Page 103 of Savage Heart

That’s what I’m afraid of. No one but my son will think I’m worthy of him.

“Wait till I tell Otis,” he says.

I groan, and he laughs, nudging my arm.

“Mom’s got a date, Mom’s got a date,” he sings.

I roll my eyes, but my insides are giddy.

I’m way too excited too.

Chapter 26: Table for Two

Maverick

I stop by Prairie Rose the next afternoon after running a few errands. It should be a quiet time of day to go in, and Iris’s car is parked out front.

She flushes when I step inside. I walk right up to the counter, sitting down in front of her.

She slides a menu over without saying anything.

“Afternoon,” I say.

“Afternoon,” she says quietly.

Vera walks by and winks at me, which makes me chuckle.

“What can I get for you?” Iris asks.

“I’ll have a cherry lime rickey, please. No gin,” I add, grinning. “And,” I say as she’s turning away, “Nonna Bella . . . tomorrow night?”

She looks back at me. “I’ll see if Linc can hang out with Otis.”

“He’s welcome to hang out with me too,” Vera says, bumping Iris’s hip. “Or you know, he is twelve. He’s probably okay to stay at home by himself. But with me would be way more fun.” She grins.

Iris levels Vera with an exasperated look, and Vera just laughs.

“It’s settled, then,” I say. “I’ll pick you up at six?”

Iris leans on her elbows in front of me, and I breathe her in. She smells like mandarin oranges and cherries. I want to dive my nose in her neck and never come up for air.

“Has anyone ever told you that you’re awfully cocky?” she says, her voice raspy.

My dick goes on high alert.

“I don’t believe so,” I say, voice just as raspy.

“Well, you are.”

Her cheeks are flushed, and she looks so damn cute.

“Is that a yes?”

“Yes,” she says softly.

I tap the bar and stand. “Great.”

“Wait. What about your drink?”