Page 25 of Shot to the Hart

Sin

Because babes, you’re his employee. They’re his friends.

Me

Alright, well on that note, I am going back to my book and ignoring you weirdos. Will try to update y'all throughout the weekend. Love ya *red heart emoji*

Darcy

Night babes. Kisses *lips emoji*

Harley

Sweet dreams *sleep emoji*

Sin

Love you to the moon and back *moon emoji*

With that, I set my phone back down and pad to my door, getting ready to turn my bedroom light off, when there's a soft but sure knock. I figured Mav would be asleep by now but I guess I was wrong. I look down at myself realizing I am most definitely underdressed because I was not expecting company. I should probably put on pants, but against my better judgment I decide not to. My shirt is huge, I don’t think he’ll notice so I pull the door open.

“Hey, Mav.” I stop in my tracks, the man is shirtless, in low-slung gray sweats and his hair is dripping wet—the deep V of his stomach pointing somewhere that I am suddenly very curious about. I resist the urge to squirm as he eyes me, briefly lingering on my exposed legs before bringing his gaze back to mine. He smells like citrus and rain. My room feels ten degrees hotter, and my heart has kicked up a notch. Doing my best to keep my tone casual, I ask, “How can I help ya?”

“Hi, Darlin’. Just wanted to let you know I will be out of the house by four a.m. I wanted to check in, see if you needed anything, and make sure your phone was still connected to the camera in Bella’s room.” Darlin’. That’s new, and honestly I’m not mad about it.

“Nope, I think we’re all good. When will you be back?” I ask.

“Late Sunday. Don’t wait up.” He throws me a wink, teasing evident in his tone.

“Wasn’t planning on it, Big Guy.” I pull my bottom lip into my mouth rocking back and forth. My mouth is very dry, that wink has my knees wobbling beneath me.God, I’m in trouble.

Next thing I know, a gentle hand is lifting my gaze to his, my breaths are coming in faster with our proximity. “I’m serious Kodi. If you need anything at all, you call me. Understand?” I might combust if I have to maintain eye contact with him any longer. Those baby blues could knock a grown woman out, and I’m feeling pretty close.

“I. . .Uh. Yeah, I’ll call you if I need anything at all. Got it.” His hand has fallen back to his side and he’s taken a step back, his chest rising and falling at a similar pace to mine.

“Goodnight, Darlin’.” He’s smiling and turning towards his room.

“Night Mav. Sweet dreams,” I whisper yell at him, watching him walk down the hallway hoping he’ll turn around. When he does turn back, he flashes me another one of those cocky smirks, and I feel my cheeks flush. Slowly closing the door, I wonder if his mind was in a similar place to mine. The thought keeps me up most of the night, overanalyzing every interaction I’ve had with Mav recently.

Early the next morning, Bella’s sweet little voice comes through my phone. She’s chatting about who knows what, but I’m glad she woke up in a good mood. Dragging myself out of bed and pulling on a pair of leggings, I make my way down the hall toher room. Heading over to her bed, I scoop her up, get her diaper changed, and decide that today is going to be a pajama day.

“Alright Bella, wanna be lazy today?” I ask as I plop her into her kitchen tower, slowly pouring a cup of coffee and setting it into the microwave to heat it up. It’s evident it’s been sitting since Maverick left this morning.

“Simba. Watch Simba!” she says excitedly. She hasn’t quite grasped the concept that the movie is called Lion King. I love the moments when little ones are still experiencing the world for the first time, where they don’t quite grasp reality and live in a state of bliss. Where movies are known as the characters and everything is exciting.

“You want to watch Lion King?”

“Yeah, Simba!”

“Okay,” I can’t help but chuckle at her,”do you want oatmeal or toast and eggs for breakfast?”

“Oatmeals with rasp-erries,” the b in raspberries gets lost on her little tongue.

“Coming right up.” While I make her oatmeal, I turn on the playlist Maverick shared with me called “Bella’s Jams” and hand Bella a few of her books to flip through while she waits. She devours her oatmeal, and once I get her cleaned up we head into the living room for our movie marathon. Bella cuddles up to my side with Floppy, and once the movie starts, I pull out my phone to make sure that Maverick hasn’t texted, but I do have messages from Mom and of course Andy.

Mom

How’s the new job?

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