Chapter 1

ONE

Maverick

I hate working Saturdays. What I hate even worse is working when I know my entire family is gathered, and I’m not there. I’m used to working long hours, but we usually do it all through the week and try to avoid weekends. However, the weather rained us out two days this week, hence the reason we worked on Saturday.

Yeah, I fucking hate working the weekends.

Not because I go out and party. That’s something I used to do with my brothers, but now that they’re all married, well, all except for me and my twin, Merrick, our nights out look a whole lot different. Not that I mind. I love spending time with my family, and my brothers’ wives and kids are cool as hell.

I’m speed walking to my truck, knowing that my family is waiting for me, and I know that my mom and my sisters-in-law have more food than we can eat waiting for us, and I’m starving.

My phone rings, halting my stride. Fishing it out of my pocket, I grin when I see my brother Ryder’s name on the screen. I’m sure he’s wondering when I’m going to be there. Today is the grand opening of his wife’s boutique. “Yo,” I answer.

“Hey, man. You headed home?” Ryder asks.

“Yeah, I’m walking to my truck now.”

“All right, be safe. Come straight to the boutique.”

“I will. Aw, shit,” I mumble, seeing a car broken down on the side of the road just outside the parking lot. There appears to be a woman standing outside the car, and even from here, I can see the worried expression on her face.

“What’s up?” Ryder asks.

“Nothing. It looks like a woman might be broken down. Flat tire from the looks of it now that I’m closer. I will handle this, and then I’ll be on my way.”

“Be safe.”

“Always.” I end the call and shove my phone back into my pocket. When I reach my truck, I unlock the door and toss my lunch box inside before closing and locking it. Instead of driving to the woman and her broken-down car, I walk. I figure I’ll be less intimidating. However, that still might not be the case. I’m a strange man approaching her. At least I’m still in my uniform shirt, even if the sleeves are cut off. I have a clean one to change into in the back seat of my truck. I knew I’d be heading straight to the boutique opening from work today.

“Hi.” I raise both hands in the air as if I’m being arrested. “My name’s Maverick. Do you need help?”

The woman stops and stares at me. The worry is written all over her face. She opens her mouth, then quickly closes it again.

“I work here.” I nod toward the parking lot and point to the logo on my T-shirt. “I was just getting off work and saw you might need some help.”

She sighs, her body visibly relaxing. “I have a flat tire.”

I nod. “I can see that. Can you pop the trunk? I’ll have the spare put on in no time.” I approach her slowly.

“That is the spare.” She pulls open the back door, and that’s when I notice a baby sleeping in a car seat. “The windows were down,” she explains.

I nod. “I have nieces and nephews; they’re always a bear if you wake them up before they’re ready.”

She exhales, and her shoulders drop, apparently relieved I’m not judging her. It’s not like the baby was locked inside the hot car. All four windows are down.

“I don’t have air conditioning, so the windows were already down, or else I would have had to wake her up. I wouldn’t leave my baby in a hot car.” She lifts the slumbering little girl into her arms. “This is Ada,” she whispers. She looks up and smiles softly. “She can’t resist a car ride.”

“Yeah, my nieces and nephews can’t either. I didn’t catch your name?”

“Oh.” She blushes. “My name’s Stella.”

“It’s nice to meet you both. Why don’t you go around to the other side of the road, on the sidewalk, and I’ll take a look.” I don’t know what in the hell I’m looking for. The tire is flat, and if that’s the spare, I’m positive she doesn’t have another in her trunk. It’s not like the spare from my truck will work.

“The keys are in it,” she says before doing as I ask and moving to the sidewalk. “I appreciate you stopping to help. I was starting to panic.”

“Did you call anyone for help?” I ask.

“No.” I glance up and see a look of shame cross her face. “The only person I could call would be my grandparents. They live in Willow River. Grandpa still works, and my grandma, she doesn’t get around so well these days. I didn’t want to bother her. I was getting ready to look for a tow company, but they’re so expensive.” She presses a kiss to her daughter’s head.

I don’t pry into her life, but it’s apparent that she’s hit rough times. I couldn’t imagine not having anyone to call to rely on. I think about my brothers and their wives—my now sisters by marriage—and I would jump to help any one of them at the drop of a hat. My chest constricts when I think about Stella and baby Ada not having that.

Kneeling, I look at the tires, and they’re bald. They’re almost slick; they’re so bald. I stand back up and break the news that I can tell Stella already knows is coming. “It’s going to have to be towed without a spare.”

She nods. Tears well in her eyes as she holds her baby girl close to her chest.

“My brother Declan, he owns an auto repair shop in Willow River. I can call the shop and have one of his guys tow you there, and they can get you taken care of.”

“I—do you know how much?”

“Family discount.” I wink at her. I know once Declan hears her story, he’s going to be fine with writing it off, and if not, I’ll pay the bill. I’m not a millionaire, but I’m not living paycheck to paycheck either. Something tells me that Miss Stella and baby Ada could use a guardian angel in their lives. It’s something small, but I hope it helps.

“I can pay. Maybe I can work out payments or something?”

I wave my hand in the air. “Trust me, it’s taken care of.” Pulling my phone out of my pocket, I call the number for Declan’s after-hours tow service. I give them all the information, giving them my name instead of Stella’s. “All set,” I tell her, sliding my phone back into my pocket.

“Thank you, Maverick.”

“You’re welcome. Why don’t you grab anything you might need out of your car, and we’ll lock it up? I’ll give you a lift.”

“Oh, you don’t have to do that,” she says.

“It’s fine. Besides, we’re going to need the car seat for Ada, and tow trucks aren’t really equipped for that.” Reaching into my back pocket, I pull my wallet out and retrieve my license. Walking toward her, I stop and hand her my license. “Take a picture. You can even keep it until we get where we’re going. Send it to whoever. That way, they know you’re safe.”

“Okay.” She fumbles to get her phone and takes a picture of my license, which I still hold out for her. Her fingers tap the screen before she pushes her phone back into her pocket.

“I’m going to grab her car seat for my truck. Is that okay?” I know I’m a complete stranger to her. I need to proceed with caution.

She hesitates but eventually nods. “Okay.”

As I pull open the back door, the hinges squeak, and I make a mental note to have Declan or one of his guys take care of that as well. I quickly unlatch the car seat and roll up the hand crank window.

“You’re fast at that.”

“Nieces and nephews.” I grin. “I have eight brothers, but I’m the favorite uncle.”

“Eight brothers?” Her eyes widen.

“Yep. I’m a twin, and even though we’re identical, I’m the more handsome.”

She giggles, and my shoulders relax.

“I bet they all say that they’re the favorite.”

“Oh, they do, but everyone knows that Uncle Mav is the man.” I tap my chest, and she giggles again. “I’m going to go put this in the back seat of my truck. Stay on the sidewalk. I’ll be right back to help you carry anything you might need from your car.”

Relief crosses her face. “Thank you, Maverick Kincaid.”

“You’re welcome, Stella.” Once I reach my truck, I have the car seat installed in record time. I grab my lunch box and toss it in the back. Thankfully, I have a tonneau cover, so I don’t have to worry about it flying out.

“All set. What else do we need?” I ask. Ada lifts her head and blinks at me. “Hey, little lady. Did you have a nice nap?”

She grins and buries her head in her momma’s neck.

“She’s shy,” Stella explains. “I need my purse and her diaper bag, and that should be fine for now.”

“Great. May I?” I point to the car. She nods, and I reach inside, grabbing both bags, and rolling up all the windows. I’m finishing up when the tow truck arrives. “Hey, Jerry,” I greet the driver.

“Maverick, good to see you.”

“You too. Can you tow this back to the shop? I’ll see Declan later and touch base with him about what’s going on.”

“Sure thing. Miss, do you have everything you need?”

“I do. Thank you.”

Jerry nods before getting to work and loading the car.

“This way, ladies. Your chariot awaits.”

Stella smiles and shakes her head. “Are you always this… upbeat?” she asks as we walk slowly, side by side, toward my truck.

I shrug, even though she’s not looking at me. “Mostly.” We reach my truck, and I pull open the back door. Stella is short, so she’s going to have to climb up inside to place Ada in her seat. “I can strap her in. You can check my work when I’m done.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive. Hand her over, Momma. You can double-check my seat installation before we get Miss Ada settled in her seat.”

She exhales in relief. “Thank you, Maverick. I don’t know why you’re being so kind, but I appreciate your generosity. I appreciate you taking the steps to make me feel comfortable. I know trusting a complete stranger is a gamble, but my gut tells me you’re a good man.”

“Your gut is right. If one of my sisters-in-law were in your position, I would want someone like me to stop and help them.” I nod toward the seat. “Climb on in and check my work.”

She kisses her baby girl on the cheek and reluctantly hands her over. I’m prepared for Ada to cry because I’m a stranger, but she does the exact opposite. She offers me a toothy grin and nestles her head on my shoulder.

“She’s not really used to men or strangers,” Stella says.

With one arm holding Ada tightly, the other strokes up and down her tiny back. “We’re best buds.” I flash Stella a grin. “I’ll be right here, I promise.” I nod for her to check my work. She returns my nod and turns back to the truck.

I watch her as she grabs ahold of the oh-shit handle, or whatever that handle is called, places her foot on the running board, and hops up into the back seat of my truck. I can’t help but check out her ass in those cute little cutoff shorts she’s wearing.

Ada places her hand on my cheek, her tiny fingers rubbing over my stubble, but her head remains on my shoulder. “Mommy’s making sure your seat is safe.” I don’t know if she understands what I’m telling her, but I find myself explaining what’s going on, anyway.

“You did a good job,” Stella says. She’s sitting beside the car seat in my truck.

“You hear that, baby girl? Your momma said I passed.” Stella holds her arms out for Ada, but instead of handing her to her mom, I place her in her car seat, and, like the expert favorite uncle that I am, strap her in without incident. “Safe and sound.” I bop Ada on the nose, and she covers her nose with her tiny hands as she giggles. “Come on, Momma.” I hold my hand out for Stella, and she hesitates but places hers in mine. I hold her hand, but she has to let go to reach for the handle. Instinctively, I grab her by the hips and lift her out of the truck.

“Thank you,” she says softly once her feet are firmly planted on the ground.

“You’re welcome.” I close the door, and with my hand on the small of her back, I guide her to the passenger side and open that door for her.

“Are you always a gentleman?”

Her tone tells me she’s having a hard time believing I don’t have an ulterior motive.

“Yep. My momma would skin me alive if not.” I wink and make sure she’s all in before closing the door. “So, where are we headed?” I ask once I’m in the driver’s seat.

“I live with my grandparents in Willow River.”

“I’ve lived in this town my entire life, and I’ve never seen you around.” I know damn well I would have remembered her.

“I just moved here. I was in school, but—” She glances back at Ada. “—life happens.”

“What about your parents?” I ask her.

“They’re—not helpful. They disowned me when I refused to end my pregnancy. They said that I was ruining my life.” Her eyes break away from her daughter and come back to me. “My daughter is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I withdrew from school and got a cheap apartment, but I was struggling to make ends meet. My grandparents insisted Ada and I come and stay with them. A fresh start, I think they said.” I see her eyes go wide before she turns to the window, realizing she just revealed her family history. I have a feeling she didn’t mean to blurt all of that out. Something inside her must have wanted me to know that she’s trying. That she may seem helpless, but she’s doing the best that she can. She also more than likely doesn’t want me to think she’s taking advantage of her grandparents.

“Who are your grandparents?” I ignore the other part, because the anger I feel on her behalf is brewing inside my chest.

“George and Harriette Gunderson. They own?—”

“Gunderson’s Hardware,” I finish for her.

“Yeah. You know them?”

“I do.” She seems to relax even further in her seat at the realization. “Good people.”

“The best,” she says, emotion filling her voice.

Glancing at the clock on the dash, I see that I’m really late. “Hey, I have a small thing I was supposed to be at for my sister-in-law Jordyn. She’s opening a boutique. Do you mind if we stop there before I take you home?” The offer is out of my mouth before I can take it back. I could drop her off at her grandparents’. Their place is at the other end of town, but it’s maybe ten extra minutes. However, I think Stella needs some happy in her life, and today is definitely about the happiness with the boutique opening. Besides, I’ll introduce her to my sisters-in-law. She’s new in town, and I’m only helping her meet new people.

“I don’t want to intrude.”

“No intrusion. I promise. There are a lot of us. The more, the merrier.”

“What about Ada?”

“Are you kidding? I have lots of nieces and nephews, and don’t be shocked if someone steals her away for some baby snuggles. There are a lot of us, and not enough littles for all of us to get snuggles at the same time.” I hope that the smile I give her eases some of her worry.

“We’re at your mercy, Maverick Kincaid.”

My cock twitches. I know that’s not what she means, but damn, this sexy siren and her words and that fine ass of hers is all kinds of temptation.

It’s been an hour since Ryder called, but I’m finally pulling into Kincaid Central. It’s a huge building where we will now have family get-togethers with a table big enough for all of us and more. It’s something that my sister-in-law Jordyn insisted on when she recently came into an inheritance. It’s also the location of her boutique. Today is the soft opening for family only, even though we’ve all spent a lot of time here during the build, helping out where we could.

“Ready?” I look over at Stella.

“You sure about this? Won’t they think we”re—together?” she asks.

Her cheeks are the lightest shade of pink, as if she’s thinking about the two of us together. I have to fight to hide my smirk.

“Nope. They would already know if you were mine.” With that, I grab my keys and slide out of the truck. I open the back door and unbuckle Ada from her car seat, just as Stella rounds the back of the truck.

“I’ll take her so you can spend time with your family.”

“You’re hogging the baby snuggles, darlin’. That’s not going to work in there.” I point over my shoulder to the massive building. I quickly transfer Ada into her arms. “Come on.” Reaching in, I pick up the diaper bag and toss it over my shoulder. With my hand on the small of her back, I lead them inside.

“Hey, everyone.” I wave. “This is Stella, and this little cutie is Ada. Their car broke down, and I gave them a ride into town after calling Dec’s shop to tow their car. I told her the more, the merrier.” I rattle off an explanation, partly so that Stella will feel more comfortable and partly because my family is all looking at me like I’ve grown a third arm since the last time they saw me. It’s not like they’ve never seen me with a beautiful woman before.

“Of course,” Kennedy speaks up. “How old is your daughter?”

“She just turned one,” Stella answers.

“Come on in. Let’s get you something to eat.” I guide her further into the room, ignoring the curious looks of my brothers. I see Jordyn and walk toward her, lifting her into my arms and spinning her around. She laughs and swats at me as I place her back on her feet. She motions to the table of food before her eyes lock on something across the room. No doubt it’s Ryder she’s looking at. Absently, she pats my arm and walks away.

“How about I take her while you make a plate? I’ll help you get settled.” I offer her the smile my mom calls charming.

“Oh, you don’t have to do that.” She brushes off my offer.

“It’s no trouble. We’re buds, right, Ada?” I ask the baby, offering her my index finger.

She latches on and giggles.

“Are you sure?” Stella bites down on her lip. Her facial expression tells me she’s not nervous to let me hold her daughter. It feels more like guilt. As if only she can take responsibility for her.

“Come to Mav, baby girl.” I hold my arms out for Ada, and she comes to me willingly with a smile on her sweet face. “Mommy’s going to get you both some food.” I bounce her in my arms, and she laughs.

“She likes you.”

“All the ladies like me,” I reply. Stella rolls her eyes playfully.

Stella makes herself a plate, and a smaller one for Ada. I lead them to a table and wait for her to get settled before handing Ada to her. “What do you want to drink?”

“Um, anything. I’m not picky.”

“We have pretty much everything.”

“Root beer?”

“Coming right up.” I tickle Ada’s belly before making a beeline for the table, making my own plate before grabbing us both a drink. By the time I get back to the table, Alyssa and my mom are talking to Stella, and sure enough, my mom has Ada in her arms. I take the seat next to Stella and dig in, letting the ladies get to know each other.

I can still feel the stares of my brothers, but I ignore them. I know what they see. Stella is a dime all day long. With her platinum blonde hair, those big baby blue eyes, and her curves, it’s a distracting combination.

They think I’m hitting on her, but I’m really not.

Yes, I can appreciate her beauty, but I seriously am just trying to help her. My momma raised me right. Besides, I can be nice to a woman and her daughter and not expect anything in return. I glance over at Stella, and she blushes. It’s cute as hell. I wink at her, because that’s who I am, and she quickly turns away.

Yeah, the ladies love me.