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As Cullen walked away, Maverick noticed that Niall and Sabrina remained seated at their table. This struck him as odd, so he called out, “Aren’t you leaving with him?” O
“Your father is waiting,” Niall interrupted smoothly, her voice gentle but firm. “We need
to go now.”
Maverick watched this interaction unfold with growing amazement. He had never witnessed such natural maternal instincts toward someone else’s child. The genuine care Niall displayed toward Cullen’s daughter struck him as remarkable, especially considering their complicated relationship dynamics. Simultaneously, the experience gave Maverick a newfound appreciation for how exhausting childcare could be. His respect for parents everywhere increased exponentially.
Maverick hesitated, gesturing toward Cullen. “I wouldn’t want to interrupt your romantic afternoon. Three’s a crowd and all that.”
“You should join us until they arrive,” Niall suggested kindly.
Cullen didn’t attempt to convince him otherwise. “Of course. Perhaps we can catch up properly another time.”
“We’re heading out,” Cullen announced, extending his hand once more.
The two men exchanged polite conversation while Maverick studied the family dynamic before him. Cullen’s protective positioning near Niall, the comfortable way Sabrina interacted with both adults, and the subtle intimacy in their shared glances all painted an interesting picture.
Maverick nodded politely, stealing one last glance at Niall before selecting an empty table within viewing distance.
Twenty minutes later, Niall emerged from the restroom with Sabrina and Maverick trailing behind them.
As they prepared to part ways outside the cafe, Sabrina suddenly released Niall’s hand and turned sharply to stare/into the crowd of pedestrians passing by.
Maverick shook his head with apparent disappointment. “Still waiting, it seems.”
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Sabrina bounced along the corridor, her eyes wide with wonder at every decorative detail that caught her attention. She peppered Niall with an endless stream of questions about the artwork hanging on the walls, the intricate tile patterns beneath their feet, and the soft jazz music drifting through the air.
The little girl was absolutely convinced that she had spotted Veronica among the mass of people walking along the sidewalk. However, the crowd was thick with afternoon shoppers and office workers, and Sabrina’s small stature made it impossible for her to
maintain visual contact for more than a few seconds.
Niall’s smile held a hint of amusement. “Cullen went to get the car from the underground garage. He’ll pick us up at the curb.”
The parking structure was indeed quite far from the cafe entrance, and the gesture of bringing the car around seemed both practical and considerate. Maverick found himself reassessing his earlier judgment of Cullen’s attentiveness.
Now, as they approached Cullen’s table, Niall glanced around the seating area. “Has your friend shown up yet?”
“Daddy, we’re back!” Sabrina announced with infectious enthusiasm, immediately climbing back into her original seat.
From his new vantage point, Maverick could see the three of them engaged in quiet conversation, but their voices were too low for him to make out specific words. Their body language spoke volumes though. Cullen leaned closer to Niall when she spoke, and Sabrina seemed completely comfortable with both adults, treating them as a cohesive unit.
Cullen sat exactly where they had left him, appearing completely relaxed as he leisurely turned the pages of a fashion magazine, His coffee cup rested casually in his other hand, and his entire demeanor suggested a man without a care in the world. He looked like someone who had successfully delegated all parental responsibilities to others without a second thought.
Maverick extended his hand for a brief handshake. “I happened to run into Ms. Crystal near the entrance. When I realized you were here as well, I thought it would be rude not to come over and say hello.”
During their walk to the restroom, Maverick had casually mentioned that he was supposed to meet someone at this very
cafe.
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Maverick felt a moment of disapproval at this observation.
After a few minutes of observation, Maverick made his decision. “I should probably find my own table. My friend could arrive any moment, and I don’t want to impose on your family time.”
Niall laughed softly, the sound genuine and relaxed. “Don’t worry about it. Cullen won’t object.”
Approximately twenty minutes passed before Cullen pushed back his chair and stood up. Maverick watched him approach with mild curiosity.
With that reassurance, Maverick allowed himself to be guided toward Cullen’s corner
table.
“Mommy,” she whispered, her voice filled with longing and confusion.
The first thing that caught Maverick’s attention was an extravagant bouquet of crimson roses positioned prominently beside Cullen’s chair. The flowers were clearly expensive, their petals perfect and their arrangement professionally crafted. Maverick felt certain these were Cullen’s gift to Niall, which suggested that perhaps Cullen’s feelings ran deeper than his casual exterior indicated.
Niall answered each inquiry with patience, her voice warm and encouraging. She crouched down to Sabrina’s eye level when explaining the more complex architectural features, never once showing signs of irritation at the child’s relentless curiosity.
“Just thinking,” Maverick replied. Then, changing the subject, he asked, “Did your mysterious friend ever materialize?”
When they returned to the main seating area, Maverick’s gaze immediately sought out Cullen’s location.
“Yes, but I’m sure we’ll cross paths again soon.”
He chuckled quietly at his own assumptions.
Niall’s eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly, and Maverick caught a flash of knowing awareness in her expression. She clearly suspected that his friend story had been fabricated, but she chose not to challenge him directly. Instead, she asked, “Will you keep waiting?”
Frustrated, she tugged on Niall’s sleeve and looked up with urgent eyes. “Niall, I think I
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just saw-
They continued chatting about inconsequential topics until Niall’s phone buzzed with an incoming call. She glanced at the screen and smiled.
Maverick shook his head with feigned disappointment. “Apparently not.”
“That’s our cue,” she announced, standing and gathering her purse.
Cullen acknowledged his daughter with a noncommittal sound, then lifted his eyes toward Niall. His expression shifted slightly when he noticed Maverick standing beside
her.
“Mr. Harris,” Cullen said, setting down his magazine. “What a pleasant surprise.”
Niall tilted her head curiously. “Something funny?”
“So soon?” Maverick asked, accepting the handshake.
Maverick rose as well. “Of course.”
“No point now,” Maverick admitted.
