It’s innocent enough, except Dove’s position causes her shirt to drape forward, giving me a clear view of the supple bulge of her cleavage rising out of the lacy cups of her white bra.
Dove
I’m your number one fan.
A laugh huffs through my nose, but I have to adjust my fly.
Maverick
Promise?
Dove
Want to go for a walk?
Maverick
It would definitely be more than ten minutes.
Dove
I’ll show you something you’ve never seen before…
Maverick
Please and thank you.
11
DOVE
Maverick was right. I didn’t feel alone once this week.
I was busy with school and taking care of Kelani, who is utterly adorable and the easiest little thing. I looked up, it’s already Thursday, and I’m on my way to campus.
Gina and her gang will land early afternoon, while Maverick and the rest of the guys are supposed to arrive before dinner.
I’m planning to cut out of here early, in time to wash my hair, shave my legs, do some laundry, dust, run a quick vacuum, grab some flowers, basically do everything I can to make the house warm and welcoming…
It’s Maverick’s home. Of course, he’ll think it’s warm and welcoming. Besides, when has a man ever noticed a vase of flowers? Lord knows I grew up with three of them—they don’t. Unless it’s an apology or a special occasion, of course.
“Not sure how flexible your schedule is…” Dr. Smithfield interrupts my thoughts, and I straighten up at once.
“My school schedule?” I frown up at him “I guess it’s as flexible as you allow it to be.”
“Yes, so it is.” He studies a sheet of paper in his hand. “I received this invitation from the National Plant Diagnostic Network a few weeks ago. They’re having a weeklong conference in San Diego. I’m one of the guest lecturers. Would you like to attend as my assistant?”
My eyes widen, and I clutch the side of my pants to keep from clapping excitedly. “Yes, sir,” I say in a very calm, professional tone. “I’d like that very much. When is it?”
“Well, that’s where the flexibility part comes in.” His brow furrows. “I’m driving down this afternoon. I have to be there for the keynote address and networking event, but if today is too soon for you?—”
“Not at all! I can do that! If you don’t mind me leaving a little early?”
“Of course not. Why don’t you head home now and pack, and I’ll arrange for a car to pick you up from your house at… five? Six?”
“Either works for me.” I slide my laptop into my messenger bag and quickly collect the lunch I packed this morning.
“I’ll forward the agenda to you. I think you’ll get a lot out of it. It’s also a way to make valuable connections in the field.”
