Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 77936 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77936 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
I found a spot that would do for my purposes. The stars weren’t out yet, but I hadn’t wanted to wait too late as we had limited time while Tiffany and her husband were at dinner and an event in Durango.
After I parked, I hopped out and began assembling the surprise, starting with the portable screen and small generator. Maverick watched me inflate a camping mattress in the truck bed, add the pillows I’d grabbed from around the house, set all the snacks within grabbing distance, and rig the portable screen on the tailgate.
“It’s kind of a corny idea, but I did this for Willow and some of the cousins a while back,” I explained as I worked. “Like our own personal drive-in.”
“I love it.” Maverick smiled broadly, eyes sparkling, delight seeming genuine. “Thank you.”
Maverick climbed into the truck bed with me, arranging himself in the center of the mattress. He looked completely comfortable, much of his tension replaced by his eager grin. I’d done that simply with my silly idea. Something pinched deep in my chest. I worried so much over Willow’s heart, but maybe I needed to worry more about mine. I couldn’t go handing it over to Maverick, not again. But then he patted the spot next to him, and like an invisible rope was reeling me in, I went.
“I picked that newer action movie with the Navy SEALs versus an alien invasion.” I fiddled with the screen as I cued the movie. “Looked like enough speeding and explosions to satisfy you.”
“I’ll watch whatever.” Maverick didn’t seem particularly interested in the movie choice or the food I’d brought as he snuggled into my side. “We never had the whole go to the movies or drive-in and sneakily make out high school experience.”
“Is that you asking for a kiss?” I figured we’d end up making out at some point, although before the opening credits was speedy even for Maverick.
“Well, if you’re offering…” He winked. Yep, no way were we watching a second of this movie.
Chapter 23
Maverick
I was charmed, well and truly smitten with Colt’s homemade drive-in date. I’d been lucky enough to attend some Hollywood premieres, yet those black-tie affairs couldn’t compare with the sweetness of Colt’s efforts. However, now that we were alone, not even any cows in sight, I was far more interested in him than the food or movie. Colt, however, didn’t seem inclined to hand out the kiss I’d been angling for.
“We’re not going to watch the movie, are we?” he groaned. Colt could be hard to read at the best of times, and I wasn’t sure whether he was actually put out or teasing about my impatience. Either way, I didn’t want to be rude, and I also wanted to respect the pace he needed.
“You did go to a lot of trouble.” I stopped trying to snuggle him and turned my attention back to the opening of the movie, where the oblivious military eye candy was sitting around the base, unaware of the alien threat lurking. “I’ll behave. Hands to myself.”
“Ha.” Colt tossed an arm around me. Continuing to show my appreciation for his efforts, I looked over his snack selection of deli meats, cheeses, crackers, popcorn, and movie theater-style candy boxes. I snagged a few peanut M&Ms and a handful of popcorn before relaxing back into his embrace.
“See? I’m even enjoying your snacks.” I popped an M&M in his mouth. “This was a really nice idea, Colt.”
“Thank you.” His eyes were soft and kind, and if he didn’t kiss me soon, I might die. And then he did, leaning in for the sweetest kiss of my life, and I nearly expired for other reasons. When he kissed me, my skin always seemed to crackle, every nerve ending turning on, waiting for the next bit of contact, a whole-body vibration.
Colt lingered, one chocolatey kiss turning into two. He held me so carefully that my chest ached and my eyes burned. Core memory, unlocked. Add tonight to the list of nights with him I’d never forget.
Once I was a human battery of buzzing energy from the kisses, Colt danced his fingers down my chest, unbuttoning my shirt as he went.
“Hey, I thought you wanted to watch the movie.” I made the weakest of attempts to keep to his plans for the evening.
“You’re the one who brought up kissing.” He kissed my neck, then used the tip of his tongue to tease my earlobe, making little shivers rush up my back. “And you can keep watching the movie.”
“And what are you going to do?” I laughed like there was any chance at all of me watching the movie with one of his hands warm on my belly, the other around my shoulders, holding me close, his lips on my neck doing a remarkable job of distracting me.