Page 14 of On A Manhunt: Complete Series

brIDGET

How did he get better looking every time I saw him?

He had on the same ridiculous t-shirt that Eve gave him, but today it was paired with gray shorts and worn sneakers.

His eyes were hidden behind a pair of aviator sunglasses.

I knew he was a billionaire, but he didn’t look it.

Nor did he look like a corporate CEO. In fact, he blended in with the casual lifestyle of Hunter Valley.

It almost seemed–besides the fist fight with Jason the day before–that it was relaxing for him to be here.

He even had a dog with him.

Mallory stood and brushed off her hands. “How’s Theo?” she asked him.

If my friend’s forwardness about his brother bothered Maverick, he didn’t let it show. “I tried calling him this morning, but he didn’t answer.”

A group of gymnasts doing front walkovers and cartwheels passed in the parade. A mom or a coach pulled a wagon with a speaker that blasted the Olympics theme song.

“You were going to tell him about me, right?” she asked, raising her voice.

“Mallory, Jesus,” I muttered. “Have you no shame?”

“None,” she said proudly, lifting her chin, then grinning.

A piece of candy bounced off of Maverick’s shoulder and he caught it, then handed it to a little boy standing on the curb beside us.

“Don’t you have to keep up with the rest of the dogs?” I glanced at the parade and the gymnasts had passed a convertible with the town mayor sitting in the back was next. The shelter dog group was almost a block down.

He shrugged a broad shoulder, ran a hand over the back of his neck and looked down at the dog. He smiled and I would swear the dog smiled back at him. “Nah. I’m keeping him so there’s no reason to show him off.”

“You are?” I asked. I couldn’t imagine a dog fitting into his jet setting lifestyle.

“Awesome!” Mallory said, clapping her hands.

The dog gave a single bark of agreement, his small tail wagging. I’d never seen a dog like him before. He was clearly a mutt and put together as if someone had misassembled two different breeds. He was adorable and clearly attached to Maverick.

I didn’t blame him. I wiped my mouth to make sure my tongue wasn’t lolling out as I looked at him too.

“I’ve always wanted a dog,” he admitted. “My father was too much of an asshole to have something that would bring joy to the house. My mother liked them well enough but wouldn’t dream of getting slobber or hair all over the house. Four crazy boys was enough.”

“Lindy, my sister, is like that, too,” I admitted. “A clean freak.”

He leaned down and petted the dog on the head. “The maids did the cleaning, but my brothers and I were hell to raise. Having a dog too may have pushed her over the edge. Now? It’s the only grandchild, grandpet, grand anything she has, so she’ll probably spoil him rotten.”

“What’s his name?” I asked, not wanting to delve into our family histories.

“Scout.”

Scout cocked his head.

“He’s thinking that we should go to lunch.”

His dark doggy eyes were looking up at Maverick as if he was his new best friend. Knowing dogs, he probably did want something to eat. Still…

“Go with me, Bridget?” Maverick asked.

My mouth dropped open and I didn’t know what to say.

“Oh look. There’s Mary Jackson,” Mallory said, pointing down the line of people at the curb. I looked that way but didn’t see her parents’ neighbor in the crowd.

My thoughts shifted. “You haven’t liked that woman since the seventh grade when she yelled at you for cutting across her yard on your bike,” I reminded, doubting the truth behind her words.

“What better time to make things right.” She gave me a wink, then weaved around the kids snagging candy at the curb. “See ya, Maverick.”

“She’s a terrible friend,” I muttered, watching her dart off. Intentionally.

“You sure about that?” he asked, offering me a small smile, as if he knew a secret. “I asked you to lunch. You. She left for you to do just that. What better time for me to make things right?”

I was all nerves, jittery as if I drank too much coffee.

He took off his sunglasses and tucked them into the collar of his shirt. Then, he leaned down to speak, although the parade and the crowd was too noisy for anyone to really hear us.

His dark eyes met mine and must’ve noticed my apprehension. “Your job is safe, Bridget. You’re safe. With me.”

I looked up at him, then worried my lip between my teeth.

I didn’t trust easily. Not with men. I liked Maverick.

A lot. Too much for someone I met the day before.

But there was something about him. Something different.

Unique. I was drawn to him, and I didn’t know how to stop.

Not even after all that had happened. Did that make me reckless or fearless?

“You don’t believe me,” he said. A car horn tooted behind him and he didn’t even flinch at the surprise sound. “That’s okay. I respect that you’re cautious. I’m proud of you for knowing your boundaries.”

For some reason, that made me smile. His praise didn’t seem hollow and it made me feel good. “Really?”

I glanced at the curb and his fingers tipped my chin up. “Really. Have lunch with me. A picnic.” He looked down at Scout. “You want a picnic, right?”

Scout woofed and neither of us could resist laughing.

I couldn’t resist saying yes either.