Page 46 of Shot to the Hart

“Then what happened?” Sin takes a sip of her mimosa.

“He fell over and bonked his head on Bella’s playpen, jostling her awake. It took him twenty minutes to calm her down, and we almost missed the flight back.”

“Oh my God.” Darcy chokes on her coffee. Harley pounds on her back until she gets it together.

“You guys, this is not funny. I don’t know what to make of all this back and forth.”

“Just let it happen naturally, babes. He might be dealing with some complicated emotions if he’s got feelings for you and simultaneously doesn’t want to cross the boss and employee boundary,” Harley, ever the sympathetic friend adds.

“Why do you always have to be right?” We all laugh.

“So, you clearly are feeling conflicted too. What’s going on in that pretty head of yours?” Darcy asks.

“Pfft, that’s a loaded question. I guess for starters, I don’t know what's going on inside his head, and I’d love to start there.”

“Well we can’t know that, but we can process your feelings.” Harley offers.

“It’s just that he’s so kind and caring and he doesn’t ever discredit my feelings. I mean he’s constantly checking in, giving me breaks, and making sure I have everything I need. And the way he loves that little girl, you guys.” Saying all of this out loud makes my feelings real which is absolutely terrifying.

“I can see the hearts in your eyes, it makes me want to puke,” Sin states, throwing her mimosa back fully.

“Don’t be bitter Sinclair.” Darcy shoots a pointed look at Sin. “He seems like a great guy, Ko. Don’t write him off just cause he’s not ready to explore those feelings yet.”

“UGH. I know. Why do men have to be men?” I sigh, throwing my head into my hands.

“When you find out, please do share the wealth.” Darcy’s voice is laced with sarcasm.

“What have the rest of you been up to?” I ask, feeling like we haven’t gotten to really catch up in a while.

“Drowning in work instead of dick. To be quite honest, it is the most unfortunate of circumstances.” Sin’s statement has us all cackling.

“I mean aren’t you off like three days a week, couldn’t you go have fun then?” Darcy asks.

“I do, maybe once every three weeks, I’ve honestly been too exhausted.”

“Have you considered taking a vacation?” Harley pipes in, “It’s definitely important to give yourself a break when burnout hits.”

“I’ll take one when you take one, Ms. Graduate Student,” Sin throws back at Harley.

“Touche’.” Harley sighs. “I’d like to report that Benji has been on his best behavior.”

“And he better stay on it,” Darcy replies. “I had to stop seeing Leighton.”

“What? Why? He seemed nice,” I admonish.

“He was getting too clingy and I don’t do clingy.” That’s true, Darcy’s independence is one of the most important things to her, especially considering how over the top her socialite parents were in her upbringing. I can’t blame her, but I’ve seen my best friend let go of some really awesome men because she’s fearful of losing her independence.

“Fair enough, I have to get back. Mav has practice soon. Thank you guys for meeting me today. I needed it!”

Paying our bills, we all grab our things and head to the parking lot. Giving hugs and promising to do it again soon, I head home for Bella duty.

It feels like we just got back, but Maverick is already leaving for another away game. He got home from practice and headed straight to pack for his flight in the morning. He wasn’t even ableto join us for dinner. I shouldn’t be disappointed, it’s not like we have to eat together or hang out. I enjoy the time I get to spend with Mav, I’m realizing every day I want to keep spending time with him. I want to hear him laugh and watch him snuggle his daughter, wishing I could feel that warmth and love from him.

While we continue to toe the edge of a cliff, at this point I think we are both fighting the inevitable. We skirt around the boss and employee boundary but never fully cross it, one of us pulling away or stopping the cord from snapping.

27

MAVERICK

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