Chapter Seven

By the third week, Maverick was ready to say hell with it, but he knew he couldn't. He'd lose his job for sure. He just missed Parker so much and wanted to get home to her.

As he rode along the pasture, he saw a few more cattle with their calves, so he glanced around and saw two of the men sitting on their horses… talking. Clenching his jaw, he rode over to them.

"Do you two see those cattle?" He pointed to them.

"Yeah," one said.

"Then how about you get your fucking asses in gear and get them to the trailer?"

"We were just taking a break," the other one said.

"You take a break when I tell you to take a break. Move it," he snapped and stared at them until they spurred their horses and rode toward the cattle. "Son of a bitch."

He didn't like talking to his men like that, but they needed to get these cattle rounded up and they were pissing around. They might not have anyone they want to get home to, but he did.

"What's wrong with you, Maverick?"

"Nothing, Grady."

"Bullshit. You never jump on the men like that."

Maverick sighed. "I know, but I thought we'd be finished by now and we should be. I see cattle and calves, and those two were just… taking a br eak," he snapped.

"I think those are the last of the cattle and calves. Once Bobby's done checking the ear tags, we should know for sure."

Maverick sighed. "Alright, then we can head back."

"Yeah, we can head out of here tomorrow morning," Grady told him.

"Tomorrow morning. Another damn day," Maverick muttered.

Grady laughed. "Man, if I didn't know better, I'd say there's someone waiting for you back home."

"Fuck you, Grady."

Grady laughed again and shook his head. "Sure."

Maverick grinned. He knew Grady was teasing him, and that was fine now, since Maverick knew they'd be heading home tomorrow.

"So, is there?" Grady asked.

"None of your business."

"Okay. So… what's her name?"

Maverick glared at him, but Grady just chuckled, then rode toward some cattle. Maverick sighed. He just wanted to get home to Parker. He couldn't send text messages at all. He'd tried several times, but they all failed. He didn't know he could miss someone so much. Of course, he missed Kat when she died, but looking back on his love for her, it was nothing compared to what he felt for Parker. He reined Cisco to a stop.

"Love? Shit," he muttered. He really wasn't sure about that, but he did know she was constantly in his thoughts and if he wasn't in love, he was on the verge.

After a restless night, he loaded Cisco into the trailer in the morning, and told the men to get moving. They looked at him like they didn't even know who he was, which made him chuckle.

"Damn, he's really cracking the whip on this trip," one of the hands said.

Maverick looked at Grady to see him grinning, and raised his middle finger at him, making him laugh.

"Let's get him back to the barn so he can get in a better mood," Grady said.

The men laughed, climbed into the trucks and they headed back to the barn. Maverick just wanted to get back, shower, and head to town to see Parker. He didn't even want to take the time to call or text her. He just wanted to see her and hold her in his arms.

****

Parker sat on the sofa, reading when someone knocked on her door. She just wanted a relaxing Sunday at home. With a deep sigh, she put the book down, got up, walked to the door, and peered out the peephole. With a gasp, she quickly unlocked the door, opened it, and jumped into Maverick's arms. She sighed when they wrapped around her, and she pressed her lips to his.

Maverick entered the apartment without letting her down, kicked the door closed, and carried her to the bedroom. He set her on her feet, and they practically ripped each other's clothes off. Soon, their naked bodies touched and both groaned.

His hands moved down her body, exploring every curve and valley. She moaned with pleasure as he reached her most sensitive spot, his fingers expertly teasing her into a frenzy of desire. Their mouths met in a passionate kiss, tongues moving together as their lower bodies pressed against each other. Hot breaths mingled as his hard cock ground against her growing wetness. The bedroom was filled with the sounds of their labored breathing, and the creaking of the bed under their writhing bodies. The heat between them was unmistakable, making it difficult for them to breathe.

He took a deep breath before diving into her welcoming heat. He thrust his hips forward, sliding himself inside her slick slit. She cried out as he filled her completely, every inch of him stretching her walls. Her nails dug into his back as she arched her hips to meet his rhythm, urging him onward.

He grabbed her thighs and lifted them, angling her hips for deeper penetration. He plunged into her with long, forceful strokes, sending waves of pleasure crashing through them. They moaned in unison, the room now echoing with their cries of passion as they both reached their orgasm.

Maverick placed his forehead against hers, and she reached to brush his hair back.

"I missed you so damn much," he said.

"I missed you too." She kissed his lips.

He rolled to his side, pulling her against him. Parker placed her arm across his waist.

"Shit," he muttered.

"What? "

"I didn't wear a condom."

"It's okay. I'm on birth control. I stayed on it to keep my periods regular."

"Good. I lost my head when I saw you." He kissed her forehead. "It's been the longest three weeks of my life."

Parker laughed. "Shay was ready to take me to you. She said I was driving her insane, but she did understand because Wes goes on the drives."

"Yeah, him and Warren usually go on the two-week drive."

"Why is one longer?"

"The two-week drive is just for rounding up any of the cattle, but this one I was just on, is for rounding up cows and calves. They're spread all over the five thousand acres and it takes a while to find them."

"I see," she said, but didn't. She'd never understand any part of ranching, but she didn't care. As long as Maverick came back to her, she was happy.

"I need a damn nap. I've barely slept," he murmured.

"Then let's do that, then we can go to the diner later." Parker snuggled against him and smiled when his arms wrapped around her, pulling her close to him.

"Sounds good, baby." He kissed the top of her head.

Parker smiled as she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

****

Maverick settled into the booth, taking in the familiar sights and smells of the diner. Despite the bustling crowd, he felt comfortable and at home.

"It's always packed in here," Parker remarked, her eyes scanning the room.

"But once the tourists leave, it won't be like this. It will still be crowded, but only at certain times."

Connie greeted them with a smile. "Hi there, you two. What can I get for you?"

"Same as always for me, Connie," Parker replied.

"I'll have my usual as well. Thank you, Connie." Maverick grinned up at her.

"I'll bring those out to you in a few minutes. Let me grab your drinks first." Connie disappeared into the kitchen and returned shortly with glasses of sweet tea before heading back to take more orders.

"What do you want to do today?" Maverick asked, taking a sip of his drink.

"I don't know... it's so hot out." Parker sighed.

"We could go back to my place and swim," Maverick suggested.

"I'd love that. After we finish eating, I'll go grab my swimsuit from my apartment."

Maverick smirked. "You don't need a suit."

Parker playfully rolled her eyes. "Maybe you don't, but I do."

"No skinny dipping?" Maverick teased.

"I've never done that," she admitted.

"Well then it's about time you did." He grinned.

Parker shook her head with a laugh. "I'm too shy for that. "

"Alright then, we'll get your suit. But that doesn't mean I won't try to convince you to take it off." Maverick winked.

She laughed and shook her head. "Let me guess, you won't be wearing one."

Maverick shrugged nonchalantly. "I never do. No one ever comes around my place."

As their meals arrived and they continued to chat and laugh, Maverick couldn't help but feel a deep longing to be with her. He knew he was falling hard for her but had no idea if she felt the same way. All he knew was that she didn't just hop into bed with anyone.

After they finished eating, they headed back to Parker's apartment so she could grab her swimsuit before heading to Maverick's house.

"You're still staying with me on Tuesday night, right?" Maverick asked as they made their way to his truck.

"Yes," Parker replied with a smile.

He nodded, then focused on the drive. The sweltering heat was almost unbearable, and he couldn't wait for fall to arrive. Working in the barn during the cooler months was much more comfortable. Even though he still sweated while working, it wasn't as suffocating as the summer heat.

As they reached his cabin, he pulled to a stop and opened the door, stepping out into the sweltering heat. As he walked around to open her door, he saw that she had already stepped out of the truck. Taking her hand, he led her inside the house where they both let out a sigh of relief at the cooler temperature.

"Even just walking from the truck to the house has me sweating," Parker said.

"Are you ready for a swim?"

"Yes." Parker looked around. "Where's Blue?"

"I'm not sure. Let me check the backyard." He walked to the laundry room door and searched outside but didn't see the dog. Stepping onto the porch, he called for her and smiled when she emerged from under the hedges. After shaking off some dirt, she ran toward him excitedly. He kneeled to pet her before opening the door for her to run inside. Maverick chuckled when he heard her barking at Parker.

In the kitchen, Parker was sitting on the floor with Blue in her lap.

"You're going to spoil her."

"So?" Parker shrugged playfully. "Where was she? Isn't it too hot for her outside?"

"Her fur insulates her. Aussies have a double coat for optimal insulation year-round. She was under the hedges, digging a hole and lying in the cool dirt. Her pet door is open, so she knows she can come inside if she needs to. Let's go. Come on, Blue, we're going to go swimming," he said as he helped Parker up from the floor and couldn't resist kissing her lips.

"Did she stay here alone while you were gone?"

"She was here, but Warren made sure to feed and water her. I take her with me on the other cattle drives." He grinned. "Go change into your suit… if you must."

Parker smiled. "Okay. Where can I change?"

"Either the bathroom in my bedroom or the one in the hallway."

"Okay. I'll be right back."

"I'll meet you at the pool. I need to get some towels."

Parker nodded and their eyes met. Maverick strode to her, kissed her lips again, then entered the laundry room while Parker headed for the bathroom to change.

****

Parker undressed and slipped into her swimsuit. She couldn't help feeling a bit self-conscious about him seeing her in it, even though he had seen her naked. The black fabric clung to her figure, accentuating her curves and the deep neckline drew attention to her breasts. As she studied herself in the mirror, she nibbled on her lip and wondered what his reaction would be when he saw her in it.

"Only one way to find out," she muttered as she opened the door, walked along the hallway and into the kitchen. She didn't see Maverick anywhere, but when she heard Blue barking, she looked out the window and laughed when she saw Blue jump into the pool and swim to Maverick, who was at the far end.

Taking a deep breath, she opened the door in the laundry room, stepped out, and walked to the edge of the pool. She looked at Maverick to see him staring at her, then he went under the water and swam toward her. She could see his naked form slicing through the water and she wanted to say the hell with swimming and just get the man in bed.

Her chest tightened in anticipation as he gracefully strode toward the steps of the pool, his muscular physique glistening under the sun's rays. He was a sight to behold, completely at ease with his nakedness and oozing confidence. She couldn't help but feel a rush of desire as he got closer and closer .

"Damn, you look hot," he whispered huskily before claiming her lips in a passionate kiss.

Parker moaned, her body melting into his embrace as she tangled her fingers in his wet hair. Suddenly, he effortlessly picked her up and carried her toward the pool. With a playful glint in his eyes, he dropped her into the water, causing her to shriek.

"Oh, you are in so much trouble, Whitacre," she threatened when she surfaced.

He chuckled and dove into the water, seamlessly gliding through the crystal-clear depths until he reached the other end. Rising from the water, he shook his head to dispel the water in his hair and grinned, making her heart skip a beat.

Parker smiled, dove under the water and swam to him, though she couldn't hold her breath that long. When she surfaced, she swam to him. He pulled her close, kissed her lips, then turned her so that her back was in the corner. He put his hands on the top of the pool, blocking her in, and moved closer to her.

"I wish you could stay tonight," he whispered in her ear.

"I do too. But I have to work tomorrow."

He stared into her eyes. "I'm crazy about you, Parker."

"I feel the same."

He raised an eyebrow. "You're crazy about you too?"

She splashed water at him, making him laugh.

"You know what I mean."

"I do, but I'd like to hear you say it. "

"I'm crazy about you, too," she said.

He kissed her lips. "I'm glad."

After swimming for a while, they got out of the pool, dried off, then lounged in the chairs beside the pool. Parker grinned as Maverick draped a towel over his lap. He grinned.

"I don't need that sunburned," he said, making her laugh.

Eventually, the heat of the day ran them inside.

"Can I use your shower? I want to get the chlorine out of my hair."

"Sure. I need to do that too."

"Then let's save water."

After a quick shower, they sat on the sofa in the living room, enjoying the cooler air of the house.

"I'm going to visit my parents next month," he said.

Parker felt disappointed that he was going to be leaving her again so soon.

"How long will you be gone?"

"Four days. I'm leaving on a Friday, and I'll be back on Monday."

"Oh." She couldn't hide her disappointment.

Maverick reached for her hand and interlaced their fingers, causing her to look at him.

"Want to go with me?"

"Seriously?"

"Yes."

"I'd love to go, if you think your parents won't mind."

Maverick grinned. "They'll be happy to see me bring someone home with me."

Parker laughed. "Okay. I'll talk to Shay about getting time off."

"Okay."

"Are we driving?"

"No. Flying."

"Oh, then I need to get a ticket."

"No, you don't. The Coleman's have a Learjet."

"Of course, they do."

"They're richer than you can imagine, but a great family. I only take two vacations a year, and that's to visit my parents on their birthdays, in Wyoming." He shrugged. "They have their pilot fly me there."

"That's so nice of them." Parker smiled.

"Yes, it is."

"So, you're going home for a birthday? Whose?"

"My mom's. I went home for Dad's in January."

"I don't want to intrude on a family gathering." Parker frowned.

"Darlin', there's no gathering. It's just me visiting them on their birthdays."

"Oh, so no party, then?"

Maverick chuckled. "No. The last thing either of them want is a party. I've always gone at those times."

"What about your sisters?"

"They show up for Thanksgiving. Janie lives in Alaska, Stella lives in Hawaii, and Casey lives in Florida."

"Wow. They are all over the states. Are they married?"

"Yes, but no kids yet. It would just be you and me there."

"Okay. I would love to go then. "

"Great. Get with Shay about the time off then."

"I'll talk to her tomorrow. What do you get your mom for her birthday?"

"She collects paperweights. I try to get her one she doesn't have, but it's getting harder every year."

"Come to the store. We have a lot of them."

"I'll do that."

"As much as I hate to leave, I should."

"Okay. I'll take you home."

As they drove to town, Parker thought about not being able to stay with him tonight. He was becoming so important to her, and she wanted to spend every waking moment with him.

Maverick pulled around the back of the diner, parked, and looked at her.

"Are you hungry? I'm starving. I can get us something from the diner, then I'll head home."

"I am hungry. That sounds good. I'll go up and you can get us something. Tell Connie I want the southern fried chicken salad with ranch dressing, please."

"Yes, ma'am. I'll be right back." He leaned over, kissed her lips, then opened the door and headed around to the diner.

Parker entered her apartment, and remembered she had to put the trash out since it would be picked up tomorrow. She quickly bagged it up and carried the bags down the stairs.

At the dumpster, she lifted the lid, threw the bags inside, and closed the lid, then started up the steps but stopped when she thought she heard something. She walked around the dumpster and listened. Then she heard it. A cat.

Getting on her knees, she peered under the container and saw a small cat, or kitten under it, close to the front. She walked around the front, got on her knees again, and looked under it. Leaning forward, she reached her hand under the dumpster, but the kitten moved back.

"Well, the view's nice, but what the hell are you doing?"

Parker laughed and glanced over her shoulder at Maverick.

"There's a kitten under here." She reached for it again. "Come here baby, I won't hurt you. Come to me baby."

"You can talk to me like that anytime."

She burst out laughing and shook her head. "I'm not sure I can promise not to hurt you."

He chuckled. "Don't you threaten me with a good time."

Parker sat back on her heels. "You are so bad. Come help me."

"What do you want me to do?"

"Can you push the dumpster a little so I can grab the kitten?"

"Alright." He set the bag containing their food on the steps, then pushed the dumpster, and Parker was able to reach the kitten. She pulled it to her and held it against her chest and stood.

"I love orange cats, and it's so fluffy too. Oh, you are adorable." The kitten began to purr as she held it. She looked at Maverick. "It can't be more than six weeks old. I wonder if its mama is here somewhere."

"Hard to say. What are you going to do with it?"

"I'm going to ask Connie if I can keep it."

"I had a feeling that's what you were going to say."

"You don't like cats?"

He shrugged. "I'm a dog person. A dog is always happy to see you. You can be gone all day, get home, fill its dish with food, but all it cares about is you. A cat would look at you like, it's about time you got home. I hope you realize my dish is empty."

Parker laughed. "Too true, but you'll have to get used to—" She turned the kitten and looked under its tail. "Her."

"Oh, sure. What's one more female to push me around?"

Parker smiled. "You are sort of outnumbered with me and Blue, aren't you?"

"Yeah, and now you add another female."

"She's so skinny. I'll have to get her some food."

"Well, I have our food, so how about we eat?"

"Okay. I'll feed her a scrambled egg." Parker grinned, then laughed when Maverick rolled his eyes.

"You should take her to Dr. Garrett and have her checked out."

"I will. I'll call Tess tomorrow. Maybe I can take her in on Wednesday, but I'm still going to have to buy a litter box and cat food. Once you leave, I'll head to the Feed Store."

"Here's your hat, what's your hurry?"

"I'm sorry. I don't mean to rush you off, but I don't want to be out late, and I will have to have something to put her in. There's no way she's housetrained."

"Whatever you say, darlin'." He walked to the steps, picked up the bag, then nodded for her to go up the stairs.

After Maverick left, Parker found a box to put the kitten in while she went to the Feed Store. She looked in the box.

"I'll be right back." She smiled when the kitten meowed at her, then headed out the door.

****

As perspiration dripped down his face, Maverick reached for a handkerchief tucked in his back pocket. The heat inside the barn was stifling, even though it wasn't yet noon. He wished fall would hurry up and arrive. But despite the sweltering temperature, he couldn't help but feel excited about his upcoming trip to see his parents.

"Hey, Maverick," Wes greeted him as he entered the barn.

Maverick wiped his brow and replied, "What's going on?"

Wes paused before asking, "When do you leave to see your parents?"

"Friday."

"This Friday?" Wes clarified.

Maverick nodded, confused by Wes's sudden interest. "Yeah, why? Is something wrong?"

Wes quickly reassured him, "Not at all. I just didn't have it written down."

"Oh, don't worry. Grady knows."

"Grady knows what he's doing." Wes grinned, folding his arms across his chest.

Maverick raised his eyebrow in amusement. "What?"

Wes chuckled. "So... Parker's going with you, huh?"

A smile spread across Maverick's face as he confirmed, "Yes. I suppose Shay told you."

"She did. She's happy for Parker."

"But not for me?" Maverick teased.

Wes laughed. "I'm sure she is, but she and Parker have become close friends. I'm just glad to see you've found someone."

"Me too," Maverick agreed.

"Well, if I don't see you before you go, have a good time," Wes bid him farewell as he exited the barn.

Grinning at the thought of spending time with Parker during his trip home, Maverick picked up a rake and got back to work. He couldn't wait for Friday to arrive. He remembered telling his mother he was bringing someone with him…

"I'll be there the Friday before your birthday, Mom," Maverick had informed her over the phone.

"Oh, I'm so glad you make this trip every year, honey," his mother had replied. "At least we get to see you twice a year."

"Mom, you know where I live too. You and Dad are always welcome to visit."

His mother's voice turned wistful. "What good would that do? You'd be working all the time. When you're here, I actually get to spend time with you."

Maverick chuckled at her reply, then continued, "I know. Uh, if it's alright with you, I'm bringing someone with me."

There was a moment of shocked silence on the other end of the line before his mother exclaimed, "Who? "

"A woman I've been seeing," Maverick said.

His mother gasped in excitement. "Oh! I can't wait to meet her. Is it serious?"

"It's heading that way. She's anxious to meet you too," Maverick revealed with a grin.

"I can't wait. We'll pick you up at the airport on Friday. Let me know what time, okay?" his mother instructed.

"Yes, ma'am. I'll see you soon. I love you. Tell Dad I love him too."

"We love you," his mother said before ending the call.

Maverick shook himself out of his memories and got back to work, eager for the week to fly by so he could reunite with his family and introduce them to Parker.