Page 29 of Fumbled Love

“Honestly, I’m not sure. It’s a great place to live if you’re young, but raising a family there is a whole different ballgame.”

He swallowed nervously. “At some point we’re going to have to talk logistics.”

“I know.”

Why did the mention of that feel like I was just smothered with a wet blanket? Logically, I knew I had a life to return to, but after spending a few hours with Maverick, I realized how easy it was to get swept away by him.

“Would you ever consider moving back to Georgia?”

The turn of this conversation had me squirming in my seat. “I would never say never, but it would have to be for the right reasons. How about you? Could you see yourself living in a big city, or do you see yourself happily living here forever?”

He leaned back and rested his hands behind his neck. “I’m not sure I’m cut out for the big city. Atlanta might be as urban as I’ll get. I love the campfires and loud football games. Maybe because I’m always in the spotlight, it’s nice to come home where my friends and family are. I don’t need attention twenty-four seven. I hate being constantly surrounded by crowds and always smiling for the camera. It’s nice to relax and chill after constantly being under the scrutiny of the public.”

I always assumed he loved the spotlight, but maybe I was wrong. In fact, I got the impression I was wrong about a lot of things.

I found myself fiddling with the napkin on my lap. “I’m surprised no one has recognized you by now.”

He pulled on the brim of his hat. “I’m grateful,” he said, watching a mom push a stroller with a fussy toddler up to the table next to us. “My life comes with a lot of perks, but I can’t do normal things without hiding as much of my face as I can and watching and listening to everything around me. It’s one of the drawbacks. It would be nice to walk into a grocery store and pick up dinner or go for a walk in the park without worrying about being recognized. Someone always wants a picture or an autograph, and as much as I hate it, I don’t feel like I have a right to complain.”

“I’m sorry,” I said, glancing over my shoulder. “I wasn’t thinking when I asked you to stop here.”

“Hey.” He reached across the table and placed his hand on top of mine. “I’m having a great time. Even if someone spots me and people start pulling out their cameras, it will be totally worth it.”

I ducked my head to hide my blush. I was in deep trouble with this man.

CHAPTER12

MAVERICK

I pulled into Kinley’s parents’driveway and killed the engine. “Don’t move until I get you.” I hopped out of my truck and jogged along the back to grab the packages out of the trunk.

I opened her door and extended my free hand so I could help her to her feet. “This isn’t necessary.” She grinned as I settled her onto the pavement.

“Yes, it is.” I angled my body toward hers. “If I wasn’t holding up the lane earlier, I would have helped you when I first picked you up. I was born and raised in the south. My mom would tan my hide if I didn’t treat you right.”

“You always were a mama’s boy.” She patted my shoulder with a look of amusement dancing across her face.

If there was a response on the tip of my tongue, I couldn’t find it because, with each lingering second that passed, the urge to pull her closer began to build. This woman has been all I’ve thought about for the last five weeks. And now that I knew who she was, I didn’t see that changing anytime soon. Last night was unexpected, today was nice, and now I wasn’t sure how I was supposed to function when she left.

She must have seen something on my face because she angled her head to the side and asked, “Are you okay?”

“Yeah.” I coughed into my hand. “I just drifted off there for a second.”

“Well, thanks for picking me up and spending the day with me.” A slight breeze picked up, and a hint of her perfume hit me. The fact that it was the same scent I recalled her wearing the night we spent together wasn’t lost on me.

“I should be the one thanking you. You saved me from a day of boredom. I had such a good time with you that I think we should get together again tomorrow,” I suggested, fighting the urge to reach out and touch her like I wanted to.

“I’m officially changing your name on my phone from Maverick to Smooth Talker.” Her smile stretched wide across her face, and I found my own doing the same.

I glanced down at her, not realizing that I’d moved closer. “How about Baby Daddy?”

She laughed. “What am I going to do with you?”

I brought my knuckles up to her cheek and studied her face. “Is that a trick question? Because I can think of a whole list of things.”

Her eyes were sparkling, and her rosy cheeks were turning a darker shade of pink. “I probably don’t want to know what that list entails.”

“Oh, I’m not sure about that. You might be surprised.”

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