Chapter 15
Maverick
Sydney’s struggling. I can see it in the way she looks at me and the way she keeps letting out little sighs when I do things right. I almost want to screw up just so she doesn’t view me as being perfect. I don’t want her thinking I'm too good to be true.
I carefully spoon the stew I’ve been working on into bowls and place them on the table. Then I cut up fresh baked bread and plate it. Once I have drinks on the table, I call Danny and Bree up.
“Sit down and take a deep breath.” I guide Sydney over to the table and pull the chair out for her.
“You must think I'm crazy,” she whispers, staring up at me.
“No, but I think you’re struggling right now and I'm not sure how to help you. So, I’ll take care of everything while you process and if you want to talk about it after dinner, we can.”
“I just can't comprehend why you’d want me when you could have anyone. It doesn’t make sense.”
“Because I think you’re the most amazing woman I’ve ever met. You’re smart, talented, loving, and more than beautiful. You take everything life throws at you with grace and determination. You don’t complain or ask for help, you do it all on your own and I find that ridiculously attractive.”
I press a soft kiss to her lips right before little footsteps enter the kitchen. I wish we weren’t keeping our relationship a secret. Then I could touch her and kiss her whenever I wanted to.
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For being you.”
Unsure of how to respond, I smile as Danny and Bree take their seats at the table. It’s cute how Bree automatically takes the chair next to mine and Danny always sits next to Sydney. I’m more than a little excited I get to sit next to Sydney, even if I can't touch her.
Since everyone already has a bowl of stew in front of them, I pass around the bread and we dig in. The smell of the food cooking has been teasing me all day. I’ve been waiting to get a taste and it doesn’t disappoint.
“This is amazing, Mav.” Sydney glances up at me with surprise.
“I can cook, Syd.” I smirk, loving how I can shock her with my skills. “I’ve been living by myself for a long time. If I didn’t learn to cook, I would’ve died.”
“I'm not sure who’s a better cook, Mommy. Maverick’s really good!” Bree grins as she takes another large bite.
“Definitely Mommy. I only know how to make a few things well, but this is one of my favorites.” I motion to the bowl in front of me.
“I think Maverick sneaks more vegetables into his meal though.” Sydney chuckles when Bree’s eyes go wide and she stares down at her dinner.
The kids finish their meal quickly and then beg us to let them go back downstairs. I’m more than happy to have them stay longer, especially if that means I get some extra time with Sydney.
“I just can't understand how you did it all. I’ve never seen them so happy with someone other than me. And they ate all their vegetables! Are you bribing them somehow?”
“No.” I chuckle as I tug her into my arms. “I'm definitely not bribing them, though I wouldn’t be against it.”
“I’ll do the dishes and clean up since you’ve done so much for me today.” She pushes her sleeves up to her elbows and tries to move towards the sink, but I shake my head.
“Nah, I can do all of that later on. Once you leave, I’ll be all alone with nothing to do. Let me enjoy my time with you.”
I lift her into the air and she lets out a shriek as she wraps her legs around my waist and holds on tightly.
“I'm not going to drop you, babe. I’d never do anything to hurt you.”
I settle onto the couch, but keep her on my lap.
I can easily picture a life with Sydney and the kids.
One with them filling my home with laughter and love.
I can imagine coming home at the end of a long night and crawling into bed next to Sydney.
I’d hold her close and breathe in her wonderful scent.
On Saturday mornings, we’d wake up late and make pancakes together. We’d spend the entire weekend at baseball games and dance practices. We’d be happy.
“What’s going through your head?” Sydney says softly as she trails her fingers over the stubble on my jaw.
“I was thinking about how perfect a life with you could be,” I answer honestly.
“Mav…” She trails off and I can tell she wants to argue with me, but I won't give her a chance.
“It would be so easy, sweetheart. So amazing.”
“I'm not ready. Honestly, a week ago, I didn’t even think I was ready to date.”
“I know, and I'm not going to push you. We can take this as fast or as slowly as you’d like, just know I'm happy to go really, really fast.”
“Noted.” She giggles and rests her hands on my chest.
“What are your plans for this week? How often will I get to see you?”
“Well, most of the week is really busy. Friday, I work during the day, but I'm free after two o’clock.”
“What time do the kids get home from school?” I slip my hands under her sweater and rest them on her bare waist. Her skin is so soft and warm, a complete opposite to my callused fingers. I just like feeling her skin against mine.
“The bus drops them off around four,” she murmurs, barely even participating in the conversation once my hands are on her.
“Maybe I should swing by around two and we can have some alone time before they get home.”
Her eyes snap to mine and there’s so many emotions swirling in them. She wants me just as badly as I want her.
“I think that sounds like an amazing idea. Possibly the best idea you’ve ever had.”