The truth was, she was between books, having finished the last one a week before flying to Virginia. While waiting for the first round of edits from her editor, she’d decided to use this time away to do something she rarely did.
Relax.
And the only way she could truly relax was if she took away the risk of running into Maverick, so she’d told Edith a bunchof lies and hunkered down inside the Millholland House. Which she hadn’t minded at all, because Edith was an entertaining host and a lot of fun to hang out with.
Last night had started just fine. Edith had invited Gretchen and Theo to join them for dinner, claiming the other woman had been chomping at the bit to meet a real author. Ella had taken an instant liking to Gretchen, who was sweet and welcoming and so incredibly complimentary of her books. There were very few people in Ella’s life who took a genuine interest in her writing—her family was certain she was going to hell for writing pure filth—so it had been wonderful to sit and talk about her process with people who were interested in hearing about it. Edith and Gretchen had asked a ton of questions, and Ella hadn’t minded at all because it was fun discussing something she was so passionate about.
Ella hadn’t known Theo well when she was back in school, as he was a couple years older than her. He’d been a junior when she’d first started at Gracemont High School. Her freshman and sophomore years had been a blur, as she’d basically kept her head down and went through the motions, feeling awkward as the new girl amongst kids who had grown up together. She’d become a bit more confident by her junior year, but Theo had graduated by that point, so last night was the first time she’d actually had a conversation with Maverick’s older brother.
She’d felt instantly at ease with the man, which wasn’t something she could say about most guys. Growing up with a man like her father had…well, for lack of a better word, scarred her, leaving her distrustful of males as a whole.
None of that discomfort was present with Theo. One, because he was so incredibly funny and self-deprecating and entertaining, and two, because he reminded her very much of Maverick, who had possessed the same quick wit and boisterous laugh back in school.
The dinner had been so easy and enjoyable, she’d made a big-ass mistake by letting Theo and Gretchen convince her to join them at Whiskey Abbey. She hadn’t wanted the evening to end, so against her better judgment, she’d headed out with them after promising Edith she wouldn’t stay out too late.
It wasn’t until she saw Maverick that she realized just how stupid she’d been. Because, while she’d known that chances were good she would run into him while in town, she’d put zero effort into figuring out what she would say if she did.
Part of Ella wondered if she should come clean with Maverick, if she should explain that letter and her hasty departure, or if she would be smarter to let sleeping dogs lie. What went down between them was ancient history. She wasn’t sure opening old wounds was a good idea, or if he even cared enough toneedan explanation. Just because it had been her biggest heartbreak didn’t mean it was his. They’d only been kids. Surely, he’d been in love at least twenty times since then.
Last night did serve one positive purpose, however. Given Theo’s genuine friendliness toward her, and Maverick’s surprise at seeing her in town, Ella realized her former boyfriend hadn’t filled anyone in about their secret relationship all those years ago. If he had, she was certain Theo—who’d known about her trip—would have warned him in advance.
That realization was cemented when Everett began flirting with her at the table in front of Maverick.
Ella couldn’t help but wonder why he hadn’t told his brothers about her, because she’d gotten the sense when they were younger that he was very close to all his siblings. He’d even told her once that they weren’t just his brothers, but his best friends.
Things at the table had been awkward between them, but mercifully, no one in his family seemed to pick up on it. Maverick had been standoffish at first, and there’d been a flashor two of anger that let her know her actions hadn’t been forgotten or forgiven. Not that they should be.
She decided after Maverick followed Roni back to her table that she’d let the past remain there, since it was obvious he’d moved on.
Ellahatedthat he’d apparently moved on with Roni at some point. Why else would his tie be at her place? Just as much as she’d hated the thread of jealousy that wove its way through her when she watched him dance with Jessica.
That slow dance had reminded Ella of the private prom Maverick had thrown for her in the back of the school library, because she hadn’t been allowed to go to the real one. While her relationship with Maverick had been short, it had made a lasting impression.
If she was being honest with herself, Maverick was the model for the heroes in every one of her romance novels. Too many times, she had let herself imagine the man that romantic boy had grown up to be, and then she’d play those fantasies out on the pages of her books.
However, her imagination hadn’t gone far enough. Especially when it came to his looks, because while he’d been a handsome boy in school, he was sex-on-a-stick gorgeous nowadays.
Like,holy fuck.
Working on a vineyard definitely agreed with him. His skin was a stunning sun-kissed brown and his dark hair was still thick without a bit of receding taking place. The clean-shaven face of his youth was now covered with a well-trimmed beard that accentuated his chiseled jaw and the strong lines of his face. He was hands down hotter than any model who’d ever adorned one of her books, and she spent big bucks on her cover photography.
Ella rubbed her eyes, aware her trip to the coffee shop hadn’t done what she’d hoped, which was to distract her from her thoughts about Maverick.
Her sleepless night had been a painful blend of good and bad memories, and the horniest fantasies she’d ever had. Like an idiot, she’d failed to pack her vibrator, foolishly thinking she wouldn’t need it. Around three a.m., she’d given in and let herself play out a steamy fantasy of Maverick while getting herself off with her fingers. It had been one of her strongest self-produced orgasms to date, though she knew that had nothing to do with the way she was stroking herself and everything to do with the man driving her arousal to incredible heights.
Despite the horrible way things ended between her and Maverick, Ella always felt lucky that he’d been her first boyfriend. Because he’d been attentive and sweet and a remarkably good lover, especially considering they were each other’s firsts.
Maverick may have been a virgin as well, but he could have fooled her. She’d chalked up his skill to confidence, his overwhelming need to always take care of her, and the fact he had three older brothers, who must have shared details of their own experiences. Becauseno onecould be that much of a natural right out of the gate.
Ella had only had two other lovers since Maverick, but neither of them had come close to turning her on the way he had.
“Ella?”
She turned around, smiling when she spotted Molly Baker in line behind her. Molly was one of the first girls Ella had met upon moving to Gracemont, and unlike Roni, she’d always been very kind. If Ella’s homelife had been different, she and Molly might have become friends, but social status in high school relied heavily on cellphones, weekends, and after-school activities, like dances, extracurriculars, and football games. Things Ella wasn’t permitted to engage in.
“Molly. It’s so nice to see you.”
Molly gave her a warm hug, then gestured to another girl who looked vaguely familiar. “Do you remember Judi Devereaux?”
