Page 28 of Maverick

“You should be,” Maverick said.

The cowboy stood and glared at him. “Well, I’m not. Not one—” he stopped talking when Maverick stood up and towered over him.

“You were saying?”

The cowboy smirked. “The bigger they are…”

“Then come on. We can settle this outside.”

“Maverick, let it go. I’m not interested in him.”

“Parker, it’s not about that anymore. This clown wants to prove something.” Maverick shrugged. “I’m willing to let him try.”

“Why bother going outside? I’ll finish this right here. Right now.” The cowboy took a swing at him, but Maverick dodged his fist, then punched him in the face, making his nose bleed. He put his hand over his nose as blood poured from it. “You son of a bitch,” he shouted and swung at Maverick again, and ended up getting punched again. “Damn it!” He bent over holding his nose again.

By now, the entire bar was watching them.

“I thought you wanted to take my date home. Or do I need to break your nose in another place?”

The cowboy stepped back. “Do I look stupid to you?”

“Yes, you do. Are you finished?”

“Yeah, I’m done. You can have her.”

“How kind of you. Get out of here,” Maverick growled.

Everyone watched the cowboy push his way through the crowd and out the doors, then they all cheered.

Maverick shook his head. “I’m sorry Parker. I shouldn’t have done that, but he pissed me off. I hate men who think it’s okay to come on to any woman they see.”

“It’s fine. He deserved it. I told him to leave me alone on the dance floor.” She wrapped her arms around Maverick’s neck. “My hero,” she said, laughing.

Maverick chuckled, then he noticed her hiding a yawn behind her hand, he leaned closer and asked if she was ready to go. She nodded, so he settled the tab, and they walked out to the truck, then he drove back to her apartment.

“Uh, what time will you pick me up tomorrow?”

“Is ten too early?”

“No, that’s perfect.”

“Do you have a fishing pole, or do I need to provide one for you?”

“I don’t have one.”

“Okay, no problem.” He stopped beside the stairs, opened his door, and exited the truck. She met him at the tailgate, and they climbed the steps. He took the key from her, unlocked the door, and pushed it open.

“Do you want to come inside?”

Maverick grinned. “Yes, but I won’t. I know you’re not ready for more right now, and I know I’d try to convince you otherwise if I came inside.” He handed the key back to her.

“Okay. I’ll see you around ten.”

He nodded but they stared at each other.

“Go inside, Parker.”

“Will you kiss me goodnight?”