Page 4 of The Maverick

Rachel opened the door and saw a man with brown hair standing there with a shirt sayingAAA Locksmith. He was about five feet ten inches and had a trim build. He also had a beard and mustache.

“Hi, Ms. Foster-Bennett? I’m Carl Smithers with Triple A Locksmith.”

She stepped back. “Yes, come in please. I need the deadbolt installed on both the front and back doors.”

“I have them in my truck. You want deadbolts added, that’s all. Is that correct?”

Relief flooded her. She wouldn’t have to wait and be alone any longer. “Yes, please.”

“I’ll get right on it. Let’s start with the kitchen.”

“Thank you. That would be perfect.” She looked up toward Jake’s room and wondered if he would come down during the installation.

The locksmith took about an hour to install new deadbolts on both doors.

The price was very reasonable in Rachel’s opinion, especially considering he’d come at a moment’s notice.

Rachel got a mug of much needed coffee and heated it in the microwave. She was just sitting down at the kitchen table when the doorbell rang.

She stood, then walked to the living room and answered the door.

As she opened it, she stopped, and her jaw dropped. “You?—”

“Hi, Rach.”

CHAPTER2

“Aren’t you going to ask me in?”

Instead, Rachel threw herself into her best friend’s arms and her tears fell. “I never thought I’d see you again.”

“Oh Rach, you know how I feel when you cry. Please don’t cry.” Nick’s arms held her close...safe.

“I’m just happy.” She looked up at him for a moment. Gazed into those sapphire blue eyes and felt something she hadn’t for years...safe. She rested her cheek against his chest. His heart beat soothed her so much she didn’t want to let him go.

He held her close, resting his cheek on the top of her head.

Finally, she stopped crying and stepped back, wiping her cheeks with her palms. “Nicky, what are you doing here? How did you even know I’m back?” I’ve never been so glad to see anyone in my life. He’s still my best friend. Time and distance can’t change that...at least for me.

“I have my ways.” He winked. “Suffice it to say I knew and thought I’d visit you. You look great by the way.”

She narrowed her eyes. “My nose is red and runny, and my eyes are puffy from crying. I’m sure I don’t look great.”

“You always look great to me. When I look at you I see your beautiful red hair and emerald-green eyes. And usually, I see your big smile.” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

“It’s been ten years since I’ve been home. I was still in college last time I was here.”

“You look the same to me. Are you going to invite me in, or are we talking on your porch?”

She laughed and stepped back, waving her left arm in a wide arc. “Sorry. Please come inside.”

He stepped over the threshold and into the living room.

“Let’s go to the kitchen.” She turned and led him to the kitchen.

She’d forgotten how tall Nick was, and he was much more muscular than when she’d left. She admired the way his muscles filled out his black t-shirt. His black hair was the same. Just a little too long, so it curled over his collar, and a lock still fell over his forehead in quiet disarray.But I’ve never forgotten your blue eyes. The deep sapphire color haunted my dreams every night, for every one of those years I’ve been gone.

“Have a seat. Would you like something to drink? I have Coke, iced tea, coffee, and water.”