Maverick's Mate

Chapter 6--Aspen

When I got home that night, I looked at my phone contacts and laughed when I saw the entry for "Maverick like Top Gun" in my phone. What a dork! But I liked it and him. We had a nice conversation on the way to my car. I was excited about our date and a little nervous. He was so freaking attractive! In my insecurity, a part of me felt like he was way out of my league. But he manned up and asked me out so there's something there. I mean, we had some sort of weird chemistry that I felt earlier today and again on our walk to my car. Every time our arms brushed, I felt warm all over. In fact, I deliberately bumped into him twice just to see if I felt it. Maybe he felt it as well? Hopefully he did, because I was very interested in pursuing our physical attraction to each other as soon as possible.

The next morning, I mulled through outfit choices, ultimately deciding on some black skinny jeans, a loose-fitting, low-cut satin tank, a blazer, and some heels. I wasn’t the skinniest girl, but I fully embraced my curves. I refused to kowtow to society’s expectations as to how I should look or act or exist. I was strong, intelligent, and independent. Anyone who didn’t want a part of me could suck it. Learning to embrace my curves was just part of this. My outfit was a little sexy but practical and the jeans looked amazing on me. I was so eager to see him, I was ready 15 minutes early and Maverick arrived right on time carrying a small plant for me. It was thoughtful and not at all traditional, so I loved it.

The date had gone well. Like really, really well. It was a dream first date, if I’m being totally honest. Mav was funny and flirty and we were super touchy all night. It felt great! It was like some unseen force was pushing us together. First, he offered me his arm since he had to park a ways from my flat, then he offered his hand to help me out of the car, at the restaurant his hand was pressed into the small of my back directing me. During dinner, I didn’t even realize I had started stroking his arm while he was telling me about his family.

As Maggie had told me, Maverick’s dad and gramps recently died and Maverick took over the family business. It sounded like he had a great deal of responsibility, but Maverick didn’t really focus on that. He seemed to have it handled. There was no false modesty, just straightforward confidence. This made me swoon a little more. (So sexy!) I wondered how he was dealing with so much loss. Having faced my own fair share of sorrow, I knew grief came in waves. It was too early in our fledging relationship to ask him about it, but my heart hurt for him and I wanted to provide some kind of comfort. (Weird that my feelings were already so strong.)

Maverick drove me back to my flat and I basically couldn’t keep the grin off my face. Plus, his attractiveness was not just in my head. The man was s*x-on-a-stick with male model good looks. Like why wasn’t he on a runway somewhere? And how soon could I see him shirtless?

I lived in a small, ground floor flat on the edge of my complex. The space was perfect for me and my little back patio opened up to a large green space with a view of the woods adjacent to the property. My place was close the hospital and a short walk from a café, a couple of pubs, a little market, and a few shops. The whole location was in a cute corner of the city and I loved it.

As we approached my flat, I didn’t want our time together to end. I toyed with the idea of inviting Maverick in for a night cap, but there was no way that wouldn’t lead to him sleeping over. There was just too much chemistry. As much as I wanted to sleep with him, I also didn’t want to mess up whatever this was between us. It was tough, but I decided to wait to invite him in until our second date. (Given I saw him adjust his erection, twice, I was confident he was feeling the same way.)

Maverick opened my car door and extended his hand. I grasped it, and he pulled my hand through his elbow, weaving our fingers together. Releasing a contented sigh, I leaned my head against his shoulder. He was so warm and I found it soothing. We were just at the front door when there was a noise behind us that sounded very much like a growl. I turned and was shocked to find my ex, Sam, standing a few feet away from us, looking furious.

“So, this is why you won’t return any of my calls or texts,” Sam seethed. “I warned you. You are mine.”

“Sam, what are you doing here? And how did you find out where I live? This is completely inappropriate. I told you. We are done. I don’t owe you anything and I most certainly am not yours. Leave. Now.” I was furious and a bit scared, but mostly angry. I crossed my arms and glared at him.

Sam didn’t move.

“I won’t tell you again, leave,” I repeated, more firmly.

Sam snorted, “What are you going to do about it?”

Maverick subtly moved me behind him, which I appreciated but was completely unnecessary. A few years ago, some of my friends and I had gotten into Krav Maga—the Israeli self-defense method. We did it because my friend had the hots for the instructor. Their relationship didn’t last, but I liked the exercise and actually had decent skills. I could inflict some damage if necessary.

“You heard Aspen. She’s done with you and wants you to leave.” Maverick’s voice sounded deeper somehow and held more gravitas. His voice rumbled and sounded like it came from deep within his chest. It was hot, so very hottttt. I shouldn’t be, but I was a bit turned on by his attitude and my lady parts were getting damp.

Instead of leaving as I hoped, Sam instead took a threatening step towards us. Maverick pushed me further behind him and took a step forward. This confrontation was quickly escalating and I didn’t want Maverick to get hurt. I mean Maverick looked like he could handle himself, but I wasn’t taking any chances. I pulled out my phone to call the police. Before I dialed, I looked up and I swear I saw Sam’s eyes changing colors while I felt, more than heard, a low rumble (a growl maybe? But that’s not possible) coming from Maverick.

“The lady said to leave,” Maverick stated again. This time, his voice thundered out and I could feel some weird force coming from Mav’s direction. It sort of felt like waves of energy shimmering through the air. If I wasn’t so freaking aroused by Maverick’s whole demeanor, I probably would be terrified and shitting my pants or something. Sam seemingly tried to advance closer to us, but for some reason he was unable to do so, and instead tilted his head to the side and did this weird neck thing before stumbling backwards and eventually walking away. In spite of my bravado, I released a breath I didn’t realize I was holding, grateful Maverick was there and that neither of us were hurt.

Maverick waited a beat before he turned around, “Are you ok?” he asked as squeezed my hands gently.

“I think so,” I muttered. “That was so weird.”

“Who was that?”

“Sort of my ex, I guess. But we only went out twice. Well, two and a half times, but he was so creepy I cut the third date short. He shouldn’t even know where I live. We only met at the pub the few times we went out.”

“Do you want to file a police report or anything?” Mav offered.

“I do, but I don’t think there’s anything to report yet. He didn’t threaten me and he left. The only thing he did was show up without permission.”

I realized I was shaking a little from the whole encounter. It was actually pretty scary to have a crazy man show up unannounced. Plus, Sam was intimidating. He was tall and looked strong. I shuddered to think what would happen if I had been alone. Though if Sam thought I would roll over and play dead, he had another thing coming.

Mav pulled me into a tight hug. I wrapped my arms around him and rested my head against his chest. It was comforting and made me feel safe. I wanted to ask him to stay and sleep on my couch just in case Sam was watching from somewhere and came back, but I wondered if that was too much. Technically, this was still our first date.

“I’m not trying to be presumptuous or anything, but would you like me to stay for a while? Make sure he doesn’t come back? What would make you feel safe?” Maverick asked like he was reading my mind.

I pulled away, “Would you stay? That wouldn’t be too awkward? I’m worried Sam will return. I still have no idea how he found my place.”

Maverick gave me that sexy little smirk/smile, “Not awkward at all. In fact, I’m happy to crash on the couch if you would like. I just

want you to feel protected and safe in your own home.”

“Thank you so much.” I turned and unlocked the front door. (Thank God I had the day off and cleaned my place!) We walked inside and I turned on some lights, “So, uh, this is my place …” Cue the awkward pause.

Maverick looked around and suddenly my little flat seemed smaller, but not in a bad way. He looked good in the midst of my things. I had a sneaking suspicion that he always looked good. “I like it,” he commented, “it’s homey and feels like you.”

“I’m just going to grab some sheets for the couch. Be right back,” I scooted down the hallway to the spare closet and grabbed some extra linens. Coming back to the living room, I found Mav in the kitchen with the kettle. “Thought you might want a tea before bed.”

I swooned a little. How sweet was he, making me a tea?!

“That sounds lovely. Thank you.” I kicked off my shoes and sank into the couch, feeling drained and a little disappointed that such a magnificent first date ended this way. Soon, Maverick was holding a warm mug in front of me. He sat next to me on the couch with his own mug. We didn’t say anything, just sat next to each other slowly sipping. After a few minutes, I felt my eyes begin to droop and I was suddenly exhausted.

“I’m going to head to bed. The bathroom is on the right. Please make yourself comfortable. Do you need anything else?”

“I’m set. Thanks for the blankets. Do you want me to leave a light on or anything for you?” Mav asked.

“I think I left the porch lights on just in case. That should be enough. See you in the morning.”

Standing, I took a step towards my bedroom. Mav stood and grabbed my hand. “I want you to know that I think you’re brave. You totally stood up that bastard and didn’t back down. It was pretty impressive.”

I blushed a bit, not used to the compliment, “Thank you.”

Mav leaned down and gave me a sweet, gentle kiss on my cheek. He lingered for an extra beat before he pulled away. Clearing his throat, he looked a little sheepish, "Good night, Aspen."

My cheek tingled from his lips. I gave him a shy smile and murmured "good night" before heading down the hallway to my room. I'm unsure as to why I was shy suddenly. It was uncharacteristic of me. Perhaps I was feeling vulnerable after Sam violated my space. What I really wanted was to relieve some of the s****l tension I was feeling, but there was no way I was going to use one of my vibrators when Mav was sleeping on my couch!