Page 49 of Mine to Take

I rip my gaze away from the house long enough to meet her serious one. “He can’t figure out who I am. And I can’t take the chance that River will find out what happened between us either.” I press my lips together and nod, as if trying to persuade myself this is the only path forward.

Because, apparently, I haven’t convinced Holland of it. Her dubious expression tells me everything I need to know. She’s never been one to sugarcoat anything. And with the way she grew up, I can understand the reason for it.

“This is the way it has to be.”

“If you say so…” Doubt creeps into her tone as her voice trails off.

I straighten my shoulders. “I do.”

If only I felt nearly as confident as I sound.

This is me taking a page from the fake-it-until-you-make-it book.

I just hope it doesn’t blow up in my face, because that, unfortunately, seems like a distinct possibility.

“Fine. Let’s go over the plan one more time.”

I suck in an unsteady breath before gradually releasing it back into the atmosphere and attempting to calm the tension that vibrates inside me like a live wire. “As soon as Maverick leaves, I’ll go to the front door and knock. Hopefully, someone I don’t know will answer. I’ll tell them that I left something in Mav’s room last weekend. Then I’ll hightail it up there and search it.”

“And if no one’s home?”

“If the front door is unlocked, I slip inside, haul ass to his room, and hope it’s there.”

“And I’ll wait here, wishing I had some popcorn while you try not to get caught.”

I turn and glare. “I could really use your support and good vibes.”

Her lips crook. “This is me giving you my full support.”

“I know, that’s what’s scary.”

She points toward the house. “Looks like the canary has just flown the coop.”

My head whips toward the front of the Victorian just in time to see Maverick stroll out with one of his teammates. It’s tempting to press closer to the windshield for a better view. Instead, I hunker down, hoping he doesn’t turn and spot me.

Even though Holland’s rattle trap of a vehicle is parked a few doors down the street, I still feel exposed.

“Chickens,” I mutter.

“Huh?”

“I don’t think canaries live in coops. Pretty sure it’s chickens.”

She snorts. “Well, that changes everything.”

I shift on the seat. “Is there any chance you’ll reconsider doing this for me?”

Her eyes widen as she gives her head a vehement shake. “Fuck no!”

“We saw Bridger leave ten minutes before Maverick. There’s no chance you’ll run into him.”

“I don’t care. I refuse to breathe the same air as that dick.” Her tone softens. “As much as I love you, you’re on your own with this one.”

“Fine,” I grumble.

In silence, we watch as Maverick and his friend slide into a black pickup truck and take off.

“It’s now or never,” Holland says. “You’ve got this.”

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