Page 50 of The Cupcake Cottage

“Did you notice they added him to the welcome sign?” she asked, sliding into the booth.

“Henry? Please, no.”

Daisy-Mae laughed. “One way to prevent the town from growing. But I meant Bill.”

Maverick pushed his cup of coffee to the side after taking a sip, then reached across the table, sliding her hand into his. “I missed you on the weekend.”

“I missed you, too. How was the game in South Carolina?”

“We won.”

“I heard. You’re on a streak.”

“I’m the luckiest man.”

“Finally, some good things are happening, right?”

“We even have some fans now.” He winked at her good-naturedly. “The pyrotechnics from the home game the other night were a hit. Everyone’s talking about the stuff you’re doing.”

She shrugged. “Anyone could have thought of that.”

“But they didn’t. It was like a rock concert within a sporting event, with parties in the parking lot like it was football before and after the game. Everyone wants Dragons gear.”

She brushed off the compliment. “Miranda’s getting slaughtered for the cost.”

“By the suits in accounting?”

“The press.”

“They just enjoy gunning for her.”

“They think she’s trying to buy team loyalty.”

“So?”

They chuckled.

“I’m glad you got that job,” Maverick said softly. “It’s fun out there again. And our fans are enjoying it, too.”

“That’s just the wins talking.”

“It’s not.”

“It’s weird. The press really hasn’t been talking about us at all. I thought we’d be getting somewhere by now.”

“You crave the infamy of dating me?”

“Yeah,” she said dryly. “I should have a medal for each date I successfully wrangle you into, shouldn’t I? How is that not noteworthy?”

“I meant to ask,” Maverick said, letting go of her hands and fidgeting with his coffee cup. “Do you want to go to the gala with me?”

“On Friday?” The team’s charity was holding a fancy fundraiser. Very black tie. She, along with most staff, was going. Although it was unlikely she’d be able to afford to bid on a single thing at the silent auction. “I’d love to.”

“I’ll pick you up.”

“I’m going to have to bring everything into work. I don’t have time to come home afterward.”

“Then I’ll pick you up from there. Did you get an invitation to Myles and Karen’s wedding?”

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