Page 8 of Maverick

"I do. But I'm a grown-up. And I handle my business. If that means taking on an extra job, then that's what I do. I've done it before, and I'm sure there will be something after this."Thisbeing the massive financial hole I'm in. To be fair, it's not really a hole. More like a puddle. The debt is nearly gone, but I'm nowhere close to secure.

I need secure.

"You're going to burn out," he says firmly, squinting at me.

I shrug because he's not the first to say that, but also, he's wrong. I am a tornado of energy when I put my mind to it. "You don't need to worry about that boss. If you talk to Trixie, she'll tell you I'm a great employee. I show up on time, I have a great attitude, and the customers love me. You should be jumping for joy that I'm working for you."

Those brows rise again. They're so expressive, I feel like I know exactly what he's going to say.

"Jumping for joy?"

Yep. Nailed it.

"Uh-huh. I'm a killer package. Any boss would be thrilled to have me."

"Right. Killer," he repeats, shoving his hands into the pocket of his jeans.

Hiding my smile at the high pitch of his voice, I peek over at my tables, then excuse myself to take payments, deliver more drinks, and harmlessly flirt with a few men, guaranteeing myself a nice tip. I think I've done almost every entry-level job there is, but this one is my favorite by far. The tips are incredible.

Thank you tiny outfit, DD breasts, and ass that exits a room a minute after I do.

He's still standing there when I get back, but thankfully, I don't have to make more small talk. The way he's questioning my employment here is a little weird. Why does he care so much? Is he afraid I blew the money they donated? Are they going to want an audit?

Not that there's anything nefarious to find. I spent the money exactly the way I needed to, and I don't regret it. But still, the hot guy inquisition is a bit of a downer.

Benny slides the wings into the pass, then, literally two feet from me, looks me dead in the eye and rings the bell. Laughing, I reach for a plate.

"Thanks, Chef," I say, winking at him. The boss takes a few, and I follow him to the table, noticing another man has joined them. He's dressed casually, but his clothes scream money, and damn he looks good. I put my plates down, and back away quickly. Maverick tips his chin in my direction, then sits down with his brothers. And I go back to my job.

Maybe I sneak a few glances at the table. Though maybe not sneaky enough since a few of them grin over at me when they catch me looking. Grinning back, I give them a wink, then push everything out of my mind and just work. I'm here for a reason, and that reason is never very far from my mind.

Those men can drink, so I'm kept busy for the next few hours. A couple of them are sticking to water or pop, and I'm thankful I won't need to try and take anyone's keys. I'm fast, and wily, but still, they're huge. I deliver another ginger ale to Jonas. He lifts the glass and tips it at me.

"You are doing an excellent job. You are not chatty at all."

If I were a different kind of woman, I might find that insulting. Coming from him? Seems like a simple statement of fact. "You don't really seem like a chatty kind of guy."

"I'm not. Not with strangers."

"Ah. Well, technically, we're not strangers. Plus, I know your wife, and I gotta say, you're a lucky man. Janey is one of the sweetest people I've ever met. You must be pretty great to have snagged her." I don't know a ton about her, other than she's the head of HR for the company these guys own, and that her presence is the equivalent of a warm blanket on a cold day.

His ears redden, then his cheeks. He splutters and pushes his glasses up his nose. "I'm just me," he mumbles. His eyes shift, warmth and love filling them. "My Janey is great. She makes me want to be better for her."

I press my hand to my chest and sigh. "Oh lordy, my heart. Give me a moment while I process my jealousy." I make a show of taking a few deep breaths, then grin down at him. "Okay, I'm good."

He laughs, and graces me with a smile that makes me jealous all over again. Well, maybe it's not jealousy. It's more envy. Because I think Janey deserves every bit of good she has. But man, what I wouldn't give for a man to call me 'My Cady' the way Jonas says 'My Janey'. The absolute love and awe when he speaks about her makes my heart twist in my chest.

"I think I'm gonna puke. Too much spinning." The big scarred guy is looking a little green.

I slide in front of the big guy, blocking his view of the spinning woman on the pole. "How about we get you all out to the cars? I think you've had enough fun for tonight."

He grunts, but nods, and the rest of the men gather their things. I'm surprised to see Maverick help the big guy up, supporting his weight easily. He looks strong, but obviously he's even stronger than I thought. He catches my eye and grins. "Thanks for your help tonight, Cadence. We'll get out of your hair."

As they slowly make their way out, the guy who arrived last approaches me, his voice low. "Can I get the bill, please?" Hepasses me a credit card made of real metal. I don't think I've ever held one of these.Ransom Kyle. Cool name.

"Of course." I hurry to the register, run his card, and bring it back. When I return, he's the only one left at the table.

He signs the receipt, then hands it back to me with a smile. I glance down at the bill and my eyes widen. He's left a $1,000 tip. "Woah, dude, this is too much. I can't accept this."

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