Page 5 of The Maverick's Homecoming
Again. After all these years…
She dropped back onto her boot heels reluctantly. And he didn’t let go. He still held her shoulders with those big, warm hands. His thumbs stroked lightly. She felt his touch acutely through the denim of her jacket.
He leaned close again. “Walk with me—where’s your car?”
“Two blocks down, across the street.”
“Let’s go…”
They walked along in silence until they came parallel with her Bronco Sport, which she’d parked across the street. “My car’s right there.” They waited for an old pickup to rattle by and crossed together, stopping on the sidewalk next to her SUV.
He stuck his hands in his pockets and hunched his broad shoulders. Then he said almost shyly, “It’s good to be home. It feels right. Like I’m coming full circle.”
“I get it. I wouldn’t live anywhere else—and I think somebody said you’re selling real estate now?”
“That’s right. I opened my own firm, Big Sky Properties. Are you looking for a house? If so, I’m your man.”
“Sorry, but no. I love my house.”
“Well, then. Let me know if you change your mind.”
“Will do,” she replied automatically and then gave him a slow, happy smile.
Because the way he was looking at her? It just…lit her up inside. For that moment, at least, the rumpled divorce decree she’d stuffed in her pocket didn’t matter at all.
They both turned and leaned back against the Bronco with maybe a foot or so of distance between them. He moved a fraction closer.
The sleeve of his jacket brushed hers. And then he said softly, “How about dinner, you and me? For old times’ sake…”
Suddenly, she felt downright audacious. And excited, too. She met his eyes directly. “Yes. I would like that.”
“Excellent.” He pulled out his phone and created a contact for her. When he passed it to her, she put in her number. And when she handed it back, he sent her a text.
Her phone chimed in her pocket. She pulled it out.
He’d written,I’ll be seeing you. Soon.
She grinned. “Got it.”
He tipped his hat and headed back up the street.
Kenzie drove home smiling, her earlier misery momentarily forgotten. No, she wasn’t thinking of rekindling an old flame. But she liked this new, grown-up Finn. He’d been kind and attentive. He’d brightened her spirits on an otherwise deeply depressing day.
And really, the past was just that—over and done.
They could certainly share a nice dinner together. Maybe even become friends.
Yeah, he was more compelling than ever. No doubt he’d broken a long string of tender hearts in the years since they’d parted ways.
But so what? She wouldn’t be falling for him again. Not a chance.
* * *
The minute Kenzie drove away, Finn started second-guessing his own actions.
He probably shouldn’t have asked for her number. What had happened in the past still haunted him. And the ink was barely dry on her divorce.
No. Getting something going again with Kenzie would not be wise…
