Page 39 of Fumbled Love

She walked to the door to grab the big gift bag with red and green tissue paper. I’ve stared at it a few times, trying to figure out what it could be. She placed it in my lap, and I immediately reached in and pulled out a big wicker basket. Inside was a popcorn bucket, a few snacks you’d find at a movie theatre, and a hand-printed ticket that said, “movie night for two,” and my eyes bugged out when I saw the DVD at the bottom. “Back to the Future?”

She nibbled on her bottom lip. “I remember you were obsessed with that movie in high school.”

“It’s a classic.” I flipped it over and studied the back. It’s been years since I’ve seen the movie. It dawned on me that she didn’t just buy me a random gift or a pair of cufflinks she saw in a jewelry store. She gave me something even better, a gift of her time. This gift was meant for the two of us to spend together, and I couldn’t think of a better gift than that.

CHAPTER15

KINLEY

“Thanksagain for going along with this.” Maverick handed me a sweatshirt. “I promise, it’s nothing too crazy.”

“Relax,” I tried to reassure him. “I’m a big girl. I can handle being around a few hunky football players.”

“On second thought.” He was about to restart the engine. “Maybe we should stick with our original plan and stay in.”

I laughed and pulled his hand away from the start button on his truck. “These are your friends, so I want to meet them.”

He leaned over the console and kissed my cheek. “I appreciate you being so cool about this.”

When he mentioned his friend was having a bonfire and asked if I wanted to go, I wasn’t sure If I was ready for this next step. But these people were important to him, and I couldn’t bring myself to tell him no.

He reached for my hand as we walked around the cars parked along the circular driveway. The smell of burning wood was in the air as we followed the sound of loud voices and music in the backyard.

As we got closer, I recognized a few faces of the guys gathered near a fire pit drinking beer. Another group played beer pong in the garage, while a circle of girls danced to country music off to the side.

“JP,” Maverick called out to his friend, sitting at the patio table with a tiny brunette on his lap.

“Mav.” He grinned and leaned forward for a fist bump. “It’s about time you showed up. Drinks are in the cooler and there is food in the kitchen if you’re hungry.”

“Thanks, dude.” He tilted his head to the side. “This is Kinley.”

“So, this is the famous Kinley from New York?” He dragged a hand over his beard. “My buddy here was one phone call away from hiring a private investigator to track you down. Glad to see he finally found you.”

“Okay, you can shut up now.” Maverick laughed.

JP’s eyes floated over to Maverick’s; they were dancing with humor. “Why? Am I messing up your game?” He took a puff of his cigar. “Are you playing hard to get or something?”

Maverick squeezed my hand and glared at his friend. “You’re a jackass, you know that?”

JP boomed with laughter. “Somebody has to keep the great Maverick Cross humble.” And then those playful midnight blue eyes turned to me. They softened into something warm and friendly. “Nice to finally meet you, Kinley.”

The woman on his lap paid me no attention, and it didn’t go unnoticed that he didn’t introduce her either.

“You too. Thanks for having me. You have a beautiful home.”

When he shifted the woman to his other leg, I couldn’t help but notice the size of his arms. If muscles could grow muscles, then JP was walking, living proof it was possible. Not only did he look like he could lift me in the air with one finger, but the man was covered in tattoos.

In my opinion though, the playful glint in his eye didn’t match the tough guy exterior. “My pleasure, darlin’, help yourself to whatever you want.”

“I’m thinking that I might want to hang out with you for a bit and hear a few embarrassing stories about this big guy here.” I poked Maverick in the chest. “It seems like you guys are all pretty tight.”

JP boomed with laughter, and his eyes bounced to his friend. “Trust me, I’ve got a whole arsenal of stories, but my buddy looks like he’s ready to piss his pants, so we might have to wait until we’re alone if you want to hear the good ones.”

“Knock it off.” Maverick chuckled, his hand pressed deeper into my side. “Unless you want to find another icy hot rubbed in your jockstrap, I’d think twice about opening your mouth.”

“Your threats don’t scare me, pal, but it sounds like you’re afraid I’ll try to steal your girl,” JP teased with a grin.

Maverick rolled his eyes. “I don’t think I like you very much right now.”

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