Page 47 of Maverick

I watch her go, heart in my throat, maybe that's why I think I hear her, just before her door closes, mutter "I am so fucked."

Me too, Cady. Me too.

16

CADENCE

Iwill not kiss my boss. I will not lick my boss. I will not stick my hand down my boss's pants.

The mantra's been working for me for weeks, but it's not anymore, because as Maverick so clearly pointed out, he's not really my boss. Which is completely unfortunate, because that artificial line I had drawn between us is gone. Now normally, I'd be ecstatic about that, but now he's not my boss, he's my roommate.

He's also my grandma's roommate.

"Oh my God," I groan, "what did I get myself into?"

My back is still tingling from where he touched me. He's so warm, and it felt like his hand spanned my whole back. It took every little bit of restraint I had left to stop myself from rubbing up against him like a cat in heat.

What the hell do I do now?

Keep my distance. That's the only option. Sure, I'll sleep here, but most of my time will be at the rescue, and at work. Keeping busy is the ticket to stopping myself from making a move.

Keep my distance. That's the only option.I repeat the words to myself like a lifeline as I unpack. It's a solid plan. I can do this.I'll just focus on work and the rescue, and minimize my time here. Totally doable.

A knock at the door startles me out of my thoughts. I smooth my hair, trying to calm the butterflies in my stomach as I open the door to my new roommate.

He's standing there, looking unfairly handsome in a fresh white shirt and jeans. "Hey. I um…just wanted to check in, see how you're settling in."

"Oh, um, great. Yeah, it's great. Thank you again, for all of this." I gesture vaguely at the beautiful room, trying to ignore how close he is.He smells so good.

"You're sure you don't need anything? Are there enough towels in the bathroom?" I nod, and he clears his throat, dipping his head, looking at me through his eyelashes. I grip the doorframe a little harder. "Good. Great. Also, I wanted to invite you to family dinner tonight. John's cooking, and anything he makes is amazing."

Oh my god, that sounds amazing. Even though we had family dinners, it wasn't like the movies. There were only three of us, and as much as I loved my grandparents, it still felt kind of lonely.Distance, remember?"Oh, that's so kind, but I should get back to the rescue to feed-"

"Nonsense!" Nan's voice rings out behind Maverick. I peek around him to see her emerging from her bedroom, a familiar shit disturber twinkle in her eye. She'd get that same look before she'd embarrass me at school pick up, or go next door to rile up our neighbor about growing drug flowers, threatening to call the cops.

She knew the cops didn't give a shit about a fifty year old woman growing poppies, but Nan had it out for that woman ever since she moved in. I'm still not sure what set her off. Either way, I learned early to stay on Nan's good side. "We'd love to join you for dinner, wouldn't we, Cady?"

I stare at her, mentally asking her to back down. When she just stares back at me, dead eyed, I cave. "Nan, I'm not sure-"

But she's already taking Maverick's arm, patting his hand. "Such a gentleman, inviting us to dinner. Lead the way, dear."

Maverick grins, clearly charmed by Nan's antics. I have no choice but to follow as he escorts her out of the apartment and towards the elevator.

As we head up one floor to the penthouse, I take a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. It's just dinner. With Maverick's family. Where I'm also living now. In his home.

In a fucking penthouse.

I've never put my napkin in my lap at a meal. I have tucked it into my shirt more than once. I should not be allowed in a penthouse, ever.

Nan damn sure shouldn't.

As the elevator doors open, Nan whistles. "Well hell, you boys sure are stinking rich."

Oh boy. This is going to be interesting.

What kindof madhouse have we gotten ourselves into?

Fifteen minutes ago, when we first arrived at the penthouse, I thought dinner with Maverick's family would be a formal thing, with crystal and multiple forks.

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