“I... um,” she said, switching her gaze between his grandfather and Maverick as if she waited for him to give her an answer. He shrugged and nodded, so she turned her gaze back on his grandfather. “I suppose that would be fine.”
“Splendid. But until that time comes, I want some music.” He stepped to the music box and opened the lid. A familiar tune from Mozart chimed from inside the box. He motioned toward Hannah and Maverick. “Dance.”
Although it had been many years since he had attended a ball, he eagerly moved closer and took her in his arms, preparing to waltz across the floor with her. He’d make any excuse to hold her and be happy.
Once they were in position to start the dance, they moved together as if on cue. Hannah might not have been given the talent to play the piano, but she was definitely light on her feet and moved perfectly with the music. Her feet moved with his so well, and he wondered if they were made for each other.
“I told your grandfather,” she said quietly, for Maverick’s ears only, “about your cousin Beth.”
At first, he didn’t know what she was talking about, but then he realized she was talking about their story – the lie – that would explain to his grandfather about how they had met. Maverick’s chest tightened. How he wished the story had been true and that Hannah hadn’t been the mail-order bride for Bryan. After getting to know Hannah a little more, he realized how much they were alike. They’d both made poor decisions along the way, and they both had to deal with the consequences. They’d both done things in their lives that most people didn’t do, but that only made them stronger and more determined.
“Good,” he finally said. “I told Gramps about Beth, too.”
“I don’t think he suspects.” Her voice softened a little more.
“He doesn’t. I think he’s just ecstatic about seeing the one grandson he thought would never settle down, finally in love.”
She inhaled sharply, and her eyes widened. “He thinks... we’re in love?”
Did he dare tell her how he’d been feeling lately? Yet, he didn’t want to do that in front of his grandfather. Instead, Maverick would find someplace romantic to tell her.
“That’s what we want him to think, remember?” he whispered.
Her expression waned, and her smile appeared fake. “Yes, of course. I’m relieved that it’s working.”
His heart tugged, seeing the dejected look on her face. He’d make it up to her later tonight.
When the music box wound down, Maverick stopped the dance, and yet, he was reluctant to leave her side. Instead, he kept her in his arms. “Grandfather?” he asked without taking his eyes off the lovely lady in front of him. “Would you mind if I take Hannah for a stroll outside on your veranda?”
“Not at all, my boy.” There was a hint of humor in Gramps’ voice. “The weather is so nice this evening. I might even go on a ride, just to enjoy the clear sky and the twinkling stars.”
Maverick dropped his hand to hers and entwined their fingers. “Come, my love. Let’s wander outside and see what the lovely evening will bring.”
As he and Hannah walked toward the side doors leading toward the veranda, excitement jumped inside his chest. He would tell her his feelings tonight, and he’d make sure they were able to kiss passionately as long as they wanted.
NINE
Hannah’s nerves jumped crazily in her body. She was tired of feeling confused and restless for not confessing everything to him, and tonight would be when she finally released the pressure of guilt. She’d never prayed so much in her life as she’d done since meeting Maverick, but she needed his forgiveness – and especially his acceptance.
Maverick was so romantic tonight. It was hard not to want to believe in his very convincing performance. While gazing into his eyes this evening, she wondered if he was performing at all. He definitely had her convinced that they were in love. Yet, he’d say something that reminded her this was all an act. However, she couldn’t let that stop her from telling him the truth.
Outside, the sky was just as Mr. Winchester had described – clear with sparkling stars. The moon’s light helped brighten the pathway that she and Maverick took as they walked away from the house. As the walkway turned and led them around some large, manicured bushes, Maverick stopped and pulled her against him. Gasping, she pressed her hands against his muscular chest and looked into his eyes.
His mischievous smile let her know what was on his mind, and although she wanted that too, talking to him was more important. “Maverick, I—”
“I know, I feel it, too,” he whispered before his mouth covered hers.
Her insides melted quickly, and her mind screamed at her to stop this insanity. But, her limbs wouldn’t listen, because her legs took steps closer to him as her palms slid up his chest to link her arms around his neck. She couldn’t stop from participating fully in the passionate kiss. His lips were so gentle, even when the kiss turned wild. The way he stroked his palms down her back was also very tender, even though they wouldn’t stay still.
She sighed heavily, but then, she thought he sighed along with her, and it was just as loud. Perhaps their talk could wait a little while. Kissing him was just too exciting, and right now, this was what her heart needed.
“Oh, Hannah.” He broke the kiss, but his kisses continued down her cheek and toward her neck. “This must be a dream because I don’t think I’ve ever felt this way before.”
Her heart skipped with excitement. Did that mean what she wanted it to mean? “Yes, I know. Tonight has been like a fairytale for me.” She tilted her head back as his mouth continued down her neck.
“You have done something to me that I can’t explain.” He
