Chapter 10 #2
Maverick blows out a breath, tugging the jacket and button-down shirt off, and I smile at the tight t-shirt clinging to him underneath.
My mouth drops when he opens the back door of his truck, grabbing a pair of jeans and changing right then and there.
A laugh escapes me before I whistle, seeing how his boxer briefs hug his tight ass.
He grins as he shoves his legs into the jeans and buttons them up. “You like what you see, Princess?”
Usually, the nickname would grate on me. Perhaps because it’s usually flung with condescension and a bit of a sneer. But Maverick says it like the royal title it is, a hint of reverence and seeking approval. It sends flutters into my stomach.
“It wasn’t long enough of a show to make a decision. I might need to see more.”
His answering growl has me shuddering, and he nods at me. “Go change into jeans, and if you don’t have a pair of boots, grab some thick socks and I’ll buy you a pair.”
My heart thunders, and I’m a little breathless. “You’d buy me a pair of boots?”
“Woman, I’d buy you a truck. Get changed before I dirty up your pretty dress.”
My fingers curl under the seam of my white sundress, and I bite my lips, twirling a little for him before hurrying through the door when he steps toward me.
I change into my only pair of jeans and a thin sweater.
For the first time in a bit, I miss my closet back home.
The way I had more options than I ever needed with jeans and sweaters.
I think I have a pair of sparkly lilac boots I wore to a concert once.
Maverick is waiting with crossed arms when I skip out of my room with my only pair of sneakers. I stand before him with my hands on my hips after giving a slight twirl. “Good?”
He nods and then holds open his truck door. “Perfect, as always.”
Before I climb in, I stop before him and rise on my tiptoes, kissing his cheek. Maverick’s throat bobs, and then he pats my butt to get me into the seat.
His cheeks are still flushed when he gets in on the other side and glances around his truck. There’s dried dirt and some tools thrown in the back. “I swear this was clean when I drove over.”
I chuckle lightly. “It looks clean enough. I can’t imagine you guys are able to keep pristine vehicles dealing with whatever you do. Animals involved or something,” I say with my own embarrassed blush. “Sorry, I can’t pretend I know much.”
“If I have it my way, you’ll never know a hard day of work for the rest of your life.” Maverick grins, turning on the truck and pulling out to drive the opposite way of the town.
I give him a pouty lip. “I work hard now. Waitressing isn’t easy.”
He nods. “You’re right. That was my bad.”
Winking so he knows I’m teasing, I watch out the window and notice we really are leaving town. “I thought you’d take me to the diner, to be honest.”
Maverick chuckles. “I don’t mind Susanne’s food, but if we eat there, give it ten minutes. The whole town would know our business.” He nods toward the upcoming lights. “The city is a little out there, but there’s a spot right on the border. Best barbecue I’ve ever had.”
I let out a squeal of excitement, not caring it makes me seem childish. “I’ve never had barbecue! It’s not something that is common up north, at least nowhere my parents would ever take me. Kinsey and I mostly ate whatever was at the truck stops on the way here.”
He grimaces. “Fast food for days on end doesn’t sound fun.”
I shake my head. “No, it really wasn’t. Probably why the diner felt like a three-star Michelin restaurant at that point.”
“Make sure to tell Susanne. She and her wife would probably put up a banner on the window.”
“So I can be motorboated again with the glorious tits she’s blessed with? Please. I will, don’t tempt me. I’d love for my opinions to be broadcasted to the whole town.”
Maverick chuckles his breath. “I don’t know about all that, but somehow I doubt that. I don’t think you like being the center of attention.”
His words hit me square in the chest, and I have to push away the prick of tears growing in my eyes. “Why?”
He looks over at me, a small furrow between his brows. “What?”
“Why do you think I don’t like being the center of attention?”
He’s quiet for a moment, and then he shrugs. “I don’t know. Do you?”
I shake my head. “No, but I’ve never had someone assume that. They think the opposite. Pretty omega with golden hair that wears sparkly dresses. She must love it.”
Maverick shifts in his seat. “I guess. I’ve just seen an omega who wanted everyone to want her.”
“Who?” I snap out, hating the thought of him being with another omega.
His lips twitch, as if enjoying my spurt of jealousy. “My mom.”
It makes me deflate a little but not much. He’s not the only observant one. Something tells me Maverick doesn’t open up to just anyone. “Oh. That sounds like a story.”
He hums somewhere deep in his chest. “Not a very happy one.”
“Oh I understand that all too well. My mother isn’t one I’d ever strive to be.”
Maverick gives me a half-smile. “Parents, yeah? They know how to do numbers on people.”