Chapter 10

Carys

I can honestly say my date with Maverick was the craziest one I’ve ever been on, thanks to the leak in room 201, but it’s also been the best. I’ve dated and had boyfriends before, but I’ve never experienced the same kind of chemistry I have with him. It’s thrilling, overwhelming, and downright scary at times. And I want more.

Maverick refused to leave me while I watched the front desk last night, opting to peruse the bookcase in the lobby while interrogating me about my childhood instead. Even though I felt bad about how our date turned out, I was very thankful he stayed with me and kept me from falling asleep or becoming bored out of my mind.

Working the front desk during the overnight shift is my least favorite. After locking the front doors at one in the morning, I’m usually able to work in the office or even sleep a little until a guest presses a buzzer, letting me know they need to be let in. Because of this, I’m pretty grumpy when the shift is over due to my work and sleep interruptions. I’m hopeful that, one of these days, I’ll be able to afford more staff to cover this particular shift, but until then, this is the only way I know to do it.

A deep, rumbling snore comes from the chair next to me causing me to giggle as I watch Maverick sleep. He’s so stubborn but so flipping cute. Once the front doors were locked this morning, he followed me to the office and dragged my grandpa’s old but comfy reading chair to my desk, so he’d still be close to me as I worked. I was surprised he actually let me work and didn’t put the moves on me again. Surprised and a little disappointed, I’ll admit.

I know, without a doubt, I would’ve slept with Maverick if given the opportunity—a real opportunity that didn’t involve cleaning bathrooms or checking in guests—and I’m not sure what to make of that. Never being one for a one-night stand, I find the more I’m around Maverick, the more my walls come down and morals fly out the window. And I’m okay with that. Very okay, in fact.

Maverick sleeps for a while longer before my guilt forces me to wake him. It’s almost four a.m. and there’s no reason he shouldn’t be in his bed. Even though I’ve napped off and on during my shift, I’m counting down the minutes until George comes to relieve me so I can crash in my own bed.

Leaning over him, I’m overcome with the desire to kiss him awake, but I refrain, running my thumb across his cheek and down to his chiseled jaw instead. He really is so beautiful. Beautiful, but temporary, I have to remind myself. There’s no need to develop feelings for him when he could leave at any moment. I need to let myself be free and have fun, enjoy Maverick’s company and anything else he’d like to share with me. Preferably, multiple times.

“Hey, Mav,” I murmur, wanting to wake him but not scare the shit out of him. “You need to get up and go to your room.”

His eyebrows furrow and I imagine he’s trying to figure out where he’s at before completely committing to waking up. “Wakey, wakey, eggs and bakey,” I say a bit louder, giving his shoulder a little nudge.

Maverick smiles but doesn’t open his eyes. “Does this mean you’re ready to go to a real bed?”

“Yes, I’m ready for my bed but that won’t be happening for a couple more hours. You should go to your bed, though, and get some real sleep.”

His bottom lip sticks out in a pout and I laugh to keep myself from nibbling on it. “Go on. You have work to do tomorrow and there’s no need for both of us to be cranky. Get some rest while you can.”

The bastard has the nerve to open his eyes and give me a sexy, bedroom-eye look. “Get some rest, huh? Does that mean I’ll be expending energy in ways that don’t include fixing a toilet?”

“You wish.”

“I do. Very badly.” He licks his lips before continuing. “Come to bed with me, Carys. I want to do naughty things to you.”

Tingles run up and down my spine and my mouth goes completely dry. I think I may be blushing, too. It definitely got warmer in here, that’s for sure. No one has ever been so forward with me and I’ve never wanted to follow someone so badly.

Standing up, I manage to clear my throat before sticking my hand out to him. “As much as I’d love to take you up on your offer, and believe me I do, I still have two more hours to work.”

He takes my hand and stands up, pulling me forward until our bodies are touching. He moves the hair from my face before cradling my jaw in his hands. “Thank you for tonight. I’ll see you soon.” He seals his promise with a firm kiss to my mouth and then leaves.

Even if I were in my bed right now, there’s no way I’d be able to sleep. Maverick left me good and turned on, and if I had to guess, I’d bet he did it on purpose.

It’s late in the afternoon when I make myself get out of bed. As keyed up as I still was when I got to my place, it took longer to fall asleep than I’d anticipated and when I did finally sleep, it wasn’t the deep slumber I was craving. Instead, it was restless with dreams of Maverick and his teases and promises. This is why I allow myself two cups of coffee before making my way back to the hotel.

I’m not sure what I was expecting when I walk into the lobby, but catching Maverick and Mary playing cards was not it.

“Gin!” Mary exclaims.

Maverick throws the cards in his hand down on the table. “You got me again, Miss Mary.” When he sees me watching them, his face lights up and he smiles. Can I really be the reason for that kind of reaction? He sure makes me feel like I can.

“Did you know Miss Mary here is a card shark?” he asks, pointing my way.

“I sure did. How much did she get you for?”

“Enough to treat myself to a manicure,” Mary answers for him. “And a pedicure, I believe.”

“More like, an entire spa day,” Maverick corrects her before winking at me.

“Well, she certainly deserves it.” I lean over and kiss Mary’s cheek. “Thanks for holding down the fort while I slept.”

“Of course, dear. I’m going to put my winnings away, but I’ll be back shortly so you two can fix the toilet in 201.”

Maverick waits for Mary to be out of earshot before asking, “Did you sleep well?”

“Well enough, I suppose,” I say with a shrug. “How about you?”

“Slept like a baby.” He stretches his arms above his head, giving me a view of his tight triceps, as well as his defined chest muscles, thanks to his shirt pulling tight with his movement.

“Braggart,” I mutter, referring to both his physique and his sleeping prowess.

“I mean, I didn’t fall asleep immediately; there was...business to tend to first. But, after that, it was snooze city.”

Is he saying what I think he’s saying?

I’m equal parts turned on at his words and irritated with myself for not thinking to do the same thing earlier.

When I don’t respond, he laughs and grabs a plastic bag off the floor. “Come on, boss lady. I bought what we need to fix the leak already. I was just waiting for you because you said you wanted to learn how to do it.”

“Yes, I do...want to learn how to do it. The toilet. Fix it.” I close my eyes and take a deep breath. Damn him for turning me into a blubbering, horny idiot. Once I’ve calmed down some, I look him in the eyes. “Yes, I would like to learn how to fix the toilet. Thank you.”

I can tell he’s trying not to laugh, which I appreciate. Instead, he holds up a room key and motions for me to step into the small elevator.

I’m beyond pleased to see the leak is as easy to fix as Maverick said last night. I’m even more pleased to be able to watch him work with his hands again. If I didn’t know better, I never would’ve guessed he works in an office for a living. He’s such a natural with tools and he’s very confident in his knowledge and skills. My mind goes straight to the gutter with my last thought and I don’t even feel bad. The man simply oozes sex appeal.

Cold water seeping through my t-shirt quickly brings me out of my thoughts. Stunned, I look down and see that my shirt is, in fact, soaked through and sticking to my skin. It’s not until I hear Maverick’s laughter and the water running in the sink, that I realize he’s responsible for this.

“You looked like you were either deep in thought or about to fall asleep, so I thought I’d wake you up,” he says, still laughing.

When I stand up and place my hands on my hips, bringing his focus to my now wet breasts, his laughter comes to an abrupt stop. The atmosphere around us is no longer relaxed or light; it’s charged with excitement and desire. Maverick’s eyes are hooded, and he licks his lips like he wants to devour me. And for the love of all that’s good and holy, I want him to.

“Come here.” His voice is gentle and calm as he takes my hand and pulls me to him. I am anything but calm as I allow my body to follow his lead. He picks me up and sets me on the bathroom counter, spreading my legs so he can fit between them. I’m the opposite of calm; I’m more like a fuse on a firecracker, just waiting for his touch to ignite me, causing me to explode.

I expect him to go straight for my chest. It’s right there on display, thanks to my now see through shirt. Instead, his eyes move over my face as if he’s cataloging every feature, every freckle. He whispers that I’m beautiful—so beautiful—before his lips finally touch mine.

Our kiss quickly escalates, my mouth greedily accepting his tongue and loving the feel of it tangling with mine. Maverick kisses me like I’m his lifeline and I let him consume me. I’m wound so tightly I’m sure I’ll die if he doesn’t touch me soon. I take his hand and place it over my breast, even though I really want it to be lower, and his response is a deep groan that I feel in my mouth and between my legs. He pulls his lips from mine and watches as my breast responds to his touch. He squeezes and rubs his thumb across my nipple, making it even harder than it already was. I try to pull my shirt over my head, needing to feel his skin on mine, but he shakes his head, denying me.

I wasn’t prepared for how good it would feel to have his mouth on me, even through my clothes. His tongue and teeth expertly find my nipple through the cotton and lace, and when he sucks on it, my gasp echoes throughout the room. He repeats his actions on my other nipple and it’s a struggle not to rip his shirt to shreds when my nails claw at his back.

Maverick kisses up my chest, over my collarbone, leaving a wet trail up my throat to my ear. He sucks my earlobe into his mouth at the same time he brushes his knuckles over my center, through the rough fabric of my jeans. On instinct, I thrust my pelvis and I don’t care if it makes me seem needy. I am fucking needy; I need him to make me come before I lose my mind.

“Can I touch you here?” His voice is gravelly and strained, like he too is hanging on by a thread, as his knuckles press harder.

“God, yes,” is all I can manage to spit out before I feel him unbutton and then slide my jeans down to my ankles, followed closely by my panties. Normally, I’d feel shy or embarrassed being so exposed, especially while he’s fully dressed, but Maverick makes me feel beautiful, wanted, and empowered.

He uses his entire hand to explore before sinking a finger inside me. When he adds a second finger, I feel my walls tighten around him while my thighs begin to shake.

“I love how your body responds to me. You’re so tight and wet.” He pumps his fingers deeper, harder, as his other thumb rubs against my clit.

“Please, Maverick.” I beg him for more, the need to fall apart greater than breathing at this moment.

“I got you, don’t worry.” He kisses me, swallowing my cries as my orgasm rocks through my body. His fingers never stop thrusting, and soon, I’m coming a second time, stars and white light exploding behind my closed eyelids.

When my body finally relaxes, Maverick removes his fingers and redresses me, pulling me into his arms. I love how perfectly I fit and forbid myself to think of anything but this amazing man, while removing the word temporary from my vocabulary.