Page 103 of Falling Stars

“Take your time, babe. I’ll work on your floors.”

I lean up and kiss him. “I love you.”

The smile he gives me is breathtaking. “Love you too, gorgeous.”

Paige squeals. “Are we saying ‘I love you’ now? Yes!” She pumps her fist, and I laugh.

As I look at my friends, I realize that although I might not have my mom to help me with Leo like I thought I would, I still have an amazing family who supports me.

Not to mention an incredible boyfriend.

Maybe today isn’t so bad after all.

36

BAYLEE

I wake with a start.

“It’s okay,” Maverick whispers, pulling me close. “I got you.”

My heart races as I try to suck in a breath. “Mav.”

“I’m here, baby. Another nightmare?”

I nod, hating how some nameless asshole has invaded my house, my business, and now my dreams.

Maverick’s arm tightens around my waist. I know he’s not supposed to be in this position, but I’m too freaked out to push him away. “I’m not gonna let anything happen to you, Bay. You’re safe. I’ll always protect you.”

My heart starts to slow.

It’s been several days since that break-in. Although it wasn’t worse than what that dickhole did to my baby shower gifts or clothes, this still hit hard. Because it wasn’t just a plate-glass window or clothes I could replace.

Every day at work, I see hints of that dye on the tile my grandmother installed decades ago, and I feel like I’ve failed to protect a family heirloom.

I don’t know what this person wants. I don’t know why he or she is so preoccupied with me. And the sheriff is no closer tofiguring this out. He’s run background checks on Kira and Sean, and neither have any red flags. He said he’s keeping an eye on Estelle to make sure her competitive nature hasn’t got the best of her, but his assurances don’t help me sleep.

The next morning, I wake to the smell of bacon. My stomach rumbles. I peek over the couch to see Maverick cooking while he talks to Leo, who’s sitting in his car seat on the counter.

“Morning.”

Mav smiles and holds up a hand. “Stay there.” He picks up Leo and brings him over to me. “He was getting fussy. I fed him and changed him, but nothing beats Mommy time.”

“Thank you. I’m sorry you had to get up early with him. I didn’t hear him on the monitor.”

“That’s the whole point of taking a day off. So you can sleep in. What kind of boyfriend would I be if I didn’t help you get a little shuteye after the week you’ve had?”

Lifting my chin, I smile when he takes the hint and leans over to kiss me. “You’re the best boyfriend ever.” Then I snuggle Leo to my chest and admit what’s bothering me. “I feel guilty for not working.” Maverick and Paige thought I needed a mental health day to regroup.

“The girls have everything in hand. Vera is taking the one client you couldn’t reschedule, and she texted this morning to let us know the shop is fine.”

“I love her. She’s always so helpful.”

“Paige said she’s excited for Leo and Ella’s playdate, and we’ll drop him off for a few hours while we run our errands.”

He hands me a cup of coffee, and I hold it to the side so I don’t drip any on Leo as I take a sip. “You’re still not telling me what we’re doing?”

“Nope. Then it wouldn’t be a surprise.” After I set my coffee down, he gives me a plate of food. “Just so we’re clear, I’ve never cooked for another woman.”

---