Patricia’s POVBy breakfast the next morning, it already felt like I was the guest.I walked down the stairs around eight o'clock, expecting the house to be quiet like it usually was before Maverick left for the office. Instead, the smell of fresh coffee and cooked pastries hit me before I even reached the bottom step.When I stepped into the kitchen, Darbie was already standing behind the island, wearing one of Maverick's oversized white button-down shirts with the sleeves rolled up. She was laughing as she poured coffee into a mug, totally at home in my space.Maverick was sitting at the breakfast table, his laptop open, but his eyes were on her. I had not seen him look that relaxed in months."Oh, good morning, Patricia!" Darbie called out, giving me a bright, cheerful smile like she was the hostess welcoming a late visitor. "I hope we didn't wake you. I just knew Maverick needed his double espresso with two sugars before his nine o'clock meeting, so I made it for him."My fingers
Last Updated : 2026-08-20 Read more