Maverick (The Family Simon 3)

Maverick took a sip of coffee. He wasn’t sure what it was about the woman—maybe she reminded him of his mother—but he felt comfortable with her. As if they’d known each other a lot longer than the small time he’d spent in Fisherman’s Landing.

“Maybe,” he replied, trying to hide a smile but not wholly successful.

“Maybe is good,” she said, nodding to a couple as they walked in. “Can I get you anything?” she said, returning her gaze to Maverick.

“Do you guys do takeout?”

“You bet.”

“How about that clam chowder, and what else do you recommend?”

“The haddock is fresh and our fries are to die for.”

“Great, I’ll take three orders.”

Her eyebrow shot up. “Three?”

“If that’s all right.”

She wrote his order down. “It’s all right by me sugar. I’ll put this in and we’ll have your order ready before you know it.”

In fact it took less time than he needed to finish another cup of coffee and by ten minutes to five, he was in his truck and headed to Charlie’s garage. When he pulled into the parking lot, a customer was just leaving and Jason Davis walked over to his truck.

Maverick was still unclear on their relationship—it was obviously more than just employer and employee—and judging from the look in the man’s eyes, he had something on his mind other than hello.

“Rick,” Davis said, hunching his shoulders against the cold. “Good to see you again.”

Maverick lifted his chin. “Hey. Charlie inside?”

Davis took a few moments to answer. “She is.” Davis paused, nostrils flaring. “You’ve been to Charmed Life.”

“I have.”

“You planning on sharing some of that?”

“I am.”

“I figured. Not sure if she’s in the mood to share dinner or not. Guess you’ll have to take your chances.”

“I’m hoping she’s up for it.”

Davis cleared his throat and fished the keys to his truck from his pocket. “Charlie’s not as strong as she wants everyone to believe. I just want you to know that.”

Davis backed away. The warning had been issued and Maverick had to respect the guy for looking out for his friend.

“Thanks,” Maverick said, with a nod. He parked his vehicle and went inside. Connor was sitting behind the front desk, an iPad in hand and so engrossed in a game that he didn’t look up when Maverick entered the shop.

He didn’t want to startle the boy and was about to head into the back area when the door flew open and the sexiest woman to ever wear a pair of grease-stained coveralls, sailed through.

“Okay, Connor, we need to head to the grocery store before we go home or its breakfast for supper again.”

Charlie froze when she saw him and Maverick offered a smile. “I can save you a trip.”

“Excuse me?”

“To the grocery store.”

“And just how could you manage to do that?” She pushed back a long strand of hair, tucking it behind her ear, and smudged her cheek with grease while doing so.