Page 53 of Three of a Kind

If I didn’t have a death grip on the stroller handles, the car definitely would have plowed right over it.

It escaped being destroyed by inches.

The trunk of the car is now where my body was only a few seconds ago.

“Holy fuck, are you okay?” Maverick asks.

Nova chuffs, circling between the stroller and my legs, but even as Maverick places me on my feet, my brain struggles to accept what almost just happened.

“I should have double-checked,” I choke out.

“Probably, but that wasn’t…” Maverick curses under his breath, and I twist to face him.

He’s still got Liberty up on his shoulder, and somehow, she managed to sleep through the entire thing.

“The same thing almost happened at the grocery that day with Gunner,” Maverick growls, wrapping his free hand around my hip as he pulls me closer. “We need to get back to your apartment and regroup.”

My mouth feels dry, like it’s impossible to speak, so I nod.

Who would want to hurt me or my daughter?

Only one name comes to mind, but even that is hard to comprehend.

Maverick is talented. He only has two arms, but he manages to keep Libby up on his shoulder while wrapping the other arm around my lower back.

I’m so frazzled; it’s hard to be sure this is reality.

My hands shake, but my chest is weirdly numb while I’m also having trouble breathing in enough oxygen.

I think I’m in a mild state of shock.

Nova keeps pace at my side, even though I’m barely holding on to her leash.

She’s a very well-trained dog.

We step around the large shrubs that block my building from view, at least until you fully take the turn around the corner.

Nova lets out what sounds like a warning chuff, making me jump.

Maverick’s hand tightens on my hip, and my entire body freezes when I spot Avan. He’s standing near the side door to my building, texting one-handed.

Nova continues to do whatever she’s doing. It’s not quite a growl, but it does sound like a warning.

“Shit,” Maverick whispers. “Okay, it’s too late to scramble now. Might as well fully commit.” His arm moves up, wrapping his hand around my shoulder and leading me forward. He gets very close to my ear and murmurs, “Just go with it. We’re clearly coming back from a courting date…”

“Brook.” Avan frowns, shoving his cell phone into the pocket of his suit pants.

Maverick drops his hold from my shoulder, pulling his arm between us and offering his hand. “Benjamin Maverick, I’ve heard a lot about you.” His tone is friendly and soft enough to keep from waking Libby.

“Avan Barrett, but I’m afraid I haven’t heard a single thing about you.” He plasters on the same fake smile he always defaults to when he’s furious.

That smile is deceiving.

“Don’t worry, it’s all good things,” Maverick lies.

Avan’s eyes narrow. “I’ll bet.” He reaches into his coat pocket, pulling out an envelope. “This is for you.” He shakes his hand until I extend mine to grab it. “It includes the location of the dress shop. They know to expect you and to add Liberty’s dress and accessories to my tab, but feel free to pick something up for yourself if you’d like to attend with her.”

If I’d like to attend with her?

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