MAVERICK
“Just one more shot, Mave. That’s all I need.” Cooper was running out of patience.
We’d been shooting for the last piece of the collection for hours, and he seemed to be unable to get the perfect angle or image he wanted from me.
“My facial muscles are cramping. What is it that you want?” I pouted.
He blew a breath, his hands on his hips as he shook his head. “Your head is not in the game. And this is how artists and models lost their job. You need to focus and always keep your head, heart, and body presence. Professional photographers don’t have time for your drama. Get your head in the game, Maverick.”
I stretched my arms and legs, went to pick up the brush, and retouched my nose. “What exactly are you looking for?”
“I want a happy face, a real happy face with eyes shining, a perfect smile like you’re in love and facing the love of your life because this piece is beautiful on you.”
I sat back on the chair and drew a deep breath. “I think I’m in love with Lake.”
Cooper never rolled his eyes until today. “For fuck’s sake, is that news? Everyone could see it, even the blind ones. No one is surprised. You two are like walking Prince Charming and Cinderella, Romeo and Juliet, without the terrible ending. You are the perfect couple that defies social status.”
I sighed.
“So what’s the problem?” He seemed concerned, like really concerned. “Do you have doubts about his feelings for you?”
I looked at him. “You should know something, but I can’t tell you.”
“Of course, but he’s not gay, is he?”
I laughed, widening my eyes. “No. I would have known.”
He shook his head in annoyance. “Jeez. What’s really going on, Mave?”
“When we were, you know-” I thought my cheeks were burning. I was the type of person who didn’t share bedtime stories with my friends. I kept just between me and my partner. “Something just snapped, like we were so emotional, I could feel-”
“Okay, enough of too many details.”
“I thought maybe he would tell me he loves me, but he did not. I don’t know what’s stopping him, or he was just caught in a moment, or maybe he remembered his first love.”
“He loves you. He cares for you, Mave. I can see it in his eyes. His actions speak louder than his words. You should have seen how he looked at you while playing the piano. At that moment, I told myself, ah, my friend is in good hands.”
I exhaled loudly. That was all I needed to hear. I smiled, really smiled, as realization hit me. I was really in love with Lake.
For a short period of time, he not only became my contract husband but a real one, a man who was always there for me when I was at my lowest, who did everything to make me smile, and who apologized for his own mistakes.
Lake was tough but had a good heart. He was also considerate, generous, and thoughtful. He was willing to break any barrier to prove himself right and give up his happiness for others.
“Done.”
“What?” My head snapped at Cooper.
“I got what I wanted.”
“I didn’t even pose.”
“Come here. Look at this.” He showed me the pictures he’d taken while I was appreciating Lake.
“Oh, wow.” The last three shots had almost the same angle and smile on my face. Cooper was right. I was glowing, and my smile was genuine. “Thanks, Coop.”
After he helped me fix the clothes and put the furniture we used back where it belonged, I changed into a top and jeans. When I went down, he was helping himself at the wet bar.
“So after we graduate, what’s your plan?”
“Look for jobs. Did you get an email or DM from Sadie Wollf?”
“Yes.” He grinned. “She booked for a photo shoot.”
“Congratulations, Coop. I’m happy for you.”
“Thanks. I wouldn’t have this gig if it weren’t for you and Lake.”
“I’m glad I could help.” I saw Homer just walked in. “I thought you were with Lake. Wait. Is he here?”
“No, ma’am. I’m here for you.”
“Why? I’m not going anywhere.”
“I know, ma’am.”
My stomach knotted. “What’s going on?”
“Nothing. Your husband just assigned me to stay here with you.”
I wasn’t entirely convinced, but I still wouldn’t get the truth from him, no matter how I tried pressing him. He was trained for that. I might have to ask Lake directly about it.
***
“What can I get-?” My eyes widened as I recognized the man in a black shirt and black suit jacket, smiling at me, yet he still looked guarded and mysterious. “Terzo, glad you made it. Let me guess. Bourbon, neat?”
He chuckled. “Beer.”
“Oh, okay.” I grabbed a bottle and opened it for him. “So, you’d be in town for a couple of days?”
“Yes.”
“Business or pleasure?”
“Can’t be both?” He arched a dark eyebrow, clearly amused.
“Just don’t mix it. It will only lead to serious consequences.”
“From experience?” He was fun if he wasn’t brooding. He even looked younger as he shaved his face clean.
“You could say that.”
He sipped his beer. “What time you’ll be out?”
I shook my head, smiling. “You know I can’t-”
“Sorry for giving you a wrong impression. I was only asking so we could sit down after your shift and talk about life, and there would be no distractions. Just as friends, I promise.”
“All right. In an hour. Are you sure there’s no one waiting for you?”
“I’m only here for you, Maverick.”
“Okay.” I went to get another order. While I was busy with my work, I stole glances at him occasionally, and sometimes, he caught me and raised his bottle.
“You want another? It’s on the house.”
He shook his head. “I need a clear head, but thanks. Meet me at the restaurant across the street.”
After my shift, I changed my clothes and texted Lake.
MAVERICK: I’ll be late.
LAKE: Is everything ok?”
MAVERICK: I’m meeting a friend.
LAKE: Who?”
MAVERICK: You’re my one and only. Chill. See you soon.
LAKE: Maverick?
I smiled as I stuffed my phone in my bag. I went to Homer, who was waiting for me. “You don’t have to come with me. I’m just meeting a friend.”
“The man earlier?”
“Yes. Do you know him?” I asked when his expression changed.
“I’ll go wherever you go, ma’am.”
“Okay.” We walked out of the bar to cross the street.
As soon as we reached the restaurant, Jay Den, I instantly saw Terzo. Homer ushered me inside and stayed at the corner.
“Hi. Sorry to keep you waiting.”
“It’s fine.” He helped me to my seat.
“Thank you.”
We ordered the same pasta, and he asked for an expensive wine.
“Are you trying to impress me with your knowledge of fine wines?”
He smiled. “Nope. This is our first formal dinner together as friends, of course.” His smile suddenly vanished. His nose was flaring as he tapped his fingers on the table. “Did you tell your husband about this dinner?”
“No. I texted him that I was meeting a friend. Why?”
“There’s an SUV just parked outside, and definitely not mine.” He then said something in Italian, and I had a feeling it was not nice.
“Why? Why do you need an SUV, Terzo?” My heart began pumping fast. I suddenly became nervous and scared.
“You don’t want me to answer that, Maverick.”
I glared at him by how he replied to me. “Who are you exactly?”
“I can’t answer you that.”
“Why?” I pressed. I felt like I had to because I wanted to trust this mysterious man across me.
“Just stop asking questions,” he said irritably.
“Then I can’t share a meal with you. I want to trust you and be your friend, Terzo, but we can’t be friends if you are too secretive and scared to share something about your life.”