I smile, my face burning from his compliment and the way he’s looking at me.
He walks us deeper into the water. I laugh and grip him tighter as the water reaches our chests.
“Can you swim?” he asks.
I shake my head. “No, this is the first time I’ve ever been in water like this,” I admit.
His face shows his shock. “Well, I’m glad I get to experience this first time with you.” He kisses my temple and I smile, closing my eyes and enjoying the feel of his lips pressed against my face.
I smirk as I put my hand into the water, splashing him in the face. He grins, eyes closed as the water trails down his face.
I push away from him. He lets me go and I put distance between us, splashing him again.
He laughs, his eyes opening and going directly to me. “Better run,” he says, and I don’t hesitate. I take off down the water, getting away from him. I hear splashing behind me as he tries to catch me.
I’m laughing too hard to do much. I turn around, looking to see how close he is when the ground drops off.
I fall underwater.
I throw my hands around, trying to bring myself back up out of the water, and arms wrap around me, lifting me out in a second.
Maverick sets me on the bank, his hands running all over my body, making sure I’m okay. “You okay? You didn’t breathe in any water?” he asks quickly. I can hear the panic in his voice.
I catch his hands. “I’m fine. It just scared me a little, that’s all.”
He sighs and pulls me into his lap, grabbing his shirt that fell off the side by side and covering me slightly with it.
“Ready to head back and eat some dinner?”
He pulls his shirt over my head. “I don't think you’ll be getting those jeans back on, darlin’. Plus I want to see you in my shirt.”
I put my arms through the holes, loving the way his eyes darken as he looks me up and down from head to toe,
I’m sure I look like a drowned rat right now; his shirt swallows me. He opens the small side door for me. I sit down and he pulls a blanket from behind my seat. “Just in case you get cold.”
He gets in and starts the side by side. I pull the blanket up. It’s starting to get dark and the air is turning chilly.
He pulls into the trees, and a limb smacks against the front of the windshield and slips inside the side by side.
Maverick puts his hand in front of my face, blocking the limb from hitting me.
He looks over and winks. “I got you, darlin’.”
My stomach flips. I lean my head back on the seat and watch Maverick as he drives. The way he moves is intoxicating in itself.
He has me.
I think he honestly does. He saw my scars. He knows my life has not been the best and he’s still here.
He makes me feel things I’ve never felt before.
I just met him, but it’s like I’ve always known him. I don’t bother looking at the scenery, just Maverick.
5
Bell
I’m shaking by the time we reach the house. The sun went down a while ago.
“Come on, let’s get you warmed up.” He keeps the blanket around me, walking me inside his house.
“Why don’t you hop in the shower and you can borrow some of my clothes?” he suggests.
My teeth chattering, I nod. “That’s a good idea,” I manage to get out. He gives me a soft look and shows me his bathroom and goes to his chest, taking out a pair of sweats and a shirt.
“Here, I’ll shower in the guest room.” He uses his thumb to point in the direction of the room next door.
I walk into the bathroom. I start to lock the door but I close my fist, stopping myself.
He hasn’t done one thing to betray my trust yet. I need to start trusting others more.
He has proven to me that I can trust him, and I’m going to do just that. I turn on the water and let it heat up.
Maverick
I stand outside of the door, listening to her walking inside of the bathroom. I smile when she doesn’t lock the door.
Baby steps.
I practically fucking walk on air as I exit the bedroom. It fucking thrills me that she’s in my room. Hell, in my house.
Bell
I take too long in his shower. I sat with my eyes closed, letting the warm spray run down my face.
I use his shampoo and body wash, the bathroom filling with his smell. I close my eyes, imagining he’s here with me.
I get out of the shower and lift his shirt to my face, breathing deep. My bra is soaked, and I hesitate to put the shirt on without it.
I hang my bra over the shower so it can dry. I pull up my sweatpants and open the bathroom door, my hair wetting the back of my shirt.
There’s music playing downstairs. I walk downstairs and stop in my tracks when I see Maverick standing shirtless in the kitchen seasoning the steaks.
He turns around to look at me, his eyes moving over me. “I’ve never seen a more beautiful sight than you in my clothes, darlin’.”
My face burns at his compliment. I try to play it off like it doesn’t affect me. “Do you need any help?” I start to take the seasonings from him.
He pulls them out of reach. “I got this, relax.”
I pull away and take my phone off of the counter when I see a few texts from River and Jessica. I text them back to let them know I’m fine.
“Want to grab us a few beers? I have some wine if you prefer that.” He nods towards the refrigerator.
“Wine is good, thank you.” I grab him a beer, opening it for him and pouring myself a glass.
I won’t drink more than one or two because I’m a lightweight since I didn’t drink at all until the last few months.
I lean against the counter, sipping on my wine and enjoying the view. His back is covered in tattoos, just like the front of him.
His back muscles flex with every movement. It should be a crime for someone to be this attractive.
“Ready to go outside?” He holds up the tray of food.
I walk in front of him and hold open the door. He gives me a look as I do so, but I just smile.
I’m coming to realize that Maverick doesn’t want me to move an inch if he can help it.
His backyard is absolutely beautiful. I fall in love. He has a huge sectional couch with some soft blankets thrown over the back and a fireplace in front of it, with a massive TV on top of that.
“Wow, this is beautiful, Maverick.” I run my hand across the back of the couch.
A huge swimming pool is behind the large outside entertainment area.
“Sit back and relax, honey.” He motions to the couch and I sit down, running my hands down the soft fabric.
They live such different lives than I did. I lived in a one-bedroom house that was falling apart. I couldn’t walk through certain parts of the house or I would fall through.
I think back to that part of my life and it seems like a dream. You never know how horrible life is until you have a good life, and I’m saddened. I was so brainwashed.
Now, I’m sitting in the home of the kindest, most beautiful man as he cooks for me.
I sip on my wine, tucking my legs under me. I’m so comfortable and I feel taken care of.