Page 28 of Shot to the Hart

Groaning, I pull myself out of bed and gingerly make my way to the door. Opening it, I notice a bag of groceries sitting on the floor and Maverick standing there looking like he got caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

“Um, what’s up?” Not sure how to approach whatever this is.

“Well. . .uh. . .I figured you could use some stuff and I had to order groceries anyways. There's some meds and snacks and lady products you might need in there. I just wanted to make sure you had everything you needed. The house isn’t really stocked for female company.”

I think my eyes are tearing up a little bit, and my heart stutters at this gesture. Whenever this time of the month rolled around, Andy would leave me to fend for myself. He didn’t feel the need to care for or check on me, using it as an excuse to giveme “alone time” and sit in his gaming room, paying me no mind. That should have been a sign that he didn’t care as much as he led me to believe, but I was blinded by his empty promises.

Without thinking, I hesitantly step towards Maverick and wrap my arms around his waist, pulling him in for a hug while letting a sniffle slip out and murmuring into his chest, “Thank you, Mav. I didn’t think I needed this, but it was so kind and I appreciate you looking out for me.”

He’s rubbing small circles on my back, the gesture feels more intimate than it should, but I haven’t been embraced like this since my breakup, so I decide to soak it in. Even though I know that I shouldn’t have my boss's arms wrapped around my body like this. “You’re welcome, Darlin’. I should probably get back outside, but text me if you need anything. Try to get some rest.”

Tentatively, I back away from Mav, giving him a pained smile. We both lean down to grab the bag of items he bought me at the same time, knocking our heads.

“Oh, fuck,” he groans, “I’m sorry, I was just trying to help.”

“Owwwww,” I whine because more pain on top of the tiny soldiers waging war on my uterus is just what I needed today. “Nope, it’s okay. I’m just going to head back to bed. Thanks again,” I respond, taking the bag from his hand and heading back into my room as he walks away.

Dumping the contents out on my bed, I find about ten different varieties of tampons and pads, chocolates (caramel, nuts, dark, white), a red-and-blue Gatorade, three different types of pain meds, and the best part, a heating pad. That immediately gets unboxed, and then I snap a picture of the items and send it directly to Darcy.

Me

I shouldn’t read into this too much right?

Darcy

OMG! Did he get all of that for you?

Me

Yes, all I did was mention the tiny knives stabbing me earlier this morning.

Darcy

Well, that was sweet of him.

Me

I know and it makes me want to throw up.

Darcy

Uhhhh why?

Me

BECAUSE FEELINGS AND NICE GESTURES AND HUGS.

Darcy

Those all sound like good things?

Me

Ugh. You don’t get it.

Darcy

Apparently I don’t. Care to explain?

---