I knew that better than anyone.
Not only because of what had occurred only months before, but when you threw in my past, my little world seemed to have been a recipe for disaster. Fortunately, I’d learned that I enjoyed my life, although it required mixing it up a little. In other words, not working so hard.
I had plenty of reasons to take more time off, including having a hot man by my side. Oh, boy, was he hot. He’d become the toast of the town, along with his four poker-playing buddies.
They’d been labeled heroes for catching the real killer.
How funny that the attorney who’d been saved had reached out to me. After Betty’s arrest, I’d decided to walk away from her company but not from the industry. A new firm was openingwith the other attorney. We had plans on keeping it very small because we both wanted to enjoy time outside of work.
Just like right now.
Through the glorious few months, I’d influenced the love of my life to add even more romance to his books. I’d also encouraged him to add a canine character, which Maverick excelled at doing.
We were mostly living together, still taking it slow, but I knew in my heart that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him.
“Congratulations, Maverick. Your book is incredible. We’re still on for the interview next week?”
“Thank you, Sasha. Do you think I’d ignore a sit down withPeople Magazine?”
“I would hope not. Bring that lovely fiancée of yours as well,” Sasha said as she shook my hand.
I didn’t bother correcting her. “I’m not certain I’ll be able to add anything of interest.”
“Nonsense. From reading the ARC for the book, I can definitely see your influence. The romance is… whew, baby.” She fanned her face and winked. “I’ll see you tomorrow then.”
When she walked away, I glanced around the room. He deserved all the accolades and as strange as it might sound to someone looking from the outside, I was finally at peace. More so than I thought I’d be.
“Fiancée, huh?” he asked. “Maybe we should make it official.”
“Not so fast. You’ll need to get down on one knee. But only when we’re both ready.”
He smiled. “Always the voice of reason.”
“I need to be around you.”
Things were as they should be. Jameson Murphy had retired from politics. Betty had managed to receive no jail time, which I was happy about. Although she did lose her license to practice law. Samuel had been pulled from death row, currently living in a secure group home and from what I heard, already thriving.
Was Maverick prepared to go on any additional missions? He’d told me no, but I knew in my heart one day, another case would call to him. A need for justice. And in truth, I wouldn’t try to stop him. Everyone needed a hero even if he’d tell you he was no saint. No, he wasn’t. He was a complex man with a heart of gold and a fear of losing control.
And I loved him. Every inch. Every complex emotion. Every desire to right wrongs. Every moment of bravery. Every single thing.
While the past couldn’t be erased, we could all learn from the mistakes made and the lengths gone.
Maverick would forever be my hero. He was my family. Although there was a missing piece that I intended on rectifying.
“What are you thinking?” he asked.
I grabbed his glass of bubbly, placing both on the credenza. “You need to come with me.”
“What, now? You’re a bit insatiable, aren’t you? Not that I mind, but we do have guests.”
Giving him a hard look, I grabbed his hand, leading him from the living room to his study. Or as he called it, his writing room. Once we stood outside the closed door, I turned to face him.
“You need to close your eyes and trust me.”
“Trust you, huh?”
“Yes. Can you do that?”
