Page 39 of Hearts on the Line (The Maverick Key #1)
Maddie
After I put away my things in the extra room, I curl up on the worn leather couch, staring out the window. His house is quiet except for the occasional clink of a spoon and mug in the kitchen. He’s brewing us some tea.
Like Scott, this room is sturdy, reliable, and cozy.
It’s covered with bookshelves filled with titles about diving and marine exploration, along with framed photos of Scott with his dive team and family.
Every object serves as a reminder of why I trust him.
My eyes turn to the piano, and my chest clenches.
A beautiful vase of fresh flowers rests next to it.
While we were together, Scott created a morning routine of picking fresh flowers from his backyard and putting them on the piano for me. He hasn’t stopped.
Scott walks in, holding two steaming mugs, his hazel eyes soft as they meet mine. “Chamomile.” He sets one down on the table before me. “Thought it might help you relax.”
“My favorite. Thank you.”
He sits beside me, the couch dipping under his weight, and for a while, we drink our tea in silence.
It isn’t awkward anymore. It’s comfortable.
This place is home, and my heart aches with longing.
I want my home back. We don’t turn on the television, but Scott takes out some cards and shuffles them.
I pick mine up and we play. After he beats me a few times, I feel an urge to clear the air. I need to know where we stand.
“Hey,” I say, setting my cards down. I pull my hair back and straighten.
He turns to me, his expression open yet cautious.
“I’m sorry,” I begin, my voice trembling. “For everything. For Wes, the secrets, all of it. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I know what I did to you, to us. I was so focused on finding answers about Nathan that I didn’t think about the risks or you. I’m grateful for your help.”
Scott leans forward, his elbows resting on his knees.
He wipes his face with his hands, his gaze dropping to the floor a moment before returning to mine.
“I was angry. But more than that, I was scared. Scared of losing you. After everyone I’ve lost…
” He pauses, drawing in a deep breath, the raw emotion in his voice cutting through me. “I didn’t know how to handle it.”
Tears fill my eyes as I whisper, “I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
“I know you didn’t. Maddie… I’ve been in love with you since the day we met. Even though I tried to let go, I can’t. I don’t want to…”
The corners of his mouth rise as he speaks, then they fall. He’s so handsome, every part of him. I’m falling in love with him all over again.
“…and then, when I thought I may have lost you.” Darkness crosses over his face. “I couldn’t bear it.”
His words pierce my heart, causing my tears to spill over. “I…”
“Never apologize to me again,” he murmurs. “Just tell me we’re done hurting each other.”
My lips tremble. “No more secrets. I love you.”
He leans in, his lips meeting mine in an urgent kiss, dissolving the remaining walls between us. Scooping me up into his arms like he did our first night on his beach, he carries me to his bed and lays me down, hovering over me.
“We have all night to make up for lost time, sweet girl. I’m going to make sure you feel how much I love you.”
Light from the dawn filters through the windows. I stir, waking to the warmth of Scott’s arms around me. When I turn, I find him awake, watching me.
“Morning.” His voice is rough from sleep.
“Good morning.” My cheeks flush as memories of the night before washes over me. We made up, indeed.
He leans in, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead, his hand brushing a stray strand of hair from my face. “Last night meant everything to me.”
My heart is full. “Me too.” My fingers trace his scar, and I kiss his chest. I want him to touch me again.
Scott glances toward his dresser and sits up. “Maddie, there’s something I want to…”
The rude trill of Scott’s phone breaks the moment. He curses as he pulls away from me to answer it.
“Rickter.” His brows furrow in concern and confusion, his jaw clenching as he listens. “Yeah. I’ll be there in less than thirty.”
“What is it?” I ask as he ends the call, a knot of unease forming in my stomach.
“The Coast Guard,” he explains, swinging his legs over the side of the bed. “They said they need me to come by to help with something urgent happening at the Drop.”
“Is something wrong?” I sit up, clutching the sheet to my chest.
“It might be nothing, but I need to handle it.” He’s putting on his pants and grabbing a shirt. “I’ll call to check on you in an hour at the most.” I put on my nightgown and follow him into the kitchen.
“Denver. Here, boy.” Denver rushes to meet Scott. “Protect.” He nods in my direction. Denver barks once, signaling he understands.
“Call Hannah, have her pick you up, and take you back to the inn. Don’t let anyone else in and call me if anything concerns you or if anyone other than Hannah shows up.”
Scott leans down, pressing a lingering kiss to my lips before pulling back. “Until she gets here, stay. Rest. I’ll see you soon. I love you.” He slides his hands down my waist, palming my hip with a playful squeeze. Then he turns to leave.
He sets the alarm and the door clicks shut behind him.