Page 26 of Maverick

Tess snorts. "Ma'am. Can't decide if I like that. Go on with you."

Cadence hesitates, looking between her grandmother and us. Finally, she sighs. "Okay, fine. I'll go. But I'm not staying out late."

Bree claps her hands together. "Yay! This is going to be so much fun. Come on, let's go before she changes her mind."

I gesture for Cadence to go ahead of me, trying to hide my grin. I can't believe she actually agreed. And on the way out the door, I send her grandma a wink, getting one in return.

I like her.

8

CADENCE

My leg bounces under the table as I glance around the bustling Thai restaurant. The worn booths and faded decor remind me of the countless hole-in-the-wall joints I've frequented over the years. It's not the kind of place I would expect guys this rich to eat, but I'm glad. It's comfortable, and judging by how busy it is, we're in for a good meal.

Nick and Bree sit across from me, their shoulders brushing as they pour over the menu, happily arguing about what to order. Smiles wreath both their faces, their bodies leaning into one another. They are freaking adorable together, just completely comfortable in each other's company.

And then there's Maverick, his presence both comforting and unnerving beside me. I can't help but steal glances at him, my heart racing each time our eyes meet. I did not think this through. Of course Nick and Bree would want to sit together. Of course I'd end up sitting next to Mav.

I try to focus on the menu, but my mind keeps drifting back to Nan. Is she okay? Did she remember to lock the doors? I wish I could afford a better security system, something to easethe constant worry gnawing at my gut. It's not like our old neighborhood. There's no one around in that area of town at night. What if she needs help?

I tug my phone out of my pocket and text her under the table.

You okay?

Thankfully, I don't have to wait long for her reply.

I’m watching my shows. Stop worrying. Flirt with that sexy man.

"Hey," Maverick's deep voice pulls me from my phone. “Everything okay?"

I shove my phone back into my pocket. "Yeah, just checking on Nan."

He nods, concern washing over his face. "Is she okay? Should we go help her out? What does she have to do there tonight?"

His worries settle mine. "Yes, she's okay. There's a little TV in my office. She'll play with the dogs for a while, then hang out in there till I get back."

"I can arrange a driver for her so she can go home." He pulls his phone out, and I cover it with my hand. She is home. But obviously I'm not going to tell him that.

"She's okay. I promise. I just offered to head back, and she told me to go stuff myself. If I head back now, I'll never hear the end of it."

"She's tough."

"You have no idea." The woman is granite. Every blow she's been dealt she pushes through, somehow always finding some silver thread to hold onto.

"Sounds like there's a lot more to that story. Care to share?"

Do I care to share? With him? Yeah. "She was sick for a while. It was…bad."

His lips tighten. "Cancer?"

"Yeah," I answer softly. "It was…horrible. I almost lost her." I breathe out, pushing with it all of my anxiety and worry. "She's healthy now, so I try not to let myself dive into the worry, but…" I trail off, unable to speak the scary thoughts. But as though he's reading my mind, he speaks.

"But what if it comes back? What if the treatment doesn't work. What if you lose her."

Maybe it's a trick of the light that makes his eyes glitter with emotion, with pain.

Maybe it isn't.

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