Page 15 of The Maverick

Nick nodded. “That’s true. She’s right next door. Shall we look at her room?”

“Yes, please,” said Rachel.

He went back out into the hall and down to the second room on the left. He opened the door and let Rachel go in first.

Her room was similar in size to Jake’s, but it had a king-size bed, with nightstands on either side and a matching six-drawer bureau and five-drawer chest of drawers.

Shades of purple graced the room, from the lavender carpet to the walls painted with such a pale lilac shade, they almost appeared white. A royal purple bedspread and matching curtains finished the room.

The two doors in the wall held a walk-in closet and a full bathroom with a glassed-in shower and a large tub with jets.

Rachel could already imagine taking a bubble bath with those jets on after a long day at the hospital.

“Will this do, Rach?” asked Nick as he set the luggage against a wall.

Did she detect something like need in his voice? Did Nick need her to like the room?

“This is fantastic, my friend. Thank you for letting us stay here while I get the house taken care of.”

“You’re welcome to stay for as long as you want to. It’s not like I have a ton of people here with me. I have to admit it will be good to have someone besides me and Bailey in the house.”

“Where is Bailey, by the way,” asked Rachel.

“She’ll be in anytime now. She’s having riding lessons from one of my cowboys.” He spoke to Jake. “That’s who will teach you, too. We’ll go down to the arena in a little while.” He snapped his fingers. “Better yet, let’s leave the suitcases and go down there now.” He turned toward Rachel. “Oh, by the way, my room is across from you, and Bailey’s room is across from Jake’s.”

Rachel and Jake left their suitcases in their rooms and followed Nick outside to the arena. Even though it was evening, it was still light out, which Rachel appreciated. Jake had a harder time adjusting to the time change than she did. Usually, it was still light out when he was supposed to go to bed and he wanted to stay up.

“I was surprised you have an arena, but I guess you need somewhere to train your horses.”

Nick nodded. “Yes, that’s true, especially because we train in the winter, too. But it’s also a great place to teach someone how to ride. Come on, let’s go down there.”

“Great. I can’t wait to meet Bailey.” Rachel smiled and took Jake’s hand.

They headed toward the front door.

Nick stopped in front of the door, then he moved to the right side. “I wanted to show you this.” He pointed at the keypad on the front door. “Once we’re inside for the night, this will be set. There are cameras outside and motion sensor lights when this is engaged. The code is Bailey’s birthday, January 12. Zero-one-one-two. Remember it. If something happens and you need to get out or you’re outside and need to get in, that’s how you do it.”

“Thanks, Nick. we’ll remember.” She looked down at Jake and ruffled his hair. “Won’t we, Jake.”

Jake shoved her hand away. “Mooomm!” Then he turned toward Nick. “I’ll remember. Zero-one-one-two. Got it.”

“Great. Let’s go.” Nick led them out the door and toward the arena.

With the arena in sight, Jake shook off her hand and skipped ahead. “Come on, Mom. Hurry. I want to see the horses.”

Rachel laughed. “We’re coming. You just hold up.”

Nick chuckled. “I always like to see a child excited about riding.”

“He’s wanted to ride since he first saw the mounted patrol officers in Central Park. He didn’t talk about anything else for weeks. He was four.” She smiled at the memory. She really wanted to take Nick’s hand. They used to walk hand-in-hand all the time, but that had been before. Before she left, before he became a billionaire. Just...before.

She arrived at the arena just as a little girl dressed in jeans, western long-sleeved shirt and cowboy boots, pulled the horse to a stop and was lifted from the saddle by a cowboy.

“Bailey!” Nick climbed over the rails surrounding the arena.

She turned and looked over. “Daddy!” Bailey ran over and launched herself into his waiting arms.

He hugged her tight, then swung her onto his hip. “Bailey, I want you to meet my best friend in the world. This is Rachel Foster-Bennett and her son, Jake. They’re staying with us for a bit and Jake is going to learn how to ride. I thought you might help him with that. Think you’re up to it?”