Page 22 of Hearts on the Line (The Maverick Key #1)

Scott

I sink into my leather couch, balancing my laptop on my knees.

The dim glow cuts through the room’s darkness, casting jagged shadows that mirror my mood.

I’ve been in a sour funk all day. Wes Harrington’s video carousel plays on a loop, with each episode more maddening than the last. Hand curated for his audience.

I told myself I was looking through his videos to find out if there was anything else to worry about, but there’s only one video on my mind.

The next thumbnail stops me cold.

Maddie’s head is tilted, her expression bright and unguarded. She’s with Wes at the pool, and the sight freezes me. My pulse quickens as I click play.

Wes opens the footage with his usual bravado, standing near the pool, his voice smooth and confident. The camera pans across the grounds before landing on Maddie, her sweet smile lighting up the frame.

“Here’s the lovely Maddie Carter,” Wes announces, his charm dialed up to eleven. “The legendary Nathan Carter’s sister. She’s agreed to share insight into her brother’s incredible discovery—Carter’s Drop.”

Maddie flushes, tucking her soft, honey-brown hair behind her ear. “He loved the water and loved history. He was very passionate about his research and his dreams.”

Wes leans forward, his eyes sharpening like a predator circling its prey. “Passion often leads to greatness… and Nathan was one of the greats.”

I watch him work—turning their conversation into another performance. Maddie talks about Nathan’s love for his family and dedication to his work. Wes ricochets more questions off each of her responses and weaves their Q&A into a narrative he’s eager to sell.

My fists clench.

As the video continues, my frustration deepens, rising to the top until I’m ready to explode. I slam the laptop shut.

What she does with Wes isn’t my business. If she wants him, I’ll have to respect it.

I try to ignore the desire, the primal urge to make her mine in every way.

I fail.

“Damn it,” I mutter into the silence. Wes is dangerous and careless, and he’s pulling Maddie into his orbit like a black hole.

Grabbing my keys, I head to the Driftwood Inn. It’s not far, but each passing second fuels the fire burning in my chest.

The soft light from Maddie’s cottage window spills onto the porch, a warm invitation against the dark. I stride up the steps and knock.

The door opens.

She’s barefoot, wearing an oversized T-shirt that slips down one shoulder. Her hair is tousled, and sleep lingers in her eyes. She’s gorgeous. Desire, mixed with anger at Harrington, has me so confused I just stare at her for a moment.

She tilts her head, a curious smile on her lips. “What’s going on?”

I hesitate. “Can we talk?”

Her brows knit together. She steps aside, motioning for me to enter. The familiar warmth of her living room greets me. It’s like home. The scent of lemon and the sight of Ding sprawled lazily on the rug tugs at my heart.

Maddie leans against the arm of her small couch, arms crossed. “What is it?”

I get straight to the point. “I saw one of Wes’s videos.”

“The one about Carter’s Drop?”

“No.” My voice is tight. “The one with you.”

She glances down, exhaling. “Oh. That.” She pauses. “It was just an interview. Wes asked me to talk about Nathan.”

“Yeah, I get that.” I swallow to keep my voice calm. “I just want to make sure you’re okay with it. Wes has a way of turning little things into problems.”

Her eyes narrow as she studies me. “Are you worried about me or about what Wes is doing?”

“Both,” I admit. “I know Wes isn’t a bad guy, but he’s careless. He draws the kind of attention you don’t want. I don’t want you caught in the middle of his mess.”

Her posture softens. “I can handle myself.” She takes my hand, guiding me to the couch to sit. “But… thank you. For looking out for me. I’m grateful.”

Some of the tension in my chest eases, but not all of it.

“I don’t want anything bad to happen to you.” I pause, swallowing. “Or for someone careless to break your heart.”

The truth is, I don’t want her to want Wes. I want her to want me.

She lets out a startled laugh, though it doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “I don’t think Wes is going to break my heart.” Her gaze lifts to mine, her eyes filled with longing. “But that doesn’t mean my heart isn’t at risk of being broken.”

Her words throw cold water on me.

I inhale, pushing down my reaction, and change the subject.

“The police found footprints. A man, heavy boots, size 10. He was waiting for you. Beyond that, they’ve got nothing useful.”

Her shoulders sag, worry flashing in her eyes. “So we still don’t know who it was or what they wanted.”

“No. Until we do, you have to be careful. Stick close to Ms. Connor and Hannah. Don’t stay here alone—especially at night. You should move into a room near Ms. Connor.”

“I’ll be careful. I promise.”

I rest my hand on her waist and gently squeeze. She’s soft, warm. “If you need anything—day or night—you call me. Got it?” I’m staring at her lips, wishing this was the time and place I could taste them.

Her eyes meet mine, filled with trust. It soothes the restlessness inside me.

“I will. Thank you.” She rests her hand over mine, sending a jolt of electricity to my heart.

I give her hand a squeeze before saying goodbye and turning toward the door. As my hand touches the handle, her voice stops me.

“Scott?”

My heart picks up when she says my name. I turn back to her. “Yeah?”

She beams at me. God, I don’t want to leave.

“Goodnight—don’t let the bedbugs bite.” Her sweet smile melts my heart.

I laugh. “Okay, goodnight sweetheart.”