"I own it," he says casually.
"What?" My mouth falls open in shock.
"Well, partially. It's my parents' place. One of them. They own several similar to this. I'm a part-owner in all of them. Their goal has always been to create environments that represent ourculture and its beauty while also providing an atmosphere that's fun and inviting. They pride themselves on giving jobs to the homeless in our community, hence the artwork."
My brows pinch together. "That doesn't make sense."
He snorts. "What doesn't make sense, exactly?"
"You have a glamorous life like this." I wave a hand around. "Why would someone like you want to work in the oilfields and move to Sugarland, of all places?"
"Simple. I was used to a fast-paced life; at the time, I needed a change. But I can't lie. New Orleans is where my heart is. I miss it. It's hard to admit it, but farm life isn't for me anymore. Everyone thought I'd lost my mind when I decided to go blue collar, and they thought me crazier when I moved to Sugarland to be closer to work. I was nineteen and headstrong and insisted it was what I wanted. Turns out, life is too simple. I live for the complexities."
He's such a weird creature—a city boy currently living on a farm. I can't help but chuckle at the thought.
"You know, I saw your house, but I haven’t gotten to see you in your element on your farm."
He throws out a laugh. “There’s not much of an element. I don’t even have any animals.”
“You could always get some.”
“What kind?”
“Hm,”I hum playfully. “Anything but horses and pigs.”
“Chickens it is.”
“Aw, I love baby chicks. They’re so tiny and cute. Once you buy some, can I come see them?”
His broad smile lights up the room. “If you want to see me again, you could just say that, you know." I chuckle."You wish."
"Yes, yes, I do." He throws me a not-so-subtle wink.
“I have a confession,” I say abruptly, and his features shift into one of curiosity.
“Oh yeah? I’ll take all the confessions you’re willing to give.”
“I don’t really date. This is all weird as fuck for me, to be honest. But, I do like spending time with you... I guess.”
“Well, I will say that isn’t a huge revelation. Your list of rules practically gave that away.” He snorts, and I can’t help but join in on his laughter.
When our laughter ebbs, Maverick reaches across the table and takes my hand, Ilet himtake my hand.
His thumb brushing softly across my skin, he adds, “And I like spending time with you, too, Izzy.”
“I never should’ve told you that,” I say, rolling my eyes.
To be honest, I’m not sure where the need to tell him came from, but at this point, I’m rolling with it.
It feels different, butfamiliarall the same.
Chapter twenty-eight
Maverick
December 2022
"You've been even more annoyingly happy lately. What's the deal?"
