“Who’s there?” shouted Internado.
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S NU GGL I NG
I nternado’s voice bellowed through the quiet night. Maverick’s instinctual urge to rescue Carly sent adrenaline surging through him. Several agonizing seconds passed before he spotted her hiding behind a tree. Like a cat, she slinked from one to another. Thirty-eight long seconds later, she slipped inside the car.
She inhaled a deep breath. “That was some rush, huh?”
“You’re cool under fire.”
“That’s the goal. Freaking out only makes things worse.”
Without turning on the headlights, Maverick drove out. Once they reached Chain Bridge Road, they yanked off their ski masks. He pulled onto the shoulder and she removed the license plate covers. Then, he flipped on the lights and hit the gas.
On the way home, she kept watch for a trailing vehicle. After ten minutes on the G.W. Parkway, she gave the “all clear”.
While Maverick lived for rescue missions, working alongside Carly brought a special element of excitement. “Mission accomplished. Nice job, boss.”
“Back atcha.” She pulled out her laptop and verified the tracker’s signal. “Good thing we love the thrill of adventure.”
Not as much as I love you.
Once back home, he reminded her he was leaving before dawn.
Sidling close, she peered into his eyes. “Is your mom’s charity golf tournament in Ocean City again this year?”
The air crackled with irresistible desire. “Yeah. I’m spending a couple of days at my training facility since it’s on the way.”
“You want me to head back to my place?”
Desperate to touch her, he ran his hands down her arms. He wanted their clothing gone so he could press skin to skin. “Absolutely not. And that’s an order.”
“So bossy,” she said, cracking a smile. He loved how her eyes crinkled at the corners. “I’ll stay. When are you coming back?”
“Late Thursday, after the tournament.” He broke away to fish out a key from his kitchen drawer. “Since you’ll be here alone, make sure you lock up at night.” Though hungry to kiss her, he didn’t. “G’night.” It about killed him to walk away from her, but he was sticking with his damn plan.
“Ash.”
Hopeful, he turned.
“We should talk when you get back.”
You think? “Be good Carly girl.” He retreated into his stateroom and shut the door, frustration coursing through him.
The following morning, Maverick drove out before sunrise. He spent the next two days at ThunderStrike’s Eastern Shore Training Facility. His fourteen newest employees were completing their eight-week boot camp. Several asked about the rumors, so he spoke candidly about ThunderStrike’s current challenges, but emphasized he believed justice would be served. At the end of his meeting, two quit. Maverick took each resignation personally, the weight of the situation bearing down on him.
First thing Thursday, he headed to Ocean City. No matter what was going on, he never missed a year to celebrate his mom’s life. His dad relied on him to help run the annual event, and act as Master of Ceremonies during the dinner and awards ceremony. Maverick was always humbled and grateful for the two hundred golfers who participated and donated generously to honor Sarah Hott. All proceeds benefitted Medicine Without Borders.
The event was a rousing success. It raised over one hundred thousand dollars for the organization whose physicians were willing to place themselves in danger to save lives.
That evening, several of the guys stopped at a local bar before heading home. Maverick helped his dad settle up before joining them. The place was packed, but he made his way over to the bar and ordered a beer.
“What’s going on tonight?” he asked the bartender.
“A women’s business convention is in town.” The bartender set Maverick’s beer on a napkin. “From the crowd, I’d guess half of ‘em are here. Good for business.”
Maverick found his golf buddies. Most of the men were talking with women. One of the golfers raised his beer bottle to Maverick. “When the cat’s away, the mice will play. And I see a lot of very cute mice scurrying around here tonight.”
