by Kennedy Fox
“What happens in Denver, stays in Denver.” He chuckles.
“So, about that video you took of me sleep talking…”
Maverick gives me his signature smirk. “There’s no video. I was just fucking with you.”
My mouth falls open. “Was I really sleep talking then?”
He conveniently doesn’t answer. “Just by the look on your face, I already know I was the leading man in your sexy dreams last night.”
I let out a loud groan, and we’re right back to where we were this morning, me imagining him naked. “Sometimes you’re a real asshole.”
I step out of the car and Maverick grabs our bags from the back and follows me inside. Just as we’ve done at every other hotel we’ve stayed at during this trip, I check in with the front desk as he waits for me off to the side. After the paperwork is signed, I hand him his room key, and we go our separate ways. But this time, if he would’ve asked me for a drink or dinner, I might’ve reconsidered. Though I like spending my time alone, it’s nice to have another person around, even if they only intend to annoy the shit out of me.
Maverick Kingston might not be the man I thought he was originally.
Mr. Playboy might actually prove me wrong.
Chapter Twelve
MAVERICK
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss Olivia when she’s not around. It gets lonely in the hotel room all alone. I actually liked sharing a room with her, but I won’t admit that to her. Not yet anyway.
However, I wasn’t lying about her moaning my name in her sleep. The first time I heard it, I thought I’d imagined it. A few moments later, she said it again, and that time I knew for sure I wasn’t hallucinating.
Though I enjoyed giving her shit about it, I could see how embarrassed she was. It gave me a thrill to know she’d been dreaming about me. She pretends to hate my guts all day, but her subconscious betrayed her, and now I know I’m slowly breaking her down. She may live her life on a strict schedule, but I can see something deeper is going on in that head of hers.
I never expected to open up about my dad to her like that, but something felt right at that moment to tell her. I don’t share that part of my life with many people, in general, but she’s actually easy to talk to when she’s not scowling at or scolding me.
The next morning, I woke up early to hit the gym and then enjoyed watching the sunrise from my balcony. Olivia found us a great hotel right in downtown Denver, and the view is incredible. The air is crisp, and the sun’s warmth promises a great day.
Just as I’m getting out of the shower, a loud pounding on my door echoes throughout the room.
“Maverick!” Bang, bang, bang. “Let me in!”
Rushing to the door, I tighten my towel around my waist and quickly open it up to a frazzled Olivia.
“Please tell me your room has an iron? Rachel’s shirt got wrinkled, and she’s freaking out. The iron in my room is about a hundred years old, and reception said it’d take about thirty minutes for them to bring me a new one.”
“Uh…” I smirk as my eyes gaze down her body. “Sure. I mean, let’s go check if it works.” I step to the side to let her in.
“Thanks. I’m sorry to be intrusive, but when Rachel is having a freak-out moment, it causes me to freak out.”
“I never would’ve guessed. You’re handling this so well,” I say dryly, holding back a laugh.
Her face falls as she gives me a deadpan look. “You have no idea what it’s like to work for a woman like Rachel. She is sweet as pie to you and everyone else, but when things don’t go her way, I’m a punching bag.”
“Olivia.” I place my hands on her nearly bare shoulders. “Relax, okay? You can handle this. Deep breaths.”
She actually listens, and I watch as her chest rises and falls a few times. Her luscious tits on display are making it hard to be a gentleman and not stare.
“There. Perfect. Now I’ll get the iron for you.”
“Thank you. Assuming this is even the shirt she decides to wear.” She huffs. “She’s been extra difficult today.”
I return with the iron in hand and perk a brow at her. “Today just started.”
Olivia grabs it from me and sighs. “Exactly. Not enough goddamn coffee or liquor in the world for this.”
She starts walking toward the door and right before she opens it, she glances at the closet door with the mirror on it. Then I watch her do a double take and do my best to refrain from laughing.
“Oh my God!” She immediately tries to cover herself up with her arms.
“Not the worst way to start my day.” I cross my arms over my chest and flash her a smug smile.
“You could’ve said something! Just letting me walk around without a shirt on.” She turns as if that’s going to erase the image of her in a black lacy bra out of my head.
“I thought you were going for a new look,” I tease. “Guess you weren’t lying about black being your favorite color, though.”
“Maverick. Shut up. I’m leaving now.” I can see her reflection in the mirror, and she’s squeezing her eyes tightly.
I walk up behind her and unwrap the towel from my waist. “Here, take my towel and walk back to your room.” I drape it over her chest and around her neck to cover her up.
“Please tell me that’s not the same towel you were just wearing.” Her breathing picks up.
“Take a look for yourself,” I say close to her ear with amusement.
A deep rumble echoes from her throat as she slowly peeks an eye open. She doesn’t look in the mirror, though; she keeps her head up as if she’s purposely not focusing on it.
“As considerate as that is, I think I’d just rather go topless down the hall.”
Her nervous tone makes me laugh.
Leaning in closer, my bottom lip brushes right on the edge of her ear. “Just take the towel. You shouldn’t be showing your gorgeous tits off to just anyone anyway.”
Her breath hitches, and when I place my hands on her shoulders, I feel her entire body tense. “Now go, so we aren’t late,” I say in a light, playful tone. She’s always on my ass about time, so it’s only fair to turn the tables every once in a while.
I lead her to the door, and she carefully opens it, making every effort to keep her gaze on the ceiling. “See you soon,” I taunt before shutting the door.
“That wasn’t funny, Maverick!” she shouts from the other side.
“Really? Maybe you need to work on that sense of humor of yours!” I’m totally messing with her, but it’s too easy. Olivia Carpenter, the self-proclaimed perfectionist, is a hot mess.
I hear her groan before storming off.
Today’s event is a signing in downtown Denver at Tattered Covers Bookstore. I remember Olivia pointing it out when we arrived. It’s a cute local shop, and I’m kinda curious why she picked this store, considering Rachel’s high-maintenance status.
Olivia: Rachel’s making me find her a gluten-free pumpkin muffin before she’ll go to the event, so you’re gonna have to meet us at the bookstore instead considering I’m going to have to walk a freaking MILE just to find one. She could have picked something easy like blueberry or chocolate, but NO! She thinks it’s freaking pumpkin spice season or something! IT’S SUMMER!
I try not to smile at her outrage, but seriously, it’s just too adorable. I can envision her voice as I read over her text, having a complete meltdown over this. The fact that she has to stress about the most ludicrous things makes me feel bad for her and a little guilty. I’ve given her so much shit for her obsessive need to be punctual that I haven’t given much thought as to why she acts the way she does.
Given our bonding moment we shared yesterday, I’m curious to know more about her. What brought about her being an assistant? Where did she grow up? Why does she walk around like everyone she meets is going to hurt her or worse—leave her. She doesn’t trust easily, that’s a given, but there’s more to her, and I want to know what it is.
Maverick: Deep breaths
, Olivia! Why don’t you let me help? I’m sure there must be a dozen cafes or bakeries around here.
Olivia: Yes, you would think! But pumpkin isn’t as common apparently, and everyone keeps giving me weird looks as if I’ve lost my mind. Hell, maybe I have finally!
Sweet Jesus, this girl is going to pop a blood vessel if she doesn’t calm down soon.
Maverick: I’m ready to go, so let me come and help you. Where are you right now?
Olivia: The corner of 16th and Wazee. Take a right out of the hotel.
Maverick: Okay, stay put. I’ll be right there!
Grabbing my phone and wallet, I shove them both into my pockets and rush out of my room. Once I’m downstairs, I jog out the doors toward Olivia’s location. Within a few minutes, I can see her pacing, pounding away on her phone.
“Hey,” I say casually as I get closer.
“There’s a place three blocks down that I haven’t checked yet, and there’s a bakery half a mile away.” She finally looks up at me, and it nearly knocks the air out of my chest. Olivia has her hair all curled in loose waves, and it looks even blonder in the bright sunlight. Her plump lips are covered in a ruby red color, and I can smell the perfume lingering off her exposed collarbone. Fuck me. Olivia looks fucking gorgeous. “There’s no way I can check both and get back to Rachel on time without her—”
“Olivia, I’m here to help, remember?” I step closer, demanding her attention. “I’ll go to the bakery, and you go to the cafe. Text me if you find one, and I’ll keep looking if neither have any.”
She exhales a deep breath. “Okay, got it.”
We part ways, and I shamelessly jog down the street until I see the sign for A Baker’s Dozen and rush inside. The place is a sweets and carb addict’s heaven, and if I weren’t in a rush, I’d probably take a dozen for myself.
“May I help you?” a sweet, older woman asks.
“God, I hope so.” I chuckle. “I’m hoping you have a pumpkin muffin? Gluten free.”
“We do. We have twenty-six flavors available and—”
“Perfect, I’ll take three please.”
“Of course, sweetie.”
As she bags my items, I quickly grab my phone and text Olivia.
Maverick: Maverick saves the day again! Meet you back at the hotel in five.
Olivia: OMG! I could kiss you right now! Thank you!
My eyes widen in surprise before another message comes through.
Olivia: But just for the record, I won’t. So don’t get any ideas, perv.
And there’s the feisty, blunt Olivia I know.
Laughing, I shake my head and put my phone away so I can pay the lady.
“You got me a muffin?” Olivia asks as soon as she opens the bag. We’re on the elevator to Rachel’s room, and the smell is making my stomach growl.
“Uh, no. One for Rachel, two for me.” I playfully pat my stomach.
Her face drops and she scowls at me. “Would it kill you to be pleasant, just once?”
I shrug, reaching into the bag and snagging a muffin. “It might.” I flash her a quick smile before taking a large bite.
Once Rachel’s muffin is delivered, I meet Olivia back down in the lobby so the three of us can walk together to the bookstore.
“Let me take that,” I tell Olivia when I see she’s carrying two large boxes. I don’t wait for her to respond before taking them from her hands and holding them close to my chest.
“I was fine,” she tries to argue, but I ignore it.
“Such a gentleman, Maverick,” Rachel gloats.
“Always.” I flash her a wink, and Olivia makes a show of rolling her eyes at me. “What? I am.”
We’re at the bookstore within ten minutes, and the aroma of old books hits my senses as soon as we walk in through the back. The front already had a line out the door of readers waiting to meet Rachel. It’s a quaint little place, and as I follow Olivia’s lead, I look around and see the endless rows of books and people walking around.
“You can put the boxes here.” Olivia points to the floor next to a table. “I need to set out the little gift bags quickly,” Olivia orders. I do as she says, but I take it upon myself to help unload them for her and put them in neat rows. There’s a smaller table in the front with banners and signs of Rachel’s picture and then another large banner with a picture of just me.
“Where did that come from?” I nod my head toward it.
She quickly looks over her shoulder to see what I’m referring to.
“Oh, you mean the Ian life-sized banner of you?” She chuckles. “The publisher sent it. Be prepared to take about a hundred pictures in front of it.”
“Really? It’s not even my best side.”
Olivia throws a bag at my head, and hearing her laughter causes me to laugh.
Once the bags are all set out and organized to Olivia’s liking, she starts instructing me on the plans. “Rachel will sit and sign, and you’ll stand nearby to sign and take pictures.”
“There’s only one chair.”
“Yep. Rachel will allow pictures at her seat, and to keep the line moving, they can stand and take a picture with you at the banner.”
“Okay. So should I take my shirt off now or—” I grin.
“Don’t even start,” she says with a laugh. “I’m sure they wouldn’t argue it, though.” She quickly points a finger in my face. “But don’t.”
I snatch her finger in my palm and hold it. “Don’t worry, I only reserve that for you now.”
A deep blush surfaces on her cheeks, and our eyes lock, holding each other’s gazes. She knows I’m teasing, but there’s an undeniable spark between us that she refuses to acknowledge.
“Hilarious. We need to let them know we’re ready now.” Olivia steps back, our hands releasing in the process. I watch as she walks away, admiring how her tight skirt hugs her body. Olivia doesn’t need to reveal a lot of skin or show off her best assets for me to know she’s gorgeous, and it’s not only skin deep. She definitely has more to her than she shows.
For the next few hours, Rachel woos fans with her big, bright smile and chats them all up as if she didn’t just make her assistant go on a muffin search party. She plays the part well. I’ve only seen a glimpse of her demanding side through emails and calls, but to witness it firsthand is eye-opening.
Part of me wants to ask Olivia why she puts up with it, but I know better than to get involved. I’m sure it’s just part of the job when you work with someone as well-known as Rachel Meadows. She’s single, has no children, and is more attached to her dog than any other human.
I play the part while Rachel signs books, taking pictures and smiling when readers ask if I’ll repeat a quote from the book with a Southern accent. Safe to say, I botch it completely, but they seem to appreciate the effort regardless.
“Can I get a picture with you and Julia?” one of the last fans asks, and I nod my head even though I don’t know who she’s talking about. I remain in front of the banner, waiting. “Can you get her attention for me?” She’s pointing to the other side of the table where Olivia is standing, handing out the goody bags.
“Wait, who?” I ask.
“That girl with the blond hair over there,” she persists, pointing aggressively at Olivia. “She looks just how I envision Julia, and getting a picture with the two of you would be amazing!” She squeals, nearly bouncing on the tips of her toes.
She looks so damn excited I don’t have the heart to let her down. “Uh, sure. Let me get her attention.”
“Olivia!” I whisper-shout, but she doesn’t hear me. I step around the table and grab her elbow, pulling her toward me.
“What the—”
Olivia trips as I pull her and ends up smack against my chest. She swallows tightly and looks up at me with wide eyes.
I clear my throat. “A fan wants us to take a picture together,” I try to explain, nodding my head toward the eager woman.
“What? Why?” She takes a small step back to look around
me.
“She said you remind her of Julia?”
Recognition resonates in her face. “The heroine,” she answers. “So she wants us to take a picture together?”
“Yep.”
She bites down on her lower lip and looks uneasy.
“If you don’t want to, I can tell her—”
“No, no. It’s fine. It’s just a picture,” she says casually, walking around me to greet Rachel’s reader. I furrow my brows in confusion at her hesitation one second and her willingness the next.
“Oh my God, thank you so much!” The fan hands her phone off to someone and then stands between Olivia and me.
We wrap our hands around each other’s waists and smile at the camera. The other person takes at least a half dozen pictures and then the fan turns around and hugs us both.
“You two are so perfect for Ian and Julia! Can I get a picture of just the two of you?”
“Uh, yeah, of course,” Olivia answers before I can.
The woman is bursting with excitement as she backs up a tad and motions for us to get close. Having my hands on Olivia and our bodies close causes all kinds of feelings to surface. She wraps her arm around my waist, and when I wrap mine around her shoulders, I pull her flush to my side. She looks up at me in surprise, and I just smirk back.
“Gotta give the fans what they want,” I tease, giving her a wink.
She bites down on her lip again and looks down, but I can tell she’s blushing. Even though we shared a bed the other night, we hadn’t physically been this close before, but I’m not complaining. Olivia’s small compared to me and she smells so goddamn sweet, I want to bury my face in her neck and inhale for days.
“Okay, ready?” The woman brings her phone up and starts snapping pictures. “Oh my God, you two are so damn adorable!”
Olivia and I look at each other at the same time, and when I smile at her, she smiles back.