Page 57 of The Cupcake Cottage

“That can be arranged.” He picked up one of the auction’s pens and studied her gown. It was elegant, fitted, and looked expensive. She’d probably get mad if he tried to sign it.

She laughed, realizing what he was thinking of doing. “No way.”

“Your jersey’s at home? Why didn’t you wear it tonight?”

“The Dragons’ colors are almost black tie, but not quite. Too much gold and green in with the black, unfortunately.” She took in his tuxedo, and not for the first time that he’d noticed. He had a feeling she liked what she saw.

“Maybe we should go home and sign it before we forget. I’ll get the valet to bring the car around.” He took her elbow, kidding but aware that he’d ditch the event if she even hinted at a yes.

She giggled. “You’re such a flirt.”

“Only with you.” He kissed her temple again.

“Good.”

“Should we go strut for the photographers?”

“You want photos tonight?” she asked, looking at him curiously. She squared her body to his, adjusting his bowtie. He was pretty sure it didn’t need attention, but he liked that she was using it as an excuse to get close to him.

“May as well. We went to all of this effort to dress up.”

Her smile fell and a look of concern crossed her face.

“What?” He followed her gaze over his shoulder to see Miranda, the team’s owner, hurrying from the ballroom, looking upset.

He knew Daisy-Mae and Miranda were becoming friends, so he released Daisy-Mae from his loose embrace, giving her a light nudge. “Go.”

She started to look up at him but was drawn back to Miranda’s exit.

“Go. She’s more important than my need to drag you to my lair. I’ll be over there having a club soda with the guys.”

She shot him a smile that hit him in the solar plexus, making him feel like he’d done the right thing by putting her friend before his caveman needs.

She doused him with a hot kiss that left him watching after her even after she’d disappeared from sight.

There was no doubt about it. Maverick Blades had lost his heart wholly and completely to Daisy-Mae Ray. And he hoped nobody planned to do a single thing about it.

** *

Maverick crossed the porch, the weather-worn boards creaking their hellos as a breeze tickled the hair on his arms.

“What on earth are you doing, Daisy-Mae?”

“Nothing.” She gave him a guilty look and tried to stand in front of the six-foot-tall rooster she was unsuccessfullyattempting to stick into the ground. It tipped over, causing her to whirl and catch it in the pre-dawn light.

“Is this my Christmas gift or is it a Christmas prank?”

“Um.”

He trundled down the steps, giving her a kiss while keeping one hand on the colorful metal rooster so it didn’t fall over and brain them both. He recognized the hideous beast from one of the antique shops they’d been through during their desk hunting afternoon.

“Merry Christmas,” he whispered.

“Merry Christmas.” She stood back as he drove the sculpture’s spike into the ground, securing it in his yard. “It was supposed to be a surprise.”

“I heard you drive up.”

“If you hate it, plant it in someone else’s yard.”

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