Maverick's Mate

Chapter 4--Aspen

After I helped Maggie clean up and got her back to bed, she needed a few meds. Once she was settled, she looked between Maverick and myself. It was hard to tear my eyes away from him, he was so ridiculously good looking. The funny thing was Maverick was always staring back. Each time I glanced his direction, he was already watching me. Is it weird that I was distracted by his beautiful eyes and jaw line and perfect lips and broad shoulders, and he was just so, so gorgeous. Finally, I pulled myself together, “Maggie, can I help you with anything else?”

“No, my dear, I think everything is perfectly clear to me now.”

That seemed odd, but I took it in stride. The last 30 minutes or so had been extremely strange.

“Great. Hit your light when the doctor’s round and I will come back.”

“Thank you dear,” Maggie closed her eyes and rested back on the bed, a small smile on her face.

Maverick followed me into the hallway, “excuse me,” he called. I turned, trying to calm my racing heart, “Maverick, do you need something?”

“I … uh, I’m … I was hoping to provide a thank you for you and the nurses on the unit for all the care they’ve provided for my Grams. Do you have any suggestions?”

“That’s very nice. I’m sure we would appreciate it. Snacks are always a winner, but if you really want to win our love and affection, bring us coffee,” I replied with a little wink.

“Will that win your love and affection?” Mav asked.

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” I countered.

“Very much, but we can discuss that later. What’s your favorite coffee?” Mav asked.

“A flat white, but my co-workers generally like vanilla or caramel lattes.”

“Got it.”

Somehow, we were standing very close together by the end of our little exchange. “Do you need anything else, Mav?” I breathed.

For some odd reason, my heart was beating faster the closer he came.

“Thank you for taking care of my Grams,” he murmured ever so close to me.

“You said that already,” I whispered.

“And I meant it.”

I swear he was leaning down to kiss me, outside of Maggie’s room, in the middle of the hallway, at my workplace, and I was going to allow it. What had come over me?! Just as Mav was leaning in, his mask down and his perfectly kissable lips almost touching my suddenly mask-less face, my staff phone began to ring. I took a step back, answered the phone, and hurried down the hall, mildly embarrassed about what had just happened, but not that embarrassed. The man was gorgeous!

Later that day, several of my co-workers and I were sitting at the nurse’s station catching up on our charting. We hit our late afternoon lull and were actually enjoying a decent day. Those were far and few between with the pandemic raging. Naturally, my co-workers commented on the hotness of Maggie’s grandson and his friend. (I guess the friend arrived later. I totally missed him.) There was a bunch of giggling and some scheming to get their attention. To be fair, Mav was especially hot—we didn’t get many super-hot guys in the hospital. Besides, a little gossip and fantasy was good for morale.

I started daydreaming about Maverick’s piercing green eyes, dark brown hair, and neatly trimmed beard which perfectly highlighted his infinitely kissable lips. Plus, the guy was in great shape. He had these defined pecs and well-muscled arms which were perfectly emphasized by the sweater he was wearing. It had been a hot minute since I had been so attracted to someone. I bet he was a good kisser and I desperately hoped I would be able to find out. Maybe I would ask him out the next time he comes around to visit Maggie.

Suddenly, the chatting stopped. I looked up from my charting to see Mav standing in front of me with (presumably the other hot guy) just down the nurse’s station, each holding trays of latte’s. “Ladies and gentleman, (in a nod to Thad the lone male nurse working that day), we brought coffees to say thank you for caring for my Grams, Maggie,” Mav announced. “There’s a combination of caramel and vanilla lattes.” Mav looked down at me with a smile, “And this is a flat white just for you.”

I looked up and was again startled by his beautiful green eyes, though they were much lighter than our first encounter (odd). I forgot where I was for a minute as I smiled up at him. We stared at each other for a while and the world seemed to fade into the background. Finally, I heard some giggling. I looked around, a little flustered and finally replied “thank you,” as Maverick and his friend headed down the hall to his Gram’s room.

I heard Thad wheel his chair over next to me, “Dayymmmmn, girl. He’s got it bad for you. Tell me you’re going to hit that magnificent piece of man-meat. Because if you don’t, I want my shot!”

I giggled a little, “You keep your little paws off him! If anyone gets a piece of that it’s me,” I snapped back a little surprised at my jealous feeling. Leaning closer to Thad, “You really think he’s into me?” I whispered.

Thad rolled his eyes, “Yas, queen. He totally is.”

Several of the other nurses chimed in with their opinions as well. The vote was unanimous. I was under strict instructions to “hit that,” “git sum,” and potentially “make beautiful babies” as soon as possible. There were a few other creative suggestions as to how specifically I could “make those babies,” that had us laughing. Thad chimed in, “Plus, he’s way better than that stupid ex who keeps harassing you.”

Thad wasn’t wrong. Sam was indeed insane. Fortunately, it had been over a week since I had seen or heard from Sam so I was optimistic that he had moved on. Actually, Mav kind of reminded me of Sam a little, mostly because they were both well-muscled big guys. Though Mav was way hotter than Sam, and already more thoughtful. Mav just had … something. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but I was definitely attracted to him.

I laughed off the whole conversation, “I’m sure he’s just grateful for the care we’ve given to his Grams.” I waved my hand to dismiss the whole thing, but inside I was a little bit thrilled with the thought that Mav might be into me. I decided right then that I would act on that attraction if given the opportunity. No game playing, no petty manipulations. Just me going after an attractive and seemingly eligible man.