Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 78542 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 393(@200wpm)___ 314(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78542 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 393(@200wpm)___ 314(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
“Oh, they do, but everyone knows that Uncle Mav is the man.” I tap my chest, and she giggles again. “I’m going to go put this in the back seat of my truck. Stay on the sidewalk. I’ll be right back to help you carry anything you might need from your car.”
Relief crosses her face. “Thank you, Maverick Kincaid.”
“You’re welcome, Stella.” Once I reach my truck, I have the car seat installed in record time. I grab my lunch box and toss it in the back. Thankfully, I have a tonneau cover, so I don’t have to worry about it flying out.
“All set. What else do we need?” I ask. Ada lifts her head and blinks at me. “Hey, little lady. Did you have a nice nap?”
She grins and buries her head in her momma’s neck.
“She’s shy,” Stella explains. “I need my purse and her diaper bag, and that should be fine for now.”
“Great. May I?” I point to the car. She nods, and I reach inside, grabbing both bags, and rolling up all the windows. I’m finishing up when the tow truck arrives. “Hey, Jerry,” I greet the driver.
“Maverick, good to see you.”
“You too. Can you tow this back to the shop? I’ll see Declan later and touch base with him about what’s going on.”
“Sure thing. Miss, do you have everything you need?”
“I do. Thank you.”
Jerry nods before getting to work and loading the car.
“This way, ladies. Your chariot awaits.”
Stella smiles and shakes her head. “Are you always this… upbeat?” she asks as we walk slowly, side by side, toward my truck.
I shrug, even though she’s not looking at me. “Mostly.” We reach my truck, and I pull open the back door. Stella is short, so she’s going to have to climb up inside to place Ada in her seat. “I can strap her in. You can check my work when I’m done.”
“Are you sure?”
“Positive. Hand her over, Momma. You can double-check my seat installation before we get Miss Ada settled in her seat.”
She exhales in relief. “Thank you, Maverick. I don’t know why you’re being so kind, but I appreciate your generosity. I appreciate you taking the steps to make me feel comfortable. I know trusting a complete stranger is a gamble, but my gut tells me you’re a good man.”
“Your gut is right. If one of my sisters-in-law were in your position, I would want someone like me to stop and help them.” I nod toward the seat. “Climb on in and check my work.”
She kisses her baby girl on the cheek and reluctantly hands her over. I’m prepared for Ada to cry because I’m a stranger, but she does the exact opposite. She offers me a toothy grin and nestles her head on my shoulder.
“She’s not really used to men or strangers,” Stella says.
With one arm holding Ada tightly, the other strokes up and down her tiny back. “We’re best buds.” I flash Stella a grin. “I’ll be right here, I promise.” I nod for her to check my work. She returns my nod and turns back to the truck.
I watch her as she grabs ahold of the oh-shit handle, or whatever that handle is called, places her foot on the running board, and hops up into the back seat of my truck. I can’t help but check out her ass in those cute little cutoff shorts she’s wearing.
Ada places her hand on my cheek, her tiny fingers rubbing over my stubble, but her head remains on my shoulder. “Mommy’s making sure your seat is safe.” I don’t know if she understands what I’m telling her, but I find myself explaining what’s going on, anyway.
“You did a good job,” Stella says. She’s sitting beside the car seat in my truck.
“You hear that, baby girl? Your momma said I passed.” Stella holds her arms out for Ada, but instead of handing her to her mom, I place her in her car seat, and, like the expert favorite uncle that I am, strap her in without incident. “Safe and sound.” I bop Ada on the nose, and she covers her nose with her tiny hands as she giggles. “Come on, Momma.” I hold my hand out for Stella, and she hesitates but places hers in mine. I hold her hand, but she has to let go to reach for the handle. Instinctively, I grab her by the hips and lift her out of the truck.
“Thank you,” she says softly once her feet are firmly planted on the ground.
“You’re welcome.” I close the door, and with my hand on the small of her back, I guide her to the passenger side and open that door for her.
“Are you always a gentleman?”
Her tone tells me she’s having a hard time believing I don’t have an ulterior motive.
“Yep. My momma would skin me alive if not.” I wink and make sure she’s all in before closing the door. “So, where are we headed?” I ask once I’m in the driver’s seat.