“I’m going to miss her.” I lean forward, scrubbing her dark gray ears while she licks me across the face. “Don’t forget me when I’m gone Kee-Kee!”
“That’s cute!” Maddie bounces on her toes between us. “Hey, Kee-Kee! Maybe you can come to our house for a visit! Ladybird will love you!”
“Be sure LB doesn’t step on her,” I tease.
Ladybird is Owen’s massive bloodhound.
“She won’t!” Maddie reassures me. “Ladybird just likes to lay on her stomach and howl at the moon.”
“And Shania Twain songs,” Gina adds with a laugh before giving me a pouty face. “I hate that you’re leaving as soon as we get back.”
“Me, too.” I put my arm around her shoulders for a quick hug. “It’s only a week though. I’ll be back before you know it.”
“That’s my line.” The deep male voice makes my breath catch, and I turn to see Maverick walking through the front door with a pack on his back and a bag in his hand.
Owen is right behind him, and Gina jumps with a happy shriek, running straight into her fiancé’s arms. He pulls her into a hug, lifting her off the ground and kissing her firmly on the mouth.
I chew my bottom lip watching them, wondering what it would be like to… My eyes meet Maverick’s and the air sizzles between us.
His hazel eyes glow, and a hint of a smile curls his lips. It’s like he’s reading my mind.
“Welcome home, you two.” Gina reaches over to give her cousin a playful shoulder shake. “I missed you.”
“This is the longest we’ve been apart since we met.” Owen’s arm is around her shoulders, and he pulls her to him again, pressing his lips to her temple. “How’s my little girl?”
Maddie wraps her arms around his waist, resting her head on his side. “I saved Aunt Dove from having her towel stolen by Spanky!”
Owen laughs, but Maverick’s lips twitch. “Sounds like we got home just in time.”
I clasp my hands, glancing wistfully at the stairs. “Just in time for me to leave, I’m afraid.”
His brow furrows. “Where are you going?”
“The National Plant Diagnostic Network is having a weeklong conference in San Diego. Dr. Smithfield invited me to go as his assistant.”
“A weeklong conference…” His shoulders drop, and it seems like he’s as disappointed as I feel.
Although, I’mnotdisappointed. I’m very, very honored.
And a little disappointed.
“A national conference… that sounds really important,” Owen says. “Congratulations.”
“Right.” Mav’s demeanor changes quickly. “That’s really cool. Congratulations.”
Still, the way his voice goes down on the congratulations contradicts his expression.
“Well, I’d better head to the house.” Owen clears his throat, giving Gina a little squeeze. “Have a great trip, Dove. Can’t wait to hear all about it when you get back.”
“Text me!” Gina points at me.
“I will. Bye, Owen, and thanks again, Maddie.”
“Anytime!” Maddie cries, skipping beside her dad as she holds his hand.
They’re gone, and I’m left facing Maverick in the living room. We’re quiet for a moment, a little awkward, which is silly. It’s Maverick. We’ve been friends forever.
Kelani jumps around my feet, and I bend down to pick her up. “I’ll move her crate back to your bedroom since I’ll be gone. She’s really well-trained. She sleeps all night, and you just have to let her out in the backyard when you get up in the morning.”
