Page 97 of Mine to Take

Well, I haven’t exactly lied. Although, it’s doubtful Maverick will see it that way once I come clean.

I cringe, realizing exactly what needs to happen. The sooner, the better. Only then will my conscience be cleared and we can hopefully move forward with our relationship.

“I’ll tell him tonight,” I whisper.

My belly dips at the idea of sitting down with him and admitting all the secrets I’ve been keeping.

Holland worries her lower lip as her brow furrows. “I know it’s scary, but it’s the right thing to do.”

I draw in a lungful of fresh air and force myself to nod in agreement.

Deep down, I realize she’s right, but that knowledge doesn’t make it any easier.

Just as Holland opens her mouth to no doubt impart some wisdom, there’s a knock on the front door of our townhouse.

With a frown, she peers into the short hallway on the other side of my threshold before popping to her feet. “I swear if those creepy religious dudes are back again, I’m going to totally lose it.”

I didn’t think it was possible for anything to lighten the solemn mood that’s fallen over me, but that does the trick, and a snort breaks loose.

Without a backward glance, she stalks into the hallway before disappearing from sight. From within the townhouse, I cock my head, hoping to hear the tirade when she unloads on them.

The door opens and the muffle of voices barely reaches me.

As tempting as it is to follow her, I remain on my bed. It doesn’t take long for my mind to tumble back to Maverick. My teeth scrape across my lower lip as I consider alternative solutions.

Other than disappearing from his life, there are none.

Plus, it’s doubtful he’d allow it.

My shoulders wilt under the heaviness of that conversation. It’s important that he hear the truth from me rather than someone else. Like Hayes. That’ll only make the situation worse.

Then it’ll look like I was deliberately keeping it from him.

Which…well…I was.

Ugh.

It’s the light rap of knuckles against my open door that has me jerking out of those depressing thoughts. My gaze flies to the guy hovering over the threshold. I blink, wondering if I’ve somehow managed to conjure Maverick up from my thoughts.

Joy is the first emotion that rushes in. Every time I catch sight of him after we’ve spent time apart, I’m bowled over by how handsome he is.

The mahogany-colored eyes and nearly inky black hair. The chiseled cheek bones and ridiculously thick lashes. The light coat of stubble that dusts both chin and cheek.

I could stare at him for hours.

When I continue to silently soak in the sight of him, a lopsided smile curves his full lips before he jerks a thumb over his shoulder. “I hope it’s all right that your roommate let me in.”

It takes effort to shake off the haze attempting to cocoon its way around me before straightening as reality forces its way in.

“It’s fine.”

I hadn’t considered bringing up the situation before his game tonight, but maybe that’s exactly what needs to happen. Once the truth is revealed, he might not want me sitting in the stands and supporting him. Sadness blooms inside my chest before spreading outward, infecting my body like a virus, because it’s a distinct possibility that can no longer be denied.

As I stare at him, mentally grappling for the right words, I wish I’d been honest from the beginning.

It’s just that I’d wanted him to get to know me.

Willow Thompson.

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