“We’re goin’ out, Specs.”
I look up from my computer to see Maverick leaning against the wall, arms folded over his chest. “We are?”
He pushes off the wall and nods as he walks over to me. Slowly, his eyes locked on mine, he pushes my laptop shut as he leans forward, one hand landing on the back of the couch, next to my head. “Yeah. So go put on that purple dress from the wedding. The one that drove me crazy wanting to touch you in ways I couldn’t back then.” He drops his head even closer to my ear, his whisper hot against my skin. “Because tonight, I can.”
I hold back a whimper as he pulls away, a smirk on his face. The jerk knows how he’s affecting me right now, all dirty promises and barely-there touches that make me want to pant for more.
Since admitting to each other we wanted to stay together for real, we’ve been insatiable. Every moment we’re both at the apartment is spent naked, except for when I manage to be strong enough to deny him so I can getsome work done.
I could go back to the office. Gus wants me back there. But I kind of like working from here, enjoying stolen moments with Maverick when he’s not at the stadium for practice or a rehab session.
Every time I make him smile, it feels like a little victory. Especially since those smiles are becoming more and more frequent. When he puts his arms around me, I feel safe. Cared for. And the rare moments he lets his guard down, resting his head on my stomach and letting me play with his hair, it’s all I can do not to melt. Slowly, he’s softening. Opening to me. To us. And it’s incredible to see the change. Willow commented on it the other day over a glass of wine. He’s been smiling at practice and even joined some of the guys for lunch at Maura’s diner.
I won’t take credit for the changes in him, though. That’s all his doing, his choosing to let go of his demons and find a way forward that comes from a healthier, happier place.
Setting my computer down, I stand up and walk to find him in the bathroom, running his fingers through his hair, making sure the curls sit just right. I wrap my arms around him from behind, laying my head on his back.
“Will you tell me where we’re going?” I ask pertly, grateful he can’t see my excited smile. But of course, the darn man senses my excitement, judging by his chuckle.
“Do you really want to know?”
He spins around, his hands coming under my arms to lift me up. My legs wrap around his waist as I let him carry me into the bedroom, where he sets me down on top of his dresser.
I’m wearing just a thin pair of leggings and he’s in jeans. The press of his pelvis against mine makes me want to grindinto him. He’s turning me into…I don’t know what. A wanton, desire-driven, pleasure-seeking woman who is so different from how I was just a few weeks ago. She’s unfamiliar, yet exciting. A welcome change.
“Keep doing that and we’ll never leave,” he growls, and I just give him an impish smirk.
“Maybe that’s my plan.”
His lips press against mine, bruisingly hard. But he lifts away before I can even get my arms around his neck, and this time I don’t hold back my sound of protest.
“Get. Dressed.” He squeezes my thighs before stepping away, going to the closet and grabbing the hanger that holds the lavender dress from Heidi and Max’s wedding. I watch him lay it out on the bed before he strides over to the drawer where I finally unpacked some of my clothes.
I let out a smalleeepwhen he pulls out a cream-coloured set of panties and strapless bra, and he smirks at me as he puts it on top of the dress.
“You have five minutes, Specs.”
I wait until the door closes behind him before letting my upper body sag against the wall, a delirious grin on my face.That man…
But after only a few seconds, I hop off the dresser and do as I’ve been asked. I don’t have any desire to disappoint Maverick or mess up whatever plans he has for tonight. Especially since I have a feeling those plans are going to involve a lot of orgasms.
With likely only seconds to spare, I give myself one final look in the mirror before grabbing a pair of sandals and openingthe bedroom door. “Ready!” I announce as I walk out into the living room, coming to an abrupt stop.
Standing in front of me is Maverick King.
Holding flowers.
“Are those for me?” I ask stupidly, taking a slow step toward him. He chuffs out a laugh and closes the distance between us, cupping my chin and kissing me softly.
“Of course they are. Cat would just eat them.”
I smile against his lips, kissing him a few more times, short and sweet pecks that are just enough to make his grip tighten before I step back. Holding out my hands, I make agimme, gimmemotion. He passes the bouquet and I lift it to my face, inhaling deeply.
“They’re beautiful, thank you.”
I lift a hand to brush down his cheek, and he turns to press a kiss to my palm.
He’s a man of few words, but what he doesn’t say with his voice, he conveys with his actions. And as I learn his language, I find myself falling deeper and deeper.
