Page 16 of Maverick

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Maverick drove his truck to the barns, ready to tackle the day’s work. The chores were posted in the bunkhouses the night before, a routine the foremen had developed to give the men a head start after breakfast.

Blue rested her head on his lap as he drove, gazing up at him with unbridled adoration. He grinned and affectionately scratched behind her ears.

“Now, Blue, just because we’re going to the barn doesn’t mean you can run all over God’s creation. Got it?” He chuckled at her whine. She loved accompanying him to the barns, especially when he rode out on horseback.

As he parked the truck near the back entrance of the barn, Blue perked up and started barking excitedly. Maverick shook his head in amusement, got out of the truck, and held the door for Blue to jump down and run along the aisle of the barn. After closing the door behind him, Maverick made his way to his horse’s stall. He wanted to check on the fence in the west pasture that he had instructed some new hires to repair yesterday. It was important that they did it correctly. They seemed to know what they were doing, but he knew he’d feel better checking the work.

After changing the halter to a bridle, Maverick led the big Quarter horse out of the stall. The horse stood at seventeen hands, its coat a deep, rich red and its mane, tail, and legs a sleek black. As Maverick secured the reins to the post, the horse playfully chewed at the sleeve of his T-shirt.

“I don’t need you ruining another shirt, Cisco.” Maverick chuckled as he moved away from the horse’s playful antics. But he couldn’t help but smile as Cisco bobbed his head up and down, as if in agreement and showing his teeth. “I know you think you’re funny, but you’re not.”

Suddenly, Blue headed straight for Cisco. Maverick watched as the horse lowered his head to nuzzle his buddy. Maverick grabbed the blanket from the tack room and placed it carefully on Cisco’s back before returning for the saddle. Once everything was in place, Maverick mounted the horse and gave a gentle nudge with his knees to set off.

Looking over his shoulder, Maverick caught sight of Blue excitedly following behind them. He waved at Wes who was walking into one of the other barns before urging Cisco into a gallop toward the west pasture.

The blazing sun beat down on Maverick’s shoulders, already slick with sweat. It was going to be another scorching day on the ranch. The tall grass swayed and whispered against the horse’s legs as Blue ran ahead. Maverick reached into the leather saddlebag and retrieved a bottle of water, grateful for the refreshment. He twisted off the cap and took a long gulp, the cool liquid soothing his parched throat.

As he neared the section of fence he needed to check, beads of sweat began to trickle down his chest and between his shoulder blades. The heat was relentless, but Maverick knew he had work to do. He was glad that this section was close by; with so many acres to cover, it was important to have certain areas fenced off for easier cattle management. The west pasture was where a large portion of the land was divided into sections.

Riding along the fence, Maverick observed that the new employees he had hired seemed to know their job well.

After checking the fence, he turned Cisco around, nudged him, and rode through the field. He glanced over his shoulder to see Blue not keeping up, so he reined the horse to a stop, dismounted and removed another bottle of water from the saddlebag, along with a small bowl, and poured the water into it and let Blue drink. Once she was finished, he filled the bowl again to let Cisco get a drink.

Maverick knew they had to be thirsty too. The sun was merciless today and it wasn’t even close to noon. He put everything away, mounted the horse, whistled for Blue, and she jumped up onto the back of the horse behind the saddle, then he nudged Cisco, and they rode back to the barns.

Chapter Three

Parker stood in front of the mirror on the back of the bathroom door. She turned to look at the back of the dress. She shouldn’t have bought a halter dress. What would he think of her going out on a first date not wearing a bra?

“For God’s sake, that has to be one of the dumbest thoughts you have ever had, Parker Jean Tisdale,” she chastised herself. She turned sideways, looked at her chest and sighed. “He’s going to know.”

She entered the bedroom, opened the closet door and looked for a different outfit. There was no way she could go braless on a first date. Why not? Because you know you’re not wearing one and you’ll be uncomfortable.

“And he’d know too. He’s a man, but he’s not stupid. It’s a halter top,” she snapped. “I know I can find something before he—” She was interrupted by a knock on the door. “Gets here,” she said and sighed. “Too late now,” she muttered as she slipped her feet into the red wedge sandals.

She walked to the door, took a deep breath, and opened it. Good Lord! He was so handsome.

“Hi,” Maverick said and handed her a yellow rose.

“Thank you,” she said with a smile and put the rose to her nose.

“You look beautiful.” He smiled.

She smiled and watched as his eyes roamed over her from head to toe and he didn’t even linger on her breasts. She frowned. Why the hell not? She cleared her throat.

“Thank you, and you look very handsome.” She took in his dark blue T-shirt, dark jeans, and distressed cowboy boots. A white straw cowboy hat sat atop his head.

“Thank you, ma’am,” he said, and touched the brim of his hat and she bit back a sigh.

“Come in out of the heat, while I put this in the fridge.” She waved him inside.

He wiped his feet on the mat, removed his hat, and entered the apartment. He glanced around.

“It looks nice.”

“Thank you. I love it.” She picked up her purse. “I’m ready if you are.”