“Of course not.” The man, Chip, turns to me with a smile that’s just a little too wide to be genuine. “Lovely to meet you, Sadie. You’re the one keeping this guy in check, aren’t you? My wife is loving the pictures of you two.”
“Hello, nice to meet you,” I manage to force out, already uncomfortable.
It’s immediately obvious why Maverick lets Colin take the lead in these situations. Knowing the little I do about him, his introverted nature and preference for low-key interactions, someone like Chip must be a lot.
But proving once again that Maverick can rise to the occasion, he holds his own. The conversation flows, and when I can, I contribute. But truthfully, when Chip starts droning on about the latest line of compression wear his company is launching that apparently, Maverick is the face for, I lose track. While they’re deep in conversation about photo shoots and design concepts, I glance around the restaurant. There’s been a few times I’ve noticed people darting looks our way, but our table is near the back, in a corner, giving us some semblance of privacy.
A hand landing on my thigh startles me. My head whips around to see Maverick eyeing me. “Specs?” he murmurs quietly, and I realize they must have asked me a question.
“I’m so sorry, what was that?” I give Chip and his partner a smile.
“Chip was generously offering you a set from the latest women’s line if you want it.”
My eyebrows lift. “Me? Oh, that’s not necessary, really. Thank you, but —”
“Nonsense.” Chip waves his hand at me. “You’re Mav’s girl, you’re in all his photos, so really, it benefits us. Hell, we should probably sign you your own endorsement deal.” He chortles, and I force out a laugh along with him even though I really don’t know what’s so funny. “Anyway. Email my assistant your size and colour preferences and we’ll set you up.”
Maverick’s hand is still resting on my thigh, and he squeezes gently. “Thanks, Chip. That’s good of you.”
“Y-yes. Thanks.” I’m still trying to reconcile the fact that Maverick’s hand is on my leg, burning through the fabric, and now that damn thumb is slowly moving up and down. It could almost be an unconscious movement if not for the way he’s still looking at me, like he knows what his touch is doing to me.
It’s heating me up from the inside out. It’s making me want to clench my thighs together, but then also shift them to move his hand higher. It’s making me think of things, dirty things, that I have no business thinking of with Maverick King.
My tongue darts out to lick my lips, and his gaze drops to them, following the motion. His hold on me tightens ever so slightly.
Our food arrives and Maverick is forced to let go. I can’t decide if I’m relieved or disappointed. Either way, I’m also confused. The rest of dinner goes by in somewhat of a blur, for me, at least. And then, finally, after what feels like hours of torture waiting for Maverick’s next touch, we’re standing up from the table, moving to the door, and saying goodnight to Maverick’s sponsor.
“I’m glad you could join us tonight, Sadie. You’re good for this guy. Keep it up.” I give Chip a faint smile, not wanting him to see how desperate I am to get out of here.
“Thank you for letting me join, Chip. I hope you have a nice evening.”
Maverick shakes their hands, then walks me out to the parking lot and over to my car.
“Thanks. For coming tonight, I mean.” His voice is low and rumbly, and the sound of it only adds fuel to the fire of my arousal after tonight. I’m honestly embarrassed at how turned on I managed to get from nothing but a few touches of his hands. He probably meant nothing by it, simply playing the role of doting boyfriend. But there’s no avoiding the truth that as soon as I get home, I’m pulling out my box of toys and giving myself some relief.
“No problem. Have a good night.” I give him what’s probably too big of a smile and climb into my car, hoping he’ll walk over to his vehicle. No such luck. Taking a few steps back, hands in his pockets, he waits to make sure I get on my way home before leaving. It’s sweet and doesn’t help the wholeturned on by everything he doessituation I’m fighting.
I put the key in the ignition and turn it, but nothing happens.
“Shit.” I turn the key again. Still nothing. Not even a click. I want to drop my head to the steering wheel in frustration, but I know Maverick’s watching me. Mustering up what I hope is a calm expression, I open my door and climb out. “Well, not sure what’s going on here, but my car won’t start. It’s fine,” I say as he starts to walk over to me. “I’ve got roadside assistance. I’ll call them and just wait at the coffee shop across the street.”
“I’ll wait with you.”
“No, no, that’s not necessary.” Oh Lord, no. I’m barely holding it together right now. I need Maverick King far away from me, or I don’t know what I’ll do. My body is still tingling just from his touch all through dinner. His hand on my leg, the whisper of his breath on my neck, all of it has me feeling like a live wire is running through my body.
“Sadie. I’m waiting with you, or I’m driving you home. You choose.”
I choose to ignore him and dial roadside assistance. But when the recorded voice tells me my estimated wait time is more than two hours, I know I’m in trouble. I take a deep breath, hold it, and exhale slowly.
“Fine. I’ll take a ride home.”
The last thing I want is Maverick seeing where I currently live. That thought alone manages to douse every shred of arousal that was coursing through me minutes ago.
Chapter sixteen
Maverick
As the GPS in my car directs me to Sadie’s apartment, I can feel my frown growing deeper. What the actual fuck is she doing living in this part of town? Graffiti adorns most of the buildings and there’s a steady sound of the nearby trains mixed with constant sirens. The people walking down the sidewalk this late in the evening are not exactly family-friendly. Yeah, I’m no snob; hell, I’ve lived in shittier places, but this is not the kind of place a single woman should be staying.
