sunsetfumes.

maverick met her big blues first, and then his eyes slowly trailed down the full length of her. he registered that she was speaking, but he couldn't make out the words. he traced every inch of her, the way the black material clung to her curves, the way her blonde hair spilled over her bare shoulders. when he reached her blues again, his smile was so wide that his cheeks ached.

"you look stunning." he chuckled quietly to himself, his gaze falling down the length of her again before inevitably rising. "hey, gorgeous." the firefighter felt a rush of color bloom at his cheeks, her compliments landing just right. he'd have to thank all those who'd helped him later, but for now, all he could think about was her.

nodding, he held the flowers out in one hand and wrapped his arm around her, pulling her smaller frame against his chest. "i missed you," he breathed against her skin, his lips brushing against her temple. "these are for you," he added, pulling back just enough for her to take in the various colors. "we should get these in some water and then we can head out if you're ready?" he pulled back a little more to get a better look at her and like the greedy man he'd become, he leaned down and captured her mouth in a kiss meant to relay just how happy he was to be there. after a few moments, he pulled back, his smile widening again. "seriously... how the hell did i get so lucky?"

when he finally moved into her, one hand took the flowers and the other wrapped around the top of his shoulders, her fingers immediately curling into the hair at the nape of his neck. "i missed ya more." in her heels she was a little taller, closer to his face, within better reach of snagging his lips. but he'd pulled back a bit before she could steal a kiss and indicated the flowers she hadn't exactly ignored just had made them secondary to him.

bright blue swept over the beautiful arrangement and she leaned in to smell them. "i've not seen these kind before. they're gorgeous, babe. thank ya." her gaze had shifted back to him and she was about to try and kiss him again but then he'd suggested water. pop pop would know how to take care of them best with his green thumb, but the blonde nodded. "i don't think i got a vase. uhh...would a drinkin' glass work for now? i'll get somethin' for 'em tomorrow." then finally his mouth was hers and his kiss was met with a needy return. even when he'd pulled back after a few moments she'd chased his lips and stole another. "i'm pretty sure i'm the one the won the lottery here," she grinned against his mouth and let her hand drop from his neck to his backside to squeeze a handful before pulling away.

first she sounded into the kitchen and grabbed a large glass from the cupboard, the filled it with water, and as she was placing the flowers into it she asked, "so where'd ya say we're goin'?" turned away from the sink she set the flowers in the middle of the dining table smiled at them, happier than she was sure she'd ever felt and moved back to the man responsible for that. "ready, just gotta grab my purse," she nodded to the entry table by the door where she'd set it earlier. rather than move her arms wrapped around him and she planted another kiss on him. "i love you."

He couldn't help but notice her, watching as she crouched down to greet Rook in return. The smile on his lips had arrived long before he had a chance to stop it, especially as the dog offered her a hello kiss. When she rose, Rook wiggled himself back to the couch and plopped down. He found her gaze with consistency, knowing the dog would do his own thing.

His gaze softened as he took her in. Her presence settled something in him. "I got us pasta from Nonna's. The lemon pepper carbonara." The meal they had on their first date all those years ago. Nathan took the bottle of wine further into his home, stepping into the kitchen to grab the only two wine glasses that he had. Ones he had bought earlier that day. Uncorking the bottle, he filled their glasses and held one out to her. "I'm glad you're here, Mia." It still felt like an understatement.

as much as mia wanted to get acquainted with rook, clearly an important companion to the man she couldn't get over, this was less about the dog and more about finding space with nathan again.

immediately a hand went to her heart and tears stung at her eyes, the surprise of their first date meal capturing her in a way that momentarily left mia speechless. "nate," she breathed out, voice slightly shaky, "you still haven't forgotten how to move a girl, huh?" the brunette swallowed hard as she looked up at him, her green finding his blue, so much emotion was ready to burst at the seams of herself. mia had to make things light or she'd pour her heart out much too fast and before they even had a bite. she followed to the kitchen and watched those broad, muscular shoulders as he took care of the wine. "do you think about our first date as often as i do?" she asked when taking the offered glass. "i'm glad i'm here, too. missing you has been the worst experience."

how many times had he looked at himself in the full length mirror? his outfit had gone through several channels of approval and still, he looked at himself and wondered if it was enough. the dark khaki slacks he'd purchased hugged him in all the right ways, and the plain shirt did too. he'd tamed the curls atop his head and he'd allowed the stubble to remain peppered across his jawline and chin, just like paige liked.

they'd seen one another a thousand times, but this? this was their first date. this was something they'd both remember for years to come. when he'd finally gotten himself out of his apartment, he stopped by the flower shop and spent another fifteen minutes trying to compare bouquets. thankfully, he still had nearly an hour to spare. after a long conversation with the florist, he settled on a bright mix of colors. it was only after that the florist explained the meaning behind them, and maverick's confidence in his choice only bloomed.

the short ride to her place was spent bouncing between eager excitement and flutters of nervousness. when he threw his truck into park, he gripped the wheel tightly and blew out a breath. the firefighter grabbed the flowers from the passenger seat, his heart thundering against his ribcage, each beat a little harder than the last. by the time he reached the door, he was certain she'd be able to hear it too.

maverick knocked two times and waited, his bottom lip tucked between his teeth. he could've walked in, could've announced himself, but this was different. so, against every single tug of impatience, he waited.

pop pop was gone for the night, an event at the retirement home where some of his longtime friends now resided had perfectly aligned with the plans maverick had made for them on this first date. she was nervous and felt silly for it. would he like her dress? the style of her hair? what if she wobbled on an ankle trying to walk in these heels? but when the door sounded with a knock paige hadn't had much further time to fuss over things and slipped her feet into the matching black heels.

"i'm comin'," she hollered at the door upon exiting her room, heels sounding on the floor with each step. it was strange but excitement had begun to lick at her. just before she opened up paige smoothed her hands down her sides and took a breath, the dress wasn't revealing yet it clung to her shape. fingers fixed her hair just right and then reached for the knob, revealing a sight that left her mouth open, eyes wide, and her heart hammering in her chest.

"holy shit," she finally breathed, half laughed, still stunned. "wow...you look..." the blue of his shirt made his ocean eyes shine brighter, and the fit of his slacks and shirt were something her eyes kept roaming up and down. "hi, baby," paige eventually said, her hand going to her chest were she thought her heart might beat right out of it. "you're so fuckin' handsome. c'mere," she extended her arms to him.

location: nathan's home

Rook looked at him from his spot on the couch. The dog's chin rested atop of his paws as Nathan made yet another sweep across his place. The floors were vacuumed, they were drying from being mopped and everything had found a tidy place. While Nathan wasn't particularly a disorganized person to begin with, keeping his belongings to a minimal for a reason, Mia was coming over and he wanted everything to be perfect. The take out he ordered had arrived mere moments before he heard a knock against his door. Rook's ears twitched, but he remained laying down as Nathan's long strides took him to the door.

As his hand wrapped around the handle of the door, the tension eased from his shoulders just knowing she was on the other side. Revealing her by opening the door, his attention settled onto her immediately. "Hi," he breathed the word, her standing there taking almost all the breath straight from his lungs. "Come in. The food just got here. You probably passed the delivery person on your way up." He let out a huff of laughter, letting Mia into his place. A quick glance to Rook was all the permission the dog needed as he slid off the couch and made his way over to Mia. The Australian Shepherd's hips were wiggling, "Careful, he will try to use tongue." Nathan quipped with a tug of his lips upward.

as she moved a little further into the living room the brunette grinned even wider when rook came into view and approached her with nate's permission. "hey, handsome," mia said in greeting and crouched down, "oh, your whole body wiggles. i love it and i also love kisses so you go ahead." the dog ended up getting her on the side of her neck when she angled her jaw to offer her cheek. she had a cat at home but loved dogs just as much. she rose back to her height, still a bit dwarfed by nathan and smiled at him, "so what'd you order for us to eat?"

"do you have a favorite thing i call you?" he hadn't thought much about it until she'd asked him. he shuffled through nicknames with her, only using her full name when he wanted to know that he was being serious. "good. i like both. pretty sure i'd like anything you called me." he nodded, eager and pleased by the idea of her saying it on repeat. his blues shifted down to her mouth before raising back to meet hers. "please do." the words were mumbled against her mouth, quiet and raspy off his tongue. he wanted to kiss her over and over again, stand there until the sun greeted the both of them, but another part of him wanted to get her home and into the bedroom where it'd all started. "you already are giving me everything." her time was more than enough, but her kisses, the soft stories shared in the quiet moments of the night, and all the time they spent together doing everything and nothing at all. that was everything to him. she was everything to him. "hey," he called out softly, waiting until she looked at him again before he spoke. "i'm not going to be the person who lets you down. i've got you, paige."

wanting something for himself and expressing such were two different things. as every word was breathed into the night air, he wondered if it was enough, it any of it made sense or if he was talking himself in circles. his eyes went a little wider when she called his name, her voice steadying the rise of panic that clawed beneath his ribs. he wanted to do this right, wanted to tell her just how much he wanted her. he watched her closely and waited, nodding slowly as she tried to piece together words of her own. he didn't dare rush them from her, he simply hovered, watching her while he tried his damnedest to control the rise and fall of his chest. the pace of his nodding quickened by a few beats as he watched her. he wanted that too, and that was the very thing he was trying to put out there. he wanted her... to be with her. he started to speak, but he forced himself to stay quiet, to allow her the chance to finish. he chuckled quietly when she kicked at the pavement, because it was such a paige move, but the amused look faded back into the focused, hopeful stare he'd been giving her. no part of him wanted to look elsewhere, or to think of anyone else. "i know," he chimed in, but fell silent when she began speaking again. there was so much he wanted to say, so much that he wanted to give her in return, but eh waited until she'd finished. "i don't want to be with anyone else, paige. when i said i want you, whatever you'll give me... that's what i was getting at."

the firefighter reached out to her, his hands falling gently against her cheeks, his thumbs swiping slowly at her skin, his eyes on hers. he knew the tears building behind his own blues had fallen, the wetness streaking his cheeks. "i want to be your partner. i think we'd make a damn good team," he mumbled quietly, his bleary eyed gaze glued to her. "you already give me so much. waking up with you is the best part of my day and getting to come by and see you at the end of that same day... it's my favorite way to spend it." a small smile crept onto his mouth as he looked at her, at the woman that he'd met by chance, and now couldn't imagine his life without. "i got you. i'll always have you." maverick dropped his hands from her face and pulled her into his chest. he hugged her tightly and pressed a firm kiss into the crown of her head. "it's you and me, paige."

at the age of twenty, he'd been willing to believe anything. how was he to know that his crew mates would bring him into the fold in such a way? as he told the story, the way she looked at him made his head spin, but he continued on without missing a beat. he liked being looked at like that, like what he said mattered, even if it was nothing more than a silly story from his past. "they spent about a week doing the prank calls. it was the last one that gave them away though. it was way too over the top and they couldn't hold it together when i came into the bay looking for help." they'd tried again after that, but they always laughed while trying to get into character because they remembered how he'd responded to that one call he'd told her about. "both seems like the best answer, so i'm glad you agree." he wasn't going to shy away from her. he wanted everyone to know that they were together, that maverick malone, resident loner, was no longer alone. "all i care about is us. besides, we've got some time to make up. three years of it, i think," he teased, brows wiggling as he grinned down at her.

"so, what i'm hearing is... we both have some encouraging to do. unless you think i shouldn't say anything? i don't want to get in the middle of it or anything, but he's a good guy, and if she's into him?" he shrugged, thinking of what tyler would do if the roles were reversed. he thought of will and summer too, but he'd taken a hands off approach to their marriage, and had instead opted to care for them separately. he looked to her like he was hoping for an answer. she knew her friend, and they both knew tyler. if it was better to let them figure it out for themselves, he'd let them. "then i guess we better get moving." he wanted to peel off her layers and his too, and he wanted to feel her skin pressed into his. two long days without her had been torture. "i think that might be the solution to all arguments. can't be mad if your focus is somewhere else." despite the joke, maverick knew that they operated on the same wavelength. if there was an ever issue, talking about it was the only way they'd get through it. after the talking, that's when they'd let their bodies handle the rest. he felt a familiar tug low in his belly and he snickered. "sounds like it's a win-win situation for the both of us."

maverick cupped a hand over his mouth to stifle the loud laughter that threatened to spill into the night air. he nodded, recognizing that they had to be quiet. his other hand stayed firm against her backside, greedy and claiming in the way it gripped her. "i'll be by your side most of the time, but you can't blame me for wanting to follow behind every now and again." he was playing with fire, but any bit of tiredness he'd felt earlier in the evening had burned out, replaced by his need for her. he groaned quietly when she yelped, chuckled raspily when she nipped at his chest. "that was the plan, baby," he muttered lowly, voice weighted with want and desire.

maverick shook his head slowly, deep blues lit with amusement. his line of sight fell to the way she bit into her bottom lip. he watched her work it between her a teeth for a few beats, and then he shifted to rid himself of everything except for the black briefs that clung to the round of his backside and left little to the imagination of where his mind was. "that's all you." her body was perfect, every inch sculpted just right. it was hard for him to pick what he liked best, but he chose to leave no part unappreciated. "just waiting for you to catch up," he teased, the anticipation of her shedding each layer enough to drive him mad. her gentle touch brought his gaze to hers. his smile softened and he took in the way she looked at him. his heart thudded wickedly against his ribs, his pulse hammering at his temples so loud that he'd nearly missed the three quiet words she'd delivered.

tears welled in his eyes and he replayed her voice in his head over and over again. for three years, he'd gotten to know her. he'd seen her during her highs, and he'd been there with her during the lows. she'd shared pieces of herself with him and she'd listened while he did the same. "paige," he breathed, his voice cracking. "i love you. i love you. i love you," he echoed, leaning down to press his forehead into hers. his eyes fell closed and tears rolled down his flushed cheeks. "i love you," he muttered again, his lips brushing hers between every syllable.

her immediate answer was halted before it rushed off her tongue, because it wasn’t what maverick had asked. she’d love if he called her babe or baby, but she couldn’t prompt that. that was something that should come naturally if it ever did. thinking about it there was only two things he did call her and a smile easily came to her. “it’s cute when ya call me p. i love it. the sound of my full name on your lips?” her hand went to her chest and her fingers tapped like a heartbeat. “it’s powerful.” and he seemed to use it when he really wanted her attention, which worked every time. not wanting to interrupt the kisses the blonde nodded against the firefighter’s mouth, confirming that she would. it didn’t really matter where they were, if she were in his arms and they were kissing, then paige was in her happy place. thought it’d be even better when they got home and into bed. “hopefully that everythin’ is what ya want.” it wasn’t said with doubt but more so to confirm her intentions. when he called out, bright blues snapped to his and she nodded. “i know ya do, babe.”

becoming a rambling mess when she was saying or asking one of the more important things she ever had in her life wasn’t how she’d wanted that to play out. as always, maverick was patient with her, letting her get it out in her own way rather than rush in, but when he confirmed he wanted to be with her and no one else, the blonde exhaled in a shaky cry of relief. “i know. i think,” she chuckled a little through the weight of her emotions, “i guess i just had to throw a shit ton of words at it and hope that it made sense and somethin’ stuck.” what she meant was that she needed it absolutely clear, but then both of them kind of beat around the bush until they eventually got to the clearing. 

being pulled into him was comforting and immediately soothing given that she’d become a raw nerve trying to get that out to him. to ask this man wiping her tears away to be her partner. “baby, you’re cryin’,” she said softly, having looked up and seen the trails of tears marking his cheeks. before she reached up to wipe his cheeks gently with her fingers, her arms wrapped around him gave him a good squeeze. “that’s my favorite way to spend it. each day. and then i try to get as much of ya in-between because i can’t help but be greedy with ya.” this moment, how far they’d come in three years and change was proof to her that something beautiful could come from something bad. “you and me, maverick,” the dealer confirmed, pressed into his chest and under his kiss.

whether he was launching into a story, any story, or reciting the grocery list paige tended to look at him with awe. everything that came out of his mouth was worth listening to, because to her every little thing he said mattered. the firehouse hazing story was amusing though and there was a light in her eyes as he shared. it was great that he had a place and a job he loved so much and loved him back. it made her happy. “wow a whole week? babe…” before she laughed there was a light scolding her tone, teasing him. “so is it somethin’ ya do now to any of the newbies? are ya apart of giving the new fella or gal a hard time?” she figured so because maverick was funny, liked to have a good time and joke about, but paige also knew he was likely the easiest on the new person. it filled her up, warmed her from the inside out that them being together was going to be loud, unabashed, and in everyone’s faces. she wanted to be able to show off this amazing person, but she also didn’t want to have to behave in public. “same. us is all that matters to me. oh? yeah, i think you’re right…maybe we better get started tonight because three years is a helluva long time.” somewhere in the back of her mind she would be wondering why she took so long to get here, but then again, knowing what they knew of each other, it made sense. as his brow wiggled suggestively paige went onto her toes and nipped at his lips.

“nah, say somethin’. i dunno about ya but miri nudged me, encouraged me to tell ya how i feel because what if ya felt the same but were strugglin’ like me with how to say it. maybe they need the same favor from us?” realistically, the blonde didn’t know tyler the way that maverick did. the guys were much closer so he’d know a little better how to move with the tattoo artist, but she understood that tyler wasn’t shy and was the type to go after what he wanted. that just made her curious on why he wasn’t moving like she thought. she nodded, they really did need to move along but they didn’t pull away from each other just yet enough to carry on to the house. “see? we just have the best solutions to everythin’,” she grinned, smug, and shrugged. and now she really wanted to get home with him because her thoughts were going sideways.

it almost felt silly how much paige loved having his hands on her, but she couldn’t help it. the way maverick gripped her backside so selfishly was such a huge turn on for her and it was all the blonde could do to continue to behave on the doorstep. the bedroom was so close yet so far away. “i mean ya could just hold me like this walkin’ beside me, couldn’t ya?” but she knew it was the visual as well that he was meaning. her hand reached out and poked at the bulge in the front of his jeans, “does somebody wanna play with me?” it was her turn to wiggle her brow suggestively. then he went ahead and made the sounds he did and it was all she could do to keep from jumping him right there on the front porch. “oh, fuck. baby, say that again.” he’d called her baby for the first time and paige lost it, she jumped onto him and kissed him hard.

with him standing right before her with nothing but those boxers on, which couldn’t hold back his want for her, paige chose to pause and admire him. “nope. look at ya. fuck, you’re perfect.” it was hard to hold off on trying to get every part of his body on hers, but she managed and when he closed the distance between them her hands went to his chiseled abdomen and moved up to his rock hard chest. biting her lip the entire journey. “i want ya to undress me. i like it when ya get impatient and take over when ya think i’m goin’ too slow.” which, sometimes she did on purpose. before either of them could get to her clothes though, something else came over her.

those three words had felt like a long time coming and they’d felt so right in saying them to him that she didn’t shy one bit. her heart knew this man, knew the heart within him. “maverick,” she returned his name and heard the emotion crack his voice. the reaction to him saying ‘i love you’ nearly made her pass out with the rush of warmth all over her entire body. her head felt light and dizzy and if he hadn’t been holding onto her then her knees might’ve buckled underneath her. “i love you,” she told him again. “i love you,” again, and that time sealed with a kiss. her mouth moved from his after a moment and her lips pressed to his cheekbones to kiss his tears. one side, then the next. “i love you,” paige said softly against his cheek, “c’mere.” another kiss before she pulled maverick along with her as she backed to the bed. “let’s make love.”

another surprise. paige hadn't expected that raw truth to drop out of him or even for him to try and explain further. she shifted her stance a little, still not entirely comfortable with him likely seeing the faded bruising under her eyes. the last thing she wanted was to be pitied or for him to feel sorry for her. "why'd ya tell me that?" curiosity hung between them, the way she looked up at ozan and heard even in the tone of the question. "so, ya wanna be real and figure out who the fuck ya are but ya come in here like every other high rollin' fuck?" there was a smirk on her full lips. "that's a tough journey and i wish ya the best with it, i genuinely do, because facin' yourself? livin' honestly? that's the hardest shit, and it don't win ya a lot of friends." life had taken too much of a toll on paige and the version of her now was the most raw, someone that couldn't afford to give a fuck anymore. mostly because it'd been stripped away from her.

"your pops?" something about the man in front of her screamed trust funds and succession. paige's head leant to the side as she considered what ozan was telling her. "so how were ya different then and he got to ya later?" it was actually enjoyable to see that flicker of amusement hit his features for a flash at her quip but she'd kind of wished he'd answered. he was clearly still too polished. "ain't that like most men in your world? get a good woman as a support, rise to the top and get all that success, then ya fuck her off?" then something hit her and her brow flinched and paige stepped closer to the much bigger person, something stern now on her expression. "what's a man like ya doin' in sedona if it aint for a fuckin' spa getaway? ya ain't one of them developers thinkin' gentrification, are ya?"

for a moment she just stood there and blinked at him. her guard and defenses were going down with this more amiable and passive side of him, she didn't have to be a boxer moving about the ring defending herself from whatever jabs were coming her way. red lips twisted up to the side and then morphed into a kind of smirk. "oh, i think ya experienced some of the realest shit from me. like i said, at the table, i gotta be apart of this dog and pony show." then despite her better judgement and there was some hesitation, "ya got my damn number now. reach me when ya need a dose of someone that ain't gonna play with you." for a moment she chewed on his answer of what he was interested in. "what does makin' it right look like to you?" because it might not match up between the two of them.

and there it was. an envelope of cash. whatever progress she'd maybe fooled herself into thinking was being made with this guy just completely collapsed. the sternness of her name cut through and she paused and stared at him, the offense she felt barely withheld under the surface. her arm darted out and she fiercely ripped the envelope from his grasp. "there! ya happy now! does that make ya feel better? big man with the money was able to pay another person off? this sure as fuck ain't what makin' it right is. maybe with people from your world, but not me." it was too much for her too recognize the battle of wills here, the pride versus pride. her chest was rising and falling heavily, adrenaline pushed through her and her fight response was kicking in. she pulled in a breath and let her eyes shut for a long moment. when paige opened them her bright blue eyes fixed on ozan. "i understand that apology took a lot, maybe cost ya a lot too, and ya know fuckin' what," yeah the flare of her anger wasn't completely dissipated yet, "i do see that you're tryin' so thank ya. but also...fuck you." her small hand gripped the envelope tighter and pushed past him as she started to walk away, the need for fresh air too great.

"because you don't me, and i don't really know you. maybe i'm trying to change that." he wouldn't blame her if she took the envelope and dodged him at every turn, nor would he blame her if she didn't and still avoided him at all costs. it wasn't like he'd opened the door to friendship back in that coffee shop, or through any of the texts they'd exchanged. "i come here because i don't know where else to go." he'd taken up enough of nadia's time, and as much as he enjoyed spending time with their son, he knew the boy needed a break from his father's presence. "funny you say that. i feel like i've made more genuine connections in this place than i have in my entire life." he knew some people still judged him for his tailored fits and expensive watches. they looked at him like his money would ruin the town. in another world, maybe it could have. in this one, he wanted nothing more than to be a part of it, to fit in and be accepted for something other than his surname.

ozan huffed a breath as a response. he didn't want to give hakan eldem the satisfaction of knowing he still haunted his only heir like a ghost. "for starters, i was happy. it was less complicated, less about the firm and more about what it was that i wanted." he didn't recognize himself in some of the old photos and videos stored on his phone. that version of himself had smiled without anything darker behind his eyes. he'd put her first, put the family they were creating together ahead of it all. and then his father had stepped in, dangling the one thing ozan had worked so hard to reach and he'd threatened to take it all away. "i screwed up. i know that." apparently she'd made mistakes too, but he couldn't blame her for any of them. whatever she had done, he'd deserved it. truthfully, he'd probably deserved more. the fallen heir bit back a scoff at the word developer. it wasn't the first time someone had mentioned it, but at least she wasn't jumping to conclusions like the others had. "i wanted to be closer to my son." he let it sit, because that wasn't the only reason he'd driven overnight to land at his ex-wife's motel. "and closer to her."

he closed his fists tighter at his sides. even if they weren't seeing eye to eye just yet, he'd never wish her situation on anyone, not even her. "i know it isn't close to the same to what you've dealt with at your table, but i do understand a bit about performing to get results." he wasn't proud of what he'd done at the end of his marriage, how he'd played into his fathers cold hands and entertained the touch of a woman that wasn't his wife. and how many times had he watched other married men do the same? "i'll remember that." it wasn't like he'd need humbling anytime soon, but he'd use her number and hope that she didn't mind. "i know that i can't go back and change how things went down at the coffee shop, but i can assure you that it won't happen again. not with anyone. this isn't los angeles or manhattan. i shouldn't treat it as such either." he'd have patience, he'd think before acting, weigh his words before speaking with an angry tongue. "your grandfather is someone i should apologize to, but i understand that may not be an option. i'm sorry, paige. for what you had to go through after. that wasn't your punishment to take."

his hand slowly dropped when she grabbed the envelope from him. his brows pulled together, but he watched her. he wasn't trying to pay her off. she'd told him more than once how much she'd needed the tips, how much she'd needed the money. had he read too far into the texts? into the conversation they'd had? "it's not a payoff." his voice was quiet, wrapped in defeat. he'd opened up to her, he'd given her the kind of apology that he should've given his ex-wife, and all that mattered was the envelope she gripped like a lifeline. he didn't lower his gaze, her bright blues meeting his like a challenge. he nodded slowly, every word she'd said registering in his mind a few beats later. "thank you," he called after her, wondering if she'd stop or keep going. he wouldn't chase her. not because he didn't want to, but because he knew that she wasn't the only one who needed a breather. "for giving a chance." he stared at the waves of blonde for a beat longer before his gaze dropped and the weight of everything they'd exchanged came pressing in on him.

"I've been.. fairly good, I guess. Nothing new to report, though that news definitely took me by surprise. He showed up at my house the other week, asking to use my bathroom, like absolutely nothing happened. I don't get it. I never will. He's been through a lot, but you don't just turn on the people who love you. How are you dealing with it all? I imagine it's just as weird for you, if not more."

"fairly good?" a brow arched, hoping maybe she'd elaborate, but then it wasn't likely with the news of elliott taking up all the air in the room. "wait...what?" the dealer's face screwed up at that. imagining him just showing up on her door asking to use the bathroom. "that's...so fuckin' strange. what?" a laugh dropped because it was just such an odd thing. and then something else struck paige, "the fuckin' audacity, damn." her blonde head shook. "yeah..." it always bothered her how he'd turned so cold to her and sage, two people that loved and supported him. "i ran into him at the library, of all fuckin' places, guess he's a clerk there or somethin'. it was a complete mindfuck. said he was sorry, that he loved me back then, i dunno. i couldn't fuckin' deal and bailed. hopefully it went better with ya despite how fuckin' awkward that had to have been."

Despite all their teasing, Tyler had a point. And it was times like this that Summer was reminded exactly why she loved him. He could be the most unserious person at times, but when it came to her emotions, he was someone she could count on to always have her back. "I can tell he's trying. I think it's just.. hard for me to walk away in the meantime, you know? I made the mistake of going back to our apartment while he was there, and it felt nearly impossible to walk away."

It was difficult to recall that evening without being hit with a wave of sadness, to remember just how normal things had felt for that short period of time. But then, the next morning, she was faced with reality. It was never easy to forget.

one of the things he appreciated most with their bond was the range of it. they could be silly, they could talk about life in general, and they could get serious when needed. he'd never play about whatever emotions or hardships she was going through. in fact, it always meant a lot to tyler when his friends leaned on him.

"he's your husband, sumz. for better or worse, right? i don't think you're supposed to walk away but you also need to keep going with your life. again, he needs to meet you where you're at. let him work at that and rise to that, it helps, trust me." tyler had seen it in motion. "do you regret it? going back in?"

maverick didn't allowed himself to want for anything. he always put the needs of those around him first, ensuring that those were met before he ever considered his own. even then, he rarely pushed for what he wanted. "i think so too. she gets it and she knows that it's important, but you're right. i don't want to volunteer myself for doubles when i could be seeing her." a shy grin pulled at one corner of his mouth. paige worked too, but at least they could always end up in the same bed at the end of the night if he wasn't on shift. the firefighter nodded, and for once, he didn't feel the need to defend his work ethic or argue the importance of being there and showing up. he'd do his part and then some, but he could focus on his own his life too. "yeah, you're right. about work, and about being honest with her on how i feel. i don't want her to think i'm holding back." he knew a little bit about her past relationship and how she'd wanted more than someone else had wanted her. it'd made him angry, had made him want to pull her close and promise her that things would be different between them if she'd let him prove it. "okay. i can do that. might uh, stumble a little because she makes nervous. i mean, sometimes i look at her and i just..." he trailed off, his smile growing so wide that he couldn't even finish the sentence. "i think you'd really like her."

he was pleased with the sauce that she'd helped him save. he nodded, silently coaching himself into grabbing the jar of red pepper flakes he'd just refilled. he sprinkled a bit more into the sauce and mixed it, watching as it easily incorporated itself. "there was an accident," he explained, leaving the details short. that wasn't his story to tell. "i'm not sure. i haven't asked. i think i could learn." after all, how hard could it be, right? and if it meant making her life easier, he'd give it a try. mav looked toward his friend and clocked the smile on her mouth. "what? you think i could do it?" he didn't look like the biker type, but he wasn't against trying. "take a seat, chef. i'm ready to serve."

he nodded toward the stools at the kitchen island before his focus shifted back to the stove and the plates she'd placed at the island countertop. carefully, he scooped two healthy servings onto each and then followed with an even healthier drizzle of the sauce in the most artistic way he could. "you want a little more?" he put put the sauce pan down and grabbed the towel from his shoulder. he used to grab the garlic bread from the oven and once out, he carefully grabbed one piece for each of them and put it on their plates. "well? how's it look?"

for maverick to share that he wanted any of his spare time to go to this girl he was telling her about conveyed, at least to her, how serious this connection might be for him. like any lonely person avoiding too much of the quiet he threw himself into work and whatever kept him busy. he sacrificed himself time and time again for the sake and needs of others but maybe that was now shifting a bit. was he feeling the return for the first time? "it's that and not wanting to miss out on quality time. someday we're gonna be old and looking back on your life do you really want to see all the times you took an extra shift?" brow arched, the question was more about making a point rather than getting an answer. if anything maverick had his time with daniela to draw on and how she'd dedicated herself to her work rather than building with him, and she knew he hadn't forgotten how that'd made him feel. it was so cute and sweet to see him grinning like he was as he talked about this woman. "she's pretty?" he'd said it, but mia felt he might want to repeat it. "if she's making you smile like that? i already do like her."

a smile curved her expression as she watched him add a little more heat to the sauce. the smell of it simmering was fantastic and mia put a hand on her stomach to stifle the grumbling. "oh," was all she said in response to the accident comment and nodded her head once in understanding. "you'd learn to ride a motorcycle just to make things easier for her?" now she was grinning. "that's actually so freaking sweet." at his question she nodded and thought he might even have fun with it, learning to ride. as someone who ventured off on mini roadtrips she could see all the scenic routes he could even take once he'd learned. "of course. you can do anything you set your mind to." but she moved around the island to sit. "alright lets see this plating..."

while she watched and felt a bubble of excitement for her friend, mia's thoughts ventured a little to her encounter with nathan. she had her own personal reasons to be nervous and hopeful. she nodded for more sauce but held up her fingers in a pinch to show just a little more. when it was all put together her eyes swept the plates and then up to maverick. "wonderful. it smells so good too. can't wait, come on," she pulled at the seat next to hers, "let's eat. and you can gush some more if you want. we're in girl talk territory now."

At her assurance that he had nothing to worry about, he let out a laugh. "That's reassuring." His lips twitched with her challenge. "Damn, too much swagger?" He lifted a hand, pressing it lightly against his chest. "We might be having different conversations. I've just been listening to your reputation while avoiding being throat-punched, you know?" He teased, a beat hitting before he threw.

The dart struck the board. It wasn't a bullseye, but close enough to make him glance over his shoulder at Paige. "Huh, look at that. Looks like I've accidentally given myself some confidence now." Rafael turned back to the board, two more darts landing just above the first.

amusement shaded her eyes as her brow rose along with her smirk. "ya walked in here talkin' tough and swingin' it around like you're eddie felson in the hustler or somethin'." her head shook, "don't try changin' it up now. that was me talkin' right back, lettin' ya know i ain't scared nor am i backin' down from a challenge."

when he threw her eyes followed and then shifted to him when he glanced over his shoulder, smug as hell. the next two that followed were almost as good as the first and paige genuinely was impressed. "alright, alright so ya aren't all talk. that's good." the blonde moved up beside him and nudged him out of the way with her arm. after a beat she tossed her second dart and it landed jusy inside her first, a hair closer to the bullseye. paige smirked but didn't look his way until she tossed the third dart. that one landed just a hair beneath the her first two. "still feelin' confident?"

most people his age had more experience in relationships and how to navigate the beginnings of one. he knew that he wanted to be exclusively tied to her, and he wanted to be the only person she wanted too. "i know you mean them. that's why they mean so much to me." he was humble to a fault, but he wanted open up enough to show her that every word she offered him, landed just the way she wanted them to. "i don't think you'd be saying that if you could see things through my eyes. you're... stunning. and you're funny. god," he huffed, laughing to himself at some of the things she'd said to him in the three years and change that he'd known her. "you've made me laugh more than anyone else. and you're smart. i like when you start talking about film. i like that you aren't afraid to take up for yourself or the people you care about. you've been through hell and you still find a way to joke. paige, i don't think you understand what you mean to me." he got quiet, his voice soft. mia told him to be honest, and this was him, being honest. he just hoped it wasn't too much, or that the way went about it made sense. "but i want to show you. and i want to remind you often enough that you never have a chance to forget it."

that was where he fell short. maverick didn't go after what he wanted, because he didn't allow himself to want for anything. he preferred taking care of others, of putting their needs and wants before his own. that was how he was hardwired, but since the morning they'd crossed that line, something had shifted. he didn't want to shy away from her or whatever it was that was brewing between them. he wanted to chase it, wanted to dive in and let it consume him. "i want you," he rattled off, quicker than he'd even had time to process. he nipped at his bottom and cleared his throat. "i want to be with you in whatever ways you'll give me. i'm not good at wanting things for myself, but uh, i want you, paige. i'll take whatever you give me." he'd said those same words to mia, and she'd encouraged him to echo that sentiment to the woman tucked into his side. now that he had, all he could do was wait for her to tell him what she was willing to give. "oh yeah?" his smile softened and he nodded. "i won't let anyone hurt you as long as i'm around. and if someone happens to slip through the cracks, they'll have to answer to me." he wasn't a physical person, but the idea of someone hurting her in any capacity made his heart race and blood boil. just like he knew if anyone messed with him, she'd be on the frontline ready for war.

the firefighter pulled in a thoughtful breath. did he give her something mildly embarrassing, or did he get the big stories out of the way? truth be told, he couldn't even begin to wonder where they'd start with stories. "alright, i'll give you one good story now, and i'll leave the rest up to them." he thought it over a little longer and then he blew out an amused breath and ran with it. "when i first started at the station, i was on desk duty. one of them called, claimed to be a resident that needed assistance. had this whole elaborate story ready to go. it was crazy, you know? i was new, i didn't know what the hell i was supposed to tell this guy who claimed he'd stuck his hand in his garbage disposal to grab his wedding band. he kept adding stuff on and by the time i'd put him on hold, i heard the whole bay going nuts because they knew i was losing my mind." they'd even let him jog out to them, breathless and wild-eyed before they'd told him to stand down, that the old guy on hold was actually another member of the crew. "why not both?" he wiggled his brows in her direction, amused and excited by what that meant. if they wanted to call him a loverboy, he'd give them a reason to. "i'm not holding back." he'd kiss at her and flood her in compliments, and he'd inevitably grin so wide his cheeks ached when she fit right into the firehouse fold.

"wait a minute..." he trailed off, brows pulling together in contemplation. he remembered tyler talking about this woman he was seeing, or that he wanted to see, but wasn't sure if she felt the same. he'd encouraged his friend, just like his friend had encouraged him with paige. "yeah, he's into her. he told me about it. wasn't sure if she was into him too, but i know he was sorta hoping so." more than sorta, but he was trying to play it cool on his friend's behalf. he liked the idea of the other two getting together. it meant that they'd get to hangout in a group, even if it meant that tyler could tease him. hell, he'd tease the older man right back. "i think we both have that freak in us." he wasn't complaining and the flush of red on his cheeks was proof that his mind was wandering to all the things they'd done over the course of two weeks and change. "maybe i'll make that argument when we get home," he challenged, bottom lip slipping between his teeth as he stared back at her with wide eyes.

"where do i sign? i'm in full agreement with that." he couldn't imagine arguing with her, but he knew that it wasn't a bad thing even if they did. they were both passionate people and at the end of the day, they'd come back together and they'd talk through whatever it was that bothered them. "anything to lessen the blow," he joked, but a bubble of emotion built in his throat. he didn't want to imagine a time where he had to deliver bad news to her. he wasn't sure he could do it, but he knew for a fact that he didn't want it coming from anyone else either. thankfully, her mouth pressing to his was enough to distract him from the full weight the thought. he watched her closely and took in every inch of her. she was a menace, but he liked that about her. before he could reply, she was off to the races and he was left with a dumb grin and the desire to watch her bouncing along ahead of him.

"i'm not..." he chuckled, but he couldn't deny it. he'd watched her from a good distance when he could've passed and climbed the steps with ease. "i did. a lot." his gaze dropped to the round of her backside and like the good sport he was, he reached down, tapped playfully, and then grabbed a handful and squeezed firmly to show just how appreciative he was. "you did such a good job. i've never enjoyed being second place, but..." he huffed, cutting himself off with a laugh. "it was totally worth it." he tapped at her backside again, playful and a little bit claiming. "i could do a rematch," he taunted, but what he wanted was to get inside and out of the barriers of clothing that clung to their frames.

as she went quiet, the past freezing her up, she listened to every word that had come out of his mouth with intention. she was moved. her heart was beating heavy against it’s cage. there was a faint ringing in her ears as the rush of nerves had become almost overwhelming. this felt like the moment. paige had listened to miriam and the advice to tell maverick how she felt and suddenly that opened up right in front of her. scared as hell to want what she wanted, she opened her mouth anyway. “maverick…” even the way she said his name held weight. “i…i,” her eyes shut over bright blue and she let out a couple of heavy, shaken breaths, “i wanna…” she found his eyes again because it would be wrong to say this looking anywhere else but her heart’s desire. “i wanna be with ya. like, umm, y’know,” she started fidgeting, scratching at the back of her neck and gesturing to him with her hands while too many emotions crossed her features for any of it to be understood. “like…together, yknow?” then paige shook her head. that wasn’t good enough, clear enough, it didn’t fully say exactly what she wanted. “shit, fuck me, i’m fuckin’ all this up,” she groaned and kicked at the pavement with her vans sneaker. “i dunno how this is supposed to be done. all our lives us girls is conditioned to wait for the boy to do it, to ask, to make the first moves, but what i’m feelin’ is too strong and i don’t wanna lose ya to anyone else because this is everythin’ to me,” she gestured between them, completely spiralling on a ramble, “but i want ya to be mine and i wanna be yours. no one else. umm, an exclusive thing, y’know?” the way she looked up at him in her pause, hopeful that he was somehow following along and deciphering everything she was yammering about, but then the blonde groaned again and her head fell back on her shoulders while her hands went to her nervous stomach. “i want ya to be my partner. boyfriend/girlfriend is too juvenile for me and what i want here,” again she gestured between them, holding his gaze again, “i want ya to be my partner in this life.” fuck, was that way too much? paige shook out her hands again, it sounded very serious because it was very serious, but she was terrified he was going to start running in the other direction. her blue eyes brimmed with tears because the fear was working overtime. “umm, do-do ya? yeah? uhh…do ya want that? is it?” before she made things even worse, paige buried her face in her hands.

with her eyes closed and the quiet tears rolling down her cheeks she just breathed into her hands and did her best to steady herself and her overwhelm of emotions. she nodded at his words and eventually lifted her head, took a step toward him, and tried to clean up her face. “i wanna give ya everythin’, maverick. i want all of ya in return. everythin’. even the parts of yourself ya don’t like. i want them too. i want ya in every way. i want ya to be mine and only mine. i want ya to be selfish and greedy with me. i want it. i want ya. i want it all with ya.” she wanted to reach out again, to be tucked back safely into his side, but she needed to give him room to process and decide.

when he decided to offer her a story for now, something to tide her over until she was with his buddies at the firehouse and they filled her up with all the dumb and embarrassing things the object of her affection and adoration had done, she smiled and nodded to encourage him on with it. anything to distract from the way her heart was still pounding. as he told his story, she was a rapt audience and smiled and chuckled and lifted her brow along the way. all to end up laughing while shaking her head a bit. “i’m not even surprised. your heart’s so into your job it isn’t no shocker ya’d do anythin’ to help. how long did they razz ya before ya finally caught on and were able to know the real calls from the pranks?” curious when it came to anything about him, she wanted to hear anything he wanted to share. “alright, both,” she grinned at maverick and bit into her plush bottom lip when he wiggled his brow at her like that. “really?” she reached up, her hand found a chunk of her long, wavy blonde hair and fidgeted with it. “ya wouldn’t like…” be ashamed or try to hide it in front of everyone? it was a giddy feeling again, understanding that maybe he was proud to be with her.

“oh, she’s into him,” paige laughed as she confirmed, thinking maybe maverick would give tyler a confidence boost with that bit of information. “she was gushin’ about her time with him and for sure wants more.” more hope bloomed within her that they could all go out together sometimes. maverick would have his buddy and she’d have hers and they could all enjoy quality time while also being with their person. it seemed a best of both worlds sort of deal if it all worked out. “yeah, you’re right and maybe we can get into some of that freaky stuff when we get home,” she winked, but as much as she teased at it and felt a little hot under her blouse and hoodie all paige really cared about was being as close to him as possible and being in his arms. “ain’t that the best way to do it? if we’re both naked how ya even gonna focus on what ya were even made about to begin with?” brow raised like she was making some really significant point, paige didn’t actually foresee any big arguments coming. when it came to him if there was disagreement or discourse she’d want to work it out not be at odds with him. even then they could do that naked too though. “the blow?” a brow arched as high as her smirk. “i don’t think it’ll be less. ya might not even get a chance to say anythin’. not with that in my face,” she wiggled her brow. 

“i knew it!” then she giggled and made a motion with her hands that they needed to quiet down, even if it was just her being loud. the last thing they needed was to wake and disturb pop pop. but when maverick’s pat turned into a grab a little yelp came out of paige and she leaned into his chest, grinning up at him. “how often are ya gonna willingly be second place now? are ya gonna be followin’ me everywhere i go instead of hold my hand beside me?” not that she really minded, her assets were technically his at this point to do what he wanted with and she’d be a big fat liar if she tried to claim she didn’t love every second his hands were on her. the next pop to her ass made her jump a little, partially from the surprise but mostly from impact, and she leaned further into him and nipped at his chest. “or ya could just follow me inside and take my pants down in the bedroom,” paige suggested, then he could do much more than just watch her backside. 

excitement pooled in her belly, heat burned through her as anticipation for whatever was to come got the better of her with each step toward the bedroom. in the very least she knew they’d makeout until they fell asleep, but she knew the probability of that turning into something more was pretty high. either way, the blonde was happy. he was with her and she’d be tangled with his body. “because a demand doesn’t come with a please, baby,” she winked at him and bit into her bottom lip. she got distracted from undressing herself because she was watching him. each bit of flesh revealed a sculpted body, one she’d luckily had her hands and mouth all over, but she was in awe of him every time she saw him. “goddamn, baby, you’re…” her bright blue eyes lifted from roaming him to meet his ocean stare, “incredible.” and now that she was looking at his face, a softer smile took shape, “so handsome, too.” when he reached for her and paige felt his body press against hers, she hadn’t even finished unbuttoning her blouse. “pretty sure i said take off all your clothes,” she murmured playfully but there was a shift and she quieted. peering into the most beautiful eyes she’d ever seen she felt at peace and she completely softened under his touch and presence. the emotion he shared caught her, hooked in her chest and she felt her eyes well with tears. she didn’t get shy or try to blink them away, only enjoyed the brush of his lips and craved more. when he looked at her it was something she always loved, because his gaze was nothing shy of appreciative, but this time her finger pressed under his chin just enough to get his eyes to return to hers. “i love you.” voice soft, tender, spoken with reverence. there was no tremble or fear, paige felt so solid in saying what her heart beat that she didn’t let nerves walk it back or talk over it. how she felt about him was out there now and there was no changing it. those tears in her eyes were from happiness.

At her promise to break up bar fights, he let out a laugh. "Now, I'm not so sure that's reassuring." He teased, brow lifting. "I'm getting something about you, that tells me you might be responsible for some of these fights happening."

With the conversation of her grandfather, he let out a breath. "Shit, that's a rough one." He glanced down the bar and then back to her, "But I'll take the advice." There wasn't a joke attached to his words this time. For once.

"Truth is I wasn't even supposed to stay here this long."

a small laugh bubbled up because he was a good bartender. in the way that he was observant and had the ability to clock his clientele. "hey, is it really my fault if they wanna act up in my face? sometimes people need a good jab to wake the fuck up." in life she'd just reached her breaking point, fighting back against any shit thrown her way seemed to be the only way now.

happy that he took her suggestion seriously, the blonde nodded. "good. thank ya." paige's head tipped to the side, curious and perhaps a little nosy. "what's keepin' ya 'round? just wantin' to stay close to sis or is sedona winnin' ya over?"