Chapter Eight

Friday morning, they sat in the jet, and Parker stared out the window to the landscape below. She had stayed with Maverick last night so they could leave early this morning. She glanced at him to see him with his head back, eyes closed, relaxing.

Smiling, she turned back to the window, and thought back to last night. Her cheeks flamed. It had been so hot. The man definitely knew what to do in bed…

She sat on the edge of the bed, waiting. The door opened, and there he was, tall, muscular, confident. Her stomach fluttered as he walked toward her. He stopped just inches away from her, and leaned down to kiss her, their breaths mingling.

"You look so fucking hot," he murmured, as he pulled her to her feet, before capturing her lips in a bruising kiss that left her dizzy with desire.

His hand traced down her spine, stopping just above the curve of her ass, and she arched into his touch.

"I've been thinking about this all day," he whispered hoarsely against her earlobe as his fingers slowly slipped underneath the elastic of her panties. She gasped as he pulled them off in one swift motion, tossing them aside with a smirk.

Maverick stepped back and stared at her as she stood there completely naked before him. Her nipples hardening under his gaze; he took one between his thumb and forefinger, rolling it gently between his fingers while the other hand trailed lower to part her slit.

"You're so damn wet already," he growled appreciatively before putting his finger in his mouth to taste her nectar. When he finally spoke again it was a groan mixed with desire: "I can't wait any longer."

He picked her up, placed her on the bed, positioned himself between her legs, and pushed inside; she let out a moan that turned into a gasp as he filled her slowly but surely. Inch by agonizing inch.

Parker moaned, as she felt his thick length pushing into her, feeling stretched and filled but also so good.

"You feel so good," she gasped, biting her lip as he slid deeper, making her feel him all the way to the hilt. Her body adjusted quickly, accepting him inside of her like a well-worn glove. She looked up at him. He was gorgeous, all muscle and sweat glistening on his skin, breathing hard just as she was. The bed creaked beneath them as they rocked together in perfect sync.

He kissed her neck. "I love being inside you," he said before nipping playfully at her earlobe. He pulled out almost all the way then slammed back in again; the sudden intrusion making Parker let out a gasp of surprise mixed with pleasure that sent shivers down her spine. His hands ran up and down the smooth curves of her body. He growled low in his throat when she arched into him and wrapped her legs around his waist, as he thrust harder this time. His hips slammed against hers with each powerful stroke; the sound filling the room with an obscene rhythm that made them both hotter for each other.

"You're so fucking tight," he whispered, making her groan.

His body pounded into hers relentlessly, each thrust sending a bolt of white-hot pleasure coursing through her veins. Her nails raked down his back, digging into his skin as she arched her hips higher, desperate for more. The tension inside her coiled tighter and tighter, like a spring on the brink of snapping.

"Maverick," she cried out his name, her voice hoarse with passion as she felt the orgasm approach like a gathering storm. Her entire body trembled with anticipation, every nerve ending burning with electricity.

He growled in response, his hips moving even more frantically against hers. His grip on her hips tightened, his fingers digging in as he pushed her over the edge.

Waves of ecstasy crashed over her, shattering her into a million pieces. Her orgasm tore through her like a storm, leaving in its wake a trail of shuddering spasms that left her breathless and spent. She cried out again as each new wave of pleasure washed over her, oblivious to everything but the mind-shattering release coursing through her veins.

Maverick groaned, then he stilled above her as his own orgasm overtook him. His body tensed, muscles rigid as he came. A shudder wracked his frame before collapsing onto her, their ragged breaths mingling in the heavy silence that followed their shared orgasms.. .

Parker jumped when she felt his hand on hers and looked over at him.

"We're almost there," he said, grinning before his expression turned serious. "What's on your mind?"

She smiled playfully. "Last night."

He let out a groan and closed his eyes in response.

The pilot informed them that they would be landing in fifteen minutes. Parker watched as Maverick pulled out his phone to send a quick text to his mother.

"I'm nervous about meeting your parents."

"Don't be. They're great," he reassured her.

"I'm sure they're great to you, but they don't know me."

"They'll love you." He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze before leaning over to kiss her.

When the jet finally landed, they disembarked and waited for the pilot to retrieve their luggage from the cargo hold. Parker's nerves kicked into overdrive when she heard a car approaching. Here we go.

An older couple emerged from the vehicle and made their way toward the jet with excited looks on their faces. Maverick walked past Parker to greet them with hugs when they reached him. She smiled at the sight of their close relationship. Then he led them over to her.

"Mom, Dad, this is Parker Tisdale." Maverick introduced her. "Parker, these are my parents, Maureen and Lance Whitacre."

"It's so nice to meet you," Parker said politely as she extended her hand .

"Oh no, none of that. Come here." Maureen embraced Parker in a warm hug.

Parker laughed and hugged her back before receiving a hug from Maverick's father as well.

"She's beautiful, son," Lance commented with a smile.

Maverick winked at Parker. "I know."

"Let's head home now. I'm sure you must be tired," Maureen suggested, catching the slight blush on Parker's face and causing her to tilt her head and grin.

Maverick chuckled and Parker elbowed him. After stowing their luggage in the car, they all climbed inside, and Lance drove them to their house.

As they pulled up to the house, Parker couldn't help but admire its beauty. She turned to Maverick with a smile.

"What a lovely home."

"Thank you. I'll give you a tour after we settle you into your rooms," Maureen offered.

"Rooms? As in plural?" Maverick frowned in confusion.

Parker let out a snort of laughter, causing Maverick to lean over and whisper in her ear.

"I guess you'll have to sneak into my room."

She shook her head with a smile. "No way. I am not having sex in your parents' house," she whispered back.

"Are you serious?"

"Yep."

"Damn," he muttered under his breath, making her laugh again.

After entering the house, Parker followed Maverick as he carried their bags upstairs and showed her to his old room that his parents had turned into a guest room. He set down their bags and sat on the edge of the bed while Parker took a seat beside him.

"I really like your parents."

"I used to," he mumbled bitterly.

"I heard that," his mother chimed in as she entered the room.

Maverick laughed sheepishly. "Sorry, Mom."

"If you had told me, you wanted just one room, I wouldn't have made up the other room," Maureen joked.

"It's okay." Parker smiled genuinely.

"No, it's not. Mom, we're sleeping in this room together."

"I figured as much. I'll see you both downstairs in fifteen minutes for lunch." She gave Maverick a quick kiss on the cheek. "It's good to have you home, honey." And with that, she left the room.

****

Maverick relaxed on the back porch with his feet resting on the deck rail, sipping a beer and enjoying the day with his dad. Inside, Parker was laughing with his mom, and he couldn't help but grin at the sound.

"I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing," his dad commented.

"What?"

"Parker and your mother laughing together."

Maverick chuckled in agreement.

"She means a lot to you, doesn't she?" his dad asked .

"Yeah, she really does."

"You haven't brought a woman home since Kat. I'm glad to see you happy. Parker seems like a wonderful woman."

"She is."

"I can tell you're in love with her. I've seen the way you look at her."

Maverick glanced at his dad before turning his gaze back to the scenery. "Yes, I am. But I don't know how she feels yet."

"You haven't told her?"

"No. I'm too much of a chickenshit."

Lance laughed. "I know that feeling."

Later that night, after watching a movie together, Maverick noticed Parker trying to stifle a yawn.

"Are you ready for bed?"

"I think so. I'm exhausted."

"We did stay up late last night," he reminded her, earning an elbow in the side that made his parents laugh.

"I think I'll take a hot bath and get some sleep," Parker announced as she stood up.

"We'll see you in the morning. Get some rest," Maureen said.

"Okay. Goodnight." Parker made her way upstairs.

"I'll be up in a bit," Maverick called out after her.

Parker nodded and disappeared up the stairs. Maverick couldn't take his eyes off her until she was gone from view. He turned to his smiling parents and shrugged.

An hour later, Maverick went upstairs and quietly entered the bedroom. He saw that Parker was already asleep. He undressed and slipped into bed beside her, pulling her close. She sighed contently as she wrapped her arms around him, making him smile. Yeah, he loved her. He loved her deeply and it didn't frighten him in the slightest.

****

Parker observed as Maverick passed his mother her birthday present. With excitement, she reached into the bag and pulled out a paperweight, gasping in delight at the blue and green swan.

"Oh, my goodness, it's stunning! Thank you so much."

"It was no problem, Mom." Maverick planted a kiss on her cheek.

"Happy birthday, Maureen," Parker chimed in, offering her another bag.

"Parker, you didn't have to get me anything," Maureen protested with a smile.

"I know, but I wanted to. I hope you like it."

Maureen eagerly opened the second bag and revealed another paperweight, this one was round with streaks of red, green, and white swirling through it.

"It's beautiful. Thank you!"

"It's handblown glass from the shop where I work," Parker explained.

"I can't thank you enough, Parker."

"You're very welcome. It's actually a piece by Lou Rogers. Have you heard of him?"

"Oh yes, he's amazing."

"The swan is also his creation, Mom," Maverick added.

"I am grateful to both of you," Maureen said warmly. "I'll add these to my curio cabinet."

"Mo, honey, If you keep getting gifts like this, we may need to buy you another cabinet," Lance joked with a grin.

"I wouldn't mind that at all," Maureen laughed.

The weekend had passed by in a blur, and now Parker and Maverick were back to their routine in Clifton. However, since she had not been able to work on Monday, Parker had to make up for the lost day and would not be able to stay over at Maverick's place on Tuesday night. She didn't want to leave Shay alone another day.

Parker arrived at the shop early on Tuesday morning, unlocked the door, and stepped inside. She made sure to lock up behind her before heading to the back office where she securely placed her purse in the safe. After that, she went back to the front of the shop to dust off the shelves and tidy up.

Although she was happy to be back at work, Parker couldn't stop thinking about the amazing weekend she had spent with Maverick and his family. She was excited for him to meet her own family, but what did it all mean? Wasn't introducing each other to their families a big step in a relationship? Parker wished she knew how Maverick felt. After two months of being together, he still hadn't talked about their future. Parker was deeply in love with him, but she couldn't shake off her fear that he didn't feel the same way .

"Good morning!" Shay greeted her as she walked into the store.

"Hey, how was your weekend?"

"It was great! But more importantly, how about yours?"

Parker couldn't help but smile. "It was wonderful. Maverick's parents are amazing."

"I'm so glad you went."

"Me too. Maureen loved the paperweights."

"That's awesome. I need some coffee though; Connor kept me up all night."

"Is he okay?"

"He's teething. Wes put whiskey on his gums, and it helped." Shay chuckled. "I told him not to get him drunk."

"I'm sure he only used a small amount." Parker joined in on Shay's laughter.

"Yeah, just a little on his finger, and then he rubbed it on Connor's gums. He made a funny face, but it seemed to help."

As the day went on, Parker noticed that business at the shop had slowed down since the Bur Oak ranch closed last month. She predicted that in another month, it would probably slow down even more. After such a scorching summer, she was looking forward to cooler weather.

During her lunch break, she walked to the Clifton Animal Hospital to pick up her kitten, Pumpkin. Upon entering the hospital, she smiled at Jodi who was working behind the counter.

"Hey, Jodi. I'm here to pick up Pumpkin," Parker said with a smile.

Jodi returned the smile and replied, "I'll let them know you're here. "

Parker found a seat in the waiting room while she waited for Pumpkin's crate to be brought out. Once it was, she paid the boarding fees and headed back to her apartment. As she climbed the stairs, she noticed some packages sitting on her stoop.

"It looks like your things have arrived, Pumpkin." She placed the crate down and unlocked the door before bringing Pumpkin inside. Then, she retrieved the other packages from outside and excitedly opened them. Inside were toys and a self-cleaning litter box that she had ordered. After setting everything up and showing Pumpkin where everything was, Parker fed her. She had gotten food and bowls from the Feed Store right after finding the kitten.

With only a few minutes left of her lunch break, Parker rushed back to work at the shop. The rest of the day was busy, but Parker couldn't stop thinking about Maverick. She was deep into their relationship but still had no idea what his true feelings were. Was it just physical attraction? Would he eventually lose interest in her?

"What are you thinking? You look worried," Shay asked.

"I'm in love with Maverick, but he's never told me how he feels," Parker confessed.

"Well then, tell him first," Shay suggested.

"No way! I can't be the one to say it first."

"Why not? Why does it always have to be the man?"

Parker shrugged. "I don't know, but I don't want to risk being rejected."

"Oh please, that man is crazy about you. Didn't he tell you that already?"

"Being crazy about someone and actually loving them are two different things... right?"

"I honestly don't know," Shay admitted with a frown.

"It sucks that I can't see him tonight," Parker sighed.

"Looks like you've got it bad. Why don't you take tomorrow off? It's not busy at the shop," Shay suggested.

"I don't want to make things difficult for you. What if we get a lot of customers?"

"Parker, you always have Wednesdays off and I manage just fine. Nothing will change if you take one more night to be with Maverick. I understand how much you want to see him. I've been there when I was dating Wes. I couldn't spend enough time with him and whenever we were apart, it drove me crazy."

"Maybe I'll call him and ask if he's free tonight."

"Or, better yet, surprise him," Shay grinned mischievously.

"I don't know... I don't really like surprises."

Shay let out a laugh. "I understand what you mean, but we're women. It's different for men. They don't mind if someone drops in unannounced, but for us, it's important to look our best. Does that make sense?"

Parker nodded in agreement. "Yes, I think I'll do that. I'll have to go home and pack an overnight bag."

"You can leave a little early from work. I can handle things here."

"Are you sure?" Shay nodded. "Okay, I'll leave around five then."

The day seemed to drag on since Parker had decided to leave early. Finally, the clock struck five and after telling Shay she'd see her Thursday, Parker headed home.

She climbed the stairs to her apartment, unlocked the door, and stepped inside. A smile spread across her face as Pumpkin came running toward her. She picked her up and the kitten immediately began purring. Parker hated leaving her alone at home, but there was no litter box for her at Maverick's place. If their relationship was going to continue, she would need to ask him if she could bring one over. But then again, maybe he didn't want the cat there with Blue around. It was something they needed to discuss... once he finally told her he loved her.

As she drove over to Maverick's place, she hoped he wouldn't be upset that she just showed up unannounced. Maybe she should have called or sent a text first, but she was already so close by. With a heavy sigh, she pulled onto the road that led to his house, a separate driveway from the main ranch.

Stopping her vehicle by the front porch, Parker looked around but didn't see Maverick's truck anywhere. He could still be working or maybe he had gone out somewhere.

"Oh great," she scolded herself, "you should have called him first." But it was too late now. Parker got out of her car, crossed the porch, and knocked on the door. All she could hear was Blue barking inside.

Taking a deep breath, she tried the handle and found that it was unlocked. She stepped inside.

"Hey there, Blue. Where's your owner?" She closed the door behind her. "Maverick?"

Parker searched through the cabin, but it was empty. Pulling out her phone from her pocket, she sent him a text.

Where are you?

At the barn, working. You?

I'm at your house.

What are you doing there?

I wanted to surprise you. Shay let me take tomorrow off.

Well, damn. I'll be finished in about an hour.

I'll be waiting.

Can't wait, baby.

She set down her phone on the kitchen counter with a smile on her face.

****

A grin spread across Maverick's face as he slid his phone back into his pocket. He couldn't wait to get home and see her waiting for him, the thought alone made him happy.

"What's got you grinning like that?" Grady asked, sneaking up on him as usual.

"Why do you always have to sneak up on me?"

Grady chuckled. "It's too easy."

Maverick laughed and shook his head. "Are you done for the day?"

"Yep, unless you need anything?"

"No, go home. I'll see you in the morning."

Grady tilted his head. "So, you're not going to tell me what, or… who, has you smiling? It must be that woman you wouldn't admit to seeing. "

"If we weren't friends, I'd tell you to fuck off."

"I think you just did." Grady grinned. "See you tomorrow."

Maverick nodded and watched as Grady walked out of the barn. They were best friends, bonding quickly after starting at the Triple C ranch within a year of each other.

Finishing up his work for the day, Maverick hurried to his truck eager to get home to Parker. He was grateful she had decided to surprise him tonight; he had been disappointed thinking they wouldn't be able to see each other. Despite spending the entire weekend together, he still wanted her every minute of every day. Plus, the fact that they didn't have sex at his parents' house only made him more desperate for her.

He started the truck and drove as fast as he could to his house. Parking next to the front porch, he turned off the engine and practically ran inside.

As soon as he saw her standing there, he pulled her into his arms and pressed his lips against hers. She pulled away slightly.

"You need a shower," she said with a hand over her nose.

He chuckled. "If you had been working your ass off in a hot barn all day, you'd need one too."

She ran her hands down his backside. "It doesn't feel like you worked it off. Good thing, I like this ass."

"I'll take a quick shower." He stepped away and headed to the bathroom. Glancing over his shoulder, he added, "Would you like to join me?"

"I thought you'd never ask." She walked toward him .

He took her hand and led her to the bathroom. As it turned out, their shower wasn't so quick after all.

****

Parker rolled over and looked at the clock on the bedside table, seeing it was almost two in the morning. She wasn't sure what woke her, but she now felt wide awake. She turned onto her side to face Maverick. He was sound asleep. It amazed her that he slept so quietly. Brad had snored like a freight train.

She touched Maverick's chest, but he didn't stir. She wanted him again. Slowly, she moved her hand down his chest, stomach, and under the sheet draped across his waist, to his dick. When she wrapped her fingers around it, he groaned, but didn't wake up. That was about to change.

Parker rolled on top of him and kissed his lips.

"This is a nice way to wake me up," he murmured.

His lips were warm and urgent against hers, his hands fisting in her hair as he kissed her back with equal passion. She moaned into his mouth and slid her lips across his cheek, down to his earlobe and sucked it into her mouth. Moving down his neck, Parker left a trail of hot kisses on his skin, feeling the goosebumps rise beneath her touch.

As she circled her tongue around his nipple, Maverick groaned and arched his back. Encouraged by his response, Parker continued moving lower until she reached the happy trail that circled his belly button. She could feel his cock hardening beneath her body as she lay on top of him.

Scooting further down, she grasped him in her hand and put her mouth over him without hesitation. As soon as she heard him moan and felt his hands tighten in her hair, Parker knew she was doing something right. She felt powerful and confident to have this man react so strongly to her touch.

She sat up and looked into Maverick's face to see him staring at her with intense desire. Without breaking eye contact, she lowered her head again and ran the tip of her tongue along the sensitive head of his cock before sliding her mouth over him and sucking hard. Maverick's hips moved in rhythm with her mouth, guiding her movements and urging for more.

Parker didn't stop until she heard Maverick groan out her name and looked up at him from between his legs.

"What?" she asked.

"You have to stop," he said breathlessly.

"Why?" Parker teased, running a hand up and down his thigh.

"I'm too close," he admitted.

"Good," Parker replied with a grin before putting her mouth over him once more. Her free hand cupped his balls, making him jerk in surprise and pleasure.

To her surprise, Maverick sat up suddenly and grabbed her arms, pulling her up his body until they were face to face. His intense blue eyes bore into her own, and she could see the hunger and desire in them .

"Ride me," he said, his voice husky with need.

Parker's heart raced at his demand, but she couldn't resist. She grinned and shifted her hips, lowering herself onto Maverick's hard cock. Their bodies fit together like two puzzle pieces, and Parker couldn't help but moan at the sensation of being filled by him.

Maverick's hands gripped her hips tightly as she began to move, riding him slowly at first and then picking up speed. Their movements were perfectly choreographed, their bodies moving in perfect harmony. Maverick's lips found hers, and their kisses became more desperate and urgent with each thrust.

As Maverick's hand moved to her clitoris, Parker gasped at the sudden burst of pleasure that coursed through her body. Her mind went blank as her body responded to his touch, and she rode him harder and faster, chasing that elusive release.

In that moment, there was nothing else in the world but the two of them, lost in their passionate connection. After reaching their orgasms together, Parker collapsed onto Maverick's chest, smiling when his arms wrapped around her. This was the only place she wanted to be.

The next morning, she awoke to an empty bed. She knew he had to go to work but they didn't even get to talk much last night. After the shower they shared, they went into Clifton to eat at the diner. She smiled as she remembered stopping at her apartment to check on Pumpkin…

"Hi, pretty girl," Parker said as the kitten wound around her legs.

"Is she doing alright?" Maverick removed his hat as he entered the apartment behind her.

"Yes, she seems happy. Tess said she was in excellent shape, but she did get a flea bath."

"What did you name her?"

"Pumpkin."

Maverick looked at her. "I'm sorry, did you say… Pumpkin ?"

"Yes, because she's orange."

Maverick shook his head as he sat on the sofa.

"Excuse me, but didn't you name Blue because she's a blue merle?"

He chuckled. "Touché."

"Um, do you think we could introduce them? Unless you think Blue would hurt her."

"I don't think Blue would hurt her. I'm surprised you left her here alone."

"You don't have a litter box." Parker shrugged.

"Ah, I see. Well, we'll have to get one, I suppose."

"Are you sure? I don't want to do that if you're not happy about it."

"It's fine."

"I'll get another one like the one I have here. It's a self-cleaning one. I don't have to fool with it. Best kind."

"I'd agree with that if I knew what the hell you were talking about. Let's head home. It's been a long damn day."

"Okay. Let me get her fresh water and food, then we can head out."

After they finished in town, they headed back to his place and spent the evening cuddling on the couch, watching TV.

Parker came back to the present and made herself a cup of coffee. She was sure Maverick left before the crack of dawn and she didn't know how he did it. He got up when it was dark and didn't finish some days until after dark. Such was the life of a rancher.

She didn't stay at his house on Wednesday since she had to work the next day, and she had things to do while she was off.

After finishing her coffee, she cleaned the cup, put it away, then left to head back to town.

Finally, the weekend was here, and she could see Maverick once more. But with that excitement also came uncertainty about his feelings for her. She knew she had to have a conversation with him, but she dreaded the possibility of him telling her it wasn't as important to him as it was to her.

Parker walked into the kitchen to help Maverick make dinner when the doorbell rang. She sighed. She'd been hoping to talk to him about their feelings. He was carrying a plate of hamburgers out to the grill and hesitated, muttering under his breath.

"Damn it," he said.

"Do you want me to get it?" Parker offered.

"Yes, please. I need to get these burgers on the grill. I have no idea who it could be."

"No problem, go ahead and start cooking. I'm starving," she replied.

"Of course, ma'am," Maverick said with a grin, causing Parker's heart to race as it always did.

She blew him a kiss before heading to the front door. She opened it to find a beautiful brunette standing there. The woman frowned when she saw Parker.

"Hi, can I help you?" Parker asked politely .

"Who are you?" the woman demanded.

"Actually, I think I should be asking you that. What do you want?"

"Where's Maverick?"

"And who are you?" Parker asked, growing frustrated.

"I'm a… friend. Get him for me."

Parker felt her blood starting to boil at the boldness of this woman.

"You know, using please would work so much better," she snapped back.

"Della? What are you doing here? I thought you left Clifton," Maverick's voice came from behind Parker.

"I wanted to talk to you." Della shrugged.

"About what?" he asked.

Della glanced at Parker before turning back to Maverick. "Can we talk in private, please?"

Ah, so now she knows how to use that word. Parker shook her head in disbelief.

"No, there's nothing to talk about."

"Maverick—"

"Why don't you go talk to her? I'll keep an eye on the burgers," Parker interrupted as she turned and walked back into the kitchen.

Della? An old lover of Maverick's. What was she doing here? Parker snorted to herself. She was up to something. Of that, Parker had no doubt.

****

Maverick's eyes followed Parker as she made her way into the kitchen, leaving him alone with Della. Though once enamored by her beauty, Maverick now found himself comparing her to Parker and realizing that she couldn't even come close. Thoughts of Della no longer stirred any emotions within him; his heart belonged solely to Parker now.

With a heavy sigh, Maverick stepped out onto the porch and closed the door behind him. Leaning against one of the wooden posts, he folded his arms.

"What do you want?" he asked, trying to keep his tone neutral.

"Who is she?" Della's voice held a hint of accusation.

"It's none of your business. Why are you here?" Maverick replied, trying to avoid the inevitable conversation.

"I can't stop thinking about you. I miss you so much," Della pleaded, her eyes searching his face for any sign of reciprocation.

"It's been years, Della. Let me guess, you found out somehow that I'm seeing someone else, and you don't like it," Maverick said, not wanting to waste any time beating around the bush.

Della turned to face him fully. "No, I don't like it. You told me you loved me."

"I did. Did . Look, Della, it just didn't work out between us and that's why we broke up," Maverick explained, feeling guilty for hurting her but knowing it was necessary for both to move on.

"You broke up with me, not the other way around," Della pointed out bitterly.

"And I had my reasons. We argued all the time and I just couldn't take it any longer. I was fucking tired of being accused of cheating when I never gave you a reason to do that. You're a great person and I'm sure you'll find someone someday, but it's not going to be me," Maverick stated firmly.

"Do you love her?" Della asked, gesturing toward the house.

"None of your business, but yes, I love her," Maverick admitted without hesitation.

He watched as Della quickly blinked away tears and he felt a pang of sympathy for her, but he knew that he couldn't change anything. Parker was his everything and he wouldn't give her up for anyone. As much as he hated causing pain to others, sometimes it simply couldn't be avoided.

"Well, since I'm back in Clifton now, when she breaks your heart, you know where to find me," Della said before walking toward her car.

"What makes you think she'll break my heart?" Maverick asked, genuinely curious.

"Karma," Della replied before getting into her car, starting the engine, and driving off.

Huffing out a sigh, he entered the house and walked to the kitchen, then outside to see Parker sitting in a lounge chair, watching the grill.

"Hey," he greeted her before taking a seat in the chair beside her.

"Are you alright?" Parker asked, concerned.

"Of course. Why wouldn't I be?" Maverick replied, shrugging.

Parker nodded and asked, "What did she want?"

Maverick reached for her hand and kissed her palm gently.

"Me."

"Oh."

"But I told her it ended long ago, and that I was only interested in you."

"You did?" Parker's eyebrows rose in surprise.

"Yes. Was that not the right thing to do?" Maverick questioned.

"I just wasn't sure how you would feel seeing her again."

"I felt nothing, Parker. She means nothing to me," Maverick reassured her.

"But you loved her once," Parker reminded him.

"I did," he admitted before facing her on the lounge chair. "But no matter what I felt for her in the past, it doesn't compare to what I feel for you"

"And what is it that you feel for me?" Parker's voice trembled slightly as she waited for his answer.

"I love you," he declared, gazing into her eyes. A tear slipped down Parker's cheek, and he panicked. Did that mean she didn't love him back? "Parker?"

She cupped his cheeks in her hands and said, "I love you too. So much."

He let out a sigh of relief before leaning forward to kiss her again.

"You scared the hell out of me," Maverick confessed after pulling away.

"I didn't mean to. I was just so happy to hear you say you loved me," Parker explained with a smile.

"I should have told you sooner, but I didn't know how you felt. But when you asked about Della, I had to tell you. You have nothing to worry about when it comes to her, or any other woman." Maverick assured her.

"I'm glad to hear that," Parker said with a grin before returning his kiss.

"I think we should eat those burgers before you burn them," Maverick suggested.

Parker gasped and playfully smacked him. "Before I burn them? I was only watching them. You were the cook."

Maverick chuckled, stood up, and flipped the burgers.