Chapter Four

The following Saturday, Parker couldn't stop looking at the clock. There was an hour before they closed and she was anxious to get home, change, and wait for Maverick. The one thing she wasn't sure about was tonight. If they were spending tomorrow together too, did he expect her to spend the night with him?

"Men," she muttered.

"Oh, boy, have I said that a lot since meeting Wes." Shay laughed. "Are you okay?"

"I don't know." As Shay listened, Parker explained about her and Maverick getting together.

"He kind of just threw it out there and I don't know how to take it."

"Okay, did he mention picking you up Sunday?"

"No."

"Did he mention you spending the night, like saying he had a spare bedroom?"

"No."

"Men." Shay shook her head, making Parker laugh.

"I suppose I can ask him." She nibbled on her bottom lip.

"Just wait and see how it goes. If he asks where your overnight bag is, you'll know." Shay gasped. "Oh! Ask him what time he'll pick you up Sunday."

"That's brilliant!"

"I do have good ideas sometimes. That way you'll know what he has in mind." Shay tilted her head. "Do you want to spend the night with him?"

"I do, but I'm not ready for that step. We just started seeing each other, and to be honest, it scares the hell out of me. I've only been with Brad. When Maverick kissed me—"

"Oooh, was it good?"

"Good? No. Fantastic? Yes."

"I knew it would be. He's too sexy to be a dud." Shay giggled.

"I agree and that scares me too." Parker sighed.

"Tell me."

As Shay listened, Parker told her everything she'd told Maverick about her relationship with Brad. When she finished, she looked at Shay to see tears on her cheeks.

"I knew something other than their deaths was preying on your mind. I'm so sorry you lived like that, Parker."

"It's my fault. I knew how he was, but I thought I could change him. Be more affectionate, but he never changed. I'd see couples who'd been married forever, and I'd be so jealous of how the husband would always touch his wife. Well, like you and Wes. Anytime he's near you, he's looking at you, or touching you in a loving manner. I envy that."

"I don't think you'll have to envy it if you're with Maverick. He's so sexy."

"He's a nice man too. Very polite and has wonderful manners."

"Most cowboys do. Wes and Warren are the same way."

When the door to the shop opened, both sighed, then looked toward the door. Shay smiled when Parker gasped. She leaned close to her.

"Let me introduce you to the sexy sheriff." Shay walked toward the man and Parker wondered what was in the water around here.

"Hi, Sam," Shay said.

"Shay, how are you?" He touched the brim of his hat and grinned.

Good heavens! Parker walked toward them, not taking her eyes off the man and knew Shay hadn't lied when she called him the sexy sheriff. He could handcuff her any day.

"I'm good. Do you know Parker? She works with me."

"No, I haven't had the pleasure."

"This is Parker Tisdale, Parker, this is Sam Garrett, the sheriff of Clifton County," Shay introduced them.

"Hello, Sheriff," Parker said as she shook his hand.

"Ma'am, it's nice to meet you."

Parker stared into blue eyes, and they made her think of Maverick.

"What can we do for you, Sam?" Shay asked.

"Tessa's birthday is coming up and she was telling me about a glass horse in here she liked." Sam shrugged.

Parker grinned. Men had no clue what they were shopping for when it came to women.

"I think I can help. I spoke with Tess one day she was in here and I'm sure I know which one it was." Parker walked to the glass shelves behind the counter, and lifted a purple, blue, and white glass horse down. She carefully set it on the countertop .

"Okay, I'll take it." Sam grinned, pulled his wallet out, and handed her his credit card.

"It's gorgeous," Shay said.

"Yes, it is. Tessa loves horses. I'm glad you still have it." Sam smiled.

"You spoil her, Sam."

Sam chuckled. "Am I not supposed to?"

Shay and Parker laughed, then Parker wrapped it for him and handed it to him.

"How's those babies?" Shay asked him.

Parker smiled when Sam grinned.

"Beautiful."

"Oh, please. With parents like you two, they'd never be anything else." Shay laughed.

Sam grinned, picked up the bag, nodded, and left the shop.

"No wonder Tess always has a smile on her face," Parker said.

"They have a little girl and Tess recently had a boy. Sam spoils all three."

"A woman can't walk ten feet in this town without tripping over a gorgeous man," Parker said, then sighed.

Shay agreed then the women got back to work and once again, Parker found herself watching the clock.

****

Maverick strode through the barn, heading for his truck. He needed to go home, take a shower, and pick up Parker. He'd stopped at the barn to check on his horse.

"Maverick?"

"Shit," he swore under his breath, as he turned to face one of the ranch hands. "Yeah?"

"Do you have a minute?"

Maverick sighed. "Sure. Let's head to the office."

An hour later, Maverick made his way down the barn's aisle again, hoping he would make it to his truck this time. He looked at his watch and swore when he saw how late it was.

After climbing into his truck, he drove home. He needed to grab a shower, but first he needed to give Parker a call to let her know he was running late. He parked his truck, entered the house, and fed Blue, then called Parker.

"Hi," she said when she answered.

"Hey, darlin', I'm running behind. Last minute things, but once I get a shower, I'll be on my way."

"Okay, no problem. I'll be here."

He grinned. "I hope so. I'll see you soon."

"Yep." She disconnected.

He set the phone on the counter, entered the mudroom, and stripped off his filthy clothes. Dirt floated up from them when they hit the floor. He walked through the house naked, entered the bathroom, turned on the water, and stepped inside the stall. As the water hit him, it turned brown as it swirled around the drain.

Quickly scrubbing his hair, he then washed, dried off, and walked into the bedroom to dress. He was glad they were going to the diner. He didn't need to dress up.

After tugging a red T-shirt over his head, and down his body, he pulled on clean socks, boxer briefs, and jeans, then he sat on the edge of the bed to pull his boots on. Standing, he stomped his feet down into them, and headed for the living room. He picked up his keys and walked out to the truck.

The heat of the day still lingered, so he turned the a/c up on high and drove to town.

After making a stop at the bakery, he drove through the diner parking lot, pulled to a stop beside the steps, opened the door, stepped out, and climbed the stairs. He knocked on the door and waited.

When she opened the door, he couldn't help but smile. She was stunning.

"Hi," he said.

"Hi, come in out of the heat."

Maverick removed his hat, wiped his feet on the mat, and entered the apartment.

"This is for you. I was going to get you flowers, but they were closed. I'm sorry."

"Please don't apologize. You don't need to bring me flowers, or anything else, Maverick." She took the bag he held out to her, opened it and peered inside, then looked at him. "Chocolate covered cherries?"

"Yes. I figured if you didn't like them, I could eat them." He grinned.

Parker laughed. "Well, you're out of luck because I love them."

"Damn. Okay, I'll try something else the next time."

"I haven't been in the bakery yet, but anytime I'm near it, the smell alone makes me gain ten pounds."

"Sloane is one hell of a baker. Are you ready?"

"I am. I'll just put these in the fridge."

She placed the candy in the fridge, and he couldn't take his eyes off her. She wore a blue, sleeveless blouse with jeans, and on her feet were blue sneakers.

"You look nice."

"Well, thank you, kind sir, and so do you."

He shook his head. "Let's go, sweetheart. I'm hungry."

Parker picked up her purse, and reached for the doorknob, but he reached around her and opened it for her, then nodded for her to go. He took her key from her, locked the door, handed it back to her, and held her hand as they walked down the steps.

"Should we drive?"

Parker laughed. "I think we can make it through the parking lot."

"I don't know. I've had a long damn day."

"Oh, well, you drive, and I'll meet you there. I'll probably get there before you."

"No doubt." He held her hand as they walked through the lot and then entered the diner.

They sat in a booth and Parker glanced around the diner. She smiled and nodded at people.

"I love this town," she said.

"It's a nice place." Maverick nodded.

"So, how did you end up here?"

"After Kat died, I had to get away. Like you felt about Oklahoma. There were just too many memories that I had trouble dealing with. I was going to go to Canada but stopped here on my way. I decided to stay for a few days. I think I went through every shop in town. I was in the Feed Store and the bulletin board caught my eye. I thought that maybe I could stay here for a few months then move on." He laughed. "Once I met Robert Coleman, I knew I'd stay a lot longer. He gave me a job on the spot. I don't know if he was desperate for help or liked me, but I started out as a ranch hand. I enjoyed the work and trust me, it's damn hard work. Don't let anyone tell you different. But I needed to be pushed like that. I'd get up at four in the morning, work all day, and sometimes into the night, then go to bed, and get up and do it all over again. It kept my mind off Kat. I didn't have time to think about her because I'd be so tired when I'd get home, I'd fall into bed and be asleep in seconds. The next thing I knew, I was made a foreman." He grinned. "That's how fast the time flew by. I was content working there. I still am. I can't see working anywhere else. I'm glad I decided to stick around."

"I'm glad you did too. So, no other relationships after Kat?"

"Yes. Just one. I met Della at Dewey's, about three years ago. We hit it off, and I was sure that maybe she was the one, but I soon found out she wasn't. We argued constantly."

"What about, or is that too painful?"

"No, it's not painful. She was a very jealous woman. I couldn't even talk to another woman without her jumping on me about it. I got tired of it. I knew we were just heading for trouble. I never cheated on her. I don't cheat. Hell, any man in his right mind wouldn't get involved with more than one woman at the same time. There were days I'd be late getting in from work, and she'd accuse me of being with someone. I couldn't take it anymore, so I broke up with her. She took it hard, but it was for the best. "

"She must have been very insecure."

"Her ex-husband cheated on her all the time."

"I see. That can be hard to get past, but not everyone will cheat."

Maverick nodded. "That's true."

"Hey, you two, what can I get you?"

"Hi, Connie. It's quiet tonight," Parker said.

"It always is this time of day."

They ordered their meals and conversation flowed as they ate, then after finishing, they went to Dewey's. Maverick held her hand as they pushed through the crowd to get to the bar. After finding seats at the bar, they ordered drinks, and watched the people. Maverick would rather watch Parker. He was surprised at how attracted he was to her. He'd put off having any kind of relationship after Della. He was sure he'd never love anyone again. Now, looking at Parker, he was sure he could.

He wasn't sure what it was about her, but it seemed like she was all he thought about since he met her, and he was anxious to see if they had something between them. He sure felt something for her, but he didn't know where it would go. It could just be because she was beautiful and he was infatuated with her, but he didn't think so. He was a grown man, he didn't get… infatuated .

As the night wore on, they drank, danced, and laughed. He was having a good time and she seemed to be too. He wanted her in his bed, but he knew that wasn't going to happen. Not tonight at least, but he hoped soon.

Maverick sat at the bar watching Parker in a line dance. He grinned when he saw her laughing with Mitzie Moore, but then he saw a cowboy move in beside her and grin at her. She gave him a polite smile but didn't flirt back. But he kept talking to her. Maverick saw her shake her head several times, but the jackass wouldn't leave her alone, and Maverick's blood boiled.

When the dance ended, she made her way through the crowd and took the stool next to Maverick.

"Wow, I need a drink. It's hot out there." She grinned at him.

Maverick raised his hand for a bartender and ordered Parker a coke. She didn't drink much, and he assumed it was because a drunk driver killed her husband and child. The bartender brought her drink, set it down, and moved to another customer. Parker picked up the drink and took a long gulp of it then set the glass on the bar. She spun around on the stool to watch the people dancing.

"You and Mitzie looked like you were having fun out there."

"I love her. I think her and Liv were separated at birth."

Maverick chuckled. "They could have been, for sure. So, did that cowboy ask you out?"

"He had trouble taking no for an answer." Parker shook her head.

As he picked up his beer, he saw that cowboy sit on the stool on the other side of her.

"Can I buy you a drink?" he asked her.

"No, you can't," Maverick said.

"Hey, buddy, I wasn't talking to you."

"First off, I'm not your buddy, and second, I know you weren't talking to me, but you are talking to my date. "

"You might have brought her, but she might not be leaving with you."

Maverick grinned when Parker snorted out a laugh and looked at the cowboy.

"You shouldn't aggravate him."

"Oh, come on, sugar, I'm not afraid of him."

"You should be," Maverick said.

The cowboy stood and glared at him. "Well, I'm not. Not one—" he stopped talking when Maverick stood up and towered over him.

"You were saying?"

The cowboy smirked. "The bigger they are…"

"Then come on. We can settle this outside."

"Maverick, let it go. I'm not interested in him."

"Parker, it's not about that anymore. This clown wants to prove something." Maverick shrugged. "I'm willing to let him try."

"Why bother going outside? I'll finish this right here. Right now." The cowboy took a swing at him, but Maverick dodged his fist, then punched him in the face, making his nose bleed. He put his hand over his nose as blood poured from it. "You son of a bitch," he shouted and swung at Maverick again, and ended up getting punched again. "Damn it!" He bent over holding his nose again.

By now, the entire bar was watching them.

"I thought you wanted to take my date home. Or do I need to break your nose in another place?"

The cowboy stepped back. "Do I look stupid to you?"

"Yes, you do. Are you finished?"

"Yeah, I'm done. You can have her."

"How kind of you. Get out of here," Maverick growled.

Everyone watched the cowboy push his way through the crowd and out the doors, then they all cheered.

Maverick shook his head. "I'm sorry Parker. I shouldn't have done that, but he pissed me off. I hate men who think it's okay to come on to any woman they see."

"It's fine. He deserved it. I told him to leave me alone on the dance floor." She wrapped her arms around Maverick's neck. "My hero," she said, laughing.

Maverick chuckled, then he noticed her hiding a yawn behind her hand, he leaned closer and asked if she was ready to go. She nodded, so he settled the tab, and they walked out to the truck, then he drove back to her apartment.

"Uh, what time will you pick me up tomorrow?"

"Is ten too early?"

"No, that's perfect."

"Do you have a fishing pole, or do I need to provide one for you?"

"I don't have one."

"Okay, no problem." He stopped beside the stairs, opened his door, and exited the truck. She met him at the tailgate, and they climbed the steps. He took the key from her, unlocked the door, and pushed it open.

"Do you want to come inside?"

Maverick grinned. "Yes, but I won't. I know you're not ready for more right now, and I know I'd try to convince you otherwise if I came inside." He handed the key back to her.

"Okay. I'll see you around ten. "

He nodded but they stared at each other.

"Go inside, Parker."

"Will you kiss me goodnight?"

He blew out a laugh. "You're pushing it."

Parker laughed. "Just one little kiss?"

"I won't stop at just one little kiss."

"Maybe I don't want you to."

"Now, see? You can't be saying things like that if you expect me to leave."

"Maverick, I do want you, I'm just…" She shook her head. "It's like my first time all over again. I'm nervous."

"I know." He kissed her lips. "I'll see you tomorrow." Without giving her time to say more, he ran down the steps, climbed into the truck, started it, and drove home.

****

The bright sun streamed through the window, filling Parker's living room with warmth. She sat on her sofa; eyes glued to the TV screen as she anxiously waited for Maverick to arrive. The sound of a knock made her jump, causing her to quickly get up and make her way to the door. As she opened it, her heart skipped a beat at the sight of him standing there. His white T-shirt hugged his impressive looking pecs, flat stomach, and the sleeves were tight around his biceps. Her eyes moved lower, and she had to bite back a groan. His faded jeans hugged his body like a second skin. Even the well-worn cowboy boots were sexy to her.

"Hi," she managed to say, trying to keep her composure .

"Hi. If you're ready, we can go," Maverick replied, his voice deep and smooth.

Parker nodded, feeling a rush of excitement at the thought of spending the day with him. "Okay, let me grab my purse."

But before she could turn away, his hand gripped her wrist gently, forcing her to look back at him. Without hesitation, he leaned in and pressed his lips against hers, sending shivers down her spine.

"Good morning," he whispered against her lips, before kissing her again.

Unable to resist, Parker wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back eagerly. His strong arms circled around her waist, pulling her closer as they lost themselves in the heat of their kiss. She could feel the intensity of his desire as he pressed his hips against hers. In that moment, nothing else seemed to matter except for the two of them entangled in each other's embrace. Parker ran her fingers through his thick hair, accidentally knocking off his hat which fell to the floor with a soft thud. But neither of them cared as they continued to kiss passionately, completely consumed by their growing need for one another.

As he lifted his lips from hers, she let out a small whimper of longing. She immediately missed the feel of them on hers, the warmth and softness that sent shivers down her spine.

"We should probably get going," he said.

Parker could only nod in agreement, still lost in the sensation of their kiss. He picked up his hat, placed it on his head, then led her out the door, waiting patiently as she fumbled to lock it behind them. Together they walked down the steps, hand in hand, and climbed into his truck. The engine roared to life as he drove them to his house.

When they pulled up to the cabin, Parker couldn't help but gasp in awe. "Oh, Maverick, it's absolutely stunning," she exclaimed.

The log home may not have been grand or extravagant, but it exuded a cozy and inviting charm. A few Adirondack chairs sat on the porch, beckoning them to come sit and stay awhile. Parker opened the door of the truck and stepped out, taking in the beauty of their surroundings. The front door of the cabin had a leaded glass window that glimmered in the sunlight, giving it an almost magical quality.

"Thank you. I love it here."

"Is this a foreman's house?"

"Yes. Grady lives in another one. Steve and John live off the property with their wives. Come on in, let's go inside and pack a lunch to take with us."

Parker followed Maverick into the house, taking in the spacious entryway with its high wooden beams and rustic decor. She couldn't help but laugh when an energetic dog ran into the kitchen, skidding to a stop on the smooth tile floor as it caught sight of Parker.

"Oh, my goodness, you are just beautiful!" Parker exclaimed as she sat down on the floor and was immediately bombarded by affection from the dog. "Australian shepherd, right?"

Maverick nodded with a smile. "Yes, her name is Blue. She's a bit spoiled, but I can't help it."

Parker continued to pet Blue and rub her belly as she looked around the cozy kitchen, admiring the warm yellow walls and charming decorations. "You named her Blue because she's a blue merle. Can she come with us?"

"Actually, I was planning to take her," Maverick replied. "I'll make us some sandwiches for lunch."

"While you do that, can I take a look around your home?"

"Go ahead and explore while I get everything ready."

Parker stood up from the floor and walked further into the house. She found herself in a spacious living room with tall windows that stretched all the way up to the ceiling, and along the entire wall, offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside. A large stone fireplace sat on one wall, welcoming anyone who entered. Two comfortable leather sofas faced each other, with a recliner at one end facing toward the fireplace. Above the mantle hung a sleek flatscreen TV.

To her right, Parker noticed a hallway leading off from the living room. Curiosity getting the best of her, she followed it and discovered a full bathroom on her right, a cozy bedroom across from it, and another bedroom beside it. At the end of the hallway was a master bedroom with rich cherry wood furniture and a king-size bed against one wall. Another stone fireplace adorned the opposite wall, with a large TV mounted above it. A door next to the fireplace led to a luxurious bathroom. Patio doors sat on the outside wall.

As Parker took in the beauty of Maverick's home, she couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort and warmth radiating throughout. It may not have been a huge house, but it was certainly stunning and welcoming.

As she turned to leave the room, something caught her eye outside of the patio doors, and she walked to them and peered out to see a sparkling inground swimming pool. She left the room and made her way back to the kitchen.

"I bet that pool feels good after a hot day at work, doesn't it?"

"You have no idea. There's been a few times when I'd go into the mudroom, strip, and go dive in. It feels fantastic."

"Naked?"

"Of course. There's no one around here. This place sits on five acres, so it's very private. The pool is also heated, so I use it in the winter too."

"It's a beautiful place."

Maverick turned to face her; his intense gaze locked on her. Her heart fluttered as she smiled at him, and he set the sharp kitchen knife down onto the counter. He strode across the room, his long strides eating up the distance between them. With a gentle yet firm grasp, he pulled her into his arms and pressed his lips to hers in a passionate kiss. Parker moaned softly as she wrapped her arms around his waist, losing herself in the taste and feel of him. Would she ever tire of his kisses? She highly doubted it.

As they broke apart, Maverick placed his forehead against hers as he gazed deeply into her eyes.

"I want you so much, Parker," he whispered hoarsely.

"Maverick..." she murmured, shivers running down her spine at the raw desire in his words.

"I know, baby," he replied, understandingly. "But I just had to tell you how I feel." With a small smile, he stepped back from her. "We'd better get going," he said as he packed their sandwiches into plastic baggies and then placed them into a cloth bag. He took her hand and led her outside to a small barn situated across from the house.

Parker stopped him, and he turned to look at her. She lifted his hand.

"Your knuckles are bruised," she said.

"Yeah, they'll heal. It's not the first time I've bruised my knuckles, but it's the first time, in a long time that I did it in a fight."

"Do they hurt?"

"A little. I'm fine. Come on."

Once inside the barn, Maverick guided her to a room at the back where an ATV was parked. He handed her the cloth bag before pushing the vehicle out of the room.

"Is this how we're getting there?" Parker asked with excitement bubbling in her chest.

"Well, since you don't ride horses, this is our only option," Maverick replied with a grin. "I'll need to get you a hat first though. Then we can head to the pond. The fishing poles are already on the ATV." He took the bag from her and put it into a cooler strapped onto the rack behind the seat.

He reentered the room and returned with a cowboy hat for her. He put it on her head, kissed her lips, then swung his leg over the seat of the ATV, then started it. He looked at her and put his hand out for her. She stepped onto the footrest, swung her leg over the bike, and scooted close to him. She wrapped her arms around his waist, and screamed when he tore out of the barn.

****

Maverick couldn't contain his grin as he heard her screams of excitement behind him. With a swift twist of the throttle, he revved up the ATV and sped through the sprawling field behind his house. He could feel her chin resting on his shoulder, her body pressed against his as they raced through the open space. He put his left hand on her bare knee, thankful she'd worn shorts. She had great legs.

"You're loving this," she shouted over the roar of the engine.

"What? The speed or scaring you?" he replied with a laugh.

"Both!"

He nodded in agreement, feeling exhilarated by the rush of adrenaline coursing through his veins. But even more so, he loved knowing that she was having just as much fun as he was. As they crested a small hill, Maverick slowed the four-wheeler. "I'll take it easy then."

"It's true what they say... boys will be boys," she said teasingly next to his ear, her warm breath tickling his skin before she let out a loud whoop. "Come on, Blue!"

Maverick glanced back and saw Blue sprinting after them with unbridled joy. He knew Blue lived for these wild rides with him. Reaching a picturesque knoll at the edge of the field, Maverick braked and brought the ATV to a stop. He leaned back and spoke to Parker, taking in the stunning view before them.

"The pond is just down there," he pointed toward its glittering surface, eliciting an audible gasp from her.

"It's beautiful."

And it truly was. Nestled among tall trees and boulders sat a serene pond, its waters reflecting the golden rays of sunlight like a shimmering mirror. This was one of Maverick's favorite spots to spend a lazy day off, and right now, he couldn't think of anyone else he'd rather be here with than Parker.

With a grin, Maverick twisted the throttle and revved the four-wheeler's engine once again, sending Parker into another fit of laughter. When they reached the water's edge, he gently helped her off the vehicle before dismounting himself. Retrieving the cooler from the back, he set it down on the ground with a thud. He then removed a blanket that had been under the cooler and spread it out on the soft grassy bank. Returning to the four-wheeler, he assembled two fishing poles and handed one to Parker. Reaching inside the cooler, he pulled out a Styrofoam cup with a lid on it and handed it to her.

"What's this?" she asked curiously.

"Worms," he answered with a mischievous smile.

"Oh, okay."

Turning to face her, he noticed Parker's face scrunched up in disgust. "I thought you liked to fish?"

"I do," she replied, forcing a smile. "I just don't like touching worms."

Maverick chuckled. "Well, I'm not putting your worm on for you, woman."

Parker pouted playfully. "What if I ask nicely?"

He shook his head. "Nope."

A mischievous glint appeared in her eyes. "How about I give you a kiss for each worm you have to attach for me?"

Maverick frowned teasingly. "I didn't bring enough worms," he said with a wink.

Parker laughed. "I might not use that many anyway."

"I'll make sure you do," he countered with a sly smile.

Wrapping her arms around his neck, Parker stood on her toes and pressed her lips to his. Maverick wrapped his arms tightly around her waist, deepening the kiss before pulling away and planting a quick kiss on her nose. Taking her hand, he led her to the water's edge.

"How tall are you?" Parker asked curiously as they walked.

"Six foot four," Maverick replied.

"I thought that's what you were. I'm only five foot seven. You have nine inches—" she stopped when she realized what she said.

Maverick couldn't help but snort out a laugh at her wording. "How would you even know that I have nine inches? Who did you talk to?"

Parker's eyes narrowed in playful annoyance before she burst into laughter. "Men," she said with a shake of her head.

"Come on. I'll put the first worm on for you." He removed a worm from the cup, attached it to the hook, and handed her the pole, then he did the same with his. He walked to the bank, cast out, and watched the hook hit the center of the pond, then washed his hands. He turned to look at her and raised his eyebrow. "Do you plan to fish from back there?"

"No," she said quietly as she walked closer to the water.

"Parker, if you don't want to fish, you don't have to. You can just sit there and look beautiful."

"No, I want to fish. It's just been a while." She lifted the pole and cast out over the water. It hit close to the center of the pond.

"Good cast," he said.

****

Parker smiled as she lowered herself onto the lush green grass, feeling its cool blades tickle her skin. Maverick joined her, laying back with his knees bent and his hat shielding his face from the warm sun.

"Did you come here to nap?" she asked teasingly.

"I could," he replied with a hint of playfulness in his voice.

"Didn't you get any sleep last night?"

Maverick lifted his hat and looked at her, his piercing gaze causing her heart to flutter.

"Sweetheart, I haven't had a good night's sleep since meeting you."

A blush crept up Parker's cheeks at his bold statement. "You're kidding, right?"

He sat up, shaking his head. "No."

"I'm sorry. "

"For what? Making me hard all night?" he said with a chuckle.

Parker gasped, swatting him playfully. "Maverick!"

"What? It's the truth." He leaned over and pressed a kiss to her lips before she could protest further. "You make my—"

She quickly covered his mouth with her hand, making him laugh. "Do not say it."

"You are way too easy to tease," he teased back, laying back and placing his hat over his face once again.

Parker couldn't help but think about how different Maverick was from any man she had ever met before.

"I've never met a man like you," she said quietly.

"Is that bad or good?"

"Probably both," she admitted with a small smile.

"Fair enough." He shrugged. "I say what I think, Parker. It's something you'll have to get used to if we're going to continue to see each other."

"If?" Her heart skipped a beat at the uncertainty in his tone.

He removed his hat and sat up again, fixing her with an intense gaze. "It's entirely up to you."

"I do want to continue to see you," she reassured him, nervously tugging at the grass beside her. "I'm just not sure what to expect."

"I just told you. I am not one to beat around the bush. I don't mince words." He put his finger under her chin and turned her face to meet his. "In or out of bed. "

Their eyes locked in a heated stare, before he gave her a quick kiss and settled back onto the grass.

Suddenly, Parker felt a tug on her fishing line and exclaimed in excitement as she stood up to reel it in. Maverick got up as well, grabbing the fishing net and standing by the bank. With his help, she pulled in a big, large-mouth bass that had taken the bait.

"Damn, nice fish," Maverick commented approvingly as he held out the net for her to remove the fish.

She gingerly took hold of the fish by its mouth and removed the hook before releasing it back into the water.

"Thank you," she said with a smile, feeling proud of herself for catching such a big fish. "You know what this means, right? I need another worm."

"And I get another kiss," Maverick replied. "Maybe we should have played strip fishing; each time I attach a worm, you remove a piece of clothing," he suggested with a wiggle of his eyebrows and chuckled but stopped when she shot him a glare. "I'm kidding."

"Who's easy to tease now?" she taunted, enjoying seeing him flustered for once.

Maverick set his pole down, stood, and started toward her with purposeful strides. She backed up, holding her hands out in front of her playfully and laughing. She turned to run, but he caught her easily, lifting her in his arms and holding her over the water. Blue bounced around them, barking.

"Say you're sorry," he demanded playfully .

"For what?" she laughed, reveling in the feeling of being held close against him.

"Teasing me. Like you don't do that enough." He pulled her back against his chest with a grin.

"Did I threaten to drop you in the water when you teased me?" she retorted, trying to sound stern but failing as laughter bubbled up within her.

He furrowed his brow as if giving it some thought. "No, but I don't care." He held her out over the water again, causing her to squeal and cling tightly to him.

"If I go, you go," she warned through giggles as she took his hat from his head and tossed it into the pond.

Maverick quickly set her on her feet once again. "You threw my hat in the pond," he exclaimed.

"I did," she said, laughing.

He placed his hands on his hips. "Do you realize how much that hat cost?" he growled.

Parker's laughter quickly died as she saw how angry he was.

"But it's just a straw hat."

"Yes, it's a straw hat. A Stetson straw hat. No Stetson is just a hat. Straw, felt, or leather. They're not cheap."

"I'm-I'm so sorry, Maverick. I'll buy you a new one."

He turned to look at her, then at his hat floating in the pond, and back to her.

"Go get it," he said.

Parker gasped. "What?"

"Go get it. You threw it in there, so you can go get it." He pointed at the hat .

She turned away from him so he wouldn't see how upset she was, and removed one of her shoes, but stopped when she thought she heard him… laugh ? She turned to look at him to see him laughing. She threw the shoe at him, but he dodged it, then she walked to him and stopped in front of him.

"I should throw you in that pond to get your own damn hat." She placed her hands on her hips.

Maverick reached out and pulled her against him. "I don't need to get the hat. It's just an old straw hat, not even a Stetson. I just wanted to see how far you'd go. Teasing you is too easy, baby." He leaned down to kiss her, but she pulled back and glared at him.

"You're on my shitlist, Whitacre."

He chuckled. "I know I can get off it. All I have to do is—"

Parker covered his mouth with her hand. "Do not say it." She smiled when Maverick laughed against her hand.

"We'd better head back, darlin'."

"Alright."

After they cleared up the area, they got on the ATV, and rode back to the house.