Chapter17
Belle
Maverick stopped by most nights after work.We barely made it past the stairwell before he was kissing me.One night, he'd simply bent me over the stairs and took me there.Our physical connection was hot.I'd never experienced anything like this with anyone else.And I was different with Maverick, freer and more easygoing.
I craved him when we weren't together.But we hadn't spent the night anywhere else besides my apartment, except for the one night at his place.
I knew he was busy, and nights at my place were a compromise.It was convenient to stay at my apartment when our work was here.
But I wasn't sure if we were building a relationship or just enjoying each other for now.I felt more confident about my body and my sexuality.He obviously found me irresistible.But I wanted more than just sex.
He held me close while we slept and took care of me in other ways, picking up groceries and making me dinner.
It was too early in our relationship to be thinking about long-term, but I couldn't help it.I wasn't a fling kind of girl.I had to know if this was going somewhere.
On Wednesday, the other shop owners were planning to meet in the bookstore, so Maverick was going home to do some much needed laundry and catch up on sleep.I hated that we wouldn't see each other for one night, but I needed some girl time.
Clara brought the wine, Reina brought leftover cupcakes, and Meg made a charcuterie board.We sat in the overstuffed leather chairs in front of the fire.I couldn't wait until we could meet outside on my new patio with the sounds of the fountain for ambiance.
I sipped my wine, knowing that I didn't have to worry about driving anywhere.I could relax and head upstairs when we were done.
Maverick: Was book club cancelled?
I laughed.
Belle: It's not a book club.The shop owners get together.We talk business and other things.
Maverick: What other things are we talking about?
"Who are you texting with that smile on your face?"Clara asked, pouring a glass of wine.
I sighed."Maverick."
"Are you two seeing each other now?"Reina asked.
I wasn't sure how to describe it.He came over after work, we had sex, cleaned up in the shower, then grabbed something to eat before falling asleep.In the morning, we both went our separate ways to work where we watched each other from afar."I don't know what to call it."
"Are you fucking each other's brains out?"Meg asked with a smirk.
My face instantly heated."Meg!"
Meg smiled as she looked around the room."That's usually the reason you can't put a label on something.Tell me it's hot and fun."
I bit my lip, wondering how I could explain it."It is but?—"
"You want more?"Clara asked with a knowing look.
"It's too soon to ask for that.But yes?"I said, feeling all mixed-up inside.
"You're worried that it's just sex and won't turn into anything else?"Clara continued.
"It feels intense.More than just sex.We almost never go out.He's so busy with this project, and I just opened.He's off on Sundays, but I work."
"What about Aspen?Have you officially asked her to work a few hours a week yet?"Clara asked.
"She has come in on Friday afternoons."
"Why don't you ask her to handle Sundays?Then you're both off on the same day."Meg asked.
