Page 36 of Maverick

I wiped at my eyes. “I appreciate that.”

With that, he grabbed a thin blanket from the closet, tossed a pillow onto the carpet, and made himself a makeshift bed. He stripped off his jeans again, this time more discreetly, leaving on a pair of boxer briefs that clung to his hips. He avoided my gaze, clearly trying not to stir up more tension.

I climbed into the queen-sized bed, heart aching and mind exhausted. The sheets felt scratchy, and I could hear Maverick shifting on the floor, trying to get comfortable. Trying to rest I was haunted by Maverick’s words, saying I filled some hole in him. Little did he know, I longed for him to fill a hole in me. I was just too chicken.

Chapter 20

My body ached from too little sleep. Sunlight leaked around the edges of the cheap shade. For a second, I forgot where I was, then it all came crashing back. My mother’s death, bullets, Maverick.

I rolled over, expecting to see him on the floor, but the blanket was empty. My heart seized. “Maverick?”

The door opened, and he appeared, carrying two takeout cups of coffee from somewhere. “Morning, princess,” he murmured, handing one to me.

I sat up, blinking in surprise. “Where’d you get these?”

He offered a slight smile and a shrug. “Found a gas station across the street. Figured we could both use some fuel.”

I sipped, nearly moaning at the heat and bitter flavor. “Mmm, thank you.”

He positioned himself on the edge of the bed, sipping his own. The morning light highlighted the stubble on his jaw and the scar near his temple. “We should go find Chigger and Nova. They texted me they’re at a diner off the interstate.”

A relief washed over me. “Thank God they’re okay. Let’s go.”

I lost my shorts for my jeans. Maverick’s clothes had at least dried. Soon, we pulled into the diner’s parking lotand spotted Chigger’s bike right away. I hopped off Maverick’s Harley, rolling my shoulders to ease the stiffness. Inside, the smell of bacon and coffee welcomed us.

We found Nova and Chigger in a booth, heads bowed together. Nova perked up the moment she saw me. “Lex!” she squealed, practically climbing over the table to hug me.

I laughed, a swell of relief filling my chest. “You’re alive,” I murmured into her hair. “I was so worried.”

She pulled back, wide grin on her face. “We’re fine, just had to dodge some bullets. No big deal.” Her eyes sparkled with that too-familiar mischief. “And then we… well, we found a place to crash, obviously.”

Chigger cleared his throat, hand resting possessively on Nova’s hip. “Sorry about ditchin’ you last night. Shit got crazy.”

Maverick slid into the booth, making room for me. “We’re all in one piece, that’s what matters.”

Nova snuggled closer to Chigger, ignoring the mild eyeroll I shot her way. “We ended up at a little motel an hour down the road. We, uh, kinda crashed hard.”

I couldn’t help but notice the way they kept kissing, soft, quick kisses between sentences.They were definitely not shy.

“I’m just glad you’re safe,” I said sincerely, though their open affection was a tiny stab of envy. They were obviously hitting it off. Meanwhile, my own relationship with Maverick was complicated beyond belief.

Nova must’ve noticed my tight expression, because she tugged me away to the bathroom after we placed our orders.

She locked the door, turned to me, and practically squealed, “Smutty. I have so much to tell you!”

I braced myself, leaning against the sink. “Spare no detail, obviously.”

She giggled, cheeks flushing. “We’ve been going at it like rabbits. Chigger’s so…mmm.” She fanned herself. “I’m sorry if that’s TMI, but I have zero filter right now.”

I raised an eyebrow, trying to hide a wry smile. “Nova, my mother was justmurdered, remember? And we were shot at.”

Her face fell. “Oh my God, I know. I’m a horrible friend.” She grabbed my hands, eyes wide. “I’m so sorry, Lexi. It’s just that… we’re traveling with these hot bikers, I’m stressed, and sex is my coping mechanism, I guess.”

I squeezed her hands. “It’s okay. You’re not horrible. It’s just…a lot. I’m still trying to sort through losing Mom, plus all these near-death experiences.”

She nodded fervently. “I understand. And I feel shitty for hooking up while you’re suffering. I promise I’m here for you, no matter what.”

I gave her a shaky smile. “I know. You don’t need to feel guilty. We all handle things differently, Slutty.”

---