“Got my girl in front of me, Trey, do me a favor and watch your mouth,” he says in lieu of a greeting.
“My apologies,” he mumbles. “You get my message?” If he was shocked at Maverick’s claim to having his girl with him, he didn’t show it.
“I got it, Trey. You didn’t have to call fifteen times last night to leave it, though. I would have called you back with one missed call and no message.”
“That might be so, son, but have you ever known me for being patient? I was too excited to wait. Not only is it a great opportunity for you, but I knew you would be happy to get that call.”
Maverick’s face gets soft and he squeezes my hand. I swallow the hot saliva pooling in my mouth. No matter what, I will support him and stand by his side. I will not break down and beg him to never leave. Part of us moving forward, together, means blind support no matter what.
“Well, Trey,” he starts and my hand involuntarily flexes within his hold. “I appreciate the offer and for the faith you have in me to even offer it—”
“Of course I’ve got faith in your sorry ass,” Trey interrupts with a gruff chuckle.
Before panic can fill my system, though, I feel like a slide show of our lives starts playing through my mind. Rapidly, zooming through those memories, until landing on the ones of us since he returned. In that moment, without him even voicing it, I know there is no way that he’s going to accept. The clarity of that knowledge beating back the panic.
Even though I know with everything I am that there is no way Maverick would be accepting, the words from a man I’ve never met feel like a punch to the gut. I cock my head and study Maverick, waiting for him to talk. Raising my brow and mentally beating the doubt back, knowing in my heart that he wouldn’t leave.
“Like I said, it means a whole lot to me that you have that faith. You know how much I respect you and I wouldn’t be the rider that I was if it hadn’t been for your guidance through the years.”
“Shit, boy. I might have been guidin’, but the rider you are has nothing to do with that. It’s in your blood, son. You were born a rider and there isn’t anyone else that I want workin’ alongside me. I knew you wouldn’t turn this down,” the man speaks again, interrupting Maverick. I’m starting to think that’s normal, since Maverick doesn’t seem to be offended or annoyed. But I am.
“I think you should let him finish,” I snap. “Sir.” I add the last part in a rush as an afterthought, not letting my manners slip just because I’m feeling emotional. Maverick’s whole body starts to shakes with hilarity.
The phone is silent between us after my annoyed rush of words. Maverick leans forward and gives me a quick kiss before speaking again. “Like I was sayin’, Trey. I appreciate the offer, but I’m going to have to say no. You know I’ll always be here if you want to shoot the shit and talk shop, but I’m home now. Where I want to be. When Doc told me I couldn’t ride, it was the best news I could have gotten . . . a blessing in disguise. Damn sure didn’t see it then. Couldn’t see what was right in front of my face long before I got bucked off that last time. I’ve lived my life being driven by anger, fueled with a whole lot of regrets, but I’m done with that life, Trey. I know we talked about ways to get me back out, to keep me where I thought I needed to be, but I can honestly tell you with no regrets, everything I need is right here in front of me.”
Trey doesn’t speak for a second, clearly not happy with the rejection of his offer because he grumbles some unpleasant words before speaking again. “I hear ya, Maverick. I respect that, and even though I wish I had your skills by my side, I’m happy that you’re not still drownin’ in your own mind’s bullshit anymore. I know my brother would be feelin’ the same way.”
My big, strong man bends, pressing his forehead to mine. “Nah, I might have been lost for a little while, but I had a good guide to bring me back. I’ve got some shit I’m startin’ here that I have a feelin’ you’re gonna want to chat about. I’ll give you a call next week. See if you can make some time to come out and meet my girl.”
The rest of their conversation is brief, but by the time he stops talking I have tears rolling down my face. Not sad ones, but pure happiness is leaking from my eyes. The magnitude of his decision is something that can’t be ignored. Two months ago, when he rolled back into town, I never would have believed that he would stick around Pine Oak. I would have been crippled the second he even mentioned the call and the offer that came with it. However, that was before I felt how powerful our love really was. Before I knew the truth that pulled him from my life to begin with. And long before I accepted that it was the right move, no matter how much it hurt. Even being torn apart for a decade, I know that it really was our destiny taking a driver’s seat, making sure that we were ready when our time finally came.
That time is now.
I believe in our love, the future he’s building for us, and most important, him. There is no place for doubts or fears when you have a connection as deep as ours. We didn’t know it then, but these bonds were always unbreakable. It was just a matter of time before they snapped us back where we belonged.
Together.
27
LEIGHTON
“Yeah Boy” by Kelsea Ballerini
After Maverick’s call, we left the office to find that Quinn had already left to head back to her shop. When he shut the door on her eavesdropping, she must have gotten bored. Or maybe she remembered that she runs a business and actually went back to it.
Jana didn’t ask any questions, just gave me a knowing smile before leaving the kitchen to get everything ready to open at noon. She doesn’t ever cross those boundaries she couldn’t care less about if there isn’t sex involved in the gossip anyway. Silly woman.