Page 63 of Escape To Paradise
“Nice, but surely, we’re not taking your Porsche. Are we?”
“I have another vehicle.”
“Cool.”
“Once I finish cooking the pancakes and the bacon, we’re eating outside. Sea view.”
“I’m impressed.”
He pointed to the sliding door that was obstructed by a sheer curtain. “Wait for me there. I’ll serve you.”
“I feel like such a VIP guest. Thank you.”
“You’re special to me, Harper.” Maverick said it like he really meant it.
I opened the sheer curtain to reveal an outdoor patio and the most gorgeous view of the water. We were facing the shore, which was only several feet away. I couldn’t see it last night because it was dark, but he had an amazing ocean front.
“This is amazing, Maverick. I wouldn’t mind waking up to this every day.” I marveled at the view. I sat on one of the rattan chairs and just soaked in the view, the smell of the ocean, and the light breeze.
Maverick stepped out, carrying a tray of orange juice, pancake, and bacon. There were also some fruit slices. He set it down on the table and handed me the eating utensils, and then a small bottle of maple syrup.
“You’re so kind.”
He watched me as I was getting ready to dig in. I felt self-conscious, so I invited him to join me.
“I’ve already eaten. I got my protein shake.”
“You’re a sly one. You want me to get fat.” I laughed. “Have a piece.” I cut into the bacon and pancake that I slathered with maple syrup. I loaded my fork with it and fed him. He was hesitant to take a bite, but I insisted. “You gotta eat too. No way I’m downing all these calories myself.”
He sat next to me, but he was far enough that I had to lean forward to get to his mouth. He opened his mouth for the food. “That’s pretty good maple syrup.”
“Yeah, like the organic label makes it any less unhealthy.”
“Just don’t judge my cooking please.” Maverick said.
His pancake was good, and he didn’t burn the bacon. It was the right type of crunchy. Slightly browner than I would have wanted it, but it was the thought that counts.
“Never. I can judge your cocktail-making skills but never your cooking. It’s great. Thank you.”
He seemed taken aback when I tried to hug him but eventually let me.
“You’re not used to touching and human affection, huh?” I asked.
“My childhood was austere to say the least.”
“I’m sorry. My childhood was full of hugs.” I stopped myself, suddenly remembering my mom. I couldn’t help the lump in my throat with the recollection of my long-lost childhood.
“Are you okay?” For a man, Maverick was very perceptive of my feelings.
“Yeah, I just remembered my mom.”
“Where is she?” It was an innocent question but something that I didn’t expect him to ask.
I hesitated for a bit before I answered, “She’s around.”
Sensing that I didn’t want to talk about it, he stopped pressing me for more details.
“Drink the freshly squeezed orange juice. It’s good.”
