have. Didn't you talk about it with him?"

"Oh yeah. One time we had this huge argument about it. He said I knew how he was before I married him, and he was right. I did, but I thought once we got married, I could get him to loosen up a little. He never did. He didn't like me… taking the lead, I guess you could say. He didn't like me on top and oral sex was a big no." She looked at Maverick and blinked back tears. "I loved him, I did."

"Who are you trying to convince?" Maverick murmured.

"I suppose myself. After Ronnie was born, we drifted apart. He spent all his time with Ronnie. I'm not complaining about that because I loved my son, and I wanted him to have a good relationship with his father. So many men don't for some reason. I miss Ronnie terribly, but that's all Brad was interested in. He wanted to be a good father."

"He needed to be a good husband, Parker."

"I know. After a while, we rarely had sex. I hate talking about him like this," she said and covered her face with her hands. Maverick lowered her hands and she looked at him through tear-filled eyes .

"Maybe you need to. Get it out, Parker. You've been holding this in for five years, maybe more, and it needs to be said." He cupped her face in his hands. "You need to say it. Tell me about the accident. Start there. I know it's painful…"

"It will always be painful, but it's easier to talk about now," she said, taking a deep breath and blowing it out before continuing. "Brad and Ronnie were going camping. They were heading out of town, sitting at a light, when a seventeen-year-old girl came driving down the street toward them." Her hands shook as she spoke. "She was going seventy miles an hour in a thirty-five-mile zone and hit our SUV head-on."

Parker closed her eyes, trying to block out the memories as they flooded back. "She was drunk. Seventeen years old and drunk," she repeated bitterly. "She was at a local bar and had a fake ID, so she drank so much, she could barely stand, let alone drive. Of course, she didn't get a scratch on her." She looked at Maverick with tears in her eyes.

"She didn't even know she'd hit a car. Brad died instantly, but Ronnie lived for two days." Parker's voice broke and she took a shaky breath. "I buried them together in our hometown in Oregon. I stayed in Oklahoma for the girl's trial. I wanted her to see me and know the pain she caused me." She shook her head sadly. "Then I never returned to Oklahoma again. There are too many memories there for me now."

Maverick reached out and gently touched her hand in sympathy. "I know what it's like to lose someone, but not a child," he said softly.

"I could never explain it to you," Parker replied with a sad smile. "There are no words that express even a fraction of what I went through burying my child. It is the worst pain I have ever experienced, and I wouldn't wish it on anyone." She shook her head again, trying to clear the haunting memories. "Ronnie would be thirteen now. A teenager. He was such a boy." She chuckled through her tears. "He loved all sports and if you wanted to keep him quiet, you took him fishing and camping. They were so close. Don't get me wrong, I was devastated by both deaths, but my child…"

"What happened to the girl?" Maverick asked, his voice full of anger and disgust.

"She was charged with vehicular homicide. She was fined and received a prison sentence. Since she was under the influence and driving recklessly, she got a much harsher sentence, and she was charged as an adult."

"I hope the bar was charged with something for serving her," Maverick said firmly.

"They were," Parker confirmed. "They tried to say that since she had a fake ID, they shouldn't be held responsible, but they were found to be at fault since they kept serving her. I sued the bar and won, but it didn't bring my son back."

"I'm sorry you had to go through that," Maverick said.

"Thank you," Parker replied with a sad smile. "It took me a long time to even function after that. I was going to divorce Brad. I felt so guilty when he died."

"It wasn't your fault. Did he know you were going to divorce him?"

"Yes. I told him I couldn't live like that anymore. That weekend was when he was killed."

"How did you end up in Oklahoma?" Maverick asked.

"Brad was an attorney for a large firm; one of those ones you see on TV for being injured in an accident," Parker explained. "He was offered the chance to run his own office out of Oklahoma and after we discussed it, we decided to do it. We'd only been there two years when..." Her voice trailed off as tears began to fall once again.

"And how did you come to be in Clifton?" Maverick prompted.

Parker's face lit up with a smile. "We took a trip to Oklahoma in search of a new home, but on the way back to Oregon, we decided to take a detour through the states of Wyoming and Montana. I've always had a fascination with cowboys," she confessed playfully, causing Maverick to chuckle.

"As we made our way toward Kalispell, I noticed a sign for Clifton and couldn't resist suggesting that we stop by. Something about the name drew me in, like it was meant to be. I told him it sounded like a small town, but Brad teased me, claiming it was probably a bustling city, but I knew deep down it was going to be special. And boy, was I right," Parker reminisced with a content sigh. "Driving down Main Street, I fell head over heels for this charming town. The old buildings, connected to each other, and the quaint square where the courthouse stands... it all just spoke to me. I told Brad that one day I was going to live here."

"I'm glad you followed your heart then," Maverick replied with a grin.

Parker laughed lightly. "Oh, me too."

Maverick took Parker's hand in his own and gently traced circles on her skin with his thumb as he gazed into her eyes.

"Parker, I don't want to pressure you into anything because I'm not sure where you stand on getting involved with someone again. But I would really love to keep seeing you," Maverick said.

Parker smiled. "I'd like that too, Maverick. It's been five years and I do want to find love again one day. At first, I thought it would never happen after what I'd been through, but now... I don't want to be alone. I want to fall in love and share my life with someone. And although I don't know if that person will be you, I am ready to move on and find out. It's like I've been stuck in one place for so long, and now I just want to keep moving forward. The only thing I'm sure about is, I don't want another marriage like I had."

"I can understand that. I'd like to see where this can go."

Parker frowned. "You said you know what it's like to lose someone. Who did you lose?"

"Kat, my fiancée. We were only eighteen, but we loved each other. So many people tried telling us we were too young, but I knew she was the one I wanted in my life. We'd been high school sweethearts and we wanted to get married." He shrugged. "My grandfather told me not to let anyone tell me that we were too young. He married my grandmother when they were seventeen and they're still married, almost sixty- eight years later." He smiled. "Once we decided to get married, we were to meet at the courthouse." He swallowed hard. "I waited but she didn't show. It never occurred to me that she wouldn't show up, so I knew something was wrong. I ran out of the courthouse to get to my car, but I saw my parents getting out of their car. My first thought was they were there for the wedding, but I knew from the looks on their faces that something was very wrong. They told me she'd been hit by a car while crossing a street and died on the way to the hospital. I know it was a long time ago, but there are times it feels like it was just yesterday."

"I'm so sorry, Maverick. Of course, it still bothers you even though it's been years. Pain like that never really goes away. You had your entire life planned out with her and it was all snatched away from you in an instant." She touched his hand, and he turned it over to link their fingers.

"Just like it was for you." He stared into her eyes, then got to his feet. "I'd better go."

"Are you sure?" She stood and gazed into his eyes.

He smirked. "Yes, because if I don't, I will do my damnedest to convince you to let me stay, and I know you're not ready for that."

"No, I'm not… yet, but I do want to see you again."

"Good. We can go out next Saturday night and maybe spend Sunday together. Do you ride?"

"Horses?" He nodded and she vehemently shook her head. "No way."

"Why not? "

"They're too scary. That's a long way to fall."

Maverick sighed. "Okay. How about fishing?"

"I do like to fish."

"Then that's what we'll do. Have a lazy day at the pond, fishing."

"I like that idea."

"Okay, I'll get in touch with you later in the week. Where do you want to go to dinner?"

"You choose."

Maverick chuckled. "Okay. We can go to the diner, then Dewey's if you want. Sunday, we'll be lazy."

"Sounds like a good way to spend a Sunday."

"Come on, walk me to the door." He led her to the door.

At the door, her nerves kicked in as she wondered if he'd kiss her goodnight. He grinned at her.

"You're so easy to read," he joked.

Parker gasped as she slapped her hand at him, but laughed when he grabbed her hand and pulled her close to him.

"Maybe just a little one?"

"Yes."

Maverick slid his hand around her nape, lowered his head, and lightly touched her lips with his and a shock ran through her. He raised his head and stared into her eyes.

"Again," she whispered.

Lowering his head again, he pressed his lips to hers and kissed her deeply. She slid her arms around his neck and leaned into him. His hands moved to her hips as he tugged her closer. She moaned against his mouth. It had been way too long since she'd been kissed and held like this. You've never been held or kissed like this!

He slowly raised his lips and their eyes met and held, then a slow grin lifted his lips.

"I'm definitely looking forward to more of that."

Parker laughed. "I am too."

He kissed her forehead, opened the door, and touched the brim of his hat.

"I'll talk to you soon. Sleep well, Parker."

"I'm sure I will. You too."

He huffed out a laugh. "Yeah, I don't think so. Goodnight, darlin'." He stepped out, and pulled the door closed.

Parker leaned back against the door, touched her lips, and grinned. She was looking forward to seeing him again.