Maverick (The Family Simon 3)

Cooper grinned. “Maverick’s got a new girlfriend.”

“Really? Who is she?”

Maverick fingered the cell for a moment. Girlfriend. Huh. He’d never really thought of what he had going on with Charlie in those terms, but they were more than just friends, and they sure as hell were more than friends with benefits. He’d done that before and this different.

So what exactly was she? Maybe it was time for him to find

out.

“Well Grace. Her name is Charlotte, but everyone calls her Charlie.”

“Oh, Charlie. I like that.” His cousin was practically dancing in place, but then again, what young woman in her early twenties didn’t love hearing about someone else’s love life?

“What does she do? Like what’s her job?” Grace asked. “Is she a musician?”

“Yeah, I wouldn’t mind a bit more information,” Cooper added.

Maverick chuckled. “You just want to see a picture.”

“Damn right I do and clothing is optional.”

Grace smacked Cooper in the arm. “You’re disgusting.”

“Trust me Grace,” Cooper responded with a grin. “Most guys are disgusting. It’s how we’re wired.”

Maverick took a moment, enjoying the lightness. “She’s a mechanic.”

“A mechanic?” Grace’s head whipped around so fast that it was comical.

“That would be correct. Mechanic. She owns her own garage and right now, she’s restoring Cooper’s Shelby.”

“Stop right there, brother.” Cooper’s grin was replaced with a dark frown. “That car is worth a small fortune. Trust me, you don’t want to know what I paid for it. It’s a ’67 for Christ sake.”

“I know.”

“Well I appreciate the thought but you don’t hand over that car to just anyone.”

“She’s not just anyone,” Maverick replied, not liking his brother’s tone.

“Down boys,” Grace teased, though the look in her eyes was questioning when she glanced up at Maverick.

“No, I guess she’s not.” His brother continued to watch him a little too closely for his liking, and Maverick took a long drink from his beer bottle.

“So,” Grace’s mouth twisted as she stared at him with those Simon blue eyes. “Where exactly did you meet this woman and why do you have Cooper’s car?” Maverick had to give it to her. The girl didn’t miss a thing.

He glanced at his brother and shrugged. He’d let him handle the details.

“I’ve got a place in Maine,” Cooper said hesitantly.

“Maine? Well that’s random,” Grace replied, though she didn’t press further.

“Maverick’s been staying out there and apparently he’s banging the local mechanic.”

One more dig and Maverick would flatten his brother.

“Cooper, you’re such an asshole,” Grace said, shoving her cousin. “Maverick I’m glad you’ve found a new girlfriend. Don’t let Cooper get to you, because Mom doesn’t need to deal with a family brawl.”

Grace moved to the end of the dock and slid between her brothers. She looked tiny next to them and Maverick watched as she linked her arm through Tucker’s, and leaned her head on his shoulder.