Chapter19
Belle
Something changed in our relationship.I'd tried to push him away that day my mother visited, and he wouldn't let me.It was surprising.I'd expected him to shy away from any kind of emotional moment.But instead, he'd insisted on distracting me and making me feel better.
It had been soothing to cook a meal with him and then watch TV.It was something so simple that I wouldn't have thought it would make a difference.It was easy being there for someone you cared about.It was eating dinner together, sitting next to them on the couch, and listening when they wanted to talk.
When I was having issues or feeling down, my parents tended to blame me for whatever was going on.Teenage boy stood you up?There must be something wrong with me.Unhappy in your career?Should have followed our advice.
Maverick came through for me, and I wouldn't forget it.First, he'd helped me when I was sick and now this.I hoped our relationship would continue to deepen and evolve.
Now that my mother had seen the bookstore, I didn't expect her to give up so easily.She'd press until she got what she wanted, which apparently was me going back to school for my doctorate.She'd been texting me options for different programs with reminders on when to apply for the fall.
I had no intention of applying for any PhD programs.The store was my dream, but I wasn't sure I'd ever convince her of that.
On Saturday, I spent the night at Maverick's, and then we went for a hike the next morning.Colorado's landscape was so beautiful; I never got enough of it.We hiked and took pictures of the view and each other.Then we stopped for a picnic lunch.Afterward, he insisted on taking me home for a nap.
When I woke up, he was staring at me.
"Are you watching me sleep?"I asked, rubbing my eyes.
"Mmm.You look so peaceful when you're relaxed."
I stretched."I can't remember when I last felt so rested.My muscles are sore from hiking, but it feels good."
"I love being outdoors, whether it's for work, snowboarding, or hiking."
I smiled, basking in the warmth of his gaze."That's good to know."
He showed me sneak peeks of who he was; I just had to slow down and pay attention.Some people were open about who they were, but Maverick was harder to get to know.It was that much sweeter when he shared something important.
"I have a surprise for you tonight."
I turned slightly to see him."Our date isn't over?"
He dropped to the bed, his hand heavy on my stomach."I promised we'd spend the day together."
"It's been great, but I could stay in bed and watch TV for the rest of it.We don't have to get dressed up and go out."
He made a noncommittal noise deep in his throat."We haven't had much of an opportunity to do anything outside of this apartment, and I'm taking you out."
That perked me up."Are you going to give me a hint so I know what to wear?"
He grinned."How about one of your cardigan and skirt sets?"
"I usually dress differently if we're going somewhere nice."
His lips quirked."You'll fit right in."
"Should we eat before we go, or are we eating out?"I asked him, fishing for more information on our date.
He mimed zipping his mouth closed and throwing out the key.
My lower lip protruded into a pout."You aren't going to tell me?"
"Well, I can say that we aren't eating before we leave, unless it's a quick snack."
"That's something at least," I grumbled.
